oxycontin

[bree21]

Hi I have been relying on 20mg of controlled release oxycontin to wake-up in the morning for months now. I have been starting with 20 then as that wears of I take another 20. The most I have taken in a day is 80mg. Forgot to mention that I have been chewing them before swallowing. Do you think this will be hard to get off? and what am I going to feel?

[salsinator]

Take it slow and keep trying.  You can get there and we will help.

[bree21]

Thanks.Well I havn't had anything today and felt ok is this just because it's only the first day?

[salsinator]

Morning Bree - Oxycontin is a strong opiate drug and it is a controlled release, so chewing the pill when you take it will release the whole dose all at one time.  80 mg is high enough to cause some discomfort if stopped cold turkey, 20 mg if taken long enough and tollerance is developed will cause withdrawal.  I would reommend that if you are interested in stopping that you work on a taper plan to minimize withdrawal symptoms.  First, try taking your dose without chewing - you will not get the buzz that you may get now, but the dose will go further.  Try to reduce the amount that you are taking throughout the day - by half would be a good start.  You may experience some discomfort, but that should only last a few days.  Then when you get used to the reduced dose, try going longer in between each dose until you are down to only one dose per day.  Since the medication you are taking is controlled release, I can't recommend that you break it in half, but with a regular opiate, that would be the next step.  Have you spoken to your doctor about a taper plan?  Good luck - keep posting, there are many here who have been in your shoes who can offer some good advice.

Take Care,