Pain killers for depression?

Question

I posted this question earlier, but I either didnt word it right, or people just got judgemental. So please try to understand me here. Thank you.

I am a 26 yr old male.

In the past six years, I have gained 70 lbs, lost interest in my hobbies (chess, martial arts, classical guitar, physical fitness) and feel lathargic and depressed ALL the TIME!
. I cant focus, and have no drive. I tried Prozac, Zolof, and a few others with no help. Recently I had some migrains and got a prescription to Pain Killers, and all my symptoms went away. I did NOT feel Euphoric! I felt focused and motivated. NORMAL! - The same way my mother talks about Prozac, and the same way the commercials explain zolof and all the other drugs.
I took ONE pill every two days and it had a lasting effect. I am through with the rx and now feel crappy AGAIN. Not a withdraw feeling. The same way I felt in the past 6 years!

Answer 1

I understand what you are talking about. I have suffered with severe pain most of my life. Probably because I was 'allowed' to feel tired, but not pain, I now feel pain as exhaustion. Extreme exhaustion.
Following some back surgery I was given vicodin. One pill and I suddenly felt OK! After I had healed from the surgery they stopped my prescription and suddenly I couldn't find the energy to move. A very thoughtful doctor who understood what was happening has renewed my prescription and I use it VERY sparingly, aware that any misuse will result in my losing this key to some kind of normalcy. I have been on it for several years. When I begin to feel like I am dragging and can't move anymore I take a pain pill and suddenly I can think and work.

Try discussing this with your doctor. If he doesn't understand, look for one who does. Don't give up becuase you know by now that there is a problem and it is up to you to make others see and understand it.
Good luck.

BTW, I have tried most depression meds. They have had no effect. And unfortunately, most pain pills don't have much effect either. But the pain and the depression are connected.

Answer 2

You are talking about a subject that has been a part of my life for over 45 years. My mother had so many problems with meds, back in the 60's, there was mental problems instead of chronic pain. For the past 20 years, I have been on more drugs than the drug store carries(humor).
It truly sounds as though you are being treated for the wrong health problem. I went through 15 doctors before I found a doctor who knew about chronic pain and the treatments for it.
You probably cannot focus on long mails, if you are like many of us who do suffer pain. You are on the right track.
Please contact me at; [e-mail]. There are problems with that address at times and if it does not go through, click on one of my questions and tell me how we can correspond. I did run a support group for five years also.

Answer 3

As a psychotherapist, I must advise you that pain killers are not going to help you with your depression. In fact, people who suffer from depression are sixty-seven percent MORE likely to become addicted to OTC (over the counter) and presciption drugs. Additionally, the drugs that you should be on, such as an antidepressant or tricylic (SSRI) may interact negatively with the painkillers. I think that if you are that concerned with the way in which you are feeling, you should talk to a doctor or psychologist. You may have more serious issues than you had originally thought. Good luck

Answer 4

Don't give up. . .do some research on the painkillers to see if they have been used for depression also. But it's possible, that the effect of the painkillers could wear-off if you continued them.
Have you tried Welbutrin? Lexapro? They are both different from Prozac and Zoloft. . .they don't have that lethargic quality.
The thing is, there are so many antidepressants out there and though it feels hopeless to go through and try them all out, it is worth it once you find the one that works for you!
Good luck!

Answer 5

The only other thing I can offer is dextroamphetamine...it has antideppresant qualities and I took it for many years...you will lose weight....Adderal, another ADHD drug works pretty much the same way...it's original name was Oberall....either way you will be focued and alert, ready to dive into whatever you need.

Dextro is my choice brcause its cheaper. Despite popular opinion, amphetemines are safe and non-addictive if used properly. The USAF freely distributes dextro to pilots on long missions so it must be safe ( ever seen a fat fighter pilot? )

Anyway it's worth a shot if you don't have anxiety and can 'flunk' the ADD tests....not a silver bullet but helpful

wOrd




.

Answer 6

I think all the posts regarding your question, thus far, are honest and caring and helpful. The feelings that you are feeling are possible. If you are 'feeling' it, then it is. How can someone else tell you 'how' you are feeling. All of the posts suggest talking to your prescribing doctor; that is always the best advice in these cases. Good Luck !

Answer 7

Perhaps you should just make yourself start doing some exercise. Exercise is the best medicine for depression there is.

I know you don't "feel" like it. So what? We always have to do things we don't "feel" like doing, if we are going to be good and decent people. It's your life and you have to choose how it will go. Nobody else suffers your depression. (I know other people suffer from it, but they don't own it: you do)

So exercise anyway. Just do it and you will start feeling more like it. Just try it for three weeks, and if it doesn't work, I'll apologize publicly. Deal?

I'm not trying to be insensitive, but if you always rely on other people and substances to make you 'feel' better, you will always have to. If you can get a handle on it yourself, you are slave to nothing and no one.

And hey, you CAN do it. Good luck!

Answer 8

NOW I UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU WERE GETTING AT. A LOT OF PEOPLE WHO ARE IN PHYSICAL PAIN DEVELOP SIGNS OF DEPRESSION. IF YOUR SYMPTOMS WENT AWAY AFTER TAKING PAIN KILLERS FOR YOUR MIGRAINES IT MAKES SENSE THAT ONCE YOUR PAIN WENT AWAY SO WOULD YOUR DEPRESSED MOOD. DOES THAT MAKE SENSE ? SINCE YOU STOPPED TAKING THE ALLTRUM HAVE YOU MIGRAINES RETURNED ? HAVE YOU DISCUSSED ANY OF THIS WITH A DR. ? I THINK MAYBE YOU SHOULD. I AM SORRY IF YOU FELT I WAS BEING JUDGMENTAL EARLIER, THAT WAS NOT MY INTENT. FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME IF YOU'D LIKE. BEST OF LUCK TO YOU.

Answer 9

I am not sure why you got the depression (chemical imbalance or other reasons).

About how you react to those medication, you should tell your doctor about it. Different people can have different reaction to the same medicine.

I think counselling is effective in depression, you can try this, and it's safe.

Answer 10

well one u did post this.. but talk to tyour doctor.. try some therapy and see what they think is right for you.. if the doctor gives the okay then do it.. please be patient with us crazy people who take time to help answer the best we can! we care and most of us try hard and nicely to help people.. but do talk to a psychiatrist (the one hwo can prescribe meds) or a family doc.!