Methadone or Oxycotin

[Hinkster]

Hello Everyone,
  I've been away for a few days. Boy do I miss this forum. My
question is for anyone who might be able to help me decide what
to do. KIP are you out there? As you might know from some of my
previous posts I've been going to a Pain Management place to be
seen for my problem and to get my scrips (90 40mg oxys and 270
roxicodones). This allows me to function at about 75% on a day
to day basis. I know this amount will soon or later kill me. My
Doctor yesterday asked me if I would like to go on Methadone
instead. I would get everything righ there instead of going to
a clinic. In my state Methadone clinics do not take patients (?)
from Pain Management programs. I know some of ya'll have said
absolutely not to go on the Methadone management. You are talking tough withdrawals from the Methadone if I decide to try
to quit. But what the Dr. said is this would be a lifetime
comittment on the Methadone. I'am 55 years old (a young 55 though) so there won't be any withdrawals to worry about. I just
want some of ya'lls opinions as to what I should do. Stay on the
oxy's or go to the Methadone. Please also would you be kind
enough to give me your reasons for which you believe. I have to
come up with an answer by April 29th. Thankyou so much as this
ia very important to me.
Tom

[OxyDout]

Well, 90x40mg oxy's and 270 roxicodone..............that is a lot of medication. The way I see it, if you have to be committed to something for the rest of your life then I would commit to the Methadone.  This way it isn't as bad on your body, I mean, with the perks and oxy's your putting a lot of pills in your body. Plus Methadone, atleast from my experience doesn't get you the "high" feeling that the oxy's do, you will be able to function more normally on them.  This is only my opinion, i know I'm not as knowledgeable as others in this field, but I do think this makes some sense.

* This opinion is based on the Assumption that you will depend on either oxys/roxi or the methadone. I obviously choose the methadone.

GWH

[1fortheroad]

you were taking a lot of oxy too...have you considered the methadone thing?  or, do you think that you don't need to go to that extreme?  i also have thought whatever works for you, just go with it.

[OxyDout]

I was taking a lot of oxy, but it wasn't for Pain management, it was recreational, it was for pain at first, I have had 6 knee surgeries, but for the last year or so things have been fine, I just loved getting high.  I haven't taken anything today, and i feel "ok" I was flying high this morning, but now the mental anguish/depression sets in, this weekend will be tough, but I will stay busy, I'm without a doubt ready to quit, I don't care about those damn pills anymore, I have my family, girlfriend, and most importantly, my little baby sister, "Asta" she's a German Shepard, she has awful hips and shes only 8, actually they're bone spurs, its awful, sometime she just lays there, I feel so bad for her, but she takes my mind off all drugs.  Luckily I found her "Ascriptin" you can buy it at CVS, its a painkiller for people, but it works wonders for my dog.  Anyway, i feel ok, not great, not awful, just kind of here.........but I will be posting often this weekend.

GWH

[Hinkster]

Hey gwh,
  Thanks for the quick response. I'am leaning that way but I
would like to hear from a few more people. I not knowing a
thing about it. Thanks for the help.
Tom

[1fortheroad]

sorry, i meant to answer your post first...my brain is mush.  anyway, i would consider whether your doctor will be around for the rest of your life to prescribe methadone to you.  if you had to switch drs, and the new one didn't want to do it, you'd be up **** creek.  i guess the same could be said for oxy tho...but i think oxy is more readily prescribed by drs than methadone.  clinics in my state won't prescribe to pain patients either - so stupid.

why don't you try it for a bit, and see if it even works for you.  you are taking a ton of stuff now, and it just seems like it couldn't hurt to try.  you are lucky you have a dr. that will consider options like that with you.  good luck...let us know what you decide:)

[skipper]

hinkster:
i'ld stay on the oxycontin and roxiodone. my reasion is just what
your doc said "lifetime commitment!" my question is this: why is
your doc only giving you till april 29 to decide? it would seem
to me, you could take oxy till you were sure of your choice. are
you having trouble taking your oxy as perscribed? that would be
the only health consideration here. methadone is every bit as
hard on your body as any oxycodone preperation. my pain doc uses
both methadone and oxycontin on his patience. he (the doc) has
no preference. the last time i was in his office, i asked a num-
ber of questions. methadone is just another option in the doc's
oppinion. i asked the doc wich of the two he would rather be on,
oxy or methadone? his answer was oxy. getting a long time user
of methadone detoxed is extreamly difficult in the good doc's
opinion. my opinion (for whatever it's worth), is i would save
the methadone option until later in your life if you can control and limit your oxy intake to as perscribed, and it works, why
would you want to change?

