Does Increasing you Oxycontin Increase the length of time it works?

[ibaibez]

Hello, I have been on Oxycontin for a few months now (very low dose) and notice it only works about 5 hours.  If my doctor increased my dose would it work closer to 8-12 hours?  (I have been taking 15mg every 6 hours).  I am thinking if I just take the whole 30mg maybe it would last longer than taking it in halves and when I reach 8 hours take break through meds.

Anyone know if you have taken a higher dose if it last longer?

I kind of feel like I only get the first 40% and then the rest is history.

Thanks

[shinty]

Some patients are only prescribed 2 doses, or tablets per day of a "long acting" pain killer (oxycontin, mscontin, methadone, etc.), on the assumption that they should be only taken every 12 hours. "Breakthrough" medicine ("quick acting, oxycodone, percocet, vicoden, etc.) is usually prescribed to combat any increases in pain throughout the day. The problem with that scenario is that most patients need 3 doses per day of the long acting painkillers, not 2 tablets per day. This is even more true for patients that have been on the same medications for a long time, as they develop tolerance to that particular medication. My doctor and i combat tolerance by simply switching medications as i become tolerant. An example of this would be switching from oxycontin to methadone for a few months, or from methadone to mscontin, etc. The only trick to this is to  make sure the correct dosages are prescribed via a reputable conversion chart. I would simply talk with your doctor about prescibing 3 tablets of your long acting medication (oxycontin in your case). If your doctor isn't willing to do that then ask (nicely!) for some medication for breakthrough pain (instant release, or fast acting)   such as percocet, oxycodone, vicoden, etc. I like oxycodone for breakthru pain the best because there is no tylenol in it to worry about. Quick release morphine is also a very effective fast acting painkiller. good luck, and take care,
                 shinty

[trixy71]

Usually an increase won't last longer. Some people can get 12 hours out of it, some can't. Just explain to your doctor that they're not lasting and maybe it can be taken 3x's a day, rather than 2.

[evewisewoman]

Hello there,

I just finished reading your comments. If in doubt, ask your doctor about
the most efficient way to take your meds. The product name for OxyContin
is oxycodone. I've just been reading in a resource book of mine, that you
have to be very careful with the doses of OxyContin. " Opioid analgestics
may prevent clear thought and cloud consciousness. Other adverse effects
include nausea,vomiting, constipation, drowsiness, and depressed breathing."  " When they are taken in overdose, these drugs may induce
a deep coma and lead to fatal breathing difficulties." These quotes come
right out of the book " The Canadian Guide to Drugs and Supplements"
published by Reader's Digest and produced by the Canadian Pharmacists
Association.  It's so important to consult your doctor and take this medication as directed by your doctor. Someone in my own family takes
this medication. You say you take 15 mg. every 6 hours. She takes 5
mg.. As far as I know you're not supposed to break the pill in half.
She takes 5 mg. every 4 -5 hours and writes down when she takes the
pill every time. Do not double the dose by taking 30 milligrams at one
time. This is not a medical opinion. This is my own opinion based on
how I see the drug's effect on her. Talk to your doctor though, ask the
questions you need to ask. Then take this opiate the exact way your
doctor prescribes. Good luck. Eve :)

[rjwells00]

that is now what happens.  you should follow how it is perscribed.  I know from experience if you brake them in hale all the medicaTION is released at one time .  If you take the whole thing the meds will last longer.  Also I waold not increase it eithed be cause it will just release them at the same rate will make you higher  but will not last longer!

[MYoungAtHeart]

I am not on any medication, but seem to remember that this is a common reaction to pain meds that they wear out after awhile, or that the brain gets used to them and then needs more to get the original result you got when you first started using them...

Your doctor should be the one to advise you about increasing the dosage.

Good luck to you

M