medicinal questions

[brennda77]

i take oxycodone, and oxycontin.   I build tolerances very quickly, but i never really experience any "high". The only way i know something is working if for the pain to go away.  I have been reading on fentanyl and opana.  I'm in pain all the time but don't want to have to take a thousand pills a day.  I don't mind having different types around depending on my pain level, but i just really want something that works and I can be coherent while taking.  Any advice?

[femmy29]

I agree with Tuck.  We are all different.  I was recently switched to Opana ER 30 mg two times a day.  Before the switch I was taking Morphine ER 30 mg two times a day PLUS 7 percocet EVERY DAY and STILL battled pain.  I now only need 2-3 percocet a day and live virtually pain free.  I have done some research on Opana, and it is special in that it binds to not only the mu opioid receptors but also the delta and kappa opioid receptors.  Because of this additional action, many have found excellent pain relief from Opana when all other medications have failed.  There are still some that got no relief from Opana at all and that is because we are all different but I would think it is worth a shot.  I haven't tried fentanyl yet...too many gripes about issues with the patches not staying on and worry about getting them too hot.  However, if you can get through all of that, I've heard the patches are also a very effective medication.  Opana is 2x stronger than oxycodone/oxycontin...it is the strongest opioid in pill form.  Best of luck!

femmy

[Tuckamore]

Hi Brenda,

Welcome to the Pain Management Forum. I am glad that you found us and took the time to post.... but sorry to hear about your Chronic Pain. We can relate.

We all find different combination of medications that work best for us. What works well in manging my pain may not be as beneficial for you. Our systems are different and respond differently.

I strongly believe in the trial and error process. I "tried" several medication combination before my physician hit on one that worked well for me. I will never be pain free as is true for most Chronic Pain (CP) patients.

Some ppl find good relief from a "Patch."  I did not. I'll take the pills. My dear friend has CP also. She finds great pain relief with the Patch.

Ppl that have true pain do not experience a "high" when taking opiates... why? It's busy doing what it's suppose to do, working on the pain. Some of us will initial feel a bit of a "fuzz" or disorientation for a few days before our systems adjust to the new opiate but that's about it.  

I wish I had better answers for you. That fact that we are all different is what this a fascinating world. :o)

Please do keep in touch and let us know what works for you. I'll look forward to hearing from you again soon.

Peace,
~Tuck