Depresson

Hi there,

It is possible that you are going through withdrawals from the hydrocodone. But may need a new antidepressant. Depression goes along with fibromyalgia because there is so much that we can't do like we use to.

I also moderate the depression forum and you are more than welcome to post there if you would like.

I hope that you feel better soon. Keep posting, it really helps. Know that we are all thinking of you. And are here to support you.

Hugs, Karen

I would talk to the doctor about this.  You could also ask your pharmacist.  They know how these meds can interact.  That's their speciality!  But, you don't want to take something that make things worse for you.  You will find the right combination of meds that will help you.  It just may take a little time.

Sherrine

Donniesgirl,

I am so sorry that you are hurting, both emotionally and physically. 

Please keep posting, as you need to.  People on here are so wonderful and supportive.  A lot of "broad shoulders" any time you need some. 

 

tyno3,

Well, you are right on about the hydrocodone and the tramadol.  The hydrocodone helped a lot, but no doctor's around here are willing to prescribe it, unless you have had back surgery, or are suffering with cancer, (which I am thankful not to have had to face either one.) 

The tramadol works a little, but seems to be messing with my head more than helping with the pain.  I actually feel like it is taking away the effectiveness of the Paxil, and not giving enough of it's own to help me feel "normal".  (I was on Zoloft for about 7 years, then changed through a whole slew of meds until I got to Paxil.) 

I've thought about going off the Tramadol, then I think, maybe I need to be off the Lyrica, b/c it doesn't seem to do that much, I don't know what to do now.  I'm lost.  Do you go into what feels like a dark tunnel when you are depressed?  I'm in it now.  And I don't see anyone around, but me.  I hate it.  :*( 

DonniesGirl

Don't "cold turkey" off the tramadol. You should taper down slowly so you don't have strong withdrawal symptoms. Some people can stop easily and others claim it's worse than narcotics.

Tramadol has a mild affect on serotonin levels like an antidepressant. It may be affecting your moods a lot since you are on a strong dose. I notice a difference in my mood when I take tramadol for a few days in a row and I usually only take 100-150 mgs a day tops.

Fortunately for me, I am not depressed. The only time I became depressed was when my docs had me try different antidepressants for sleep and pain. They made me very depressed. Tricyclics made me almost suicidal. The tramadol can be contributing to your depression.

If you stay on the tramadol and your doc puts you on an antidepressant, be careful. The combination can cause something called serotonin syndrome which can be dangerous. Learn the symptoms so you can monitor yourself.

DonniesGirl-
I would not be surprised if the tramadol may be affecting your depression, I am also on max dosage (8 a day) and just had Percoset added because of the tolerance I built up with the Tramadol. But pls do not stop cold turkey, talk with the doc first. I had an experience that showed by body is seriously addicted to the tramadol.
I can't take AD's but I know early on the tramadol did elevate my mood so it could very well be interacting with other meds. It doesn't anymore tho.
Of course, if you are in chronic pain, depression can come right along with it. I really crashed with the depression when the pain got worse, tramadol was barely working, stress at work got worse, and my impending divorce had my anxiety sky high. I am hoping after the trial everything will start getting better - I will know what I am left with and can start a new life. Fibro will always be around I think, but the "perpetuating factors" will ease up for me.
Good luck with your doc and hang in there.
Rose