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Posted 2/11/2013 9:04 PM (GMT 0)

smilewinkgrin  Hello,

I am new to this site and wanted to comment on a recent change I’ve had in medication that has been successful in lowering my pain. But first, I’ll give details of how I got here.

 

I had back surgery in 2007; fusion L5 – S1. I have had chronic nerve pain down my left leg everyday since the surgery. I have been seeing a PM for pain and have been treated with all the opiates; oxy, ms contin, hydromorphone, etc. None of these drugs eliminated the pain, I would feel better but that was it. I always felt drugged out and my work was suffering due to being forgetful and always tired.

Now to the good news.

 

I have a new doctor who prescribed Nucynta, but first I had to tapper my self down from the oxy. Not fun but I got through it. I started taking Nucynta 11 days ago; it took several days to get into my system. It wasn’t until the 5th day that the pain level went to a 1. At this point I’m having very little pain compared with what I was living with before. Before this new drug I could not sit here at my computer for longer the 20 min, I’ve been sitting here about an hour today. turn   turn

One of the good things about this drug is I don’t feel loopy or buzzed. The only side effects I’ve had are nausea and a little tired. I take a Bonine for the nausea and I’m good to go.

 

I hope this post helps others that may try this drug. Keep in mind it takes several days to build in your system before it works.

 

Blessings,

 

Greg

Posted 2/12/2013 8:50 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Greg and welcome to the forum at HW. We have several members here that are on Nucynta. I am glad you found something that works for you. Nucynta is a very strong opiate and in the same class as oxy-c.

It does have a higher then usual potential for respitory stress and failure even on the 1st dose if it is not calculated correctly and some Drs are a little worried about that in prescribing,it also is not recommended in anyone who is already respitory compromised such as copd or emphasyma.

One other thing and that is it can be fatal to mix this drug and alcohol and you should make sure you take nothing with alcohol in it,ex:Nyquil. Even as small amount as that can cause huge problems for you. Thus the reason some DRs wont use this med as it can be very unstable and patients have to be monitored and or trusted that they do not crush it or ever take even one more pill then prescribed and never mix it with alcohol of any kind. You know there are always those who think that the label warnings are nothing more then what ifs and with this med they are just that warnings!!.

Again welcome and I hope this med continues to work as well as it has started for you.

Vickie
Posted 2/13/2013 11:32 AM (GMT 0)
if i am not mistaken,, Nucynta is a powerful pain killer, and with powerful pain killers come powerful side effects
there is no medication out there which has no side effects
Posted 2/13/2013 1:00 PM (GMT 0)
This is true Ceasar but Nucynta has some that need more serious thoughts and certainly needs to be prescribed by a Dr that knows your history and has become familiar with the med itself.

We get many posters here that attempt to self medicate trying to chase away the pain and with a med like nucynta that's an extremely dangerous action to take.

Any med that clearly states miscalculation can be fatal even the first dose, warrants mentioning in my opinion.

That was my sole purpose in my response.

Vickie
Posted 2/13/2013 9:11 PM (GMT 0)

Wow, I guess being a new member you have to get through this tough crowd to make your point. I will give further details in hopes of being taken seriously and try to squash any misconceptions.

First off I am fortunate to be able to be seen by one of the top pain management groups in the southeast. I have had operations and numerous injections to elevate the nerve pain along with trying different opiates. The goal is taking as little as possible so that you can continue to enjoy life. All opiates are deadly when taken the wrong way especially with alcohol or Xanax.

Nucynta and is not as dangerous as the other opiates. Nucynta has a dual mode of action as agonist to the u-opioid receptor along with a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. The potency is between tramadol and morphine. When this drug was originally released it was planned as a schedule III compound based on the reduced liability for abuse and tolerance compared with morphine. However the DEA proposed a rule and classified as a schedule II. Nucynta is the first new drug of the centrally acting analgesic class approved in the United States in more than 25 years

The point I’m trying to make is that I’m finding success, please be happy for me. I only wanted to post about Nucynta because it’s the only thing I’ve found that takes the pain away. Maybe someone else who reads this will go ask their doctor if this is an option for them.

Blessings,
Greg

Post Edited (Bait-Catcher) : 2/14/2013 10:08:05 AM (GMT-7)

Posted 2/13/2013 10:53 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Greg. Iam allergic to all the codeine drugs and my doctor has been giving me Talwin which makes me feel like I have the flu. He does not like opiates . It is hard to know somedays whether the pain is worse or the side effects which means I am trying not to take it much and in a lot of pain.
I am also new here. I have had a broken neck with resultant weak muscles in arms, legs, and respiratory muscles and I have constant neck pain. My unnatural gait and weak legs have caused me to develop deterioration of the lower spine, twisted pelvis, piriformis syndrome with sciatic pain down both sides and bilateral SI joint dysfuncton. I am fighting depression lately since the pain is keeping me from doing anything social but if I take the medicine I feel sick and I am much too lightheaded to drive. Guess I just want to vent.
Posted 2/14/2013 2:35 AM (GMT 0)
Sorry you took my reply to Ceasars post about all powerful pain killers have side effects. This is true Nucynta has some extra and more severe.

