[Summertime]

Hi

I see a lot of people posting questions about medications. I thought I'd add my 10 cents (inflation, it's no longer 2 cents..LOL), I have tried numerous medications but I have a lot of sensitivities to medications. This has been a huge problem in finding a medication that works for me over the years for other problems as well.

Everyone is different in what works for them and what doesn't work for them. For those of you who have found a medication(s) that work for you that is terrific news, for those like me we have to keep hoping something will work, some combination, anything.

I'm feeling very depressed, a lot more today than I have in a long time.
I think it's a lack of sleep and the anxiety of being in pain.
I currently take hydrocodone for the pain.

Does anyone experience mood swings for their pain medications?

Thanks for listening.

[dreambeliever128]

I am like you in the sense of medications. I have so much trouble with them, I choose not to take any.

My Dr. and I tried everyone of them. The only one we didn't try was Dalidiud, He was adament about me not trying it but at the end we were running out of ideals.

Someone mentioned Methadone to me and I went in and told him and he was all for it. The least side effects. I took it for over 6 years and had no problems. I stayed on a low dosage. I think when a person starts it they should start low and work their way up. I still take it when I need it and it kills the pain. I can function like a human being on it. I get out and go and do what I want.

I also use lidocaine patches. I love them. They do work on some areas. You can use up to 3 of them for 12 hours on and 12 off. I used them along with the Methadone if my pain was too high and it helped.

If you haven't tried them you might want to ask your Dr. about it.

Others will have more ideals for you. I sure hope your pain level goes down soon.

Ada

[shogan7RSD]

Meds are very tricky...
People with chronic pain have the worst of it bc we develop a tolerance to the meds as they build up in our system and we need more for them to work properly.
I don't personally hav a huge problem bc i refuse to take pain killers and other addictive meds. I do think my doc needs to up my lyrica tho.
Check the side effects of ur meds to see if a side effect is mood swings, or look up the meds online to see if anyone has a problem w that.
Good luck and God speed
Sarah

[ali12]

Hi Summertime,

I'm sorry to hear that you are going through all of this right now! I hope things start getting better for you soon and please know that you are in my thoughts.

I'm not on any medications now like Ada has the side effects outweighed the benefits. I take Ketamine but am only allowed to take it when I am in a flare as my doctor thinks that it could cause some problems because of my age if used on a regular basis. I still deal with LOTS of pain on a daily basis and it hasn't changed hardly since I came off the meds.

When I was on the medications, I had lots of mood swings. Lyrica caused me to gain weight and I also became very upset and would lash out at my mum over the slightest things. I remember going to the hospital with my mum and I would literally lash out at her whilst she was driving as I didn't want to go. I feel really guilty about it now as I know she was only trying to help but at that time, I couldn't control it.

I still have mood swings now but they aren't quite as bad as they used to be. When my mum spoke to my doctor about it, he said that pain can cause mood swings and the fact that I am a teenager is probably making it worse also. I tend to find that the more pain I am in, the more I tend to flip and get angry.

If I was you, I would check the side effects of the medications you are on and see if it mentions mood swings and also mention it to your dr and see if he/she can help you.

I'm sorry that I can't help you that much. Just know that you aren't alone and that I DO understand what you are going through unfortunately!! If you ever need anyone to talk to, please know that I am here for you!!

Alison.

[AintSoBad]

I'm one of those people who methadone helps really well. I don't know what's up with this weather on the East coast, but, I am hurting yesterday/today. I'ts cool and damp. Ugh.

Anyway, I think the pain is the biggest cause of mood swings, but, methadone while being a very powerful medication, is kind of benign in that area.
I take a small dose of cymbalta also, and there are many things in my "cocktail". not just for rsd..

It is, unfortunately, a trial and error sort of thing, finding the exact right combo of meds for you. And, it can really tax a doctor's brain.
Be patient, and keep in touch with your doc!

Hope all are well today.

Pete
asb

[SBOWLING]

Hi Summertime,

It took me 6 years to get where I am today I'm 9 years into RSD. I agree with the comment about trial and error. That's what it takes to get the right "cocktail".

Mood swings are normal for me I had them before RSD. I cry a lot easier since RSD. Somedays it seems I cry at the drop of a hat. I use to blame PMS now I blame RSD.
I took cymbalta for 7 years and last November I asked the doctor if we could get rid of it. My physcologist and PM doctor agreeded.It's o.k to get depressed we are dealing with a very complex conditon that not only affects us directly. It also affects those we love and the way we are use to doing every day things in our life. Sometimes Mondays are hard for me. I loved my job and when Monday comes around I think of my friends at the office and the challenges of the job and I get down. I am quick to remind myself my quality of life (less pain) has improved since I left my job.
I harbor this secrect desire to get back to the office someday. I know it may never happen (I have fullbody RSD). But it's o.k. to dream. I'm sure most of you think I'm crazy for dreaming of working again. You never know what your going to miss until you don't have it.
Finding the right medications can be tough. It takes patience and communication with your doctor. If you feel he/she has reached the scope of their knowledge ask for a referral.
This emotional roller coaster of pain we ride is not always fun. Howevery, tomorrow promises to be different and each day we learn to ride a little easier. (sorry that was cheezy)
Take care,
Sherrie

[CRPSbe]

Originally Posted by SBOWLING

Mood swings are normal for me I had them before RSD. I cry a lot easier since RSD. Somedays it seems I cry at the drop of a hat. I use to blame PMS now I blame RSD.

You know what? My whole world has turned into PMS, it seems. At least that's what other people tell me. I have turned into a monster. My mood can change like *that*. I never used to be that way. I have noticed that it's because of the pain and how it fluctuates. If I get breakthrough pain, OMG, people *will* know it! And if I'm in a situation where I can't let it show, it will come out later in whatever way. It's like the final straw is always lurking around the corner, ready. It doesn't take much for me to blow up. I can't take as much as I used to, I can barely take anything anymore, and it manifests itself in awful ways.

That's why, despite the sensitivity to meds, it is still important you get treated and that your pain is under control.

Originally Posted by SBOWLING

Finding the right medications can be tough. It takes patience and communication with your doctor. If you feel he/she has reached the scope of their knowledge ask for a referral.

ITA.

[Dew58]

My worst pain flares in the past..where sleep was a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow; I would let out my frustration by projecting my pain onto things..or family(not fair to family). I then retreated and "shut-down".. insomnia could last 4-5 days or more, I was not a "very nice lady" to be around. The smallest thing, that on any other day would not even cross my anger radar, would put me into a crying rant.

Sleep heals; keeps balance in one's life...we NEED SLEEP!
Hunger, also something that can set me off...being hungry can make Dew a big drip!!! The pain flares make it difficult for me to eat anything.


There may be a pattern here; the basic essentials to a healthy life; food, water, sleep, sex....being pain-free...causes mood changes. Self preservation kicks in, and it is this natural force that ignites the fight and flight within each of us.


Dew

[Jomar]

Originally Posted by Summertime

Hi

I have tried numerous medications but I have a lot of sensitivities to medications. This has been a huge problem in finding a medication that works for me over the years for other problems as well.

I'm feeling very depressed, a lot more today than I have in a long time.
I think it's a lack of sleep and the anxiety of being in pain.
I currently take hydrocodone for the pain.

Thanks for listening.

I've read that some anti depressants will help with pain - when paired with a pain med.

Has your dr mentioned trying anything like that - Or have you tried it already?

You might want to explore some of our other forums like Medications, Spinal Injuries & Chronic pain to see what meds/combos others in pain are getting results with.
here's the main index page-
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/index.php