at any rate i think a little bit longer than 24 days on this one.

keep an angel on your shoulder
kip

[Hinkster]

Thanks to Groovy and KIP,
  April 29th is my next appointment to be evaluated and to pick
up my scripts. I don't think I have to comitt myself right then.
They will want to hear something from me. Can I just try the
methadone and if I didn.t think it was working go back to reg.
pain meds? I don't think they would go for that. Thanks again
I was waiting to hera from you two.
Tom

[1fortheroad]

hi there - after reading skip's post, i became really confused about what i though - he made some good points.  i've heard negative stuff about methadone and positive.  i wish i could offer you more info about this, but it's not an area i know a lot about.  can you call your doc and ask him if you can try it and still be able to go back to oxy if you need to?  if he says yes, than what do you have to lose? i think if you really want to try it, you should.

[lifeisbetter]

Hi. I'm still pretty new to this board I posted my story a couple weeks ago. As a recovering opiate addict and a registered nurse (not working in that field right now though, you know, too tempting with that narcotics key) My best friend was the director of a reputable detox facility in So. Fla. so I think I can give you some practical advice, I hope. First of all I'm wondering about your concerns with the Oxycontin. Unless you have liver disease or kidney problems it is a pretty safe drug to be on (NOT FOR ADDICTS THOUGH!!!) because it has no tylenol in it. Most other alternatives are Ibuprofen derivatives which can really tear up your stomach. The Percocets could pose a problem to your liver (especially if you take over 3000 mg of tylenol a day which would be just 12 percocets, you should NEVER TAKE MORE THAN 4000 mg of Tylenol in a day or you could eventually have liver failure, (not that I ever followed that rule! Before I heard of the Oxys I took up to 45 Percs and Lorcets a day! Yes addicts are strangely insane.) You could ask your Dr. for a newer form of Percocet you've probably heard of called OxyIR. Thats 5mg instant release oxycodone only, no tylenol added. I have seen people detox from Methadone and it is UGLY!!!! It's actually the same symptoms of any opiate withdrawel but more intense and lasts much longer. I'd avoid it at all costs...just my opinion. One other thing you may want to consider, find out how it will be dispensed to you. In Fla you have to go every day in the morning to either the clinic or pharmacy to get your meds. After about a year they may give you one dose to take home for a Sunday. If thats the case you'd never be able to go anywhere. Again just my two cents, but believe me I know how horrible the detox off opiates is. I did it probably 50 times, if not more. I do want to mention one more thing though and this is for everyone who reads the board. The last detox I went through was done by a private Dr. He put me on Buprinex for a week and then did a 3 day detox with a combination of meds and Revia (naltrexone). You start the process on Sat. morning,take an assortment of meds to counteract some of the withdrawel symptoms but you still suffer pretty horribly for 24 hours and by Sun. night your feeling better and back to work Monday. I hated that man sooo much when I was going through it,and called him up while I was projectile vomiting while speaking in tongues telling him I knew that this was gonna kill me, but it didnt and I am free from that obsession of getting more drugs! So he is now my detox hero. I detoxed on Dec. 23 hopefully for the last time and I am still seeing him for follow up meds like Wellbutrin, and Zoloft. I have a life now. It only cost around $300 for the actual detox (I can't remember exactly how much because I was all messed up when I saw him before the detox but between this Dr and my 12 step program I am doing pretty good. I swear there is hope for each and everyone of you. JennyFla if you read this post tell me what part of Fla your in but not too specific for annonymities sake. I am always moved by your posts because I know your life so well.My kids can be proud of their mommy today. Wow what a miracle! I love the absolute honesty on this board you guys are awesome!

