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Pain Meds and Energy Levels

I get so tired on the medications I take for my pain management.  These include Methadone, Fentanyl and hydromorphone for brake threw pain.  I feel so tired when all the time.  I know exercise helps but it is hard for me to exercise as the pain gets worse when I do.  I am so tired i fall asleep in my chair at work.  I know I am getting enough sleep i just can not seem to stay awake and alert.  Any ideas on what might help?
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547368 tn?1440541785
Hi Mac,

I am sorry to hear about the side effects you are experiencing. Have you discussed with with your physician? If not please do.

And though some supplements can be beneficial never take any until you have consulted with your physician. My PCP is very selective with the supplements I take. Some she feels are more harmful than beneficial in the long run.

I agree that stretching, a short walk, especially outside can help with your fatigue. You are on some high doses of opiates, all of which are more potent than morphine. I also found that having music going in my office helped, obviously not elevator music but something bright and up lifting. I had a CD player and I brought in my old favorites. I tried not to break out in song...LOL My staff would have left me. But the music consisted of selections that made me feel upbeat.  

Your opiate dose maybe a bit too high. That can contribute to fatigue. You may want to ask if you could taper down a bit on one or two of them. But only your physician and you know your pain levels and what you require to function.

Best of luck and please let us know if you discover something that will help with your fatigue. I know at the end of the day I am sleepy and a short 15 minute nap will usually refresh me. You may want to try that on your break.

We'll look forward to hearing from you again.

Peace,
Tuck
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I used to take Methodone and it decreases your breathing.  I was always tired and sleepy after I took it, so they gave medicine to counter that (which worked).  

But having taken all of those myself, I would say its the Methdone.  I am off it now with an IT pump, but the Methodone almost killed me (and it kills lots of people who overdose).  I would ask the doctor to replace that with one that is safer in so many different ways.

Again, grateful to God mine is limited to my back and in within reach of an IT pump because I was miserable back then.  All wishes to you!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I found that when my dose was too high, especially of long acting meds, I passed out like that. You may need to work with your doctor to experiement with lowering your dose. I found that long acting meds in general didn't work too well for me. they didn't last as long as they were supposed to but if I took them at the dose I need for pain releif they made me nod out as you describe. i had to find a new dr who was willing to work me, the one i had originally insisted i take long acting meds even when they weren't working out for me and he wanted me to take doses that were just too high for my tolerance. Good luck
Helpful - 0
653169 tn?1303446369
Hi,
It's not surprising that your tired.  You are on some of the strongest pain meds there are.  Did you know that the hydromorphone you take is by far stronger than morphine.
The only thing I can think of that has helped me is taking vitamin B-Complex.  It's safe to take and can help give you some extra energy esp. if you are anemic at all.  Also, I know exercise can make pain worse, but even a short walk away from the desk can help.  Or, just take time to stand and stretch atleast if you can.  Your circulation will be improved if you move around and it will refreshen you too.
good luck, Shanna
Helpful - 0
1182304 tn?1349305951
Hello!

Your on a lot of strong medicines.  How long have you been taking them?  

When I first started on the fentenyl patch I was pretty useless but not really tired.  Guess the pain was still keeping me pretty awake.  Everyone reacts differently to medicines.  You might want to talk to your Doc and see what he says.

There might be some others on here who can add some input.
Wish you the best of luck!
Helpful - 0
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