Possible drug interactions for Methadone

[maximus]

I was severely injured at work over 2 years ago.  I have been taking Paxil for depression and was also recently switched from morphine to Methadone for pain treatment.  I read on the Internet that Paxil (or any SSRI drug) can cause a spike in blood pressure and possibly a stroke when mixed with Methadone.  My doctor is now recommending Effexor in place of Paxil.  Isn't Effexor also an SSRI? and to your knowledge, does it pose significant risk(s) when taken with Methadone?  If so, is there an anti-depressant that can be safely used with Methadone?

[Milo]

Hi Cindi, thanks for the welcome/feedback. I am currently in psychotherapy to try to work through my anxiety, depression, & obsessive-compulsive tendencies. I also have a psychiatrist who prescribes the Valium, and she's good about monitoring my dosage. Since I'm not abusing it (though after many years am definitely dependent), and it does help my quality of life, neither of us feel the need to discontinue. But if I ever do, I know it must be done slowly.
I don't know what it is about the Fioricet, except that it alone allows me to "forget my troubles" and feel "normal" (classic addictive characteristics, hm?) Fortunately none of the other stuff I've ever taken has gotten me high --  not codeine (except the first time), not Vicodin.
BTW, I'm also on Zoloft (which works pretty well for OCD but not so great for depression). That's another one I know I'll have to taper if/when the time comes.
I remember reading that you are/were a nurse -- my hat's off to you! I have a relative & several close friends in nursing, and I admire anyone who can do that job & do it well.
All best, Milo

[cindi]

Hi hon,  i did get your e-mail,,,I have been trying to read the form posts and anser my mail  lately my hands have been hurting so bad,,,it's hard for me to use them lately,,,i don't know what is going on..so if my typing is really bad I apologize....I know you have been haveing a difficult time,,remember though I/we are all here for you....You have helped me immensely  and if had not been for you and the other people here, I would have never fooudn my faith in God again,,,I know the extent of your faith and you are such an inspiration...hang in there,  God be with you    Love to all               cin

[cindi]

Hi Pelle,  It is so nice to see you here again....i was a littl concerned about yousince you last posted....this to shall pass,  easier for me to say than for you I'm sure...but it has always helped me...I have no great words of wisdom like some other people here, no eloquent words...nothing classy but I do have real love in my heart and caring in my soul...be well and God Bless,  you know we are here for you.....love to you and everyone    cin

[cindi]

Hi,  Welcome to the forum,,,my 2nd home  LOL  you are not any different than any of us so please don't beat yourself up...first and foremost you should never withdraw from valium and fioricet cold turkey..it can be very dangerous...it should be done gradually, do you have any way to go the pofessional route?  outpatient or inpatient, can you taper yourself..Thomas is probably the one who can help you the most,,I never really had a problem with barbs/benzos,,,my drugs were the opiates and amphetamines...good luck  chin up as Angelica would say  and May God be with you...love to all cin

[cindi]

Wow,  I am soooooo  sorry you have had to endure such pain,  My God, As a Staff nurse in a very large hospital I have seen people in your shape and worse, and how the staff became so overly excited when at least one of our patients lived through such trauma yet alone walked out the hospital...You are truly a miracle and God surely felt he still needed you on earth.  I have learned over the past few months to not question God,  I came here in search of answers one night shortly after my mom passed away on Christmas morning...I truly at that point in my life thought I could not go on,  i had 2 little kids and a wonderful husband but yet, I was lost and empty with out my mom.  I was very close to her and had taken care of her for a very long time..she was only 61...not to lay anmore of my pain out in front of you, my mom's greatest fear was this...she had livedthrough my addiction, rcovery. relapse period with me and suffered every ounc of my pian right along with me and her only fear of dying was that I would not be ok...she was right,  I was not Ok,  I was hanging by a thread..my heart was shattered, my life had once again turned dark,,,I knew I had to keep on going for my babies and my husband,,I found this forum and I call it my divine intervention,  these people here,  When i first got here, Thomas, JB, Brighty, Annie aka Angelica and a guy named Spook they all As I say  "loved me back to life"  I didn't care what time of day or night it was and there were many all nighters they were here for me, along the way i have picked up Kerrie, wiz, lea, whitedove (and I'm sorry if I left anyone out)that Have all helped me to go on...you have come to the right place...we all did not get off to a great start but in a day or so no one will even remember, we all have something in common, along with addiction we also have pain....be it physical or emotional...I take the advice people give here and I etch it in my heart and my brain..and I RUN with it,  I hear their voices in my head even at work in the daytime I have their words with me...I felt I had lost my faith i did not want to believe in God, I was angry with him (and in a way I still am) and I was in search of something,,,it took this forum and these people to open my eyes and see that I have to go..they have waled with me and held my up during my longest lonliest times,  Mother's day  I received so many e-mails it was unbelievable..my first without my mom,  thery were there for me and we, all of us will be here for you as well my friend     keep posting and may God be with you.....love to all            cin

[Milo]

Hello, sorry to interrupt a thread, but I don't really have a question for the doctor. I just wanted to introduce myself and tell you why I'm posting. After reading this forum for a while, I got the nerve to register & post because I have been truly overwhelmed by what nice, caring, truly decent people so many of you seem to be. I need that in my life right now.
My personal demon is Fioricet. I also take Valium regularly for a severe anxiety disorder. I know I'm dependent on it, but I don't abuse it like the Fioricet. I also rarely drink and do no other drugs (weed maybe three times a year).
I know the dangers of too much acetaminophen and do my best to steer clear of those. I also know not to stop abruptly, etc. And I don't take the Fioricet on a regular basis (but I abuse it when I do take it). I guess what brought me to this forum is feeling like I must be a terrible person for taking this medicine (originally prescribed for severe tension headaches, which I still have). I also hope I may at some point be able to offer help in return. Any thoughts?
Thanks, Milo