Charles Roberts

Pain Management Specialist | Pain Medicine

340 Thomas More Parkway, Suite 260 Crestview Hills KY, 41017 Show map

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Dr. Charles Roberts practices Pain Medicine in Crestview Hills, KY. Pain medicine is concerned with the prevention of pain, and the evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation of patients experiencing pain. Pain medicine physicians use a broad-based approach to treat all pain disorders, ranging from pain as a symptom of disease to pain as the primary disease. Dr. Roberts serves as a consultant to other physicians but is often the principal treating physician, providing care at various levels; such as treating the patient directly, prescribing medication, prescribing rehabilitative services, performing pain relieving procedures, counseling patients and families, directing a multidisciplinary team, coordinating care with other healthcare providers, and providing consultative services.

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Charles Roberts

Charles Roberts's Expert Contributions

My Answers

Which antidepressant is best for chronic pain?
There are a couple prominent antidepressants that are also indicated for Pain Conditions. Cymbalta or Duloxetine indicated for Fibromyalgia, Diabetic Neuropathic Pain, and Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain. In my experience with patients, this seems to provide the best benefit for most people, although we are all uniquely made. Savella or Milnacipran is indicated for Fibromyalgia and works as a Serotonin and Norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, a typical mechanism of several antidepressants. Tricyclic Antidepressants such as Amitriptyline and Nortriptyline are an older class of depressants that are often used as adjuncts to treat pain, but often have side effects prominent in the elderly, particularly sedation, confusion, and dry mouth are often seen in my experience. The Tricyclic Antidepressants do have a place, but their action for helping control or treat depression is far less efficacious than the more modern Antidepressants. I would recommend a discussion with your prescribing doctor and if you have a psychiatrist and a pain physician keep them both fully aware of what the other is prescribing. It is important for both doctors to be aware of each other and of all medications prescribed. READ MORE
What can I take instead of antidepressants?
Depression is a common problem and it is my personal opinion that all people will experience depression if they live on this earth. Situational depression may be a normal response to circumstances that are out of our control or perceived to be out of our control. Evidence based medicine shows the best results are for patients that use both pharmacologic agents, Antidepressants, and are engaged in therapy, psychologist/psychiatrist/therapist. Depression can come from lack of Sunshine, often referred to as Seasonal Affective Disorder or from malnutrition, hypothyroidism and an assortment of other reasons. St. John's Wort is an herbal OTC tablet that is sold as a supplement. It is my understanding that St. John's Wort is or was the #1 prescribed agent for dealing with Depression in Germany. I have heard good results from some patients and others, but as always consult your doctor before starting. SAM-E is also an over the counter supplement that is often taken for the reason of depression, consult your physician before trying. If you are having suicidal or homicidal thoughts I would recommend you seek professional help, i.e. Doctor/Psychiatrist/Emergency Room. Talking about depression can be cathartic and very helpful in allowing you to understand why you are having depression and in my opinion may be a large part of therapy along with coping mechanisms and other techniques to help guide you to a better place. Physical activity and social interaction are also quite crucial to help in dealing with or reducing depression. It would probably be a good idea to take a Once Daily Multivitamin if you feel your diet is inadequate. I believe in God and frequently use prayer and meditation to help guide me into a better state. Following Christ has taught me a lot about forgiveness. Unforgiveness in my heart had caused bitterness, anger, and depression. However forgiveness broke the bonds of those emotions on me. Reading through the Psalms can be quite helpful as the authors also dealt with many situations that undoubtedly would cause depression. Psalm 23 is a common scripture that people read or pray to help lift them up. I lift up in prayer whoever asked the question. I hope you find peace and freedom from the depression you are now experiencing. READ MORE
Can I do virtual therapy for anxiety?
As with any medical condition it is best to tailor the treatment to the specific condition of the patient. Generally speaking I think virtual therapy would be a great way to start addressing your anxiety. It may not be all inclusive in solving you anxiety, but is certainly a good start. You will of course need to make your own decision after trying it. It is a simulated environment where you can confront those things that would cause anxiety, but with a bit more safety net because you can always remove yourself from the experience if it is too much. READ MORE
Can I ask my doctor for anxiety medication?
There are many ways to treat anxiety. While medication is sometimes an appropriate option there are no medications that are without risk. I would encourage you to discuss your anxiety with your doctor. I am a Christian and find relief through scripture. 1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxieties on Him because He cares for you. I believe in prayer and seeking to find the root cause of what is making a person anxious. Most of our fears and anxieties are unfounded and stem from the amazing gift of imagination that God has given us, however that imagination is pointed or pushed in the wrong direction. Sometimes direct confrontation can work, other times it can make things worse. I believe Prayer is an active process of identifying our anxieties and dealing with them constructively with God's help. As far as medications go usually SSRI's and buspirone are the more favored treatments for anxiety disorders. Benzodiazepines such as Lorazepam, Oxazepam, or Temazepam may play a role for those with severe anxiety, but carry risks of potential overdose or addiction. READ MORE
For how long do painkillers take to start relieving pain?
Most oral pain medications take about 45 minutes to an hour to get digested and absorbed into the blood stream. After this time you should start to feel some relief. The duration depends on the type of medication. Most long acting medications are formulated to last about 12 hours, for example MS Contin, Zohydro or others. However some people have rapid metabolism and such medications may only last 8 hours in some individuals. Short acting medications such as Percocet and Vicodin usually last 2-4 hours. READ MORE
Will I be given antidepressants in the hospital?
Dear inquisitive patient, Yes, you should continue to receive your antidepressants in the hospital. Most medications including antidepressants need to be taken on a daily basis. Your depression doesn't stop because you are undergoing surgery and could potentially worsen given the stress and circumstance of surgery. The hospital should reconcile (review and determine the need to continue or stop medicines) on your admission. Sometimes medications need to be stopped during the time around surgery, but these are usually specific medications such as anticoagulants (blood thinners) or immune system suppressors because these medications could produce a bad outcome for you when taken prior to undergoing surgery. Thanks. READ MORE