Pain and Depression

[rulerjking]

I am a 49 y.o. male and I have had 2 back surgeries in the past 2 1/2 years. The latest was a 2 level fusion and I was really hoping this would end the pain, the steroid injections, and get me going again. It has not and I am back to taking pain meds 60mg morphine daily and 60 mg oxycodone. I have been so depressed and now I am taking 180mg of cymbalta and now xanax. I am more depressed and lost than I have ever been in my life. I can't do anything, I have no energy to do anything. I don't eat much anymore. It has been the worst for me these past few years and I am really confused. What can I do?

[MMahon]

Have you sought help from a psychiatrist?  If not, you may wish to consult one to discuss your situation and the meds you are taking.   Chronic pain will frequently lead to depression and the pain medciation you're taking may cause it as well.   A psychiatrist knows these medications the best and should be able to best advise you on what to do.

[M4Y0U]

Chronic pain and depressed are related in both ways.

For how long you have been on Cymbalta? 180mg sounds like a very high dose and I don't recommend such thing. There's a therapeutic lag with antidepressants (several weeks). Trying another antidepressant of another kind could help. Adding Wellbutrin to a reduced dose of Cymbalta could really help with energy and depression. Xanax wont help with energy and depression and it is making you more tired and the same is true with morphine. Try tapering the Xanax then go with a stimulant to help with daily energy (something like Adderall if you want amphetamines and Modafinil if you don't want amphetamines and less side-effects).

Managing a healthy diet rich in complex carbohydrates rather than simple sugar, rich in Omega-3, vegetables and fruits can also help. (warning, some citrus can enhance/interact with your medications)

M4