Losing my patience and getting a temper, short fused on meds? - Pain Management Message Board

lexusdog · 08-09-2007, 11:27 PM

OK I have been on pain meds for about 2 years and just recently I am starting to get irritated so very easy. I am currently on Duragesic 50 mcg every two days and percocet 10/325 for break through. I take about 4 - 6 Percs a day. I know a little more that you would think for break through, but I actually need to up the duragesic. I have been putting it off as to not top out to quickly.

The big problem is that in the last year I have been very irritated by the simple things. I hate talking to people about simple things. I get irritated by small things not going right (i.e. tossing my keys on the table and they land on the floor) I also am just getting edgy and miserable. I don't know if it is the pain or the meds or both. People are starting to tell me that I am a little short with them. My life partner even has mentioned that I need to loosen up. I am a very bubbly person by nature, but lately I just get bugged by everything small or big in nature. I want everyone to be perfect and stress about little things. I though about asking the doc for anti-depressants, but I don't feel depressed. I am feel very good in the sense of looking forward to things, going to dinner, getting a car or anything else. I just want something that makes me feel a little more laid back. You know when some one drinks like a glass of wine and they are just relaxed. I want to just relax and stop being so irritated by everything.

DO you know if there is something for this. Why I am feeling like this, and if there is a anti -depressant needed for something like this? I want to be fun, bubbly and a joy to have around. Right now everyone is kind of annoying.

Fabrashamx · 08-10-2007, 12:28 AM

Hi Lex,
I think your instincts about anti depressants are right on the money.
I had the same reaction when I first went on pain meds, and after I started taking prozac everyday, I got better and was back to my cheerful self again.
Its weird, because flashes of anger and frusteration dont seem like depression per se, but they must be from that (the meds themselves are depressants, so if you already have it, the meds make it much worse)

Give it a try for a few weeks, if it doesnt help, you havent hurt anything by trying, and there are next to no side effects with the newer type anti depressants.

Good luck and let us know what you decide.
~Fabby

BrittleBones · 08-10-2007, 04:49 AM

Hi Lex - I was once told by a doctor that depression is anger turned inward! When I thought about it, I think he was right. But, aside from the chance that you are feeling depressed, I have to say that your description of your impatience and aggravation toward people and things that never seemed to upset you in the past is an exact description of me when I was on Percocet for the first 6 months. That was years and years ago and now I take oxycodone (Percocet without the tylenol) and I don't seem to have the same reaction. But I've been where you are and I definately think the drugs can cause your symptoms. I was on a drug for headaches many years ago called Fioracet. While taking that drug I could have been described as a *****! Everything in the world got on my nerves, I was angry and hostile toward folks. I had no time or patience for my friends who just wanted to call me up and chat for a few minutes. It was really awful. Once I stopped taking it, however, I was back to my old self. I still think that Fabby is right though, you should talk to your doc about your symptoms and see if you are clinically depressed. Perhaps you will need to change your pain medication. Anyway, I hope you get some answers soon. All the best - Memere (Memere

waves at Fabby and would like to remind her that I've changed my "screen name" by request of moderators and hopes she and all my friends remember who I am

- Kathy)

lostmary · 08-10-2007, 05:58 AM

Lex,
You could be writing about me. I had the same thing. pain meds for almost 4 years, percocet, etc. 3 months ago I told my PM that I was afraid to be in the kitchen because they had knives in there. Of course, it wasn't quite that bad, but poor hubby stopped talking to me because I became horrible for no reason. Doc put me on cymbalta, and now I'm so even tempered. Even if I start to get upset, it doesn't really bother me. I feel so good about myself, and i'm so much happier. At first it did make me a little sleepy, but about about 2 weeks I don't even notice it. Just life is better, and it helps my rsd also.
Mary

sherry1 · 08-10-2007, 06:54 AM

Hi Lex

I have my back problem for the last 2 years and about 6 months ago i was so irritable and was snapping at people and generally was getting so frustrated with myself and also getting very upset for no reason.

My doctor put me on Prozac which is an aniti depressent and i feel so much better in myself. I havent had any of the same feelings since.

Best wishes