Aa
How do you manage all this...
I posted this somewhere else, but I really want to get as much feed back as I possibly can so here it goes...
When I first started using the patches it was the gel based, when I went back, they gave me a different brand, it looks like a sandy looking patch and they are smaller. Long story short, I started having anxiety, then I started getting SUPER deppressed, then withdrawl symptoms, then I felt numbness on my hands, then I just ended up in the hospital. It was the worst day of my life and now I'm scared out of my mind to get off all meds!!!
I have two daughters and they were in the room when I was uncontrolable and the ambulance had to come get me. Can you imagine... all this just scares me now. So my doctor put me back on percocet 10mg 325 and they really don't do anything. I have to take four of them in the morning alone to get out of bed because I'm in such pain. I can't sleep at night and my 17 yr old daughter said my left leg twitches a lot. I told her I get a lot of muscle spasms and that may be it.
I just can't seem to find the right meds, I would love to just find something I could take three times a day and be done. When my doctor once prescribed Roxycodone 15mg and would let me take two at a time, it would help, but I didn't want to take 10 pills daily, then again, he didn't want to give me the Roxycodone 30mg. I know that if he was to give me the 30 mg one every four hours, I'd be good. I refuse to take Oxycontin cause when I take them my teeth quinge, I feel too medicated and I don't like to feel that way. What should I do... Percocet is not enough and Oxycontin, I don't like how I feel and well, I don't like the stories you hear from it, and the patch, NO!!! not ever again, it scared me. In all reality, I don't want to take anything, I want to get off all the pills and find something that I could put on my back and not be codependent on anything. Any suggestions....
Oh, what do you think about Suboxon (is that how you spell it), have you guys heard anything about it... I thought if maybe I get cleaned up and start over, take something every other day...
I don't know anymore, I'm just scared of all this now . Can someone PLEASE give me some feedback and tell me me if there is something else out there.... something other than all this that you will pay the concequence later for taking it... Not only am I scared of the pain, but now I'm scared to get off my meds too. PLEASE help
When I first started using the patches it was the gel based, when I went back, they gave me a different brand, it looks like a sandy looking patch and they are smaller. Long story short, I started having anxiety, then I started getting SUPER deppressed, then withdrawl symptoms, then I felt numbness on my hands, then I just ended up in the hospital. It was the worst day of my life and now I'm scared out of my mind to get off all meds!!!
I have two daughters and they were in the room when I was uncontrolable and the ambulance had to come get me. Can you imagine... all this just scares me now. So my doctor put me back on percocet 10mg 325 and they really don't do anything. I have to take four of them in the morning alone to get out of bed because I'm in such pain. I can't sleep at night and my 17 yr old daughter said my left leg twitches a lot. I told her I get a lot of muscle spasms and that may be it.
I just can't seem to find the right meds, I would love to just find something I could take three times a day and be done. When my doctor once prescribed Roxycodone 15mg and would let me take two at a time, it would help, but I didn't want to take 10 pills daily, then again, he didn't want to give me the Roxycodone 30mg. I know that if he was to give me the 30 mg one every four hours, I'd be good. I refuse to take Oxycontin cause when I take them my teeth quinge, I feel too medicated and I don't like to feel that way. What should I do... Percocet is not enough and Oxycontin, I don't like how I feel and well, I don't like the stories you hear from it, and the patch, NO!!! not ever again, it scared me. In all reality, I don't want to take anything, I want to get off all the pills and find something that I could put on my back and not be codependent on anything. Any suggestions....
Oh, what do you think about Suboxon (is that how you spell it), have you guys heard anything about it... I thought if maybe I get cleaned up and start over, take something every other day...
I don't know anymore, I'm just scared of all this now . Can someone PLEASE give me some feedback and tell me me if there is something else out there.... something other than all this that you will pay the concequence later for taking it... Not only am I scared of the pain, but now I'm scared to get off my meds too. PLEASE help
I just wanted to make sure that you know you can not take narcotics of any kind when taking the suboxone. It will make you very ill.
If you're really sure you want to get rid of the meds, your best bet is to wean off the percocet, and do it very slowly. Expect some increased anxiety on top of what you're already experiencing.
I want to caution you about going the suboxone/ subutex route. That stuff is way stronger than percocet and is a VERY long-lasting opiate. Withdrawal is worse and longer-lasting with suboxone/ subutex as opposed to percocet.
