Multiple Drug Dependency

[nickjackson]

I am taking Klonopin for migraines, Inderol for a tremor, Opana and Dilaudid for back pain following an auto/semi accident ten years ago that has led me to 5 back surgeries.  I am currently in physical therapy.  All the meds make me dopey and sleepy.  I thought I'd get off the painkillers, but my physiatrist told me I was foolish to think about it while I am in P/T.  I tried getting off Klonopin - but I keep getting headaches and cramps in my feet (I used to take quinine for the cramps until quinine was taken off the market).  I tried stopping Inderol, but I shake so much it is embarrassing.  Would Motoprolol be a good substitute for the Inderol/Klonopin combination?  I am seeing a neurologist this Thursday.  Thank you for any advice you can provide, Cathleen.

[clean_in_ks]

Hey Cathleen....welcome back....I'm quite sure you don't know me, but I for one, am glad to have you back @ MedHelp and hope you will "add your voice" cause we need all the voices we can get! lol

I also had a nearly fatal accident 5 yrs ago and am currently trying live and deal with the chronic pain I have withOUT narcotics.  It's been a true challenge, I must admit...but I have made it a little over 10 months without resorting to a narcotic.  I hope once you get moved, you'll at least bop in and out and let us know how you are.  Love, Learn and Live....right-o?

I love your name, too.....one of my sisters that is 18 mos older than I am is also named Kathleen....(K vs. C) and now that she has "aged" some, (lol) she truly prefers it over Kathy.   She has been living with MS for many years but encourages ME daily when she says..."I may have MS, but I DON'T have pain, don't hurt everyday.....that's all that's wrong w/me" haha!
She's a sweet spirit and helps me keep it all in perspective.

Wishing you well in your move and reducing your meds......blessings to you~
Connie

[nickjackson]

I have had an eye -opening four weeks. I tried reducing Klonopin much too fast and, repeated attempts to quit Opana left me in rough shape. I have seen both my physiatrist and a new neurologist & both told me to stick with my current medications. Go figure. Nevertheless, I am happy to return to MedHelp. Maybe I can add my voice to the conversation & be of some assistance. Thank you all.

[nickjackson]

Topamax made me really stupid. When I actually come down with a migraine, Treximet takes care of it; but it is very expensive.

[nickjackson]

Hi Lesa.  Yup. It's been awhile....two more back surgeries since we last chatted. I'm happy youre still here, helping people. My doctors are convinced I need every Mg of medicine they prescribe for me. And my efforts to taper off keep resulting in extreme pain and frustration. I just bought a home in the Smoky Mountains (today!) & maybe once I 'm relocated down here in Dolly Parton 's hometown, I 'll find a more creative pain clinic in Knoxville that will show me a way to get along without the narcotics. We 'll see... How have you been?

[marycarmel]

I was in a similar situation ... too many meds at dosages that were too high.  I never abused or misused my meds but I was not comfortable being on everything I was on.  I had 9 surgeries beginning with a joint replacement in my thumb ... which failed.  Eight surgeries later I was worse than what I started with.  My pain management doc was not helpful in coming off or coming down on my dosages.  I foolishly tried to CT off Fentanyl, oxycodone, ambien, ativan ... So many I can't even remember. I managed to get off the Fentanyl, with help from this site.  I then went to my primary care after I got off a lot of the others.  She managed my pain until earlier this year when my pain got so bad it was affecting my blood pressure.  I'm now seeing a new pain management doctor who is more in line with my thinking.  I did have to go back on long- and shorting meds but at much lower doses.  I'm coming off them now as my pain gets better (somewhat) with better weather.  Even with bad chronic pain you can lower your doses or come off.  For me, it's likely I will have to go on narcitics on and off.

Do you like your doctor and trust him?  If you do, then let him know you want to come off and he can take you off things slowly.  I know I was bery anxious to come off everything and I went way too fast and really felt miserable physically.  I do think the suggestions you get here as to supplements, etc. Really helps.

I got migraines years ago but I only get them occasionally now.  My daughter was having a terrible time with them and her doctor suggested a supplement called CoQ10.  It's supposed to work in about 65% of those who try it.  It does take a couple of months to see the full affect but my daughter is having some good results.  She was getting terrible ones that lasted days.  Nothing was helping and they started talking about putting her on meds that concerned me as to dependency or side effects and she's only 15 so this seemed like worth a try.

[nursegirl6572]

travel makes a good point, there are probably a lot more appropriate meds for migraines.  Have you tried anything else?  The Klonopin would have to be very slowly taoered with help from your doc if you do end up finding something else that works.

[travel_melb]

Hi There there has been so good suggestion my two cents work is regarding the medication for migratine is to ask you doctor alternative medication (unless already tired) benzo are strictly prescribed in Australia and I have not really herd of them being using for Migraines (I could easily be proven wrong) there is a lot of other drugs out there that won't make you as sleepy. I'm currently on Topamax and works a charm, some people do have not the best side effect but I had very little.

All the best

[nursegirl6572]

HI there, sorry to hear what you've been through.  

You're on some pretty heavy hitting meds, it's no wonder you're drowsy.  Rather than trying to come OFF these meds, have you tried working with the prescribing doc to maybe get your doses a little lower for some of these meds?  If you still NEED the meds for your condition, that may be a better option.  

You could also speak to your doctor about making some adjustments in your medication routine, changing the times you take the meds, or reducing the number of times a day you're taking the meds.  I just think there are some more obvious things to try before going a more drastic route and eliminating meds all together.

No matter what you decide, just be sure you're doing it under the supervision of the doc.  Do not take matters into your own hands, ok?  I hope you find a solution that helps you to feel better!