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Oxycontin

Can Oxycontin be detected using the standard drugs of abuse laboratory test?
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opioids are the devils way of showing us hes real. sometimes i dont know if its better to just suffer the pain. then the withdrawls start and i go back to the pills. its like you have either 2 choices, live life in pain or live life as a addict. not sure what one is worse anymore. god how i wish there was a effective means of pain relief without going through the motions of opioid addiction...
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Excellent post, my friend.  Maria
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Chadder, if your docs are recommending an intrathecal pump for pain control, that would be an excellent choice for long-term pain relief.  With the pump, you will not feel any of the unpleasant side effects you had with taking morphine by mouth.  The dose of morphine is minute, plus, they usually add clonidine and/or lidocaine to the infusion to enhance the morphine, so even less morphine is needed.  You are doing well on your current dosing of percocets, but unless you periodically withdraw from them, you will develop tolerance and require more to achieve the same effect.  That does not make you an addict, as Spook pointed out, it is just an expected consequence of using opiois long-term.  Hope this helps.  Maria
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You are lucky person who have misfortune.A lot of people have Addictive personalities,and escalate their dose and duration of Narcotic Analgesic past that needed to stop physical pain,they are not mentally ill or anything,it is normal and natural for humans to seek pleasure.
You do not seem that interested in Opioid euphoria?,you could have stayed on the morphine,you can get hold of lots of Opioids and choose not to.This is also normal,as Opioids are not universally addictive,I am not too bad either,I like the euphoria but get sick(bored) of the feeling and end up going straught,many times I have done this,even when I am using Opioids and physically and psychologically dependent on them,I do not feel addicted or out of control.I choose when to start and when to stop and never complain!.So it is a complex issue,we are all very different in our psychological response to Opioids and Life for that matter,some peoples NEEDS seem to be greater than others,due to Genetic,social,adaptive,responsive mechanisms of coping with fear,stress,arousal,etc,etc,their requirements for god,wives,husbands,mothers,friends,fathers,children,OPIOIDS,etc, far exceed others and yet some bravely do it alone without any such LUXURIES.
The Doctors are doing a VERY good Job,on one hand the patients demands an Opioid because of pain and the Doctor feels compelled to relieve their patients pain,on the other hand they have a hoard of patients whom they know are not in much pain anymore but keep coming back for more.Then they have to read about how the Opioid wrecked the persons life(on forums like this) and that they cannot get off it,etc,etc.Do we blame the Doctor,Opioid or Patient or society OR all,maybe combinations of the above,in my humble opinion the patient is responsible for the escalation of dosage and the refusal to go through the Withdrawals and feel good again,so they spend their lives trapped.Some even blame the addictive nature of the drug,as opposed to their own addictive personality.It is getting to the point that Doctors are relucant to prescribe Opioids to anybody even those in obvious severe pain because so many  people simply `refuse` to stop using them once prescribed,they say they have an illness called addiction and that the Opioid gave it to them,but in the end it boils down to going through the pain of Withdrawal and reclaiming your life.My advice to people is stop complaining,get off the Opioids if you do not "NEED" them,and get on with your life,because people who are in actual REAL PHYSICAL PAIN are now having problems getting pain relief,because of your ACTIONS.Their are therapies, antidepressants,neuroleptics,antianxiety agents and a host of more appropriate medications and treatments for people with addictive personalities ie borderline personality disorders or Neurotic/Psychotic disorders who are self medicating with Opioids.

