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Question about Vicodin.. and safer pain relief alternatives.

by noel, May 31, 2001 12:00AM
I had back surgery about 10 months ago. Before the surgery I was taking Vicodin on and off. Then after back surgery I was on Tylenol #3 with Codine. Now the last few months been on narcotics.



I have back pain and started seeing a pain management doctor. He put me on all different types of drugs and I have had three steriod injections. I still take the Vicodin for pain and was up to six a day. (ON a really bad day).



Is it addicting to take it for medical use? I am feeling quilty when I take it now because of its addictive possiblity.



I stopped taking it and I am suffering the back pain. I use heating pads which help.



Guess my question is, is Vicodin ok for long term use or even medical use??



I dont like using it when I am not in pain.. Actually I dont like feeling so spacy.
Member Comments (40)

by Angelica, May 31, 2001 12:00AM
To: Noel
I am a chronic pain patient.....status post multiple trauma w/ deg. arthritis, and a candidate for total hip arthroplasty.etc etc.  I haven't been successful w/ pain mngmt. untill very recenlty, but my doctor closed his practice down, and now I'm searching once again.  

This is what I understand:  You will become dependant on this medication.(theres a difference between a dependant person and an addicted"addict" person).....This happens after taking the medication for a while.  This is ok.  Even diabetics are dependant on their meds.  Then there is the issue of "tolerance."  This means you will need your medication titrated.....after a while, because it tends not to work any longer.

If your not careful, you will end up taking more, and more, and more, just to feel normal (this is the case w/ most, where narcotics are concerned), you will not even feel the effects anymore...like the 'high" feeling,  but if you have an educated physician who understands these issues, then he will manage your case, and taper you off of the meds to ward off severe withdrawals when necessary, when the time comes.  

Now about Vicodin.  This is what I am presently taking for breakthrough pain.  Vicodin is not the best choice for long term treatment.  Oxycontin, Mscontin, and Methadone are better choices for long term pain control, but if the media and the militant "narcophobes" LOL  have there way, Oxycontin will soon be a "once was topic."  There is no tylenol in these medications, and this is why they are safe for long-term use, because tylenol will, and can destroy your liver over time.  I believe the max is 4,000mgs a day.  I believe(correct me guys if I'm wrong)Vicoden ES 7.5s has 500mgs per tablet, so if your only taking 4 a day, you should be ok.  I had to post this in a hurry, so I hope its comprehendable, and I didn't leave anything out.  There are many here, more experienced(yes that's the word) than I am, and can give you very good info.  Jb has liver problems, and Tom has been an addict for many years...CIn, also.  Now Pixie, and Kerri are also chronic pain patients, and they can give you their spin on the topic also.  Best Wishes.

by Thomas, May 31, 2001 12:00AM
To: noel
Angelica gave you an excellent answer. However, I'm curious about your last two sentences. You say you don't like using your Vicodin when you're not in pain. Are you taking it when you're not in pain? That wasn't a typo, was it?



I am both a life-long Rx narcotics addict and one-time back surgery patient. So, I've depended on drugs like Vicodin for several reasons, sometimes simultaneously. I don't believe people should suffer when there's relief available. It's unfortunate that the same mechanism that enables drugs like Vicodin to relieve suffering also builds tolerance and dependence.



Another thing I believe in is being honest about why you're taking a pill or a drink or whatever. If you are starting to take the Vics or the codeine when you're not in pain, you should, in my opinion, consult with a pain management specialist who can help you control your pain without becoming addicted. Angelica makes an intelligent distinction between dependence and addiction. It's an issue physicians don't pay enough attention to.



However, if it comes down to using Vics or codeine or MSContin to avoid living a life of misery, I say take the drugs with the foreknowledge that, when you don't need them anymore, you'll need to be detoxed from them. But you're lucky you're going through this today. There are a number of sophisticated techniques that will gently take you off of these meds without the classic junkie withdrawal experience, an experience I unfortunately know a lot about.



