Not all opiates / opioids / painkillers are created equal

[ScottQuit021907]

I think there is a misconception out there that 50 mg of painkiller A is equivalent to 50 mg of painkiller B in terms of potency, half-life, withdrawal, etc. This is just not true. The quantity matters when making comparisons, as does the method of administration (oral vs injected vs snorted vs smoked). Just google "equianalgesic table" and you will see what I mean.

A person taking a 50 mcg/hr Fentanyl patch is the analgesic equivalent of 100 mg/day of orally administered morphine sulfate.

Oral methadone is 4 times more potent than oral morphine at lower doses, but 12 times more potent at higher doses.

7.5 mg of hydromorphone (Dilaudid) is the analgesic equivalent of 20 mg of oxycodone.

The half life of a painkiller has a direct impact on the onset and duration of withdrawal symptoms. For example, the half-life of morphine is 2 to 3 hours, and acute withdrawal is over in a few days with post-acute withdrawal lasting several more weeks. The half-life of buprenorphine is more than 24 hours, so onset of withdrawal is delayed, a less intense acute withdrawal can last many weeks, and post-acute withdrawal can last months or even years, depending on dose and duration.

The point is to educate yourself. It helps me to know, for instance, that orally administered morphine is less potent than orally administered oxycodone (maybe I wasn't as messed up as I originally thought).

[leelee71]

Good info Scott.  Thanx, I will check it out. That's pretty interesting.

[Mis Take]

I skimmed over the articles and Im guessing youve read a lot about the subject
of PAWS.  Have you read anything that specifies what "level" addict will experience PAWS vs. someone who takes less and for less often.  I guess Im asking is there a cut off point to some degree.  (ie, someone who takes 500 mg Oxycontin for 3 years will and someone who takes 50mg Hydrocodone for 6 months will not).  I hope this isn't a dumb question ,I was just curious if there is any indication.  hope that makes sense  

Thanks
M

[HUBBY CHOO]

From what I gather, the Amount taken/dose, longevity, ect does have an effect, I guess its that halflife thing, like the video game.  Hope ur doing good!

Love choo