controlled substances

[Coz]

i was wondering what the difference is between a controlled substance, such as xanax, versus a non-controlled substance, such as zoloft?  thank you!

[GOD]

The difference between Contolled Vs. non-controlled substances is: It is illegal to possess a controlled substance if you don't have a prescription for it... Not Illegal to possess a non-controlled substance. I think that is all, but if you're out there, MrMichael, anything I forgot?

[ash]

Just wanted to say how glad it is to see all of you here. I had to step back for a while and walk through some more darkness. Its been a couple of months since i last posted. I went back to square one on the vikes after two weeks. I also broke up with my girlfriend, so that didn't help. Ive really been in a dark fog as i know we all have. here we go again the end of this week will be one week off. last night was hell, my muscles are sore from all of the contractions during the night from w/ds. i really need  you guys. when i try so hard to get off only to give in and get back on, I feel like it will never end it's a vicious hellish cycle that has to cease. I dont want to live my life this way and i dont want to die as a result. I would a appreciate any words of wisdom. Thank you.

ash

[hippy]

take it easy, this is not an easy task but it is doable.
what ever happens never stop tring to stay clean.
once ya get past the 1st week then you should find some people that are staying clean to hang out with. also keep posting.
AS far as something wise live one hour at time,then live just for today. try to stay out of the past and the future
peace   i got a month

[groovygirl]

hi ash - i know how you feel...i've been there too many times to even think about, and each time it gets worse.  i wonder why that is? anyhow, good luck...did you load up on amino acids?  i really find them to work well - i mean a noticeable difference unlike just taking a vitamin.  i also have found that drinking ton, and i mean tons, of water helps...or gatorade.  i wish i could do something to help, but really all that make the difference is time.  stick with it - you can do it!!

[ash]

Thank you for your wonderful words. Congrats on your month! I hope i can say the same when it comes time. i wish you the best and please keep posting. Thank you. lookin forward to talkin again. right now im feelin really crummy. take care.

ash

[ash]

Thank you. i actually have aminos left from the last time i tried to get off. i will be taking them for sure. i really appreciate your response. i hope that you are getting along well. my muscles are sore from all the contractions from w/ds last night. what a horrible thing. sometimes i think thats sort of like a living hell. not to sound depressing, i have positive hope. hope to talk soon. take care.

  ash

[mrmichael67]

It is illegal to posess a prescription drug without a prescription.  It doesn't matter whether it is controlled or not.  When a drug is controlled, there are certain restrictions placed on it depending on what its schedule is.  Of course, schedule I is completely illegal.  With scedule II, you have to get it filled within 7 days.  No refills allowed.  You have to get another written script.  Can't be called in.  In some states, a triplicate script is required.  With schedule III, it has to be filled within 30 days.  Five refills allowed within 6 months.  Can be called in.  I am not sure what the restrictions are for the other schedules, but I think you get the point.  I do know that with schedule V, that some states allow it to be signed for.  Here, in New Jersey, you can go to some pharmacies and buy Robitussin AC by just signing for it.  No prescription required.  With each schedule, state statutes apply.  There are other little thingys that some states require in addition to the federal mandate.

[vikequeen]

What IS in Robitussin AC? Just curious?

[GOD]

I think Robitussen AC contains Codeine as a cough supressant. I could be wrong though...

[groovygirl]

i looked it up on google, and it is a combination of these two things:

"Codeine is a narcotic analgesic (pain reliever) derived from opium. It is used alone and in combination products to treat mild to moderate pain and as a cough suppressant.

Guaifenesin is a drug that reduces the thickness and stickiness of mucus. It is used for short-term relief of dry, nonproductive cough and mucus in the breathing passages. Guaifenesin is available in prescription products, nonprescription products alone, and in combination with other nonprescription drugs, to treat symptoms of allergy, colds, and upper respiratory infections."

[tex3]

Ash -- you are a strong person for quitting again even though you know how tough it is, physically and mentally. As the saying goes, you've been there, done that, but still you are doing it again. Part of recovery is often relapsing, but you are tough enough to keep trying; that's the important thing. You'll make it, hang tough, ask for help when you need it.
How long were you using prior to this detox? What dose? Post as you need to, we're here for you.

