Long term effects

[Dee]

What are the long term effects physically from taking pain meds? A Dr. told me the other day i should be taking florafiber along with the pain meds. Anyone know why?

[Thomas02]

what's florafiber? Sounds like either a cure for constipation or something healing to the liver like Milk Thistle. I think liver damage is generally their first concern when it comes to damage from long-term pill taking.

[cindi]

I believe Florafiber is an herb that is helpful in keeping the intestinal tract healthy.  In Our bodies we have normal "flora" which is, I guess I could say good bacteria, I think it aids in the protection of this intestinal flora,and proper digestion, and then of course we all know that fiber is important and found in a healthy diet that consists of fruits, grains and vegetables.  I think also that florafiber is an agent that cleans the intestinal tract. That is interesting that your doc should mention that to you.  I have some friends that take alot of herbs and those herbalife products and I think the florafiber is one of them.  Hope this helps   take care    cindi

[dee dee]

To Cindi from DeeDee. Your right, the Dr. that mentioned this to me also sells herbalife products in the office and that is where  i got the florifiber.This Dr. is so old that he can't come into the room to see you, you have to go to a room that he's sitting in. He's always sitting there looking like death with food stains all over his once white smock.If it wasn't for my needing the rx for pain meds, i would never consider going to him.DeeDee

[cindi]

Well, there ya go, he sells herbalife and this stuff i think is pretty expensive?  don't know much about it since i don't use it but the girls at work swear by it for weight loss.  being the addict that I am, I'd just go straight for the speed. Seriously though, that is what the florafiber is for but what that has to do with narcotics?  he probably doesn't even know  himself....  If you ever find out his reasoning I'm curious to hear myself.  OH LUKE SPOOK  ARE YOU OUT THERE?      TOM  ARE YOU AROUND?  WE NEED YOU     Love to all    cindi

[Hope]

I have read this forum for several months, but have never posted.  I appreciate the wealth of information and inspiration I have found here.  I have been addicted to prescription medications for about 2 years.  I have a question about a possible long term or side effect of taking hydrocodone/apap and/or asenlix (amphetamine).  I have never had a problem with my complexion before I started to abuse drugs. Over the past 4-5 months, my complexion has gotten progressively worse.  I don't know if it's acne or some other dermatological condition.  My face will break out with pimples, yet it's dry and peels, like when you get a bad sunburn. It has become very bad and I hesitate going to a dermatologist because....well, you all probably know.  What am I going to say?  Has anybody else experienced this or does this condition sound familiar?  Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks, Hope

[cindi]

I to had had a long term drug peoblem with opiates and amphetamines but never had a skin problem to talk about...Could it possibly be the amphetamine? I do know a few people that have developed skin problems such as you described and I do believe that they were taking a combo of amphetamine and Barbs..but I don't think it included hydrocodone.  I could be mistaken, Maybe Spook or Tom could help with this one also.   take care  cindi

[J.B. to Brian and Vicky]

Like Cindi, I think that the amphetamines are causing the problems that you are having.  When I used them for a few months, I had skin problems, loose teeth, bleeding gums and my hair began to fall out.  I would grind my teeth and get terrible jaw aches as well.  I also got so paranoid that I thought that my wife was trying to kill me! (maybe she wanted to at any rate).

I've been on hydrocodone long term and my biggest complaint is constipation and water retention.  Maybe I'll try some of that fibroflora stuff previously mentioned.  J.B.

[Dee]

while I was in florida I read an article (readers digest?)about
doctors selling herbs, vitimins, herbalife, ect,from their offices, it is a big scam, they get a commission on what they sell and most do not even do their homework on what is good for you or what you shouldn't mix with your other meds,most people will buy it even if they don't want it and some of them are very expensive, the elderly and seniors are the ones that are being taken advantage of the most,it has been going on for awhile now, I believe it started on the west coast but has moved across the country, shame on those Doctors who would purposely take advantage of any patient for their own benefit..what happened is with all the HMO's and certain insurances putting a set amount of money for health care, doctors were no longer allowed to charge what they wanted to and they needed some way to supplement their incomes..be wary of any doctor who has set up a small buisness in a corner of his office to sell this stuff..
JB, Chad,Tom,and everyone else, how's it going? take care all
Dee

[Tara]

Hi,

I'm just wondering what that product is called - the herbalife stuff.  Is it actually called "herbalife"?  Since I have quit Percoset I have gained quite a bit of weight so I would be interested in finding something natural that has proved to be effective for weightloss.  Also, is it available in Canada?