         Yours sincerely L.G.EDWARD PdPHysDa(`pretend` Doctor/Psychiatrist/Drug Addict)
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Avatar universal
Hello everyone, I have been reading most of your post and am intrigued.
I was in a major automobile accident 2 years ago. In this accident I sustained major injuries to my spinal column as well as my spinal cord. (Lots of nerve damage)
In the beginning I was on very strong doses of morphine, but as I healed,my medication was titrated down to acceptable doses to control my pain.
At this date I am on percocet 10mg x 4-6 daily.
My pain management doctor wants me to have a pump put in, but I am refusing this because I could not handle the way morphine makes me feel.
As for the percocet, I have tried the timed released version and found that it did not work as well as the quick acting.
The reason I am posting this evening is because after all the posts I have read tonight, my heart goes out to each and everyone of you because I know the battle that you face on a daily basis.
But the question that keeps going through my mind is this....
If the physicians who prescribe these kinds of medications, and know how addictive they are if not closely monitored, are not being held responsible?
I mean if a doctor is prescribing a person 120 pills a month and then refills the medication after two weeks of use, shouldnt that be a red flag.
Why would they wait until you are so deep into the addiction that the withdrawl makes the person seek out other doctors to prescribe more drugs.
I think that if a person was more comfortable with their physician he or she would be able to discuss any and everything.
I know that I have a drug problem, but mine is at the other end of the table. I want to get off of these drugs but cannot of fear from dying from the severe pain I am punished with everyday.
If I could take each and everyone of your pain and problems, I would do it in a minute. But I know this cannot be and I just pray that you find what you need to make it in this life as happy and as pain free as possible.

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Yes, Bonnie, I know what you are going through. My own wife thinks that I should be able to quit any time I feel like it, too.  She smokes two packs of cigarttes a day and has lung cancer!  See the irony in the way our loved ones react to our problems?

As for me, I know it's time to quit opiods when I get started on them again.  It always ends up the same way every time.  I start wanting more and more and start doing some pretty insane things to get them.  Like looking through friend's and family's medicine cabinets and stealing them for instance.  Like writing my own scripts.  Like buying them from total strangers.  It'll go as far out as you let it.  To the point of death!

My first detox was probably the worst and scariest but probably the best thing that could have happened to me at the time.  It's scary because you just don't know what's in store for you at the time.  Withdrawals are like having a major case of the flu and all you can think about is getting another "fix" to get well.  It's major anxiety and panic time.  I was on a lockup ward and all I could do was ride it out with the help of Valium injections.