[lifeisbetter]

Ash,What matters most is that you keep trying. Some of us never get he chance to try again because they die or end up in jail. It takes what it takes. Mr. Dr. gave me Quinine for the muscle/bugs eating your bones type pain. It worked! I think I saw it over the counter in Doans pills or some backache medecine. Hot baths help too. Prayer works.

anyone...don't get any funny ideas about the Robitussin AC. After the Vics or Percs, Codeine does nothing! Just frustrates you and messes with your stomach. Some of us (like me) drink a whole bottle or more for the effect...nothing damn it, just nausea and a bad mood. NOT WORTH IT.

[mrmichael67]

The robitussin ac was just an example.  Hell, vicodin is like baby aspirin to me.

[mrmichael67]

The reason I know about the robitussin ac is because my sister gets it when anyone in her family has a wicked cold or flu.  As far as taking it for the buzz, forget it.  Besides, it only has 10mg of codeine in it per teaspoon.  And, I am prescribed 540mg of morphine sulfate er a day, that is why I made the vicodin comment.  That is not a typo.  Vicodin used to give me a nice buzz, though.  The morphine sulfate er is generic ms contin.  I think it works better than the ms contin.  It kicks in a lot quicker.

[lifeisbetter]

I can tell your from Jersey I have'nt heard the term "Wicked" in years. I loved that. I can hear the accent and everything... "wicked cold". Thanks for the memory, I do miss  you guys "up North"

[scared in so cal]

Hello to everyone, it's encouraging to read these posts. So many of you seem to be doing so well. I been going back and forth deciding wether or not I should post bacause I feel ashamed and that I'm a downer. I went to my Dr. about my slipped disk on Friday (as he requested) and he wants me to have some treatment done. Well while we were in the room I saw him writing a script. I assumed it was vioxx or something. It's not until I get to the front desk and he's long gone that I see it's vicodin. The nurse handed it to me and I didn't have the strength not to take it and get it filled. I just don't know when this is going to end. Just when I thought I was turning things around. Well I hope I haven't been a letdown to the people here. Thanks to everyone who responded to my posts about being afraid of my insurance and dr hopping. It has been a load off my mind. I'm starting to think everything is going to be ok with that. Thanks to everyone.

[jennyfla]

Please don't ever feel like you are a letdown to this forum!
We all are at different stages of addiction, and that is exactly why we are here, to lend support and have a place for people to turn, people exactly like you!
You have found a place where you are welcome to share any feelings you have, and most of us need a shoulder to cry on, so you are exactly where you should be!
Stay close, don't be afraid to post your feelings!
Good luck!
Lv Jenny

[angst]

You are not the only one of us addicts are chronic painers to do something like that.  I started out with chronic pain.  I was started on Stadol NS by my neurologist, back in 1993.  I tried everything not to use the drugs.  I had a workup in Houston.  I had the allergy tests up an down both arms, until I was in tears.
Then the doc did a panoramic of my sinuses.  She found a deviated septum, bone spur, 3 blocked sinues.  So I had extensive sinus surgery.  She gave me hydro and propoxaphine (Darvocets).  I went home and back to stadol ns.
I was having cluster headaches, and I was very much afraid of the pain.  It was a continous cycle.  My same neurologist put no limit on the amount of stadolns I took.  By 1997, I was snorting a bottle a day.
When they got me off that.  I could only get Darvocets.  I got tired of hurting and OD'd with the help of enough barbituates to do the trick.  Only my husband had lied, he and my daughter came home, and she found me on the kitchen floor.
I was a nurse, so wastages were to good to flush down the sink.  I also started using street dilaudid.  After enough time and money spent, I went to a methadone clinic.  I detoxed after two years of treatment.  I stayed clean for 6 months.  Back to wastages and street dilaudid (my drug of choice),  I relapsed 3 times.  I finally ran back to the methadone clinic.  It saved my life at the time.  I do not recommend methadone for all addicts.
I knew what I was getting into.  I attend an NA home group that accepts on methadone.  There are sponsors who will sponsor methadone patients as long as you are not using other illict drugs.  I am at the best place I can be for now.
Just hang in there.  If you want sobriety, it will come, it depends on how much you want it.   Good luck and Blessings

[J.B. to Brian and Vicky]

Gosh, how'd I miss this thread about controlled substances until just now?  As it so happened, I had to pick up my wife's scripts at our friendly, neighborhood pharmacy today. We've only been customers for over ten years or more. At any rate, all scripts were filled except the one for morphine(MSIR).  The problem was that my wife's doctor had failed to sign any of the scripts!

