Posted by phil_b on July 10, 2002, at 16:27:28
I have suffered from "endogenous depression" for over 25 years and have taken practically every antidepressant out there. In the last 5 years I have had to deal with chronic pain due to degenerative disc disease and other problems. I've had two L4-L5 discectomies, and now have another herniated disc at L3-L4 and carpal tunnel in both hands. I am in constant pain. I have constant neuropathic pain in my buttocks, legs and feet due to the scare tissue and degenerated discs. The M.D.s do not want to perform surgery. I am taking Oxycontin, 20 mg every 8 hrs. + 10 mg oxycodone prn 3x/day, and Elavil 150 mg hs, and baclofen, 10 mg 3x/day and 20 mg of Paxil am. I have gained 25 lbs in the last year, and now I still have chronic problem with constipation. I was taking 22.5 mg of Remeron hs, 40 mg Paxil am, and 1 mg Xanax 3x/day a year ago, but my pain got so bad, I went to a pain management clinic where I was put on the current medications. I know that I must lose weight to help the DDD, but it is almost impossible with these meds. I have tried other antideps which have been effective on depression, but not on reducing or helping alleviate pain. The TCAs seem to be the most effective on pain, or are other antideps more than or just as efficacious?
I dislike the SSRIs and the newer antideps because they cause a serious decline of sexual interest and performance. Is there any antidep out there, old or new that can help me? I am interested in Cymbalta (duloxetine) and hopeful that it will work for me. When will it be available?
poster:phil_b
thread:111955
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020709/msgs/111955.html