Methadone for Pain Relief?

[GreyScale]

I was prescribed norco 5-325 two tablets every 6 hours for my pain. I became extremely frustrated because after 3 hours, I was in a lot of pain again! Without Norco I can rate my pain a high 7... I hate to say 8 or 9 because that is equalivant to childbirth. But I couldn't function very well. So I went to see him, told him I have high tolerance to opiates. Always have, always will. I can easily take six norcos without nausea and complete pain relief. (I have done this before, shame on me, but I don't do this often.)

I asked for a long-acting pain medication. He prescribed me Methadone 5mg... for some reason I do not feel the same on Methadone 5mg as Norco. I am not sure if I feel any difference in my pain... it went down to 6-ish. I wonder if the dose was too low for someone who is as opiate tolerant as I am? He also says I can take Norco for breakthrough pain. I was asking for Fentanyl patches, but he said Methadone works better for nerve pains, which is associated with fibromygalia.

Any inputs? How does this medication affect you guys? Are you able to drive and care for your children/work?

Thanks in advance!

<3, Grey

[TrayCee]

it sounds like the does is to low.  Methadone IS really strong, it should take away most of your pain.

[Helleyez]

Hello!  I'm new to the forum, and saw your post and thought I could offer you some of my experience.  Methadone was Extrememly helpful for my pain in the beginning.  I would hurt so bad, and hydrocodone made me so sick every time I took it.  When I finally decided to tell my Dr., she started me out on 5mg of methadone every day for 5 days then 2 a day for 5 days, ultimately I got to like 10mg 3x a day.  Methadone has an extremely long half life and therefore stays in your system much longer, subsequently, it take longer to kick in as well, (Im sure you all know anything fast in, is fast out) so I hope you have as much positive result as did I, almost 4 years ago now.

The only thing negative about opiate pain treatment is the tolerance and dependence, and for some the addiction.  Methadone is one of those drugs that can be given safely at high doses as your tolerance dictates.  In fact, I'm certain thats why it's given to heroin addicts, (I've read some addicts can receive up to 130+mg in a single dose.)

Thanks for letting me chime in.
/Hell

[dame_wilbur]

I just made a post sharing my scale, with examples of what it feels like. But I'm totally with you, it's SO arbitrary. Even within my own scales, I need to constantly adjust the numbers, so I've actually ended up with a cocktail of 4 different scales to pinpoint how bad the pain is. >_<

[GreyScale]

I know what you mean by the pain scale. Every time I have been asked to rate my pain, I am at loss. I don't want to claim 9 or 10, even though I am in tears and it's awful pain... I wish they would give us something to compare our pain to!

[dame_wilbur]

I can't help with the pharmaceutical questions, but I'm fascinated with your pain scale. Most women who I know with CP have rated giving birth at a 9 or a 10, depending on how hard their labor was.

For me, a 6 is where I started passing out from the pain, and it goes up from there. At a 9 I'm basically unconscious (if I'm literally unconscious it would be a 10 if I could talk). I've only claimed a 10 2x in the past....ever, actually, because they say that 10's the worst imaginable and I have a good imagination.

You've given me an idea for a post.

Hope that you feel better,

~Dame