No amount of verbal prompting had any effect on the pharmacist to fill that one script...until the blank was signed. He was strictly following the law and was very sorry that he may have inconvenienced us.  

I bit my tongue and kept my "cool" and later appreciated the professionalism shown by my pharmacist. T'was a pity, but not the end of the world! Tomorrow's another day and hopefully I'll be able to track down the doctor for his almighty signature.

J.B.

[Mace]

Some pharmacist seem to think that they are our protectors not only from our selves but from our doctors. Last week I was refilling my prescription and ran into a fresh face behind the counter. This pharmacist was new to the store but not to his profession. He looked at my prescription and with a raised eye brow asked me why I was filling my prescription early? Now I guess I could have explained to him that I went to my doctor for a kidney infection and while there my doctor gave me my prescription for Oxycontin 3 days short of 30 days. After 4 years of taking this medication and filling it at this same pharmacy, I think 3 days would not be an issue! I must admit I felt a little upset with this pharmacist! I asked him to look at the prescription and tell me what it said. He read “one or two pills twice daily, 40mg oxycontin, number 90" So I asked him to do the math and tell me what two pills  (max dose) twice daily for one month, 30 day, would equal? He did not bother to give me the answer of 4 pills a day or 120 total. He did call my doctor and inquire if the doctor still wanted me to have the prescription filled, pointing out to the doctor that I was 3 days early!! I spent over an hour getting my prescriptions filled! Maybe I did act like an ass. I felt as if my honesty and integrity were being questioned and it made me angry! I felt like this pharmacist was looking for a reason to deny my prescription, never did I feel as though he was looking out for my health or well-being.

[mrmichael67]

That was completely wrong of that pharmacist.  Actually, a good number of pain clinics adivise their patients to secure their refills 72 to 48 hours in advance so you don't find yourself out of pills.  Most insurance companies will refill when 80% to 85% of the prescription is used.  80% of 90 is 72 pills.  If you were three days early, then you would have used 81 pills if you take three a day.  As you can easily see, you were well within your rights to get that refill without question.  The pharmacist could have easily seen your record in the computer and could tell what your track record on refills was.  I would have to say he was quite the sphincter muscle!

[hippy]

mr michael

[angst]

I have confided in both pharmacists at my drug store my medical problems.  I find my honesty made it much easier to get my refills or a new prescription filled a few days earlier if I need them.  That happens rarely with me.  Our pharmacies carry the best candles (Yankee) and other things for the kids, so I buy other things when I go.  In such a small town, you see your neighbors and local officials there.  God, I sound like a hick.
Maybe I am.
If I did not like my pharmacy, I would have changed a long time ago.  I did that about two and a half years ago.  The other place was much more medically oriented with more pharmacists with whom I was not going to share any of medical history.  They were robitic, and I could forget getting my meds when I needed them filled, even if I had a new prescription.  I chose to take my business elsewhere.  I am pleased at this place.  They take pride in pleasing the customer, not making anyone feel dishonest.
Sorry you had the hassle of some wiseguy.

[ash]

  Thank you very much for the words. they are much appreciated. to answer yor questions its been like on and off painkillers for about 3 years. after a car accident. but you see, i  was already drinking smoking pot and doing various others. anyway i was usually taking about 9 to 10 7.5 vicodins a day.  I thank you again and hope to talk again.

ash

[ash]

Thank you for the advice, i never did try the bath thing now i will. I sure do a lot of praying though and i dont consider myself religious Anyhow its really warming to know that there are people here like you who care and want to live a happy life. Please post more. talk to ya later.

Ash

[tex3]

I think many of us have been where you are. I always "liked" opiates and would take them whenever they were prescribed, but never tried to get them otherwise. Until I ended up in chronic pain and started seeing a pain mgmt doc. I still remember leaving his office with my first script for 60 vics (at double my usual dose) and refills. I thought I was in heaven! Two years later I was at more than double that dose, but it only took maybe 3 weeks for me to get in real trouble. I guess I had that tendency but never indulged it until I was able to.