You have to remember that suboxone is a narcotic just like your percocet, and you'd likely be taking a step backwards by switching to it or using it for detox purposes. The reason it's used for detox is to act as an aide in changing behavior and harm reduction. In other words, it's safer than taking street drugs and since it's a narcotic, it keeps an addict from going into withdrawal and thus helps with cravings. It must be tapered far more slowly than percocet.
Now, if you find yourself constantly wanting to take more percocet than prescribed or taking an entire day's worth in one dose, then suboxone/ subutex might help you. That's something only you can determine. There is no escape from a certain amount of withdrawal symptoms from any narcotic medication. I would really hate to see you do well tapering off the percocet only to have the suboxone monster get its claws into you. There are other non-narcotic medications like clonidine that can help with the last stages of withdrawal if it becomes necessary. Your pain doc should be more than able to help to you through it if you seriously want to take an opiate vacation.
By the way, an opiate vacation is a legitimate strategy for dealing with tolerance in chronic pain patients. It's a painful and unpleasant few weeks, but resetting the opiate receptors in your brain will allow you to achieve relief at a lower dose when you do go back on the meds. Patients don't necessarily have to taper down to nothing - a big decrease still helps. Again, this is something you really need to discuss frankly with your pain doctor. Good luck!
I want to caution you about going the suboxone/ subutex route. That stuff is way stronger than percocet and is a VERY long-lasting opiate. Withdrawal is worse and longer-lasting with suboxone/ subutex as opposed to percocet.
You have to remember that suboxone is a narcotic just like your percocet, and you'd likely be taking a step backwards by switching to it or using it for detox purposes. The reason it's used for detox is to act as an aide in changing behavior and harm reduction. In other words, it's safer than taking street drugs and since it's a narcotic, it keeps an addict from going into withdrawal and thus helps with cravings. It must be tapered far more slowly than percocet.
Now, if you find yourself constantly wanting to take more percocet than prescribed or taking an entire day's worth in one dose, then suboxone/ subutex might help you. That's something only you can determine. There is no escape from a certain amount of withdrawal symptoms from any narcotic medication. I would really hate to see you do well tapering off the percocet only to have the suboxone monster get its claws into you. There are other non-narcotic medications like clonidine that can help with the last stages of withdrawal if it becomes necessary. Your pain doc should be more than able to help to you through it if you seriously want to take an opiate vacation.
By the way, an opiate vacation is a legitimate strategy for dealing with tolerance in chronic pain patients. It's a painful and unpleasant few weeks, but resetting the opiate receptors in your brain will allow you to achieve relief at a lower dose when you do go back on the meds. Patients don't necessarily have to taper down to nothing - a big decrease still helps. Again, this is something you really need to discuss frankly with your pain doctor. Good luck!
I went to the doctor and I took off the fentanyl patch and he left me with the percocets alone 10mg 325. I will take them for a while as directed even if I'm in pain and later I will try to wean myself off them, if I can't wean myself, I will go with suboxon. Why take something if it's not going to work right... I don't do well on long active meds. I did the Oxycontin 40 and 20 mg, I still had pain and I felt too medicated. I start having cold and hot sweats, I sleep a lot, I'm a mess. See that's what I want, something strong that will work and I will only have to take 3 to 4 times a day, but my doctor doesn't want to give me anything too strong because he says I'm still young, I guess he's right... then again I get mad because I feel like he doesn't hear me out when I tell him I work in retail and have a 3 yr old that I have to run around. That's why at times I feel like if I just get off everything for a while, my tolerence will decrease and I could maybe start small dosage again. In a way, I am greatful if he doesn't give me something stronger and later I will have bigger problems... look, I don't even know if I'm making sence, I'm just REALLY frustrated. What's gonna happen when I get off everything, what am I going to do about the extreme pain I get, where I can't walk...
Sorry if I'm being negative guys, I just don't feel like this is getting anywhere.
I also posted on the addiction site cause I wanted to get the info on getting off meds... told you I'm all over the place now
Sorry if I'm being negative guys, I just don't feel like this is getting anywhere.
I also posted on the addiction site cause I wanted to get the info on getting off meds... told you I'm all over the place now
These are the main medications that are used to treat chronic pain in patients that have already been on opioids and are tolerant.
Morphine, Hydromorphone,Oxymorphone,Methodone, Oxycontin, Oxycodone and Hydrocodone.
I don't think I left any out.
You definitely need to follow the Doctor's instructions as you said and take the medicines as prescribed only!
talk to your Doctor about an extended release formula and adding a breakthrough medication to that.
I recently was changed from oxycodone to hydromorphone and it has been a miracle for me. I take Oxycontin and the hydromorphone fro breakthru. Since being on the hydromorphone I have not had to take the oxycontin.
