I was reading your comment, and I totally what you mean about the Percocet making you more productive, and giving you energy, and all that. There are studies that have been done by a couple of Psycologists that document that some people with treatment resistant depression benefit greatly from taking a narcotic medicine. I have asked my Phd's about this and they said that they hav heard of it and they agree with it. But they do not do the prescribing for me because I also do suffer from chronic pain and get my meds from a Neurologist, just worked out that way....
My husband was researching this after I started goig to my Neuro. Anyway, I just wanted to let you know that you are not alone in thinking this way, and there are Doctors out there that concur with this theory. I don't really remember the name of the Psycologist that was doing this study, i'll ask my husband if he remembers, and I can PM you theinfo if you would like.. let me know
Jackie
While I can understand your discomfort, it often takes more than a few days for your system, and brain chemistry, to adjust to a new medication. You mood may be an artifact of chemical changes that may even out, in time.
Going from an immediate release to an extended or slow release medication may have triggered withdrawal, which may ease once your new pattern is set.
Just a thought.
I am an unfortunate 42 yrs old male. After my 2nd open heart surgery (5 bypass) 4 years ago they gave me percocet 10/650. I have been getting 100 every 25 days. I take 5 a day in average. I know I am addicted to it. Because I tried to get some extra percocet from online pharmacy with home made script, which I got caught because they sent that script to my doctor. I have sever angina. I had my first open heart surgery at teh age of 29 (3 bypass), then more bypass 4 years ago. Percocet makes me feel better, gives me energy and makes be extremely productive. I actually got promotion from a manager to a director. But these mood sewings are killing me. I do not know what to do. I feel like I will not be as productive as I am if I stop Percocet. But I hate the idea that I am an addict. The most I have ever taken was 8 in one day and I do get very scared of being over dosed.
HEY Nysff,
I haven't heard of anyone having the reaction that you describe, but as you know not all people have the same reaction to same meds.
You may be overlooking that you weren't getting the relief you needed to overcome your pain, and this may have lead to the anger you were exhibiting.
Actually oxycodone is one of the best pain relievers out there for chronic pain, and should have worked well for you.
You can cut these pills in half because of the way they are timed released it will not effect the way you metabolize the med.
And that's where I would start so that you can always have enough pain medication on hand when you are reallly needing it.
In the end, don't continue with them if they mess you up like that, and discuss with your PMP (pain doc) what else you might be prescribed in place of the oxy.
Hello Nysff,
Welcome to the Pain Management Forum. I am glad that you took the time to post and that you have found us. I am very sorry to hear about your issues with OxyContin.
Any narcotic can cause a change in mood. Sometimes they are subtle and other times they are not. We are all different and react differently to substances. In time your system can adjust and the change in mood will diminish. However that is not always the case. There are some meds that our body just doesn't seem to accept as well as others.
If I were in your shoes I would give the 10 mgs a try. The initial dose may have just been too much for your system to handle. A lower beginning dose may be more acceptable to you. But this has to be your choice and I would never tell someone to take a medication that they were uncomfortable taking.
Understand that Percocet and OxyContin is the same drug. The only difference is one is immediate release (Percocet) while the other is slow release.
Good luck to you and whatever you decide. We all understand the challenges and difficult choices that chronic pain brings to our lives. Please let us know how you are doing. We are here to support you in whatever you decide.
Take Care,
Tuck
I personally did not have mood changes in a bad way. My insurance stopped paying for brand oxycontin so I was switched to Methadone for pain management. My mood definitely changed on those. It was awful. So I went back to the oxycontin and pay out of pocket. We all react differently so you very well could be reacting to the oxycontin.
However taking a medication and having to take more than what is prescribed is not good for you long term. You need a proper pain medication so you don't need to take more medication than you need.
When I was started on oxycontin I was started on 10mg and ramped up to 20mg very slowly. I can only handle 40mg per day. My pain is severe but I can't handle more than that. I take percocet for break through pain. I never take more than what is prescribed. That should be the goal for you.
I hope this helps.
I personally never had any trouble OC
Good Luck!