How are you doing today? Remember, you are strong, you've been here before and are hanging tough. It sucks, yes, but not as bad as the alternative. Today is good for you, I really hope. Please update when you are up to it. t

[hippy]

good to see ya posting,how ya making out.
I know from my own experence how hard it is to get clean,
and also to do it while getting over a relationship at the same time.
Are you working or even able to work, I know working and being around other people is the best thing for me, and the last thing i feel like doing.
Don't run out of the amino's
you seem to know kip , do you go to meetings, they alway make me feel better.   peace

GOD IS EVER PRESENT IN HIS SEEMING ABSENCE.!

[scared in so cal]

I saw the postings about difficult pharmacists and had to post my own little story. About 2 years ago my doc would presrcibe 60 vicodin at a time (2 a day,a month's supply). Well I was in his office every two weeks and he was always writing scripts that would overlap. At that time my insurance would let me get my refill when the script was half gone. So I knew on day number 15 I could go get my refill or new script. Because of all this overlapping I would go to different pharmacies because I didn't want any trouble. Well I got a little lazy and started going to a certain pharmacy a little more than I should have. Anyway, I go in with a new script and there was a new pharmacist there. I guess he thought he was above my doctor and decided it was to soon for me to have my medication. Then as I'm standing helpless behind the counter, he gets on the phone with my insurance company and starts getting my history of refills, FROM ALL MY PHARMACIES. (I still can't believe the insurance company gave him this information, don't I have a right to privacy?) Then in front of everyone standing around me, he begins to recite to me every script I've had in the past three months and where I've had them filled. He then tells me I should have fifteen days left, and he won't fill my script. Then on top of that, he gets on the phone with my doctor and starts giving him the same rundown. At this point my doctor cancels my script and I go home in shock with nothing. What right did this pharmacist have to do this? Does he think he just made my situation better? I think he was way out of line and it's an experience I'll never forget.

[Witchywoman]

Hiya scared...I agree with Jenny..don't ever worry about bringing anyone down by posting that you are having trouble stopping using. That is what we are all here for, to support and help each other. If it was a cake walk, we wouldn't be addicts! I bet every one of us has been in your position at one time or another and can understand how you feel.

I don't know what to say about the Pharmacist.  I guess they are regulated by the DEA and they do keep a look out for people who are getting multiple scripts filled.  I know it sucks, and must have made you feel really angry though.  They sometimes take it upon themselves to police us.  I did have a Doc question a script of mine once, and fortunately for me it was completely legit, but I felt pretty annoyed.  It kinda served as a wakeup call for me though, and helped me get started seeing that I did have a problem.

love,
WW

[angst]

I've seen that happen.  I also know a doctor further down on the coast who will post date precriptions for dilaudid to keep certain dealers out of jail.  She got seven tablets for migraine headaches or would pee in a cup and stick her finger squeezing blood into the urine to appear to have a kidney stone.  This same doctor precribed more dilaudid to her.  She is not good looking.  She is a dealer who is her own best customer.  
That is why we get our business carried from pharmacists to insurance companies to doctors.  And it is all legal.  But to all doctor hoppers, legit chronic painers pay the price for our behaviors.  I do not do that anymore.  I was enlightened.

[groovygirl]

hi - what you said about being around people being the best thing for you, but the last thing you feel like doing...that is how it is for me.  i find myself cancelling things with people that i love at the last minute all the time.  i avoid my neighbors, who i used to love chatting with...it's awful.  then, the times that i actually FORCE myself to go, i am so thankful - i forget about my problems for awhile.  even tho i know i'll probably feel good about going some place, i still feel like a recluse.  the funny thing is that i am always on the phone...i like that, but seeing anyone face-to-face feels like a chore.  drugs have really made me into a different person...i don't think i like this person very much.

[scared in so cal]

Just wanted to say that you are right on the money about realizing you have a problem when something like that happens. A few weeks after that incident I ended up in the hospital for detox.
You're also right that we wouldn't be posting here on this board if quitting drugs was easy! It's really hard now though because I found out that I have a slipped disc in my back. So now I feel like I'm entitled to have vicodin. It's going to be a long hard road.
How long have you been clean?