I am not like Angelica. She has no choice but to seek strong pain relief. I simply love Rx narcotics. I'm a drug addict. I've been clean from all narcotics for almost four months now, thanks to AA and a number of other caring people, but that's literally the longest I've been "clean" from opiates in thirty years. So, whatever you do, be honest with yourself about why you're reaching for that prescription bottle. If you know it's for the wrong reasons, consult a pain and /or addiction specialist and nip your problem in the bud.



I hope you feel better soon and no longer need to worry about such things as little white pills. There are so many larger issues facing us all every single day.





Peace



Thomas

by Frankinscense, Jun 01, 2001 12:00AM
It is not a question addiction/dependency it is how long you want to remain on the medicine after your pain is diminished. There is so much denial where pain and pain medicines are concerned. Continuing to take pain medicine after the pain has been relieved is a true sign of addicition. When the pain becomes tolerable have your physician taper your meds slowly as possible and switch to nonarcotic pain relievers. There are many antinflamatories that have pain indications. Ask your doctor for one of the new safer Nsaid's for pain. Good Luck! Stay Focused!

Dan..

by Angelica, Jun 01, 2001 12:00AM
To: Thomas
......has it been 4 months already???  I think congratulations is in order.  You are doing wonderful, in many areas of your life.  DO you have that feeling of power over your life, once again? Like you've taken your life back??? I am so proud of you, and get a sense of wellbeing from your overall attitude, and posts.  Keep up the good work.  

angelica



I am glad I've known you, during your most triumphant moments....

by Thomas, Jun 01, 2001 12:00AM
To: angelica
Thanks, Angelica, for the kind words. I’m afraid I don’t feel too triumphant at the moment. I’m still trying to get off the benzos, and that’s way scarier than dealing with the pain pills. I’ve had three seizures related to benzo withdrawal, the first of which cost me my job and put my wife and I in a financial mess. I’m working again and digging myself out while my doctor is working with me over the benzos. But, yes, it does feel good to at least be off of one of my addictions. Anyone reading this, take it as a cautionary tale: muscle relaxers and anti-anxiety pills like Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin and Valium bite back when you try to get off of them.

by Angelica, Jun 01, 2001 12:00AM
To: Thomas
......I realize that, but one thing at a time, my dear.....one day at a time.  If you look at the whole situation all at once, you will become overwhelmed.  The benzo's are a whole other serious ordeal/dilemma.   Get your life in order (which you are doing, little, by little), and then tackle the big one!  LOL  You will do it, eventually.  

LOVE,

Angelica (:

by CHAD FROM PHILLY!!!, Jun 01, 2001 12:00AM
To: Tom
Congrat's on the four month thing! I know that you have been going through this thing for a very long time and I am glad to hear you are still with it. Remember you are one of the first people who kind of talked some sence into me. I always remember you saying to me that I shouldn't but such a huge burden on myself by trying to quit all at once. You suggested that I try to taper down. Well March 9th was the day I checked into Detox. While I can't say I have been clean since then I can say that I have pretty much quit. I used a little last week and maybe the week before but for the most part I remain straight. I can say this however....I am a firm believer that a person does not have to quit drugs forever to be happy. I know I am going to catch alot of flak from this comment but remember, each persons reason for getting clean is different. Some may just want to learn how to control there use. I am not saying that I know how to control anything but I do believe that I am much better off today then I was three months ago. I don't know if I told anyone this but I have had a horrible experiance with NA. I do want to try AA (like you suggested). I don't wan't to get into it right now but lets just say that the people of NA definately have control issues. I look forward to chatting with you guys........Chad





S I X E R S S I X E R S S I X E R S S I X E R S S I X E R S

by payne6, Jun 01, 2001 12:00AM
hi, i am new here. i have been reading comments written by you guys,and am interested in your opinion of my situation. i have been on darvocet for over 15 years(for headaches). i take 2 a day every day. they don't really work anymore. my husband recently had a back