[RS8389]

I am a 20 year old male. I used to take Percodan and developed a pretty bad addiction for about a year. Taking it would make me feel extremely content which is what made me want to take it, but it started destroying my health and I just didn't want this horrible addiction. So I started taking Suboxone, which I've now been on for like 6 months. I find the Suboxone making me lethargic and I don't like the effect it has but I'm finding it very difficult to stop taking because when I try to taper down or just stop taking it, I get really depressed. Can anyone help me out with some advice on what to do? Are there any natural remedies or vitamins I could take or anything? I don't want to take anti-depressants, unless as an absolute last resort. I've heard that when you take Percodan for any extended period of time, your body stops building the endorphins (Serotonin?) in your body that make you happy...My question is 1)Is that also true for Suboxone?, and 2)What happens when you stop taking them? Does your body just not produce that anymore or does it repair itself? I'm wondering if maybe I really do need to take anti-depressants to fix this. I feel like a fraction of the happy laughing person I was before I ever started taking Percodan and want to get back to that. I'd appreciate any help or advice SO much. Thank you all!I initially started taking the Percodan because I had two major surgeries on my back. I took it in the recovery weeks after the operations and then stopped. About a year later my severe back pain was coming back and I figured oh hey those pills helped me then, they'll probably help me now. My quack doctor didn't see anything wrong with prescribing a kid endless prescriptions (although the blame and responsibility falls on me). I honestly didn't know any of the repercussions of taking this thing until it was too late. And then whenever I tried to stop taking it, the pain and depression was just so severe that I couldn't do it. Suboxone was a good band aid but I really can't stand it ! The depression is just very severe when I stop taking it. If I decide to go off it is that something that will go away? I really want to get off it but my doctor just wants to put me on other drugs when I want to be on absolutely nothing! How long does it typically take the brain to get back to normal?

[thatartistwin]

Yes it IS true that your brain chemistry can get messed up and stop producing enough of the chemicals that regulate your mood. But, YES it is also true that it can reregulate itself and I can give you one way that you can speed this up. EXCERCISE. Walk or run a distance daily or get to the gym. Excercise produces endorphins as well and will help get you back on track.

[Iggie]

Why did u start in the first place

[72Demon]

I can ID with you cause I've traveled the same road. The first answer is a good one , excercise. Second, I take fish oil caplets daily. Third; anti depressants are not bad tools to use, and they do work while on Suboxnone. Just have the same Doctor prescribe them. Next; time must pass, your much, MUCH better off now than when you were jonesing off the oxy., and it took time to get where you are now. Be grateful (!!!) your not STILL back there. Also, at 20 years old your metabolism (physically and mentally) will bounce back more readily than older folks (I was 55 when I got into trouble). Lastly: Prayer helped me, not just by me, others on my behalf.Best Wishes.