Depression and Chronic Pain

Everyone is different. Never heard of anyone/or directions to "take only when needed". I take CBD oil (from marijuana, not hemp) every day. So far zero benefit for my peripheral neuropathy. Most CBD for sale is derived from hemp, which is cheaper than from marijuana

I can relate in so many ways. I have fibromyalgia, suffered a neck and back injury from a car accident in 1990 and had gastric bypass surgery in 2007. I lost 120 pounds and gained weight back when I took lomatrogine and Abilify for depression and anxiety. I gained anout 20 pounds back as a side effect from the meds. I tried Lyrica for the fibromyalgia and gained 15 pounds so stopped taking it. The same happens when I take Abilify, but my depression, anxiety and irritability are enough to encourage me to go back in Abilify.
I do know that my pain is always worse during very cold and very hot weather. It’s worse when there is a sudden change in weather, and rain adds a lot more pain to the mix. Stress heightens pain levels. I’m going to get Tumeric because it has s a natural anti inflammatory.
What are you experiencing?

Hi @petangelkat1, I tried Lyrica for the fibro and got an “altered mental status”. In other words, I was acting crazy and couldn’t form sentences or remember my dog’s name. I tried Abilify for the depression, but don’t think I was on enough to do any good. You’re right in that rain definitely makes pain worse and a cold rain is a double whammy. I actually bought turmeric and then found out I had a clot in my lung and couldn’t take anti inflammatories. Seems like we’re walking down the same path!........Karen

@rucyrious - Welcome to Mayo Connect depression and anxiety discussion. I respectfully disagree with your neurologist about CBD oil. It's a new field for sure. I have been depressed for a long time and have PTSD because I've been fighting lung cancer for 21 years. CBD oil calms me down and either reduces or totally eliminates my anxiety, which reduces my anxiety and quiets any pain I have from arthritis and other problems around that location.
Since this is your first post would you mind sharing some of what brought you to Mayo Connect? I hope to hear from you soon.

I have smoked a strand of marijuana called Blue Dream and got total pain relief as long as the THC kept me high. I didn’t particularly like that feeling, but you do what you have to do to get relief at times. I live in Georgia so the chance of getting medical strength CBD oil is near to nothing! I’m ready to fly to Colorado for a little vacation. I feel like marijuana is less harmful with its potential side effects than most of the antidepressants. What other experiences have others had?

I’m a bit surprised you being a “mentor” and all. If you are a doctor MD or DO I would love to hear your findings how you feel these products work for anxiety. Proof, case studies etc. people who have PTSD do not need medication to overcome this. They need tools. Medications are a temporary fix that works hand in hand with therapy.
Not only do neurologist say this, Primary care, psychiatrist, physiologists all say the same thing. I deal with people who have REAL diseases. Autoimmune diseases who suffer from pain, physical pain, mental pain, life threatening diseases and this stuff does not touch pain. Cancer patients, does not help pain. It may calm them for a short bit, it’s actually called being stoned. No proof, evidence from people with chronic illness that this helps. Everyone suffers from some sort of stress, PTSD is way to over used. Sorry but I can’t deal with chronic complainers of illnesses that do not exists. Or try and abuse our system looking for drugs to take rather than try and cope a healthy way. While others who are dying in pain and from chronic illnesses.

One doctor in Ohio is not enough to convince me that CBD oil is not of any help.

I’m a bit surprised you being a “mentor” and all. If you are a doctor MD or DO I would love to hear your findings how you feel these products work for anxiety. Proof, case studies etc. people who have PTSD do not need medication to overcome this. They need tools. Medications are a temporary fix that works hand in hand with therapy.
Not only do neurologist say this, Primary care, psychiatrist, physiologists all say the same thing. I deal with people who have REAL diseases. Autoimmune diseases who suffer from pain, physical pain, mental pain, life threatening diseases and this stuff does not touch pain. Cancer patients, does not help pain. It may calm them for a short bit, it’s actually called being stoned. No proof, evidence from people with chronic illness that this helps. Everyone suffers from some sort of stress, PTSD is way to over used. Sorry but I can’t deal with chronic complainers of illnesses that do not exists. Or try and abuse our system looking for drugs to take rather than try and cope a healthy way. While others who are dying in pain and from chronic illnesses.

I’m a bit surprised you being a “mentor” and all. If you are a doctor MD or DO I would love to hear your findings how you feel these products work for anxiety. Proof, case studies etc. people who have PTSD do not need medication to overcome this. They need tools. Medications are a temporary fix that works hand in hand with therapy.
Not only do neurologist say this, Primary care, psychiatrist, physiologists all say the same thing. I deal with people who have REAL diseases. Autoimmune diseases who suffer from pain, physical pain, mental pain, life threatening diseases and this stuff does not touch pain. Cancer patients, does not help pain. It may calm them for a short bit, it’s actually called being stoned. No proof, evidence from people with chronic illness that this helps. Everyone suffers from some sort of stress, PTSD is way to over used. Sorry but I can’t deal with chronic complainers of illnesses that do not exists. Or try and abuse our system looking for drugs to take rather than try and cope a healthy way. While others who are dying in pain and from chronic illnesses.