Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum. ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Arthritis (Expert Forum)
Knee Replacement Surgery/Oxycontin Withdrawal
Answered by
Dr Vinod - Exercise & Fitness, Orthopedics
General Physician
Gurgaon - India
This forum is for questions and support regarding arthritis issues such as: Arthritis, Autoimmune Disease, Bursitis, Fibromyalgia, Gout, Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, Myositis, Neuralgia, Osteoarthritis, Polymyalgia Rheumatica, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Sciatica, Tendinitis, Vasculitis.
Knee Replacement Surgery/Oxycontin Withdrawal
by Murdena, Aug 19, 2009 11:46PM
Hi, due to severe arthritis in both of my knees and being put on a waiting list for replacement surgery, I was prescribed Oxycontin for the pain as at the height of my pain, it was the only drug that seemed to provide me some relief. I have been on Oxycontin for 1-1/2 years and was probably taking 50 mg. every 8 hours for 9 months or so. I finally had my second knee replacement on June 2nd and after surgery my dosage went to 60 mg. every 8 hours from 50 mg. every 8 hours because I didn't want to go any higher. Since my surgery I have slowly weaned myself off of the drug, yesterday I only took 2 10 mg. 12 hours apart and then took 1 10 mg. this morning and nothing since. I have however experienced the excessive yawning, diarrhea and fatigue. Did I wean myself off the drugs too fast? How long can I expect these symptoms to last? I thought by weaning myself off this way, I would have no withdrawal symptoms. Thanks for your response.
Doctor's Answer
by Dr Vinod, Aug 20, 2009 07:04AM
, Aug 20, 2009 07:04AMTo: Murdena
Dear Murdena,
Greetings from the forum and we would like to give you some tips for withdrawal.
The time it takes to accomplish, and the overall difficulty of opiate Dose Reduction for each person depends on a number of different factors - the person's tolerance to the opiate, the strength of the opiate taken, how long it's been used, how big the patient is, length of dependency, dealing with withdrawals, etc. All are factors in lowering your dosage intake of any opiate or opiate analgesic.
You can always ask your doctor for Suboxone, which is a withdrawal easement drug.
Your best option is to reduce your current dependency level to one that doesn't give you withdrawals.
If you're having withdrawals because your dependency level is higher than your dosages, then you need to lower your level to the point where you're comfortable again.
When starting this, it's always best if you can begin on a long weekend or during a holiday. If you can take time off, it's even better. There will be times where it's desirable to sedate yourself.
Willpower is the key along with some help.
Good luck!
Greetings from the forum and we would like to give you some tips for withdrawal.
The time it takes to accomplish, and the overall difficulty of opiate Dose Reduction for each person depends on a number of different factors - the person's tolerance to the opiate, the strength of the opiate taken, how long it's been used, how big the patient is, length of dependency, dealing with withdrawals, etc. All are factors in lowering your dosage intake of any opiate or opiate analgesic.
You can always ask your doctor for Suboxone, which is a withdrawal easement drug.
Your best option is to reduce your current dependency level to one that doesn't give you withdrawals.
If you're having withdrawals because your dependency level is higher than your dosages, then you need to lower your level to the point where you're comfortable again.
When starting this, it's always best if you can begin on a long weekend or during a holiday. If you can take time off, it's even better. There will be times where it's desirable to sedate yourself.
Willpower is the key along with some help.
Good luck!
