Time to quit Opana

[nickjackson]

I was notified today that my pain clinic will no longer see me.  I have been taking Opana 15 mg ER twice a day.  I have, possibly, a two-week supply of pills.  I quit Methadone (cold turkey) six years ago and it was horrible.  Today, I am reducing my intake to one tablet per day.  Can anyone suggest a taper program that will not leave me as sick and miserable as my quitting Methadone back in 2008?  Thanks.

[IBKleen]

Hi & Welcome,

We cannot suggest taper plans. It is a violation of our guidelines. But I will say that a two week supply is not much of a taper anyway. Tapers should be done under a doctor's care and they should be done slowly. Do the best you can with what you have.

Do you have pain issues. I don't understand getting off of Methadone and going to Oprana? If you do have pain issues what will you do for it after the pills?

[dominosarah]

Why is the pain clinic no longer seeing you?

[katmandu516]

I'm with Sarah. Why is your pain clinic no longer seeing you? What's the deal with that? If they can't see you, you probably need to go to another pain mgmt. Dr. and have him help you with a tapering plan. I never heard of Opana, but I did look it up, and from what I read, it is an opioid. Maybe a powerful one? I took opioids also. But I would definitely see if the clinic can refer you to a Pain Dr. that can help you!! Good luck and God Bless you.

[nickjackson]

Sorry for the slow response.  I am not used to this website and I thought I would get an email if anyone commented.  The pain clinic that booted me was kind enough to send me a one-month scrip for Opana 15 mg bid & I'm doing real well with my fast taper.  I am taking 1/2 of a tablet every 30 hours and the withdrawals are not serious.  I got off Methadone several years ago in between back surgeries.  I have had 6 back surgeries that left me in varying degrees of pain.  I expect to be all done with Opana in eight days.  The pain continues, but I see an Orthopedist in nine days.  Thanks for writing.

[nickjackson]

I recently moved to Tennessee from Michigan .... where I enjoyed the benefit of medical marijuana.  The pain clinic I attended for six months could not come up with a medicine that my insurance company would pay for and I smoked a bowl 29 days before my scheduled doctor's appointment/drug screen.

[nickjackson]

Thanks for writing.  Sorry for the slow response.  I have been trying to get off narcotics for a year and was afraid of withdrawal symptoms.  I am doing real well, right now, using 1/2 of a 15 mg Opana tablet every 30 hours.  I expect to have the opioids out of my system soon.  I still have considerable pain from 6 back surgeries, arthritis, and bursitis, but I am finally getting off narcotics.

[Johnnythefox]

If you need air you breathe, if you need food you eat, etc.  So WHY would you be so resolved to stop taking something that you will obviously need for the rest of your life?  PAIN in your condition will not go away by quitting narcotics.  It seems it is now going to be a part of your life forever due to the extensive surgeries.  That's what pain meds are for, PAIN.  And if the doctor (wherever you go to get them in the future), asks you anything about what you want them for you just tell them, "Yes I am looking for pain meds to get out of my PAIN!"  Don't act as if you are doing something illegal.  If you need it for legit purposes, then it's not wrong to ask for it to get out of your pain.  Peoplel go to pain doctors and act like they're afraid to tell the doctor that they are trying to get meds, because they think it's illegal to ask or too forward.  IT"S NOT!  Especially with your pain issues.  I have some of the same problems you do & I'd like to not have them but I have to either be in pain or accept the situation & use the pain meds, as they are supposed to, and stop worrying about being narcotic free.  Again if you need water you drink, if you need food you eat.  If you need pain meds for long term or life then so be it.  Tell the doctor you are looking to get out of you PAIN!  If you have all your medical records then show them & don't be intimidated by doctors who try to regulate meds & tell you what you need; they aren't you & don't feel your physical pain!!!  Johnny The Fox...

[IBKleen]

Johnny, this is a substance abuse community where we help and support members who are coming off of pain meds, whether they have pain or not. We quit the narcotics because we don't want to be chained to pills for the rest of our lives. You may want to post in the pain mngt community here. I think you would be very helpful to those folks.

[rangerbry]

Hello sir, the one thing I can tell you for sure is that there is nothing physically or psychologically as bad  this side of hell as methadone withdrawals. Although opana detox will not be easy I am certain you will make it through just fine. Godspeed.    
P.S.  Henry Ford quoted "Whether you believe you can or you can't you are right !  Have faith in yourself, I am sure you have made it through much worse !

[nickjackson]

I have been off Opana for 10 months.  The detox was nowhere as bad as getting off Methadone.  I still miss the medical marijuana (I live in a state, now, where it is illegal); but I don't miss narcotics.  My back pain was reduced greatly by the Gokhale Method - exercises to improve my posture.  After a decade of leaning on a walking stick, many muscles had atrophied and tendons got tight.  I am now standing upright for the 1st time since I tangled with a semi truck in 20012.  Although this response is half a year late, thank you.

[Krissy_123]

That's awesome nickjackson!! Good for you! Take care!! xox

[meegWpaw]

nick, nice to see you posting.  and a post filled with great news!  glad you are doing well :)