My consensus was explained when I said we get ppl here who attempt to self medicate. It had no reflection what so ever to do with you.

Since the med was new to you I assumed having knowledge given to you about it would be interesting and possible useful.

Go back and read my last statement to you in my 1st reply. I'm fairly sure I told you I hoped it continues to work.

Vickie
Posted 2/14/2013 5:03 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Shadowwoman,

I'm sorry to hear that you're having such a rough time. Have you tried Gabapentin? I take this too and its not a narcotic and it has helped with the nerve pain. Try to stay positive and keep searching to find something that will help.


Greg
Posted 2/14/2013 5:08 PM (GMT 0)
I appreciate that Vickie, thank you.
Posted 2/14/2013 5:33 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Shadowwoman, the composite of talwin was changed years ago to add naloxolone or narcan if you will to prevent the abuse or misuse of this med. They recently did the same thing to oxycontin in the form of targin.

The narcan is an opiate antagonist and although it's not suppose to release and make you feel "like you have the flu" many people report it does even when taking the med as ordered. This could be an adverse reaction to the properties and tell your Dr. He really should be looking for another alternative. You shouldn't have to suffer because you can't take the meds.

If I haven't already welcomed you to the forum I will do so now.

Greg keep up updated on the nucynta alot of people are interested to know how this med works on the long haul.

Post Edited (nvrthesame98) : 3/16/2013 2:16:09 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 2/14/2013 6:03 PM (GMT 0)
OMG SB sorry that's not what I typed!! I'm . On a kindle and this thing types what it wants. If anyone knows how to turn this feature off please post me. I spend half my time editing!!!
Posted 2/14/2013 6:08 PM (GMT 0)
How in the world this thing got that out of narcan is beyond me. SB everytime I type the SB it changes it to AN? This things nuts. My laptops getting hot and the cooling thing quit working and I've not got to Best Buy to get a new one. 'RE: using the Kindle.

Sorry
Posted 2/14/2013 6:11 PM (GMT 0)
LOL...well now I will go ahead and delete my other posts as it won't make sense now and people will think I am seeing things!!! HAHA...
Posted 2/15/2013 5:26 AM (GMT 0)
Hello Greg!…and Welcome to the CP forum!

I too take Nucynta, and have been on it for a few months now. I have been on almost every pain med out there, minus a couple,…and the Nucynta has worked the best for me. However, I am starting to build a tolerance to it already, and expect a change in dose or adding a BT med to help me out a bit.

Unlike you,…the Nucynta has messed with my head more than any other med I have tried to date. It just goes to show that we are all different in how meds effect each one of us. I too…got my maximum benefit out of the med after being on it for 3 to 4 weeks. When I first started it, I was convinced that it was not going to work for me. I'm so glad I stuck with it, and would advise others to give it a good try for a few weeks before giving up on it.

I believe the max dose for chronic pain is around 700mg a day. Currently, I'm at 400mg. My problem is that the 6hr IR last only 4hrs and the 12hr ER last 7 to 8hrs, and I'm just shy of the comfort I need during my working hours.

Chronic pain and the meds to control it is a never ending battle!

Good luck, and thanks for sharing!

SE
Posted 2/15/2013 3:59 PM (GMT 0)
Hi SE,

Good to hear from you, like you I have tried almost all of them too.

After being on Nucynta for 4 or 5 days it finally started working and was the first drug to eliminate the pain. I've been on it for 15 days and so far so good. Prior to starting N, I was up to 180 mgs each day of Oxycontin/Oxycodone. It seemed that I was building tolerance too fast and that's why I switched to N. The doc had me tapper down on the oxy for 60days before he would start me on the N. Those 60 days were a living hell, not fun at all. My starting amount of N is 100 mgs 4 x day along with 15 mscontin 3 x day.

I've been reading a lot about the side effects of N and see that the higher the mg the more side effects. I've only had the nausea, tired and constipation. It also perks me up a little bit mentally and I guess its from the NRI ingredient.

As time goes on I'll post again on any positive or negative effects I'm getting. Hope you have a great weekend!


Blessings,
Greg
Posted 2/15/2013 4:14 PM (GMT 0)
Hi there Greg....In reading your last post....you are saying the Dr. moved you to two long acting medications? Or are you on the short acting one....

Obviously there are exceptions to every rule...but I was just curious about putting you on two long acting ones with the Nucynta and the MSContin if that is the case.

Post Edited (Snowbunny21) : 2/15/2013 9:28:02 AM GMT

Posted 2/15/2013 4:33 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Snowbunny,

The doc has me on nucynta short acting. The long acting mscontin 15; on this one he is tappering me off of this. I dropped down the oxy rather quickly and he wanted to keep me on this until the next time I see him.
Posted 2/15/2013 4:36 PM (GMT 0)
That makes sense....I think because you were mentioning this med in your very first post and only the Nuncytna I was thinking it was your "primary" med that was giving you such great results...

