I don't think these drugs should be banned, but I myself can't take these drugs. I've only had bad reactions to Tylenol and opiates. I had an unusual reaction to Tramadol, too. Although, Tramadol worked for a little while. I took it for only a few months, then it started affecting my speech and I was no longer able to take it.
I wonder what the "experts" think people with chronic pain should do when these are the only pain meds that touch their pain? I realize that there is prescription pain killer abuse by both doctors and patients, but what about the people who aren't misusing these pain meds?
It seems to be something that occurs with FMS/CFS. We do not get the same results with medications that 'norms' receive.
My last surgery for the knee replacement resulted in a traumatic hospital stay. When I came out of sedation I was in so much pain. I was given a nerve block and by the time I got to the room I was again in pain. I lay there from 7 pm to 7 am crying and moaning, but they could not give me more meds or my organs would shut down. The unsympathetic nurse who was there during this time did not even ask me what was wrong. The pain meds. did not do the job and I also have difficulty coming out of sedation after surgeries. That's why I will absolutely not have any more surgery done.
They prescribed me oxycotin in the ER after I was in a car accident (hit & run, but I chased the driver down and got her license plate. LOL !)
Anyhow, the medication really didn't do anything for me, except make me feel dopey.
I remember I had the same issues with allergy medications (Rhinocort, etc.). At least they worked in the beginning, but then they started to quit working.
Yes, that is true with any pain medication which is taken for a long period of time. The body adjusts to it and it's no longer as effective. I have no idea what they will be giving people to treat pain should they ban these (and more) medications. I believe they will make it much harder for someone, whos pain isn't 'seen', to get anything at all.
The article also spoke about the pain meds. not doing much more than acetaminophen alone can do. Guess they don't have to deal with chronic pain and that decision is easy for them to make. So sad.
According to the article (first link):
"A federal advisory panel voted narrowly on Tuesday to recommend a ban on Percocet and Vicodin, two of the most popular prescription painkillers in the world, because of their effects on the liver.
The two drugs combine a narcotic with acetaminophen, the ingredient found in popular over-the-counter products like Tylenol and Excedrin. High doses of acetaminophen are a leading cause of liver damage, and the panel noted that patients who take Percocet and Vicodin for long periods often need higher and higher doses to achieve the same effect."