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headache from oxycodone

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Posted 2/24/2009 5:15 PM (GMT 0)
Hi all CP folks,

I have been on oxycodone for some time now for chronic back pain due to failed back syndrome. I take oxycodone 30 mg. The last Rx was filled with product from Mallincrodt (sp?). I have not used this brand before. Now I am getting intense headaches that nothing seems to touch. Has anybody else had a similar reaction to oxycodone from this supplier? I am not sure this is the cause. But when I switch back to product from other suppliers I do not seem to have the problem.

Any experience with this drug would be appreciated.

Modelmaker. (yes I do make models when my back is not killing me)
Posted 2/24/2009 5:43 PM (GMT 0)
Have you told your doctor about the headaches? This would be the first thing you should probably do.

I had taken 40mg Oxycontin for quite some time. The last few times I had it filled, they gave me the generic, the same one you are taking. I never really noticed a difference between the brand name Oxy and the generic. Oxycontin never gave me headaches but when I did get one, the pain killers I am on for my back never touched them. Whenever I get a headache, I need to take something for it or it never goes away on its own. For me the only thing that would help a headache was Excedrin. Different drugs work differently for each individual so it may be different for you.

Have you taken anything for the headache besides the Oxycodone? How often do these headaches occur? Have they been consistent since switching to the generic Oxycodone?

I wanted to mention that the brand is the same I was on. I am not sure if you are on the extended release (Oxycontin) or the immediate release. The drug (oxycodone) is the same but the delivery is a little different. Hope something I brought up about headaches helps. I have been told by my doctors that different drugs can affect different types of pain. I was told that the Ultram I was prescribed might work on my back when it didn't work on a sinus infection, etc.


Skrape

Post Edited (skrape) : 2/24/2009 11:04:59 AM (GMT-7)

Posted 2/24/2009 7:16 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the reply, Skrape,

My Dr. has heard that different generics of Oxycodone (not Oxycontin) have different potencies. He believes the brand are the most potent and generics may or may not measure up. Of course my insurance doesn't cover brand when generic is available. But the point of earlier post is that I do not get headaches from any other generic Oxycodone except from Mallincrodt.

For me, plain old aspirin does as well for the headaches as anything.

Modelmaker
Posted 2/24/2009 10:48 PM (GMT 0)
Modelmaker,
I'd suggest calling your pharmacist and asking. They may also have had other complaints, but it's worth your telling them even if they haven't. My cousin is a pharmacist and always tells me even different generics of the same drug can have different potencies and different effects. I think generics only have to have between 80-120% of the actual drug the name brand has (in other words, can vary 20% up or down). Plus the inactive ingredients can differ, and that may be what's possibly affecting you. Your pharmacist may know, but ask for the head pharmacist, not just a tech.

Good luck!

PaLady
Posted 2/25/2009 1:25 AM (GMT 0)
PALady,

Thanks for the good advice.

modelmaker
Posted 2/25/2009 2:08 AM (GMT 0)
Wow, I thought I was the only one getting headaches that even the current meds I am on can't take away. I thought it was because I am just on too much medication. I just can't believe that I can have a headache and even oxycontin can't take it away.
Posted 2/25/2009 5:55 AM (GMT 0)
Hi modelmaker,

Welcome to the CP board of HW! I too was on oxycodone for a while. The majority of the time, my oxycodone was the same generic that you just mentioned. It did not give me any headaches, but like Palady said (and I believe her numbers are correct), the generics vary in the amount of active ingredients & other inactive ingredients that they contain. Perhaps your body is more sensitive to whatever inactive ingredients they use? Could it be triggering a migrane? I've never had a migrane myself, but from what I've heard, they can be triggered by many things, including medications. It would probably be worth talking to your pharmacist (like Palady suggested) and your doc if this keeps up.

Skeye
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