Expert: Kathleen Lewis Date: 5/21/2008 Subject: Catch 22 from Fibromyalgia Pain/Depression
Question Hi Kathleen,
First of all thank you for devoting your time and expertise
for us folks.
My question is: I have fibromyalgia ongoing for 5 years now.
My doctor refuses to prescribe any antidepressants due to
me taking tramadol/ultram for pain.
I am very depressed and feel there must be something more
he can do for me!
I realize the relationship between SSRI's and seratonin syndrome, but I cannot live without a pain med.
He gave me a mild dose of Darvon to take instead of tramadol, but I did not feel any relief whatsoever.
I was literally in bed for 4 days due to the pain.
After 4 days of constant pain, I had to restart the tramadol.
So I discussed it with him and he refuses to give me any other pain reliever to substitute for tramadol.
So I am in a catch 22.
I am very depressed but tramadol helps ease the pain.
If I take antidepressants and no pain relievers, I will be less depressed maybe, but in severe pain.
Should I change doctors? He is a family doctor.
Something is not right.
When I lived in another state 3 years ago, my doctor had me on tramadol and celexa.
I told my doc that, but he still refuses.
Advise please,
Thank you kindly.
Answer Hi Linda,
You maybe need to go to a psychiatrist or rheumatologist who'd be more comfortable handling a combination of medications together.
A rheumatologist might be more comfortable with FM so he/she might be the next try. A psychiatrist with depression.