To Everyone:  Does anyone know if weightloss after withdrawal is normal???

Thanks,

Tara

[Hope]

Thank you both for responding to my question.  I was thinking that it was probably the amph. too, because I just started taking those a few months ago and that's when my skin problem arose.  I really want to get off all of this!  I don't know what will be hardest...getting off the hydrocodone or the amph.  I tried stopping the amph. a few days ago, but the side effects were awful.  I felt really dull and spaced out.  Couldn't concentrate AT ALL.   I don't know what I'm going to do because I have to work and my job requires me to be sharp and also have stamina. However, I know withdrawals from the hydro will be MUCH worse.  

I can't even believe the place I've gotten myself into.  I'm a single professional in my late 30's with no kids and have been successful in my career up to this point.  I'm afraid I'm about to lose everything!  My family and co-workers would be shocked if they knew I'm an addict.  A junkie.  I look at myself in the mirror every morning in disgust.  I literally say out loud, "You're nothing but a sorry junkie.  What a loser!".  Then I'm off to work, proving to my staff and co-workers and family how together and happy I am.  It's sickening.  I don't know how much longer the charade can go on, but I've worked so hard to get the degrees and the great job, that I can't imagine jeopardizing that.  I have no kids, no significant other, just my career and if that's gone....well.  I don't know.  I'm sorry to go on and on. I can't even believe I'm writing all this to total strangers.  But after lurking quietly in the background and reading this forum over the past several months, I feel I "know" some of you and know you all have 'been there' too.  I am impressed with the level of both intelligence and compassion on this board.  Anyway, hope everyone's having a good evening.

Hope (because maybe I still have a seed left?)

[spook]

Diagnosis;"CHRONIC CONSTIPATION".
Flora(plant-latin)Fibre(polysaccharide-organic/bio chem),transation increase your intake of Cellulose,etc ie Vegetable Fibres(espec water sol fibres,porridge is good) because All Opioids decrease intestinal motility,and thus increase transit times for Fecal matter to pass,thus spending MUCH longer time in the Colon,before eventual Rectal Decent and anal expulsion(you asked).
Consequences are re-adsorbtion of toxins from Fecal Matter(****),back into Portal Vein of Liver and Local Cellular effects,prognosis;Hemmorroids,Sub-jaundice-Encephalopathy(extremely RARE),colon cancer,anal fissures.
So the best is Senokot and a high fibre diet,low in fat,drink 2ltr water per day and you will(I hope) be OK.

[spook]

Weight loss is a  "VERY" ~COMMON symptom of Opioid Withdrawal,If one is over weight they could possibly take advantage of this effect,alternating between Opioid mis/use and Withdrawal,to maintain their desired weight,although I am myself currently 185cm(6ft,1.75inch)Tall and weigh 72kg,I am not currently Addicted NOR Dependant(Psychological or Physical)on Opioids,but when Withdrawing from a Heroin Binge or whatever,I drop to around 60kg.I have personally found exercise to increase my body weight,My muscles get bigger and I eat more and feel terrific,my muscles are taught and tight and very sexy and I look great,whereas if I have had a binge on Heroin all of my muscles dissapear and my skin looks white and deathly,my Brain dissolves into a self mutilating pleasure seeking machine and my body dangles from it like an unnecessary extenstion.
I have found this effect not specific to HEROIN,it has also occured after binges on; Methadone, Codeine, Morphine, Oxycodone, oxymorphone, Dihydrocodeine, Hydrocodone, Hydromorphone, Dextromoramide(do you guys get that gear in USA,its a buzz)Fentanyl and Buprenorphine.
spooky........

[dee dee]

To tara from DeeDee. The name of the company that makes the diet pills is herbalife, you take one green tablet and one beige tablet twice a day. on the front of the bottles all it says is thermojetics herbal tablets dietary supplement. And of coure it gives a list of all the natural ingredientents on the back. i just purchased them so i can't tell you yet if they work, but have heard good things about them.Good luck, hope i was of some help. DeeDee

[Tara]

Sorry, typo in my comment. I meant to ask if weight gain is common.  Before I started withdrawal I was extremely below weight, I was 5'7" and weighed 112lbs.  Since withdrawing, I have gained 30 pounds.  I know I am eating alot more and dont have as much energy as I used to have when taking percoset.  When I took it I would buzz around the house, I painted every room in my house over and over.  Now, I barely have the energy to go get a coffee at work.