Thanks for sharing more...I am on the generic for MSContin and find it does really well for my daily pain and use OxyIR for my BT....

Glad to hear you have found a good combination that works for you:)
Posted 2/15/2013 6:06 PM (GMT 0)
Hi BaitCatcher and welcome to the forum. Wow, I think that is wonderful that you have found something that is really working well on your pain. It is always pleasant to see a positive post that someone is having success and doing well.

Please do keep us updated on how you are doing. Looking at your username, does this mean that you are feeling well enough to go throw a couple of lines in and get them wet, lol? I sure hope so. I have a little 7 yr old grandson that loves to fish. He got hooked on trout fishing last summer in Missouri.

Anyway, I wanted to pop on & say hello & welcome aboard.....Susie
Posted 2/15/2013 10:20 PM (GMT 0)
Hello again Greg!

I too am taking 400mg a day, and the only side effect is that it messes with my head, and is very much like the Cymbalta I once tried. I saw that someone cautioned against alcohol use with this med, and I agree, and probably is not a good idea when taking any pain med. However, I have been known to sip a little wine before supper here and there, and don't feel that it is a problem for me. I really am not a drinker…just don't care for it.

One other thing I would caution anybody on, is not to double up on this med or take it until you have reached the full six hours or 12, depending on which form of release you are on. (ER/IR) We have to remember that it is duel acting with the release of a nerve type med, and I would be careful taking a dose too early.

On the one hand I love this med for my pain, but on the other,…I hate the way it makes me feel. Such is the life of a CP patient I suppose. It never will be perfect will it! shakehead

It sounds like you have done your homework on this med, and I agree with you on several points about it. Keep us informed, and I will update you as well on any changes regarding this med and any new information I come across. It certainly can be rather a deceptive med when first getting on it. I just knew it was not working, but stuck with it….and all of the sudden I noticed the back pain was a lot less, almost to the point of being pain free.

I have an appointment coming up on the 21st, and hope some sort of adjustment is done, to at least help me during my working hours.

I have been gone for at least 3 or more months, and many of you I do not know, and the ones I do, have changed their member names…so for the time being I will be a bit lost. LOL

Again take care, and I wish you the best!

SE
Posted 2/16/2013 1:56 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Greg
I am taking Neurontin. It does help with my neck some. Thanks nvrthsame98 for the info. I thought it was supposed to be an inert ingredient but it sounds like it is not always. I see the doctor Monday and will try again to talk to him.
Posted 2/20/2013 1:09 PM (GMT 0)
I was searching google to see if there was any new medical talk on Nucynta and found this post. I thought I would add my comments to help support others.

Since being injured in the military I've been suffering from severe pain for several years now. For a few years I didn't take any narcotics, but that placed me down a path of severe depression. With my first set of doctors my age played a big part in my treatment, and the media was talking about an increase substance abuse among veterans returning from the war which didn't help.

After switching Doctors I began opioid therapy which allowed me to get my life back. After intense research on the internet I discovered Nucynta, and inquired this with my Doctor since I was still in pain.

My Doctor made the switch to Nucynta ER, but the bad thing was I had to stop my SSRI's. The first week on Nucynta was a challenge due to nausea and stomach pains, but once I got past that first week my pain was starting to get under better control. I now have been on Nucynta ER for several months now and almost feel back to normal. I'm able to do things I use to do, and I'm not experiencing any side effects of feel intoxicated nor any nausea anymore. My pain remains on the low to moderate side most of the time which I'm content with.
Posted 2/20/2013 4:08 PM (GMT 0)
Hi OIFO8,

Welcome to the Healingwell Forum, glad to hear Nucynta is working well for you. It took about a week for N to work and my biggest side effect was nausea. The great thing about this med is I don't feel buzzed or like I'm on a narcotic. I've only been on this med for 3 weeks and it has been a game changer for me. At times I have no pain at all and when I do have pain its when i'm getting out bed in the morning. Once I take my first dose it takes about an hour for the pain to melt away. It has been a God send for me. I'm praying that it keeps working.

Blessings,

BC

Posted 2/21/2013 4:50 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Bait-Catcher. Welcome to our chronic pain forum. I'm glad to hear that you have finally found a medication that works for you.

Take care

Loretta
Posted 3/15/2013 9:01 PM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone! Im new on here, but not new to chronic pain I assure you! I have been suffering since i was 20, I'm now 45. I have 2 bulging discs in my neck, brachial plexitis in the left side of my neck and shoulder/arm, the last 5 vertebra are naturally fused, i suffer with pain literally from head to toes! A recent MRI showed an abnormalty in my upper thoracic spine, but dont know as of yet what it is? I refused all meds, surgeries, for the 1st 20 years then I finally gave in and tried opiates, the best for me being oxycodone. That being said i got scared of the pill world and decided to get off all of the. Now ive got a new Dr an a new drug, that is screwing up my whole world!! Nucynta is NOT the miracle drug i was lead to believe it is!! The side effects are way too much for this ole country boy! I give up, cant take these side effects from this very contraverstial drug!! Never had ANY of this with oxycodone EVER!!
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