[chancycook]

Hello everyone! I have found this forum to be very good for my spirit. I don't recognize most of the drugs mentioned here since I have not actually gone through detox. This is the second time I have written in a few days. I was wondering if anyone here has ever had an alcohol addiction? I know that this is my problem. A couple of years ago I was in college and exercising everyday. Now, I have gained several pounds, quit school, and become the worst mother in the world. I suffer from panic attacks when around people now so I rarely attend one of my oldest daughter's functions without a couple of drinks first. I drink every night. I want to quit, but I am terrified of all the possible problems. I am terrified to take any kind of pill. I am living in fear of all things. Lately, my right side has begun to hurt and the skin has taken on a mottled appearance. Sorry to dump on all of you, but it would be a relief to correspond with others that have similar problems. Thanks, Chancy

[J.B. to Brian and Vicky]

Yes, I drank heavily for many years.  Actually, my primary addiction is opiates but I abused alcohol for years as sort of a substitute for opiates.  

Concerning your mottled skin and pain in the right side, it could be liver problems.  I would have my blood tested ASAP for elevated liver enzymes.  Females tend to not handle alcohol as well as males physically.  You may already have some sort of liver disease that alcohol causes even more problems for you.

I have had the mottled skin and right upper quadrant pain myself.  Then came the jaundice, nosebleeds, fatigue, anemia and severe mental anguish(depression for one).  You could go on this way for years, yet again this addiction could get you in the next few minutes...who knows?

The point is to get some help and AA is a good place to get started.  Whether it takes one or a hundred meetings, you will eventually experience a moment of clarity that may save your life!

J.B.

[chancycook]

J.B. thank you so much for writing. I am sorry that you have suffered so much pain. I have been looking at AA online. I am unsure how to approach it. Should I call to set up a time to attend or do you just show up? I want to reach out so bad, but don't know how to. The mottled skin is really scarring me. I did try to talk to a doctor at a hospital once about my addiction. He just told me that since I am a female I am going to die from drinking. It was almost like he already declared me a failure. It terrified me yet my way of dealing with fear is to drink. I'm rattling again when others need help. Chancy

[GOD]

I'm glad you found this board, Chancy.

ALCOHOL was my drug of choice for the last 3 years of my drinking career. 1.75 liters of vodka per day. I was killing myself at a rather good clip. I used Alcohol to get rid of my constant fear, and panic attacks. I couldn't even go to a grocery store without being looped up drunk. I couldn't deal with the people!

You know what? Once alcohol was out of my life, the panic attacks stopped! I had my life back... BUT, I just couldn't get off the booze by myself... it DID run my life, and I LIVED for it. It took checking into an inpatient treatment center (Valley Hope in O'neil, NE) to first Detox, and secondly learn HOW to live again. When I took Alcohol OUT of my life, that took out about 80% of my activities, so I had to find a new way of living, and what helped me was AA and NA meetings (Their style doesn't necisarily work for everyone... but it saved MY life.)
About your Liver, and probably pancreas: Yes they are probably damaged by what you have been doing, but the body has a miraculous way of healing itself. When I checked into the treatment center, the Doc their told me (After extensive blood tests) that I had the Liver and pancreas of an 80 year old (I'm 32 by the way!) This damage gave me Type II Diabetes, but being sober(off ALCOHOL) now for 6 months, the Diabetes is starting to go into remission, and I may get back to my old self! Please do what's right for yourself and kid(s)... If you Detox at home, make sure you have someone around 24 Hrs for the fist 2-3 days to help you. Alcohol Detoxing can lead to hallucinations or fatal seizures when the booze is taken away. It is SCARY. Trust me, if you have the means, go to a professional Detox facility. they are staffed with some of the best Nurses and doctors in the country. The added bonus is that you will have peers in there that are going through all the pain that YOU are going through.

Whatever your descision may be, I wish you luck and happiness in the near future!

Jess

[Hinkster]

Hey Francois thanks for the great advice. A couple of things.
The Doctor use to have me on 270 Perks a month along with the
90 40mg oxys. She switched over to the Roxicodone saying I was
having too much Tylenol in the perks. That to me means there is
no Tylenol in the Roxicodone or why would she switch me over? As
for the Roxicodone they are for breakthrough pain. I'am suppose
to take 2-3 tabs three times daily or when needed, this on top
of 3 40mg oxys a day. That is such a great idea for stashing some in the freezer for a raininy day. I learn something every
time I open this site. Thanks again for the great info and for
caring enough to write it.
Tom

[1fortheroad]

i'm curious francoise...always curious...or just damn nosy!  if you are an addict, how do you manage to control your oxy intake so well.  i've even screwed up with taking buprenex, which doesn't give me any high at all no matter how much i take - and i still took more. when i used to get oxy, i'd take the whole bottle in 3 days nevermind 2 weeks.

are you ever really worried your dr. might move, retire or something, and the new one won't prescribe oxy to you?  you must be a little concerned or you wouldn't have a stash.