About the pain that got you into all of this, that's another matter.  An addiction specialist may be helpful here.  Just talking to people in the same boat in a support group can do wonders.  The main thing is that there is no disgrace in being an addict.  Untreated addiction is a disgrace however.  Pray for strength and get the ball rolling!  J.B.
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You still sound like you are doing very well,I would like to point out that I have used/abused Opioids for over 20 years,I have had breaks greater than 12 months and never used daily for more that about 2 years.I have cravings for about a month or so at most after I get sick of the High,then I completely forget the drug.Have you ever fallen in love and had your heart broken,well to me it is like that,the craving goes,I hope you are like me and can get over the cravings.Although I am a bit strange in that I do not resent my Opioid use and have no plans on giving up using them anymore than I plan on not falling in love again.But we are all different and I do not want to set a bad example,like they are illegal and the more you use the more chance their may be some unforseen problem,Like I overdosed on Heroin about 3 months ago and was immediated revived,but if I had been alone I would be DEAD now.I have Hep C too from IV use and no liver damage,but that could change,I get fatigue from the C virus,I don`t know will I ever learn?.Maybe I do not have as much to lose as you, being a Single White male on a planet with 6 billion people,like who will miss me?Actually my parents may, so I will try to stop my intermittent use of Opioids.I have not used anything for about 10 days and have NO problem,NO craving nothing,so maybe I just try to finish writing my Book.
goodbye and good luck.
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Thank you for your comforting comment J.B.
I am aware of the fact I am an addict but I am not sure I am ready to admit that to my doctor.I am so petrified of the road I am going to have to face someday soon.I am not a strong person and I'm not sure if withdrawl will put me over the edge.I know you all know whati'm feeling and have or are where i am.When do you know when its time to stop and get help?What do you do for the still existing pain that got you in this hell to begin with??I am so scared!!My husband thinks I can just stop taking it and be done with it.He doesnt believe in toxics being put in our bodies.I am alone here and fear of not being able to succeed.I will continue reading all your comments though it does give me some since of not feeling all alone in this battle.Thanx for listening again.
           Bonnie
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Avatar universal
I guess I wasn't exactly forthright in my first post.  I did have a problem with prescription drugs.  Throughout my teen/adult life I have craved drugs.  As a teen, I drank like there was no tomorrow as well as smoking pot.  I even dropped acid once and smoked angel dust (elephant tranquilizer).  Then I became pregnant at the ripe ol' age of 18.  This caused me to settle down and realize the error of my ways.  I can't say that my new found resolution lasted because I met my husband at a party at his house.  Obviously I was drinking again.  We married (my son was only 9 months old), had twin girls, became active in the church, etc.  We are a respectable middle class family.  No one would ever know the demons that exist in my closet.  I've spent almost 22 years masking the insecurities within me with pain medication.  That's the way "respectable" people get high.  My drug of choice used to be Tylenol #3, but soon graduated to vicodin.  Every time I was prescribed these drugs I would ALWAYS take them more and longer than prescribed.  I too know the game of how to get drugs from a doctor.  It's easy because I don't look like a drug addict. About three years ago, all the emotions I've tried to suppress came to the surface in the form of TMJD which led to Myofacial Pain Syndrome.  For the first time in my life I really was in horrible pain.  The ear aches were the worse.  After many tests and at least 10 different doctors I was sent to a pain clinic.  This is where the oxycontin/percocet odyssey began.  I was started on 10mg 3X a day.  That did nothing so the drug was increased to 20mg 3X a day.  That was fine, but after a few months and new very stressful job, I started having break through pain.  That is when percocet was introduced.  2 5/500 pills 2X a day in addition to the oxycontin.  As of November of last year, my tolerance built up to percocet and 40mg of oxycontin 3X a day.  My marriage was in shambles because I was such a ***** to everyone.  My husband and I had not had sex in almost a year.  But if you were to ask me, I was a perfectly functioning person.  My life took a turn when I realized in January that the ridges in my mouth were gone (these are due to my constant chewing at night).  I realized how much I hated being on pain medication and decided to go cold turkey with the help of my general doctor who prescribed ativan and catpress (sp?).  To make a long story a little shorter, I've been on both sides of the coin.  I've had the mental addiction (the cravings will be something I need to deal with for the rest of my life) and the physical addiction.  The key to my recovery is learning to not be such a high strung person so I don't grind my teeth as much which should stop the muscle spasms.  Mind you, I am far from being pain free, but I'm dealing with it on my own terms.  As for my marriage, it's like we've fallen in love all over again.  And the sex has never been better.
-Claire
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You have shown a strong tendency to not become addicted to the emotional pleasure Pain killers produce,you should be back to normal in a few months,I hope the pain killers were of some benefit while you were taking them,sometimes the withdrawals make it seem not a fair trade off,maybe your pain is not chronic anymore,maybe it is not as intense,but for many they NEED them and do become addicted also.
But for you things are looking much better,you are an excellent example of the paradox of so called addictive drugs.
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Firstly, I am new to this site.  I stumbled across it while searching for answers to my inner most questions.  I have been off of oxycontin and percocet for 4 1/2 weeks.  I still have very little energy which is my biggest complaint.  It has been very refreshing to read some of these posts.  I now know that I am not alone and most of what I feel is "normal."  

In response to one person's post regarding the oxycontin.  They said that the mental withdrawal is much harder than the physical.  I then say to them, you must not have been taking it very long.  The physical withdrawal was the worse experience I have every had.  I journaled the whole experience so that I would NEVER forget and take them again.  My writing is scrawled like a child.  I couldn't spell either.  I've only looked back upon those pages once.  The painful memories they evoked were too much for me.  