There is a formula of hydromorphone that is extended release too.
What dose of oxycontin were you on? Maybe the dose was too high for you.
We all would love to chunk our meds and live without them but that just is not an option for us.
I hope you do find some relief and please speak to your Doctor about the medicines not helping because besides following not doctor's orders taking that much Tylenol is really not good at all.
You have to be open and honest otherwise the Doctor has no idea that your medications are not working as they should.
No pain medication will ever get you 100% pain free, you can hope for the best but 100% is not reasonable. We all think this way in the beginning thinking the meds should make us pain free and I wish that were true but unfortunately it is not.
We will be looking forward to hearing how your appointment goes:)
Morphine, Hydromorphone,Oxymorphone,Methodone, Oxycontin, Oxycodone and Hydrocodone.
I don't think I left any out.
You definitely need to follow the Doctor's instructions as you said and take the medicines as prescribed only!
talk to your Doctor about an extended release formula and adding a breakthrough medication to that.
I recently was changed from oxycodone to hydromorphone and it has been a miracle for me. I take Oxycontin and the hydromorphone fro breakthru. Since being on the hydromorphone I have not had to take the oxycontin.
There is a formula of hydromorphone that is extended release too.
What dose of oxycontin were you on? Maybe the dose was too high for you.
We all would love to chunk our meds and live without them but that just is not an option for us.
I hope you do find some relief and please speak to your Doctor about the medicines not helping because besides following not doctor's orders taking that much Tylenol is really not good at all.
You have to be open and honest otherwise the Doctor has no idea that your medications are not working as they should.
No pain medication will ever get you 100% pain free, you can hope for the best but 100% is not reasonable. We all think this way in the beginning thinking the meds should make us pain free and I wish that were true but unfortunately it is not.
We will be looking forward to hearing how your appointment goes:)
I am prescibed 1 percocet every 4 hours. I know I shouldn't take that many at once and I was only confessing to you guys, what I was trying to tell you is that sometimes I am in so much pain in the moring that even when I take two I can't even move. On top of all this I just think it's depressing me. Being on meds for four yrs now and the pain does not get better. I am uder a lot of stress and that also makes it worse. I am not trying to be a cry baby but I would just like to know what works for you so that maybe I can try it. One thing I am learning bu your comments is that I shouln't expect for the meds to take the pain away 100% and you are right... I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow and whatever he tells me to do and how to take them, then I will do just that. Even if I hurt after, right...
I was on Lyrica and Neurontin but I had supper bad side affects. That's why I no longer take them. I am on Cymbalta, celebrex, and the pain meds. I will call a pain psycologist as well. I feel like you guys just set me straight and you know what... that's why I love this site :) I was always in the impression that my pain med should get rid of the pain so when I go back to my doctor, I will accept what he gives me. I still won't do the patch or anything that starts giving me anxiety and when I said I was getting depressed, it's not really depression. I just sometimes wish I had the same energy and ability to do the things I use to do, especially with my 3 yr old. I hate it when I can't do too much activity with her because I can't. Then again I should be greatful for still being able to walk.
I will keep praying and I love what you said....
"the goal is "management" as opposed to "cure" "
Thanks Guys!!!
I have a docto'r appt tomorrow and will keep you posted
I was on Lyrica and Neurontin but I had supper bad side affects. That's why I no longer take them. I am on Cymbalta, celebrex, and the pain meds. I will call a pain psycologist as well. I feel like you guys just set me straight and you know what... that's why I love this site :) I was always in the impression that my pain med should get rid of the pain so when I go back to my doctor, I will accept what he gives me. I still won't do the patch or anything that starts giving me anxiety and when I said I was getting depressed, it's not really depression. I just sometimes wish I had the same energy and ability to do the things I use to do, especially with my 3 yr old. I hate it when I can't do too much activity with her because I can't. Then again I should be greatful for still being able to walk.
I will keep praying and I love what you said....
"the goal is "management" as opposed to "cure" "
Thanks Guys!!!
I have a docto'r appt tomorrow and will keep you posted
Just an FYI - fentanyl patches are widely available in both gel and non-gel formulations. Most pharmacies buy one particular brand, so it pays to make some calls first to see what your pharmacy has in stock.
Lett, were you by chance also prescribed a nerve medication like lyrica or neurontin? I was on one called topamax and had the same problem with numb hands, feet, face and even my tongue felt like a block of wood. What exactly were your withdrawal symptoms?