Is this also normal or is my body completely out of wack?

Thanks

Tara

P.S. Thanks DeeDee, I will try it out!

[Francoise]

I haven't read each and every response here, so maybe I'm redundant with this answer.

Narcotics paralyze many, if not all, of the smooth muscles. People who die from narcotic overdose ususally die from suffocation when their breathing muscles are paralyzed by a narcotic. We all know this, I'm sure.

Anyway, the colon is one giant smooth muscle and narcotics paralyze it, too. Thus no moving experiences.

I've been on oxycontin for two years due to some very serious injuries that I won't bore you with. But it was a struggle at first learning how to deal with this very situation. And the doctors haven't been much help. I was told to take stool softeners, but not told the reason, or given any other information about what was going to happen. My experience is that these guys tell you what to do, leaving out the reasoning behind what they say. That's OK if you're dealing with a four year-old or a retard, but not if you're dealing with an intelligent adult (or four year-old).

I've discovered a few things over the past year that you many find helpful. First, eat a large bowl of some kinda high fiber cereal every day. Simplest, most direct, easiest thing you can do. In fact, keep a high fiber diet going all the time and you'll feel better anyway, narcs or not. This will almost by itself keep things moving right along.

Get yourself some of thost Fleet's pre-packaged enemas. Not nice to contemplate, but they're very effective when things come to a halt. And they're going to. They're really cheap. I keep at least a half-dozen of 'em around all the time. Plus they make one that's a lubricant instead of a chemical enema, and I keep a couple of those around for those stubborn, hard to remove problems. (I know, its a yucky topic, but believe me it's a helluva lot better to deal with this right here among friends than to go to the hospital to be dis-impacted by strangers, take it from me.)

I avoid laxatives. But when I must, I first use those little bottles of magnesium citrate - slightly chilled but not cold. Just torpedo one of those babies and in a few hours you're on your way. Sometimes I will also use hot (yes hot) prune juice. It works.

If things really get desperate, it's nice to have on hand some cascara and milk of magnesia. You'll most likely have to order the cascara since most places don't keep it on hand. You take a half and half dose of those two things totalling about two ounces. And don't stray too far from home. This stuff is the plastique explosive, the C4, of bathroom going.

As for intestinal flora, all you need to do is start drinking sweet acidophilus milk - use it on that cereal. And maybe take a yeast tablet or two.

You really don't need to help some health food store owner make payments on his Porsche. A little cereal, a little helper now and again, a little different milk, a little common sense and things will move right along for you. It's simple and its cheap. You've got more important things to worry about.

And that's it for Friendly Francoise's Scatological Observations & Basic Charm School for today. :-]

Francoise

[J.B. to Brian and Vicky]

Thanks for putting out all that poop!(pun intended)  I've been on narcotic pain meds long term and the constipation problem really has had me concerned.  After all, what goes in must come out...right?  I use magnesium citrate as a last resort, usually.  I use a lot of Senocot(sp)and try to maintain a high fiber diet.  The Fleet kits work explosively, as you say.  But they do the best job as long as you stay within twenty steps of a toilet for 24 hours.  

I was interested in the acidophilous milk.  What is it and can you use it if you have allergies to dairy products?  I've seen it next to real milk in the grocery store.  J.B.

[spook]

Spot on excellent.

[spook]

It is all caused by "dehydration",their is Hope,stash your pills and use as special treat,avoid DEPENDANCE,it stuffs up the high.

[spook]

NO!(not out of wack) ,you are nearly out of the acute anorexic phase of Opioid Wethdrawal,next is the low energy phase when you eat everything in sight and combined with low calorie expendenture(fatigue),weight gain rebound is to be expected.
Even cave men learn`t to harvest fire,without getting BURNT.
But that was a necessity.Actually I like my women with some weight on them,skiny is yukky.Find a REAL MAN.

[Thomas02]

I've seen a lot of methamphetamine addicts with terrible facial acne. much of it caused by absent-minded scratching of the face while high, plus the fact that the speed causes the subsaceous glands to work overtime, producing increased extra amounts of oil and, eventually, invection.