[Mace]

I don’t want to jump on the pharmacist, I have met many who are concerned for the patients. I just get this feeling that the doctors are scared of the pharmacist on some level. Maybe it is kinda like a McCarthy syndrom (syndrome), all the pharmacist has to do is report the doctor to the DEA as an “excessive script writer” and the doctor is guilty until proven innocent. Not to mention how scary the insurance companies must be to the doctors with their business approach to medicine. I agree that those who doctor hop make it much more difficult for the patients that follow the doctors directions. The pharmacies are under strict rules concerning schedule 2 narcotics, but often they are not consistent when following these rules. Once I had the pharmacist explain that he did not have enough pills on hand to fill my schedule 2 prescription. I was told that if he filled the prescription with what he had on hand, then the prescription would be complete and he could not “owe” me the rest like he could do with a schedule 3 narcotic. This seemed a bit over kill but hey I understand that rules must be followed when dealing with something this important. Two months latter, same pharmacy, same prescription, different pharmacist. I was told he did not have enough pills for the prescription, but not to worry, his friend at another pharmacy a few blocks away could “lone” him what he needed and he would just “owe” me the remainder of the prescription and I could pick it up the next day. After 4 years of being prescribed schedule 2 narcotic I have had several more inconsistency events. Maybe it is legal for the pharmacist to do some of the things I have read in these posts but are they ethical? My question would be if one of the pharmacist was addicted to a pain med would he/she want to be confronted like “so scared” was? Or would he/she want the situation handled with a little more compassion. Just a thought but does anyone know the statistic of pharmacist and their helpers that abuse the meds they dispense?

[Witchywoman]

Hi scared,
I've been clean since August 26th 2001. It might have been August 29...I don't remember...lol  but it was around that time.

I went cold turkey, after several months of posting on this board. At the time, I was two months post back surgery, still in a lot of pain, but in even more pain over how bad my addiction had become.  

Cold turkey is very hard, but doable. You get through it faster and the memory of the wds helps keep you clean.

I tried to taper many many times, but kept relapsing on the taper. I just couldn't do it.

Good luck to you..just never, ever give up!
love,
WW

[groovygirl]

you are right about tapering - i'm certainly with you on that one.  i just don't have the willpower to make it work - you have to either give the meds to a trusted friend to dole out to you, or have a will of steel...i don't have a will of steel...rubber maybe lol.  my husband was holding the buprenex for me, but it actually started to cause problems between us.  i would get pissed if he didn't give me more if i felt like i needed it, etc.  now i just keep it in the kitchen, in the cabinet but where it can be seen.  just knowing that he is checking on it makes me not want to abuse it too much (although i still kind of do) - i feel like a total loser when he notices that it is dwindling at too fast a pace.

i know in my heart that one of these days, i'm going to have to give up the buprenex and just go thru the agony.  believe me, i do not feel that bup is the wonder drug i used to feel that it was...for me it is just as addicting as any of the other stuff i used to abuse.  i feel so low today...i'm going to drag my butt outside to do some gardening...that always takes my mind of being depressed.  thanks for listening.....

[Hinkster]

Just though I'd jump in to let ya'll know where I'am at. I had
a Dr appointment on the 9th. They kept me where I'am at with the
methadone (10mg morning/5mg noon/5mg 4pm) but, and a big but I may add, they increased my roxicodone to 3 30mg tabs every six
hours or so for breakthrough. That sounds like a lot to me. My
question is two fold. First why am I on the Methadone in the first place? and God forbid what will it be like when I have to
get off of all this. I'll probably be on this for life, like I
stated before, but who wants to be on pain meds the rest of their
life. Hopefully I'll beat this wicked disease I have and will
really need ya'll when I detox. But in the mean time I'd like to
hang in with ya'll and maybe help answer a question or two once in awhile. I don't have very much to offer except my friendship.
I indeed truely love this forum and hopefully I am not getting
in anyones way. Thanks everyone.
Tom

[Witchywoman]

Tom, friendship is the most important thing anyone can ever offer.

I hope your pain gets treated and that you can have a good quality of life.  Methadone is given to a lot of chronic pain patients.  You don't sound as if you are abusing the medication, so I'm guessing if you get to the point where your pain is no longer strong enough to call for narcotics, that you would be able to taper slowly and be done with it. I do hope your pain goes away, but if you have to be on it then try to make peace with that. At least these meds do exist..I can't imagine how horrible it must have been for people who lived in times when they had no real treatment or help for chronic pain.

