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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How Can Depression Be Treated While On Narcotic Drugs For Chronic Pain?

I am feeling blue but it s gone on long enough I think I m actually depressed at this point. It is related to personal issues family/home...and too many changes in my life. My question - I take low-dose narcotics for chronic pain...am considering asking my doctor for a prescription of an antidepressant to get me thru this period. Do opiates have negative reactions to antidepressants? Are there any better for a short-term use? I m 53 yo female, employed, do not smoke, light drinker, consume pot as part of chronic pain management. what do you think about adding an antidepressant? I can t cry at my job all the time.
Tue, 6 Dec 2016
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

I am sorry that you are feeling persistently down, depression is a severe illness that can affect the quality of life in all aspects.
It can be temporary for many persons and is treated with both medication and counselling.

Unfortunately it is difficult to say if there would be a reaction because the risk of reaction varies according to the anti depressant and opiate used.
For example paxil reacts with oxycodone and hydrocodone, citalopram is okay with hydrocodone but reacts with oxycodone.

These are just examples, your doctor would need to consider the particular opiate that you are using and find an anti depressant that would work with it.

The counselling would help to develop coping mechanisms to deal with any stressful situations and also to talk through problems.

I hope this helps
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How Can Depression Be Treated While On Narcotic Drugs For Chronic Pain?

HI, thanks for using healthcare magic I am sorry that you are feeling persistently down, depression is a severe illness that can affect the quality of life in all aspects. It can be temporary for many persons and is treated with both medication and counselling. Unfortunately it is difficult to say if there would be a reaction because the risk of reaction varies according to the anti depressant and opiate used. For example paxil reacts with oxycodone and hydrocodone, citalopram is okay with hydrocodone but reacts with oxycodone. These are just examples, your doctor would need to consider the particular opiate that you are using and find an anti depressant that would work with it. The counselling would help to develop coping mechanisms to deal with any stressful situations and also to talk through problems. I hope this helps