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medication advice plz

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Chronic Pain
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Posted 3/23/2011 2:45 PM (GMT 0)
I've real alot on this part of the forum "chronic pain" that alot of people here are taking percocet, yes in different dosages at different times. I was changed from Vicoden 10/500 to Percocet 5/325 a week ago. (Started on 3/15/11)
Well I was wondering how long it takes to become somewhat adjusted to the medication. The first few days i had a pretty severe sinus infection, and the percocet made me very jittery and anxious. Could be because of my anxiety and i could actually feel the medication "euphoria or dysphoria", and I do not like that "high" feeling at all, more then likely because of the anxiety. I am absolutely taking this medication as prescribed on the bottle, except before bed i take a half instead of a whole one. I was scared, in general because of my anxiety that i was allergic, or whatever and was seen and had vitals done 4 times. Vitals are fine when taking this medications. (The vitals were taken within 1-2 hrs of ingesting the percocet each time.) So i had to tell myself, this is my anxiety and it will have to be mind over matter. Taking the percocet is helping a great deal more then the vicoden i will admit. So about when, because i know how our bodies react is different for each person, will the medication become a little easier to take. When will it not make me so loopy feeling, tummy cramps w/ a little nausia, itchy in face and nose (this is what really scared me but i've come to the conclusion reading that itchiness and dry skin is a normal reaction, correct? Its not to the point where i have red marks or scratch myself so much. Its just a dry skin with little itchiness periodically. So as mentally im coming to terms with this medication, I would greatly appreciate any imput on anything about this. Thank you all so much in advance and hope you are having a much less painful day. *soft hugs*
Posted 3/23/2011 3:16 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Hippychick,

I use both vicodin and percocet. I find that the latter does make me more foggy and also helps more with the pain.
There's a lot of cross-tolerance between opioids and I'm surprised that you're reacting so strongly to the percocet if you've been using the vicodin for a while. The two doses you note are comparable.

It has been a long time since I've felt dizzy or itchy. They are often signs that the dose is too great. The itchyness, btw, comes from a release of histamine, which is a common side effect of many opioids.

My understanding is that there are two primary mechanisms of tolerance: one long and one short term. The long term one has to do with the density of opioid receptors. The short term has to do with the mediating process of NMDA and other factors. Typically the latter builds up in days and weeks, so if you're taking the percocet daily, you might start to get more used to it within a week.

Of course, if the side effects get worse, contact your PM.
Posted 3/23/2011 5:58 PM (GMT 0)
Minor itchiness is "normal" when taking opiods, however if it becomes severe or you notice hives, welts, etc you need to stop taking the meds and contact your doctor immediately as those are potential signs of an allergic reaction.

Most of the side effects should start to go away within a couple of weeks. If they are bothersome try taking some kind of OTC allergy medication. If after a month though you are still having issues you should discuss it with your doctor.
Posted 3/23/2011 6:01 PM (GMT 0)
Oh forgot to mention. Use a non-drowsy allergy medication if you do decide to try one and be careful doing anything as there is a possibility of the allergy med increasing things like loopiness, tiredness, etc.
Posted 3/23/2011 6:54 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you both so much, it makes me feel at ease a bit. No the itching isn't severe, its just minor around the nose and cheeks, i've been checking myself for welps, hives, etc. Nothing. Just the loopiness that makes you kinda wanna cross your eyes until they close lol. And ALOT of dry mouth. Gonna get some sugar free candy and maybe that will help out some with the dry mouth. It has been only a week but this is the first time i've used the oxycodone. I've been on the hydrocodone for sometime and its stopped helping the pain. The doctor says he is aiming towards something extended release so i guess this is a step in that direction. I just gotta get over the fear of a new drug, and try to enjoy the pain lessening benifits rather then focus on the "high" that i do not like. Thanks so much for your advice.
Posted 3/24/2011 4:21 AM (GMT 0)
I've been on various narcotics for almost 3 and a half years now. Vicoden was the first one, and I had to come off that cold turkey thanks to a real bozo of a doctor. After that they put me on Loritab, and as of recently they switched me to Percoset.

I take 15mg of Percoset four times a day and pretty much don't experience any of the side effects. At most I feel a little foggy, meaning my memory isn't as sharp as it used to be. Kinda depressing some times to realize how much of my mind has eroded away, but I do brain building boosters and puzzles to try and exerecise that part of me.

Like you yourself stated: Mind over Matter, and the mind is a very powerful thing. You need to find a way to quiet your anxiety over your meds, and certainly your fear. If you go in expecting the worst you may create a self fullfilling prophecy. Not sure if that helps or not, but if you have any questions don't hestitate to ask.

One question I have to ask, as you mention panic attacks/disorder. Are you taking anything to help with that? If not perhaps your doctor can perscribe something that'll help ease you worries, thus helping to improve your quality of life.

Posted 3/24/2011 5:09 AM (GMT 0)
What you are describing, about the loopiness, or euphoria, is exactly why oxycodone, (percocet) is so abused. FOR THAT VERY FEELING!!. That is one reason people like it for pain, because they take it and say OH that hurts, but WHO CARES!!!! Percocet is a wonderful short term pain killer, but it is highly addictive, as well as dependent. I personally hate the med, but my dr wants me to take oxycontin, so , for now, I do, and do not get great pain relief, and have a constant headache, and frequent nausea. It may be in your case, it is just enough stronger than the vicodin you were taking that you increased a bit much all at once, back off a little, and adjust the doseage up every three days or so. If you get adequate coverage at a lesser dose, stay there for awhile, you will eventually need to go up. Best of luck. If you do not tolerate thismed, there are many others.
Posted 3/24/2011 10:57 AM (GMT 0)
You may find the oxycontin (extended release oxycodone) easier to tolerate actually. When using oxycontin I never felt the effects like I did with the oxycodone which I used for breakthrough pain. The side effects should lessen over time and until then maybe you need to take a half dosage and work your way up to a whole dose for a while. If the side effects get too annoying I'd check with your doctor. Watch for constipation with the higher dose of narcotics, Miralax was my friend when I was using them.
Posted 3/24/2011 2:37 PM (GMT 0)

 Dear Chic,

 

    You have some wonderful advise. There is little I can add except to say that over time the side effects will lessen. I am just now getting somewhat comfortable to a series of increases made a month ago to my pain medications. Even still I am...  it is a bit of a tug-of-war. It makes me strange but there is little I can do at this point.

 

     Try to replace your normal body wash with something like this. It is very cheap, but the key ingredient is "Tea Tree Oil"...

 

~~>  http://www.walmart.com/ip/Body-Essence-Tea-Tree-Oil-Ultra-Moisturizing-Body-Wash-24-Oz/10324103

 

*hugg*
  dani

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