My advice to all... avoid pain medication like the plague!  Even though I began my odyssey as a chronic pain suffer, I can tell you that it wasn't worth it.  I am actually handling my pain now with simple things like hot baths and heating pads, as well as meditation and learning to be a less stressed person.

Thanks for taking the time to read this...
Sincerely,
Claire
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No, nothing you have said is senseless or taking up space.  I understand fully what you are going through and will help you in some way.  Don't just get the feeling that your concerns are unworthy of our attention here.  Yes, Oxy does make you feel better whether you are in pain or not.  Why not join the rest of us here who are in the same boat and admit that you have a problem with drugs?  This long journey starts with "step number one". Be advised that you will be in good company from now on. J.B.
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Avatar universal
I had the same situation.  I was taking percoset for pain and then realized I was even taking it when I didnt have pain.  When I tried to quit, the depression hit me so hard, I started right up again.  I tapered very slowly and also went on zoloft.  I still have major cravings and get minimal depression.  I could deal with all of the physical withdrawals but not the mental.  Now I still have major cravings and the depression is hardly noticeable.  I have had a few breakdowns and am in a constant struggle with myself, always trying to come up with some excuse why I really need to take the percoset.

As for damage to your system, you should post to J.B. as he has a great deal of experience with this and is currently dealing with the consequences of long-term drug/alchohol abuse.  Listening to what he is going through is enough to make me resist my cravings.

Also, Maryanne or Flowerchild 11660 -something like that- has gone through detox I think and has actually relapsed.  She tried to quit but had nothing to deal with the pain that started all of this.  You should try posting to her for further info. on this.  Hopefully, if you are not at that stage, you can stop before you get there.

Take care,

Tara
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I'm not sure what to do.I am on oxycontin for a spinal disease and it does help but I have been taking the oxy everyday just to get through my depression.I get such a high feeling while under its influence but when it starts to wear off i feel so down and I run to the cupboard  to pop another.I need it for my pain but I'm scared if I continue I will need to go to detox.What are the pro's and cons...It works great for my pain but is it going to kill me in the end??I'm sorry if I am not making sense ,I feel as if i'm not ,my mind is so off course.I appologize for taking up space here ,I have said absolutely nothing that makes sense.I need help! Bonnie
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I was reading spooks "cold" reply to Tom Re:  the darvon and alcohol.  True, this combo can be deadly but so can the combo of xanax and alcohol, just like the effects of valium and alcohol.  I may not be a walking talking computer encyclopedia but I did learn a few things through trial and error and Oh yeah  Nursing school.      take care  cindi
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yes, Pat is Tom. It was meant as a temporary device, but I can't seem to find a way to re-register with the site as Tom without deleting my "cookie" which contains some information pertinent to other sites that I don't want to delete. Perhaps the web master will allow me to re-register as Tom. But until he does, I'm stuck with "from pat to so-and-so for tom." Sorry for the confusion.
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Who is this guy, Spook?  Don't know.  What is his point.  Seems to be very enigmatic.  Does he offer anything of substance to this forum.  Yes.  I'd say a very personable interpretation of Pharmacology and its use.  Can we learn from him?? I think we already have.
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are you dan?no.do you take Methadone?no.When was the last time you used an opiate or any drug?about a week ago.How do you feel now,fine thankyou.Are you currently addicted to any drug?no.Name the drugs you have abused and have been addicted to in the past:
LSD,BENZODIAZEPINES,CANNABIS,CODEINE,DIHYDROCODEINE,HEROIN,METHADONE,NICOTINE.Of all those what was the hardest to get over?Methadone?What was the easiest?Heroin.Which one do you feel has done the most damage?Cannabis.When will you be a drug addict again?not really sure on that one,I will have to see what comes up,hopefully won`t have to wait to long.That is not very funny,you know people are seriously addicted to these drugs and you just play with them like they are toys or something.Well if you think 130mg of methadone for 2 years is playing you know what I think(same person),I don`t know what to think,but anyway right now we are straught and happy who knows what will happen tomorrow,besides it always NOW tomorrow never comes,only a sequence of events occurs-maybe you should head on back to the Physics Forum.
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Spook is Luke,who else would I want to be?,I thought It pretty urgent to clear up the lethal combination of Dextroproxyphene and ethanol problem misunderstanding as it can kill you,I sounded very cold and emotionless because it is a seriously bad mix that practically nobody has heard of,I too drank alcohol after a 300mg of propoxyphene and felt my muscle control slip away,I could not move,put it this way 800mg and a bottle of Bourbon and you are DEAD.
Medical Manuals that list drug interactions only list Warfarin.Combinations do not mention Alcohol nor do Contraindications,they NEED to be updated.
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Lynn, I am not in the medical profession,but I hate to burst the doctors bubble by saying they do "NOT" check for oxycontin on the majority of drug screens..Go to this web site and you will see that drug test only look for by-products of morphine i.e. morphine,codine,and heroin..The site which is a gov't site put out by D.O.T. says that they do "NOT" test for synthetic opiates.Synthetic opiates i.e., hydrocodone(lorcet,vicodin),oxycodone( Tylox,Percodan,Percocet,and Oxycontin),hydromorphone(Dilaudid),Nubain,Stadol,Talwin,Darvocet,etc.. The web site is   www.drugfreeworkplace.com..Go to that web site and it gives in detail what is tested for and why.The web site is VERY informative so please read it in it's entirety by going into every link especially the link called "Drugs of Abuse".. Hope this helps..Tim
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I'm a bit confused myself.  If I've offended anyone, I'm sorry!  Lately I have been pretty busy and haven't really kept up on things the way I used to.  I do check in everyday though for a much limited time for inspiration.  Good to hear from you again, Brighty and I hope all is well with your daughter.  J.B.
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I have come back after a little time away... I am confused...nothing new.... are Tom and Patrick the same person ??? I do not wish to address either of them directly lest I say something to offend without intention. Also are Dan and Spook the same person ?? I did not seem to have that idea but someone mentioned it. I think other readers may be wondering the same thing. I have not heard from Tom but he is in my prayers.Love, Brighty
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Hi JB,
My best to you and your dear wife, Marty. My heart goes out to you both. Next to your collective travails, my "near death experience" to which you refer seems hardly worth mentioning.