There aren't a whole lot of options in pain management, particularly for patients who have trouble in general with opiate therapy. There are several options for long-acting meds and they are no better or worse than any other opiate medication. The reason they are used for chronic pain is because they don't have tylenol in them. If you continue to take percocet the way you are now, you run a big risk of damaging your liver. In addition, if you suddenly stop taking percocet you will experience withdrawal. All opiates must be slowly tapered.
What kind of pain do you have and have any non-opiate modalities been tried? How long have you had chronic pain? Have you ever tried seeing a pain psychologist? Opiates are not the be-all and end-all of chronic pain treatment. They are merely one tool in your pain toolbox. There is not one person with CP who can say they have NO pain. The goal is to help patients better manage their pain because it's usually impossible to achieve complete remission. Patients who have realistic goals and include psychotherapy as part of their treatment respond much more favorably. Remember, the goal is "management" as opposed to "cure."
Lett, were you by chance also prescribed a nerve medication like lyrica or neurontin? I was on one called topamax and had the same problem with numb hands, feet, face and even my tongue felt like a block of wood. What exactly were your withdrawal symptoms?
There aren't a whole lot of options in pain management, particularly for patients who have trouble in general with opiate therapy. There are several options for long-acting meds and they are no better or worse than any other opiate medication. The reason they are used for chronic pain is because they don't have tylenol in them. If you continue to take percocet the way you are now, you run a big risk of damaging your liver. In addition, if you suddenly stop taking percocet you will experience withdrawal. All opiates must be slowly tapered.
What kind of pain do you have and have any non-opiate modalities been tried? How long have you had chronic pain? Have you ever tried seeing a pain psychologist? Opiates are not the be-all and end-all of chronic pain treatment. They are merely one tool in your pain toolbox. There is not one person with CP who can say they have NO pain. The goal is to help patients better manage their pain because it's usually impossible to achieve complete remission. Patients who have realistic goals and include psychotherapy as part of their treatment respond much more favorably. Remember, the goal is "management" as opposed to "cure."
The side effects of oxycontin do not last. At least not for me they didn't. The side effects I get with the oxycontin is awful. They make me very ill, very dizzy, headache and I have thrown up when moving around too much. This only lasts a couple to a few weeks until my body gets use to the medicine/dose. Right now the only side effect I have of the oxycontin is constipation. Oxycontin only takes the edge off when the pain is not unbearable. I take percocet for breakthrough 10/650. I only take one in the morning. There is no way on earth I could take 4 percocets at a time. Plus my medicine bottle says to only take one 10mgs of oxycodone every 4 hours. Right now my medicine does not control the pain, but it does help. I'd be in so much worse shape without them.
I would be careful with taking 4 percocets at a time. This could be very dangerous for your liver with the tylenol content if you are exceeding the amout for your daily dose. The recommended dose of tylenol is 4,000 mg per day. Plus, like Jaded said, you would be running out of medication early and you would be going through withdrawals.
I really don't have any advice, but to tell you that I wish you luck in finding the right medication. I'm sorry nothing is working for you right now and I know how you feel.
I would be careful with taking 4 percocets at a time. This could be very dangerous for your liver with the tylenol content if you are exceeding the amout for your daily dose. The recommended dose of tylenol is 4,000 mg per day. Plus, like Jaded said, you would be running out of medication early and you would be going through withdrawals.
I really don't have any advice, but to tell you that I wish you luck in finding the right medication. I'm sorry nothing is working for you right now and I know how you feel.
How many of the endocet are you prescribed? I only ask because taking 4 in the morning is a lot and you don't want to run out early. You'll go through the W/Ds again. Unfortuanately we all have to just do what the doctor says or find a different one. Everyone's pain is different, too, so what'd prescribed from one person won't work for another.
Ok, I am going to try and give you as much feedback as I can... First, the patches... which I assume you are talking about Fentanyl or Duragesic. I had the same thing happen to me. For years I had gotten the ones with the gel in them and all of a sudden without warning they stopped making them. They are no longer available in brand or generic. They did not work as well for me with the new design. My doctor said they worked differently too. Totally crazy. So, finally after suffering for 3 months he changed me to MsContin. First it was 60mg every 12 hours but that didn't take care of the pain, so he moved it up to every 8hrs. And still Oxycodone (immediate release not Oxycontin)15mg tablets at two three times a day for breakthrough pain. The MsContin is morphine sulfate and it has worked well with no side effects for me. Maybe ask about it? Good luck. Hope you find the right combo that works for you. Keep in touch.
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