Question: Hello,

I was diagnosed with major depressive disorder years ago and have been medicated for over 14 years. More recently, probably 8 years ago, I found out I had RA, Sjogren's, and fibromyalgia. After wrestling with chronic pain for a few years, I visited a pain clinic and have been on pain management now for about 6 years. I had a good regimen for me which included two fast-acting Norco 10 mg and two extended-release Zohydro (I think it's just extended release hydrocodone) to take daily; however, my insurance informed me they would no longer pay for the Zohydro ER but suggested Hysingla ER. The main difference I know between the two is that the Zohydro ER was a 12-hour pill and the Hysingla is a 24-hour pill. I've only been on the Hysingla ER for two days, so I'm taking notes and trying to be patient. The problem is: over the years as I've tried different pain medications, some of them have made my depression and mood so much worse. For the last two days, yes, my depression and mood have been worse. I wonder if I just have to accept it, or if there's some kind of pain regimen that would cooperate with both my physical pain and my mental pain?? I would ask a pain specialist but I don't see one on the list. I chose you because I know that you would be familiar with how my depression feels, and especially how it feels with physical, chronic pain on top it. Thank you so much.