UPDATE ON OXYCONTIN ARTICLE

[MED HELP INTERNATIONAL]

Hi Everyone,

Jennifer Perez wasn't even aware that we have an Addiction Forum on Med Help, until I wrote to her yesterday.  She's NOT avoiding any of you, she simply didn't know about all the posts that are here.

She is going to review all your questions et.al. over the weekend and will respond as soon as she can.

We can understand your reluctance to participate. However, Oxycontin is a nasty drug and I do hope that you'll help Jennifer write an article that offers new insight into Oxy addiction and possible ways for people to avoid becoming addicted.  

Have a great weekend...

Cindy Thompson

[chicane]

Hello, I'm new to his board. I have some experience with Oxycontin. I would say that it is good for people who are dying from cancer or any other terminal illness. The harsh reality of the drug is this: once your doctor prescribes it to you, their is going to be a day where you will have to come off of the drug. You go from one 20, every 12 hours, to one 40, then to an 80, and soon your tolerance is through the roof. One 80 no longer takes away the pain so you do 2 at once and so on. I've read about people who are legally prescribed this drug and are taking up to 400 mg a day, because the lower doses do nothing for them. The harsh reality is you can't do oxycontin forever. I can see why people would rather end up addicted to the drug if they have chronic pain. I do see the trade off. But the withdrawls are pure hell when your doctor finally decides to take you off the drug, and I think that is the part that they are not telling people. Peace

[suzieneedshelp]

Thank you for your post.  I really enjoyed speaking with you last night.  See Jess and I are for real, in more ways than one!  I have a terrrible headache today.  Nauseated and the works.  Taken stadol ibuprofen and fiorecet.  When it really kills me like this i'll take everything i can get my hands on seeking relief.  But Chezz your are dear to offer help to me.  thank you.  When i do withdraw i'm sure i will need all the help i can get.  I will take u up on your offer.  You have been an inspiration to us all.
Let me ask you a question...How does one find a real caring Dr. who doesnt just treat you like an addict when u seek pain relief?
Thanks,
Suzie

[hellbent]

"My pain doc says just the opposite.He even says it's available in a capsule that doesn't
have any street value and can't be crushed to snort etc....
"

SIGH - totally untrue. Nothing like this exists, and it may never.

As far as OC's not "being meant to be crushed, etc...", that's a tricky one. This drug produces euphoria for many people. "Swallow, but never chew" - that's kind of a silly directive for an addict.

This is not a simple issue. OC's for people in real pain are often a godsend. For addicts they are lethal. For people prone to addiction to opiates and who would never do heroin, they can just lay you out. It's not like popping a few vikes. When you get the OC monkey on your back, you may never make it back.

There is also the pharmaceutical companies pushing these drugs on docs through ceaseless lobbying and kickbacks, so that they will blanket prescribe for lesser injuries.

It's not an easy question, and one man's opinion probably can't do the whole thing justice, so I won't try.

[kayoone]

ok can someone tell me if oxy ir..is morphine?...ive heard oxycodone are generic percocet....but now alot of guys are saying its morphine..it does have the word oxycontin in the brochure they put with your script...so im lost on if its really morphine...someone please reply and help me out....thanks

[dru123]

Francois--I'm with you. I was on Oxy for a short time until I needed a higher dose(40mg x 2 daily) to control my pain, however I couldn't take a higher dose because it would make me puke. My doc switched me to Duragesic, and I feel it works much better. I have constant relief, and use very little break through meds. I do know what you mean about constipation. I get it from the Duragesic also. Luckily I've never had to go to the hospital because of it. I have to make sure I take my Metimucil, and other lax's daily, or I'm in pain. Anyone have any easy way to help with this by product of being on narcotic pain meds? I hate having to always remember and take steps to prevent it.