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What Are The Risks Of Taking Oxycodone Pill Once In A Week?
Question: I am 68 years old, male. I have minor grade depression and am taking duloxetene and feel okay but lack energy and usually just feel "blah." I was given a prescription for oxycodone for a minor car accident I was in. 5mgs did great for the pain, but also made me generally feel good, with more energy and optimism. After I recovered I would take the remaining prescription, 5mg dose, only once a week when I really needed to feel better for a particular task. I am aware of the controversy regarding this drug and certainly do not want to get addicted to it. But I've never experienced such "feeling good," (I do not mean "high")
Two questions: Is there really any danger of taking 5mgs no more than once a week for a period of time? Also, if not, what are possible alternatives that could have the same effect on me? Thanks for your help.
Two questions: Is there really any danger of taking 5mgs no more than once a week for a period of time? Also, if not, what are possible alternatives that could have the same effect on me? Thanks for your help.
Brief Answer:
Danger
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for contacting HDM with your health care concerns
You have recently discovered that taking a oxycodone pill makes you feel more energetic and able to perform tasks better. This is not really a "high" but is the euphoria feeling with taking oxycodone. There is a risk for addiction even when taking one tablet a week. The chance of addiction with only one pill a week is very low but who is to say that next month it is two tablets a week then three until you are taking it daily and then addicted.
I would recommend in addition to your duloxetene that you use a technique called cognitive behavioral therapy. This is a kind of positive thinking to help get you over the hump with depression. With depression we have bad thoughts or what we call distorted thinking that clouds our ability to see the world in a more positive vein. I recommend for my patients a book called the Feel Good Handbook by Dr. Burns. I highly recommend that you purchase that book and do the assignments. Together with your medication you will feel better and more motivated without the risk of taking a potentially addictive medication
I hope I answered your question. Please contact HCM again with your health care questions and concerns
Danger
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for contacting HDM with your health care concerns
You have recently discovered that taking a oxycodone pill makes you feel more energetic and able to perform tasks better. This is not really a "high" but is the euphoria feeling with taking oxycodone. There is a risk for addiction even when taking one tablet a week. The chance of addiction with only one pill a week is very low but who is to say that next month it is two tablets a week then three until you are taking it daily and then addicted.
I would recommend in addition to your duloxetene that you use a technique called cognitive behavioral therapy. This is a kind of positive thinking to help get you over the hump with depression. With depression we have bad thoughts or what we call distorted thinking that clouds our ability to see the world in a more positive vein. I recommend for my patients a book called the Feel Good Handbook by Dr. Burns. I highly recommend that you purchase that book and do the assignments. Together with your medication you will feel better and more motivated without the risk of taking a potentially addictive medication
I hope I answered your question. Please contact HCM again with your health care questions and concerns
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I am familiar with XXXXXXX Ellis' book. I will get a copy of the Burns.
Question though. Are there no other drugs or supplements, not habit forming, that give similar results as oxycodone regarding mood? Thanks
Question though. Are there no other drugs or supplements, not habit forming, that give similar results as oxycodone regarding mood? Thanks
Brief Answer:
wellbutrin
Detailed Answer:
You may discuss with your doctor about adding Wellbutrin to your current anti-depressant. Wellbutrin is an antidepressant that has a more stimulating effect. You can try the combination or just the Wellbutrin. There are also medications like Abilify that may help improve mood when added to your current medication but it has numerous side effects and is very costly. These medications are what they called atypical antipsychotic medications and have shown to help improve mood. I usually do not prescribe them because of cost and side effects. I would discuss these things with your medical provider
I hope I answered your question. Please contact HCM again with your health care questions and concerns
wellbutrin
Detailed Answer:
You may discuss with your doctor about adding Wellbutrin to your current anti-depressant. Wellbutrin is an antidepressant that has a more stimulating effect. You can try the combination or just the Wellbutrin. There are also medications like Abilify that may help improve mood when added to your current medication but it has numerous side effects and is very costly. These medications are what they called atypical antipsychotic medications and have shown to help improve mood. I usually do not prescribe them because of cost and side effects. I would discuss these things with your medical provider
I hope I answered your question. Please contact HCM again with your health care questions and concerns
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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