[Hope]

Thank you both for your responses.  It's so nice to have human contact (even if it's via internet) especially with people who understand both experientially and scientifically with what I'm experiencing.  Actually, my complexion has inproved somewhat over the past few days.  I have made a concerted effort to cut down the amphetamines and due to supply problems, also the hydro and oxy.  I have had just enough over this weekend to ward off any bad physical withdrawals, but the emotional depression is HELL. I haven't gone outside or even gotten out of my pajamas all weekend!  Constant crying. Can't write much more.  Just want to tell you all what a savior this site is.  THANK YOU both for taking the time to respond.  What you all write has helped me more than you will ever know. Patrick, I hope your search for bup treatment happens soon.  Spook, the saving a stash and using recreationally is a great idea, but I don't know if I could do that since I really think I'm an addict.  However, you seem to have such a gift.  Wish I could have the same relationship with drugs (and existance for that matter) as you do. I plan on continuing to try to heal and evolve. Peace.

Hope

[spook]

Patrick has good point,Sorry,I should also have pointed out that the Dopamine Depletion(after its excessive release,-"causes the high"),occurs as a consequence of Amphetamine use,this very indirectly causes seborrhagia(excessive oil secretion),and combined with dehydration,blocked sebaceous glands occur,resulting in bacterial infection and thus acne/pimple/blackheads/whiteheads.
Parkinsons patients also have seborrhagia and they of course have a low supply of Dopamine coming from the Sustantia Nigra via the Nigrostriatal tract to the Basal Ganglia(Striatum).

[Francoise]

Acidophilus milk is nothing more than a low fat (usually 2%) plain old cow milk with the bacterium acidolphilus added. Sometimes it can be found with another bacterium added, the name of which I can't remember.

If you have a lactose intolerance, this milk isn't going to produce any other reaction. You might want to get some of those pills for lactose-intolerance.

Good luck

Francoise

[Redrabe]

No one has addressed the Long Term Effects of Vicodin except for bowl problems.  What are the long term effects on your kidneys and liver?

[J.B. to Brian and Vicky]

I'd like to know more about the long term affects of opiods as well.  I could look all this up myself but maybe this question will help others here.

I was on hydrocodone for about seven months and developed chest and arm pains(left side).  I had a water retention problem as well.  A treadmill test revealed an irregular heartbeat(false starts and stops).  Some days and nights I could feel my heart beating in my temples.

About a week ago, I was switched to oxycodone.  For some reason, my doctor thought I'd do better on it and I do(so far).

I've always been told that the narcotics are very safe(barring addiction).  It was the Tylenol content that was causing all the liver and kidney problems.  Any information would be greatly appreciated!  J.B.

[PS >>>>Annie]

......Hey, you felt your heart beat in the temples.  I had a similar experience after the surg.  The difference is,(in my terms) I felt and heard a pulse the back/nape of my neck.  When I would get up to a standing position, and walked w/ crutches, there it would go.  Now it only happens when I'm tired.  The weird thing is....This never ever happend to me before the surg.

I told my mother....oooo I feel my pulse in my head, behind my neck.  She looked at me like I was NUTS.  Then when I said it again...she wanted to call the DR.  I told her no, I'll just lay down.  Do you really think the meds are doing this.  Very strange isn't it.  I couldn't even explain it.  This is why I never mentioned it to my dr.  Then when you said you felt it in your temples.....CAUGHT MY ATTENTION!!!  Well JB, we're both still kicking. lol  Scary though!

Annie
PS
You said heartbeat, I say pulse.....all runs the same way.  Did you seem to hear it???  I did...boom boom boom.......oh well

[cindi]

Oh my gosh,  how weird,  i have felt that same pulsating in my head but the really weird thing I have felt it in my lower back,  Since I have alot of lower back pain anyway I thought it was just from my back being so bad, but now that I think about it it happens when I am taking hydrocodone.... As far as the water retention that JB mentioned, water retention MAY be associated with cardiac disease but my sister just told me the other day a friend of hes was taking Norco and retained water like crazy, when she did not take the Norco she noticed a big difference.  I told her I have never heard of that before until Jb mentioned it.....so. at least I know I'm not crazy re:  the pulsating in my head...orrr..........are we????oops  am i beginning to sound a little like spook??   (said with loving intentions only   grin)    love to all you craizies      cindi

[Mandy420]

Hey guys,
I was reading all the comments while browsing for an answer on long term effects on my kidneys from using hydrocodone and oxycontin.  Does anybody know?  Also, my dr. wants to get me off the pills, I've been taking them for 4 years.  She wants to put me on a patch called Duragesic.  I don't know if I can handle being off the meds, and I'm kinda scared.  Has anybody tried it?  How much weight will I gain when I come off the pills?  Thanks.  I'm so glad I found this site.

