My goodness that's quite a sleep regimen. Xanax is not a hypnotic, and it's wicked addictive, so he shouldn't be on it. Ativan is a safer benzo choice. He should look into getting something good for sleep.

If you go see an anesthesiologist at a pain center they can implant a very small pump in your back. It will drip very slowly a strong mix of usually fentanyl mixed with other potentiating drugs. The meds will drip right on the nerve root/s that are sending the pain signals to your brain. I don't believe they take you off of your regular painmeds, at least not right away.I believe there is also along acting numbing drug in the mix call bupivicaine or something. I have talked to people at the pain center while waiting and the few I spoke with said it saved their lives. It didn't completely erase the pain, no pain meds really do, but it made them able to do things they hadn't been able to do in years. LIke walk down the driveway, get the mail, and walk back. If your pain is as bad as it sounds that can be a mirical...not to the average Joe but to those of us pretty much bed ridden by pain. It's worth a try or at least to ask. The woman whom it allowed to get the mail just beemed with joy and smiled from ear to ear when she told me! Something that can come all too seldom for many of us. Good luck with everything, peace,
Brian

Hi, I started having problems about 12 years ago and the last 5 have been awful. The worst is not knowing what the hell is wrong with me or what causes it. I've had problems with depression, anxiety, chronic pain, stiffness and severe fatigue. After all these years I'm fairly sure it's Fibromyalgia. I've suspected Lupos, Arthritus, or just being crazy amongst other things in the past. I was in the Army and eventually was kicked out in 2004 after 13 years because of my medical problems. I do receive benefits.

Anyway, I have been taking Gabapentin for about 2 years. I just got a persciption for Lyrica today. I'm supposed to stop my 1200mg 3xday and start my Lyrica (don't have my dosage available now) tomorrow. I hope it helps. I never noticed much improvement with the Gabapentin, only some mild but bad side effects.

I also take Tramadol 50mg 3xday, Celebrex 200mg 1xday, Hydrocodone 10mg 3xday, and Cymbalta 60mg 2xday.

I would like to talk to other people who have had similar problems and to people with advise. I understand that Fibromyalgia is more common amoung women than men. That's good for me because I like to talk to women more than men anyway.

I have also been reading about Low Dose Naltrexon and it's benefits for my symptoms. Has anyone tried it or know anything about it?

Hey Sydney, I know what you're going through, it gets very frustrating. I had tried several of those drugs and they did not work. I currently am on Avinza (morphine) which was helping and then for break through pain I was taking oxy-ir. The problem is they no longer manufacture oxy-ir, but there is oxycodone. Oxycodone did not do anything for me, but maybe that combo would help you. Also, several years ago doctors put me on the duragesic patch, unfortunately I was allergic to it, but I do know of success stories. Good luck and I hope you find relief soon!!