Hang around, no matter what. You're a gem.

WW

[Hinkster]

Thanks WW that was very nice of you to say that. You made my day.
Tom

[angst]

You are following the instructions of your pain specialist.  You are taking the medication prescribed.  I do not know of any addict who could do better.  Hold up your head.  You are wanted and needed on this forum.  You answers seem very close to truth
without malice.  Good luck with the neuropathy.  Are you diabetic?  I'm just looking for causes of neuropathy?  You do not have to endulge me.  Tell me to mind my own business.  I can
take it.

[Hinkster]

Hi Angst Yes I'am what they call border line diabetic. What ever
that is. That is probably the cause of my neuropathy. Thanks for
taking an interest. I have to watch what I eat, thats about it.
I still don't see what good the methadone are doing. I though
you took methadone to phase out the other meds. Maybe they do
work together.
Tom

[angst]

That frightens me to think that way.  I am combining high dose methadone with counselling and group therapy.  I been told by dealers outside the methadone building you can get high on oxy's.
I do not want to mess up my methadone by trying.  However, you may be right as right can be.  Keep trying.  Good luck and Blessings,   Ava.

[joew]

I am trying to get off vicodinand work 12 hrs a day
From all that I've read this will be almosy imposible.
I have been using for 10 yrs ,that was my first back surgery.
I take 5 ES every day fot at least 5 yrs.
This week I went 30 hrs. before I broke my breathing became labored and I got scared.
Somebody please give me some advise
I must work some how

[groovygirl]

hi and welcome.  you can look back at prior posts and find a lot of useful info on detoxing. unfortunately, you are probably going to go thru pain to be free from the drugs - we are all here, supposedly, to help each other and have pretty much all been thru that pain.  

i for one, suggest finding an addiction specialist in your area.  if you are lucky enough to find a good one, i believe they can be a lot of help.

you can try to taper down on the pills, go cold-turkey or try to find a dr. willing to prescribe buprenex.  buprenex is a med that is used to rid you of most withdrawal pain.  it is also an addicting drug, so you have to be careful.  

have you told anyone close to you about your problem?  that is a very good place to start recovery...

[hippy]

WELCOME TO THE FOURM.
I AM AN ADDICT , I FOUND THIS FOURM 2 MONTHS AGO, AND  I WAS ON
15 VIKES A DAY AND I FELT HOPELESS. EVERY TIME I WOULD TRY TO GET OFF THE PILLS , I SUFFERED FROM SEVERE DEPRESSION AND WITHDRAWLS.THE FOLKS ON THIS FOURM WERE VERY SUPPORTIVE AND SUGGESTED I TRY TAKING THE RECEIPE ,CONSISTING OF AMINO ACIDS AND VITAMINS.  WELL I STARTED TAKING IT 6 WEEKS AGO AND HAVE FOUND IT TO BE A LIFE SAVER FOR ME. MY DEPRESSION WENT AWAY.
AND THE WITH- DRAWLS WERE MINAMIL.
i HAVE WORKED DURING THIS WHOLE TIME, THE RECEIPE IS THE REASON I WAS ABLE TO DO THAT.. i ALSO WORK 8 TO 10 HARD HOURS OF CONSTRUCTION .   KEEP POSTING AND ASK ANY QUESTIONS , THERE  ARE A LOT OF REALLY CAREING ,EXPERENCED, PEOPLE HERE.   PEACE.

GROOVY NICE TO SEE YOUR POST.
IF I SAID ANYTHING TO OFFEND OR HURT YOU  I AM SORRY AND DID NOT MEAN TO. i THINK YOU KNOW I WAS ONLY TRYIN TO BE A PEACE MAKER.
IN ANY EVENT I WILL MAKE SURE I ONLY POST POSITVE THINGS, BECAUSE THAT IS ALL I HAVE RECEIVED HERE . I HOPE YOUR DAY IS FILLED  WITH GOOD THINGS TODAY. THANKS FOR BEING HERE.

