painkillers and depression

[layne23]

i have scoliosis and it never really hurt before. i just noticed my shoulders and hips looked kinda funny but that was it. now its starting to really hurt and getting worse each day.

i also suffer from depression.

i want to get something for my back but i worry it will just make me feel subdued and numb the pain. will painkillers just make the depression worse? if so what would i do then?

[nursegirl6572]

Narcotic painkillers can exacerbate depression and anxiety, but usually only with long term, regular use.  Talk with your doctor.  There should be plenty of options for you.  Most analgesics are not contraindicated with antidepreesants.

The best way to use a narcotic pain med is "as needed", meaning you only take it here and there, when the pain gets out of control.  For the other times, a non-narcotic pain med would be preferrable.  That way you won't have to worry about dependency, tolerance, etc.

Good luck to you!

[4Maddie44]

Hi, I take painkillers for my arthritis and headaches.  I also take 150mg anti-depressant.  I have not found any interaction.  But I feel perhaps you should discuss this with a pharmacist, or a doctor.  Some drugs can interact, as it happened to me with an anti-depressant I took some years ago and a migraine relief pill.  Don't risk it if you are not sure.  Best to be on the safe side.