Symtoms of Long Term Use

It's a long story, and what I want to find out what the effects on the brain and other organs from long tern use of oxycontin.  I can't seem to find any information about this on the internet.  My husband had his first neck surgery in 1990 and after that more neck surgery, 2 knee replacements, and a shoulder replacement.  He was prescribed oxycontin and has been taking it since then.  He is now 70 and I just wonder if some of his problems are old age or from the drugs.  He has started writing down when he takes his pills, as he can't remember if he took his pills or not, and now has been crushing at least one pill a day. He is in and out of bed all night and in the morning, gets out of bed around noon and takes a nap in the afternoon and evening.  He say's he can't sleep because of the oxycontin.  He is very grouchy and irritable , has an anger attack, then will act as if nothing has happened. He picks on everything everyone does around the house, and watches everyone constantly to make sure everything is being done to his standards. There is a much more that he does , just too much to list.

My husband doesn't think he is addicted because the doctor prescribes the medication and he says he doesn't get high, just gets rid of his pain.  

He has said he want to get off the oxycontin, but not sure how to do this.

Can anyone tell me if his behavior is from the oxycontin and how he should proceed to get off drugs.

Thanks

[millraxx]

hi,sounds like the drugs might be affecting his kidney function,symptoms you state sound like it
good luck.

[IBKleen]

Hi & Welcome,

I don't know that anyone can tell you specifically that his behavior is directly related to his pill usage because he has a lot of other issues, but my guess would be yes--he is exhibiting addictive tendencies.

You said something about his crushing the pills? Is he snorting them or chewing them? Either way, that is addictive behavior in and of itself. Where on the bottle does it say "chew every 6 hours for pain". See what I mean?

And him stating that he is not addicted because they are prescribed is just denial. If he forgets when he takes them, takes more or takes them any other way than prescribed then he has a problem.

His best bet is to come clean with his doctor. He has been on this strong medication for a long time. If he comes clean with his physician he can ask the doc to give him a taper plan and perhaps something to help ease the withdrawal.

If he wants to succeed, he will need to face the fact that he has a problem.

It is the weekend (as you know) and it is quiet. Please be patient as other members come and go and offer advise. Hang in there and ask any questions you need to.

[taramom423]

Thanks so much.  My husband's behaviors are so bad that I'm thinking of filing for divorce.  However, if his behavior could be changed by getting off oxycontin, then I would help him and stick around .  Our 25th wedding anniversary is coming up.  He is not the same man I married 25 years ago.  He does admit that his head is fuzzy.  Is this part of the oxycontin?
I need coping with this problem.

[Htownnofrown]

Its good that you admit that you need help, and there are many outlets for this. Medhelp is one of them, but there is another one which is very helpful that is call AL ANON. It will help you learn how to deal with addicts, as well as help you cope with what is going on.

Yes the fuzzy head could be from the oxy. I'm only 23, been clean ovar 13 months (oxy was my drug of choice) and I remember the fuzzy head, for sure. If he wants off like he said, take some steps in order to get there. Have him tell his doctor, start a taper, etc. Good Luck!