[Francoise]

Actually, I'm considered "dependant" as opposed to "addicted."

I take my medication as prescribed. I've been doing it for 3.5 years. All that stuff you may have heard about how if you're in pain and you're taking pain medication, you don't become addicted? Bullshit. If I were to stop taking that oxy, or even if I was to taper down at 10 mg over a 3.5 year period, I'd still have WDs. It doesn't matter whether you call it dependant or addicted. It amounts to the same thing.

I've seen what real addiction can do. I know what WDs feel like. I don't want to go there. I'll take my medication as directed; I won't doctor shop to get more; I won't buy any off the street; and Jesus Christ couldn't make me take one more milligram than I'm supposed to. (And I make enough money that I don't need to sell my stash. I wouldn't sell any of that stash for $100 a milligram. I've seen the inside of a jail, too. Not interested.)

Francois

[mrmichael67]

I am a chronic painer currently on 80 mg oxy three times a day and an additional 20 mg of oxy with the last dose of 80 for the day.  That equals 260 mg a day.  Your dosages sound fine to me.  They do make a 20 mg form of oxycodone that is fast released.  I have also been on the methadone for my pain.  Methadone does not work for everyone as far as pain goes.  It didn't work for me.  If you can take the oxy as prescribed, then stay with it!  Unlike what has been previously stated, oxycodone, when taken for a very long time, does not adversely affect any of the bodies organ systems.  Even heroin, in its pure form, is a safe pain med.  Morphine has been studied for a REALLY long time.  All of the opiates, when taken as prescribed, are safe when used for a long time.  Stay with the oxycontin.  And, when I mean opiates, I mean them by themselves.  No tylenol or ibuprophen, or aspirin.

[1fortheroad]

i could never take any pain meds as prescribed including the buprenex, which my husband is doling out to me now because i couldn't handle it myself.  i just always feel like more of an opiate will make me feel better and better.  i give those who take it responsibly a lot of credit, because now i am left with the pain issue and what am i going to do about it.  i have suffered from mind-numbing, chronic migraines, which led me to taking these meds in the first place.  i think they were under prescribed to me intitially, the pain didn't go away so i just kept increasing on my own - dumb mistake.  if i could have taken them the right way, i'd still be on them and there'd be no problem...now i'm just rambling so i'll leave you in peace here.  have a good night everyone.

[Hinkster]

MrMichael excellent advice. I think you just swayed me. I had
heard that methadone is not for everyone. I do seem to be doing
okay on the oxys and roxis combo. I may go the way of Francoise
and up the oxys to 80mg twice a day. My Dr asked me about that.
But what then for the breakthrough? Groovy your not just rambling
it sure is good to hear from you. Thanks again everyone.
Tom

[Hinkster]

MrMichael excellent advice. I think you just swayed me. I had
heard that methadone is not for everyone. I do seem to be doing
okay on the oxys and roxis combo. I may go the way of Francoise
and up the oxys to 80mg twice a day. My Dr asked me about that.
But what then for the breakthrough? Groovy your not just rambling
it sure is good to hear from you. Thanks again everyone.
Tom

[Hinkster]

As you can read from one of the older posts I drank also. For
some strange reason I found it not too hard to quit drinking. I
also quit smoking due to almost dying from Bacterial Pneumonia.
Also a good reasom for ME not to drink are the pain meds I take
for PN. If I ever mixed Alcohol and the amount of pain meds I
take I surely would not be posting here, I'd be on the other side
of the grass where no one wants to be. Also Lifeisbetter thanks
for your advice. I do take Roxicodone which has no Tylenol or
aspirin. At the Pain Management Center I take Blood tests ofter
so the liver is okay. Thanks to everyone for your support.
Tom

[Francoise]

I'd go with the oxy, dude. However, I'd go up on the oxy and drop the Roxi. There's just no reason you need anything but the oxy.

I'm on 100 mg oxy twice a day. I get no high, no buzz, no nothing but a life with not so much pain in it. And, like you, I don't really have to worry about WDs since I'm on it for life. If you need something for breakthrough pain, get your doc to give you some oxyIR.