[susanlea]

I have fibromyalgia, and other spinal problems. I came to this forum, because my ex boyfriend became addicted to oxy's and percocets. Long story short he would still all my meds. About a month ago the Dr. gave me the Duragesic patch, 25mircomg's to start. I have tried other time released meds. But I have to tell you this patch has worked wonders for me. I have never been able to tolerate oxy's, diluaded, morphine on my stomach. The first several days on the patch I was a little quessy. One day my youngest son made a comment that I was up moving and acting like a kid. I had woke up with no pain, I hadn't even noticed! It used to take me about 2 hours in the morning to get up and moving after taking some pain meds. I strongly recommend the patch. You don't get a buzz, or fell any different except the pain. I don't like getting high on anything I don't even drink. I quit the oxy's after 2 years because of my ex. I didn't have any withdrawals except the pain came back full force. I used Vicoprohen several times aday but it never got rid of all the pain. Now that I have the patch my pill intake has reduced dramatically , somedays I don't take any. As with all narcotics, there's always a risk of addiction, the patch has  a low risk.  But an addict will always find a way to abuse any narcotic.  Good Luck    
Take Care
Susan Lea

[Chlofy]

I don't think it is possible that this message will get to you. Seeing as how these messages are from 2001. I hope it does somehow anyway. I was just wondering.............where are any of you NOW? After these experiences...........did anyone finally get help? Are any of you feeling better? Or still on the meds? We are doing a YouTube documentary on these things. My name is Chloe. I am actually 60 days clean off of everything mentioned above. FINALLY. It started from my Docters giving me pain meds for Lupus and Fibromyalgia. I feel better than I have in years............sober,clean,vegan, and I use a lot of homeopathic techniques. I still wake up in pain. I still have to MOVE my body into health. But it is slowly changing.......for the BETTER. That is something the drugs NEVER offered. As I progress forward and upward.........my body stabilizes and doesn't seem to slip back. As long as I continue to keep taking care of myself and stay off the meds.

[simcox09]

I have a question concerning taking OTC medications in large amounts...i did it for 2 months straight and i cannot remember like anything from them months....i got busted by ppl who wanted to help but i told them i was not addicted to them....then i just started to use them again...one thing that worked the best was the coriciden stuff...its not high class like some perscriptions but it lasts awhile and i can act normal around ppl....did anyone ever expariment with them and have any side effects like not remembering or being very angry and violent all the time? I know ppl have worse problems but if u didnt remember 2 months of ur life ud want to know why or if ur just crazy...and also ppl said that stuff is more dangersous...but is ther ne thing with the same effects thats not as bad for you...i know they all are but id really like to get something that wont kill my liver or kidneys as fast as these are suppose to.

[tenelly]

My husband is addicted to vicodin and has been 3 years back since his two back surgeries.  In and out of rehab and on and off the pain meds.  This past month, he has gotten so sick we had to go to the emergency twice in one day.  The doctors said that he must have had a viral infection???  His symptoms included vomiting, massive migrane in his temple area, and a sharp stabbing like pain on the outside of both hips as if someone were jabbing him with a screw driver.  The hip pain went up through his abdomen and sent the pain into his head as if it were pulsating.  He was shivering severely and kept forgeting where he was.  He had a high fever off and on from 102 to 105.  This was two weeks ago.  Now, he is suffering from the same symptoms and pain.  The pain in his hips are so severe he can barely move around just to go to the bathroom.  I know he still uses the vicodin weekly and I am wondering if this could be the cause of his problems?  I am hesitant to take him to the emergency again for the reason he may be seeking more pain medication.  However I do not want him to suffer.  I don't know what's truth anymore????  If this is a viral infection, why was he ok for two weeks and now h suffers again from the same thing?  Could this be liver damage???  Any advice would be so helpful!!

Much Appreciated :)

[raiderjoe]

I am also an addict, but in recovery. For all addicts there is hope. Just reach out and grab it. IT IS NOT GOING TO BE EASY! But the only other option you have is Jails, Institutions and Death. Active addiction is extremely terrible. I have been there and I never thought I could get out. Ithought I had to go on to the end. I hated myself because I was living a lie. There is a way out. You can live a life without alcohol and drugs. Today I can't believe I am saying that but I am living prooof. Reach out to those who know. Whether you realize it or not, they are all around you.    There is HOPE.