What Next?..2 questions

[fruitcakes238]

I have failed back surgery syndrome.  I have had spinal cord stimulator, recently (3 months ago) had the nerves burned, and to many injections to count.  Due to severe depression I was sent to see a shrink.  He took me off lexapro(20mg) and doubled the cymbalta(120mg). He also put me on 15 mg of Remeron.  It has helped with my sleep but the depression has not changed due to the pain.  I have been on the remeron for 2 weeks.  Any experience with this med?

I will see my pain manangement doc in 2 weeks.  I ahve been on avinza 90mg for 2 years.  Xodol for breakthrough pain for 2 years.  My pain level is increasing and the xodol does nothing for my break through pain.  Any ideas what options are available for me.

Thanks

[Jaybay]

One technique that some pain docs use is to rotate different medications.  This technique is particularly useful for people already prescribed the upper tier of pain meds.  For example, you might use avinza for 6 months, then change to the fentanyl patch, and then another comparable but different medication.  Rotating your meds can help with tolerance issues, and is an option to try instead of increasing the dosage of the same medication year after year.  Anyway, it's something to talk to your doctor about and see what he thinks.  :-)

[Mollyrae]

Hello Fruitcakes and welcome to MH.

I have had experience with the Remeron and took it for about 4 months for headaches I was having. I became Orthostatic (blood pressure rose and dropped when I stood up from a sitting position). I was also becoming more light headed as time went on.

The Doctor was not sure at first what the cause of the blood pressure falling and rising was so he took medications away one at a time until he discovered that it was indeed the Remeron.

I do not want to scare you, this is only my experience. Everyone is different. You may not react at all.

Take care and good luck,
Mollyrae