Additionally, get yourself a stash of oxy and put it in the freezer for a rainy day. "Rainy day" means you're covered in the unknowable future if something should happen to your doctor, or your pharmacy decides you've had enough, or who the hell knows what happens. I've got a small stash in my freezer. About once a year, I'll take the stash out of the freezer, replace it with a fresh prescription and administer the former stash to myself. This way, the stash is kept fresh. And keeping it in the freezer helps a great deal as well. Organic reactions require heat, and there just ain't much heat in a freezer, so the oxy doesn't deterioriate. You DON'T want to run out, but you know that.

I kept a very small stash on my boat just in case I had a breakdown out in the ocean and couldn't be rescued in time to get home and take the next dose. It stayed on my boat for over two years, through heat, cold, you name it. I tried some of it about a week ago, thinking it wouldn't be any good. It was fine.

I've heard too many stories about methadone to feel comfortable with it. It's cheaper, I guess. But if I lost my insurance, I wouldn't hesitate to switch to methadone. Anything to stave of opiod WDs.

Your dosage just doesn't make any sense to me. 270 Roxicets is something like 1350 mg of oxycodone, and it's not time release. And it's got Tylenol in it. I don't take Tylenol for any reason, or in any amount. So, in a month, you're taking 4950 mg oxycodone. Call it 5,000 mg, or 5 grams. So you're taking 167 mg oxycodone a day, 120 mg of it oxycontin, plus almost 50 mg in Roxicet. I don't get it. Why don't you just take 80 mg oxycontin twice a day and have done with it? I'm taking more than you, at 100 mg oxycontin twice a day and NO Roxicet, or anything else. Life is simple. When I get up in the morning, I take 100 mg. Then I don't think about it all day long. Then in the evening when I get home, another 100 mg. I'm done. No Perc, no Roxi, nothing. I don't spend half my life foolin' around with medication. If I get in pain during the day, I'll take my evening dose early.

And one other thing. I don't fool around with this stuff. I don't take any extra to cop a little buzz. I don't sell it outta my stash either. Someone knows I'm on this and wants some. **** 'em. They can go somewhere else. I take this stuff exactly like it's prescribed 100 mg twice a day, no foolin' around. I know people who take all their months worth in two weeks, then they come around wanting to borrow some of mine. No way, I say to them, you made this bed now you can sleep in it. Then they go away. I guess they buy it on the street for a dollar a mg. And I'm a son of a ***** if they don't come around again next month with the same sad look with their hand out again. Talk about a death wish. My stash is for me. I ain't in the drug business. I'm in the business of taking care of Francois' chronic pain. I've seen too many people **** up and no one wanted to deal with them any more. Doctors cut 'em off. Clinics don't want to see 'em any more. That kinda scene ain't for me.

Anyway, I've said enough for two posts. Hope this helps. Questions? I'm always ready to inflict my opinions on this. But, you know, this is serious stuff here.

Francois

[chancycook]

Jess, Thank you so much for your advice. It helps to relate to someone who has been there. I have 2 kids, both girls, age 2 & 6. I used to be a very strong person before my mom was diagnosed with ovarian cancer.After that I began to drink. She was my life. Without her I am lost. She died my senior year of high school. My dad's family is full of unrealized alcoholics. I think that it is hitting me harder since my body takes after my mom. They don't understand why I have a problem since they drink at least a twelve every night and aren't hurt by it. My problem is that I am 5'4" while they are all at least 6'. I guess my size is finally a real problem with fitting in with the family parties.(My "little" sister is 5'8") I want to get help, but my husband of 2 years is unable to find child care while I'm getting help. (we are a merged family with him having full custody of his daughter and me having full custody of my daughter(2). He is about 10 years older than me and I wonder if that might have something to do with it. Thank you all for not being upset with me for intruding on what I see as more dramatic addictions. Thanks, Chancy

[vikequeen]

Does anyoe have any experience with Soma? I took 30 in 2 and half days and am having some weird withdrawls like, panic attacks and nausea. Last night I thought I was gonna wig out and I was afraid to go to sleep for fear I would not wake up. Thats it for me no more Soma. THanks guys, Chancy honey I too have issues with kids and detox I have a 2 year old and I wanna do an outpatient but dont want anyone to know, My husabd would leve this time for sure. I am so perplexed I wanna get clean cause I know I am compromising my liver big time but its hard.