should I withdraw?

[1molwol2]

After years of suffering from chronic migranes and taking several pain meds for acute attacks, I was prescribed oxycontin, 10mg three times a day over two years ago. This dosage successful controlled the headaches as never befor -- without side effects.  This month I learned my insurance requires me to try time-release morphine sulfate (it's cheaper). I decided to stop the oxy, but suffered withdrawal so bad I started again. I have never had this problem before with pain meds; I was surprised that such a small dose could cause these problems. Now I am wondering if switching to morphine is a good idea. I've dropped the oxy down without consulting with my doc, taking one 10 mg every 15 hours, just in case. Any thoughts or advice?

[perchance23]

I would ask you doctor about propranolol. It is a medicine used to prevent migraines.  Been around forever.  Is also a beta blocker and helps with anxiety.  It is no addictive and I went from 10-15 per month to 1-2.  Your doctor may not want you to try this if you have issues with blood pressure but it might be a good option.

[perchance23]

I would ask you doctor about propranolol. It is a medicine used to prevent migraines.  Been around forever.  Is also a beta blocker and helps with anxiety.  It is no addictive and I went from 10-15 per month to 1-2.  Your doctor may not want you to try this if you have issues with blood pressure but it might be a good option.

[1molwol2]

Thanks for your response. I am investigating Botox; I have tried triptans in the past with little result. However, heart disease now rules out many of the alternatives in that area. I have never thought daily pain meds were a good idea, but my headaches were so severe that I would have done most anything for relief. Chronic pain is very hard to live with. I hate to admit it, but I considered suicide to escape the pain.

I have asked my doctor to refer me to a neurologist with Botox credentials. I have heard many good things about this treatment.

Again, thanks for offering your advice and counsel.

[1molwol2]

Thanks for the advice and counsel. I'm investigating Botox. Triptans are medically ruled out for me as I have heart issues. Again, thanks for your advice.

[1molwol2]

Thanks for your advice. I'm looking into Botox; have tried triptans in the past but have hear problems that have excluded them from future consideration.

[vicki595]

I don't think the morphine is a good idea at all. I don't agree with being prescribed OxyContin either. Wow!  Not a good practice at all.

Give the Botox a try or the triptans. Both are very effective. But stay away from daily opiates for migraine.

[Gasten]

Why would your insurance company want you to go on morphine sulfate for chronic migraines?  Do you know that the FDA has approved Botox injections for chronic migraine?  (Chronic migraine being 15 or more attacks per month).  I am sure you would qualify. I got my first series of shots last December and they made a world of difference.  You get them every 3 months, and with each succeeding series, they improve even more if they don't cure it overall at once the first time.  But it only lasts 3 months and you must keep going back every 3 months for more injections.  No side effects as in taking dangerous meds.  Do you have a neurologist?  you must have one who is experienced in administering them.  I highly recommend you get this effective treatment rather than another addictive drug!!  It works, trust me.  And your doctor has to document them and approve you for them.  Get started on it--it's worth it--you won't be sorry!

[MikeInFrance]

Hi 1molwol2...although your dose may not have been that high you were definately on it for a long period of time so thats why u did/are feeling those withdrawal symptoms. It's great that you got yourself down to less than half of what you were taking! Switching to morphine sulphate wont change anything as far as the dependency/addiction and withdrawal symptoms go. Morphine is a hardcore drug so I'd be really concerned about starting down that road. I have no doubt it would work great against your migraines but you need to weigh out the pros and cons of this drug vs. your level of pain and discomfort. Speak with your dr about that side of it.