Why alcohol? That's a good question. On one level, it was like a food I would never order at a restaurant or go out and buy at a store. However, if I were at a social function where it was the main course, I would partake nonetheless simply because it was the social thing to do. That night we were celebrating my new job and it just seemed like the traditional thing to do. Of course, there's always that awareness that alcohol will potentiate whatever else you're using. That night, I just wanted to sail above the clouds, remote and immune from day-to-day realities. Well, it certainly worked, because it took me to a reality far removed from the daily grind. Ironic and poetically just, I suppose, for me to find myself in a reality much worse than the one I was escaping. I suppose I'll go with Mallory's explanation for trying to climb Everest: because it was there.

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Avatar universal
Spook does sound a little like the old Dan, doesn't he.  Maybe he'll mellow with time like Dan finally did.

When I read about your near death experience, it made me wonder about why you went to alcohol.  Several of your earlier posts indicated that you hated it.  As you may know, I've abused alcohol, opiates and benzos in the past and paid a heavy price.  With this deadly combo, you never know what's going to happen from one day to the next.  It's suicidal to say the least! Three years ago while on Valium, Lortab and Jack Daniels I took a hammer and smashed every bone in my right hand.  Real smart,eh?  That's how badly I hated myself at that time.  I ended up in the hospital nut ward for several days and later in detox and rehab.  I can't say that drugs and alcohol have ever done anything good for me except a big wake up call that I ain't right in the head.  Most of my friends and family didn't have a clue as to what was boiling inside my brain until I snapped thanks to the above combo. Can you relate to any of my ramblings, Tom?  Just trying to be a friend.  J.B.
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