[mrmichael67]

Hinskter, try not to worry about the methadone.  You are on a low dose, and if the time does come to get off of it, you can go down slowly.  And, you are getting the 3 roxicodones at a time to override any slight blockade that the methadone might be creating.  If you can handle it, I think that the doc should have you on something besides the methadone.  I think it just adds a new dependence to the fold and it is not necessary.  You are getting the oxycodone anyway, so why not just let you take oxycontin?  It is a lot easier to detox off of than methadone.  But, you are on a very low dose of methadone, so you are in pretty good shape as far as that is concerned.  I know someone who is prescribed 200mg a day for chronic pain by their pain doc.  That will be a tough detox, if it ever has to happen.

Angst, I do not know what your daily dose is, but oxy will get you high.  If you are on, say, 120mg of methadone a day, you will need a whole lot of oxy to get you high.  I am sure you are aware of methadone having a blockade effect.  I was prescribed methadone for chronic pain a while back....80mg a day.  It didn't do much for my pain, but it did add a little bit to a couple of procedures I had at the hospital.  I had what is called an epidural lysis of adhesions.  It is also called the Racz procedure.  The doctor injects some type of solution into the scar tissue in the back epidurally, and it is supposed to dissolve it.  Anyway, the procedure is quite painful and they used fentanyl (sublimaze) for it.  When all was said and done, they had to use 400ug to touch the pain.  The first procedure I had, when I wasn't on methadone, it took 100ug to work.  Even at 80mg of methadone, it took quite a bit more fentanyl to even touch the pain.  The same thing will happen with oxy or any other opiate for that matter.  If you are on a stable dose of the methadone, please don't touch the oxy.  It will screw with your bodies stability on the methadone.  And, you don't want that.  You don't want to start getting cravings again.  Leave well enough alone.

[Hinkster]

Thanks for the help. That made alot of sense and I just might
give it a try. Like you said I'am on a low dose to start so I'am
not getting killed on it. Thanks again for the interest and help.

[J.B. to Brian and Vicky]

I haven't had the time to read all these posts here but I wanted to say that controlled drugs are strictly regulated.  My late father-in-law was a pharmacist who owned three stores years ago.  My wife grew up filling scripts with her father's supervision in her teens.  At any rate, it seems a times that they are all out to "get you"...doesn't it?  You know, all it takes is one infraction of the drug laws and you could both end up in jail!  There really is a great deal riding on the pharmacist's shoulders when you consider that he may have to fill 80 to 90 scripts per day and work double shifts for days on end.  Be kind!

Incidentally, schedule II drugs(morphine, Oxy Contin, Ritalin)cannot be refilled. You must obtain a new script each time. They cannot legally be called in to the pharmacy, either. Schedule III drugs(Vicodin, Lortab)can be called in or refilled six times. Usually you can get them refilled within six days of the refill date.

I'm sure everybody has a horror story about the pharmacy or hospital or auto mechanic and so on...that's life!

J.B.

[angst]

Thanks for the information.  I said before, that I do not want to mess up my methadone.  I am on 90mg.  It works pretty good.
I still have bad chronic pain in my legs, probably a side effect of taking prednisone for asthma and shooting where ever I could get a good vein.  My counseller wants to up me to 100mg.  I am thinking about it.  I know what a ***** it is to come off of methadone.  I did it too rapidly last time according to my counseller's opinion.  

Hey, I did not mean to bash anyone.  I knew that was why some folks were talking of leaving a little while past.  I agreed with the original idea, but never got acknowledged.  I should have let it go at that.  My ego is not that starved.  I appreciate the good advice you give us medically.  It is wonderful to have good information when you need it.  Thanks again.  Good luck and Blessings,   Angst.

[2timeloser]

Hi  Glad i found this site. My story is one of many you have probably heard a thosand times before.   i just feel like creap.  Was taking 200  mlgs. of morphine sulfate a day for 2 years and decided to wean myself off   for all the same reasons we all want to quit for.  I did it in about two weeks, been clean for 4 days  DAMN  how long does this **** last. all the syptoms (symptoms) of w/d.   totally different then when i quit drinking 4 years ago.this sucks. I have access to what my body needs but  not giving up that easy.Definately only want to go through this once. dont want to take a step back  but feel sooo bad all over.Earlier today i thought i felt a little better, maybe i did but its back again.  All of you seem so strong. i"M sure it gets better but i will have to go back to work in a week.  What do ya think  possible???  THANKYOU