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How often can you take Oxycodone and not risk addiction?

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Chronic Pain
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Posted 6/28/2019 4:19 PM (GMT 0)
I have some persistent gastro issues that I am getting evaluated for, but the pain has gotten to the point of my needing to take this more often now. I have this from a procedure I had a couple years ago, and always kept them just in case. Well, with my gut situation I just need some relief from the pain when it gets to the point it has recently. Just wondering how often one can take this before risking addiction. I will need to talk to my GI doc soon about this as I will run out in a week or so. But as many of you know, you get to the point of needing some relief when things are unrelenting. Just for your sanity even. My next appointment is 3 weeks out and not sure toughing it out is possible for that long.
Posted 6/28/2019 5:39 PM (GMT 0)
Minnesota, there are various scenarios about addiction. Addiction & physical dependance are two separate issues. Addiction is for those that abuse their medication, physical dependance is someone that has been on a medication for a lengthy period of time. The body has become use to having the medication & once it is stopped withdrawals will kick in. Taking something "as needed" should not be an issue. Taking more than what is prescribed will lead to trouble at some point. I can't see how a weeks worth would be an issue as long as you follow the directions on the label.

A couple of things I will point out, what you do is your choice. The pills that you have on hand, is your gi aware you are taking them? Did this gi rx the medication to you previously?

I would opt for letting the gi know you are desperate & have had to take something because your symptoms has escalated. Please be aware with the current atmosphere concerning opioids you will be extremely lucky if your gi will rx anything for pain. My gi back in 2004 would not rx pain meds & sent me to a pm dr. It wasn't that he did not believe me, he said treating pain is not my specialty. This was long before the crack down.
Posted 6/28/2019 6:38 PM (GMT 0)
You make some excellent points here. I told my GI doc last week that I at that time had to take Oxy a couple times that week for the pain. I meet with a GI surgeon in just less than 3 weeks, so different person all together. It probably makes sense to circle back with the GI doc, or perhaps my primary who has been with me through all my GI issues. It does say something about my condition now that I have had to resort to oxy for the pain where previously I never had to go to that measure. I won't go into the details but it has been a long road for me, so putting up with the pain is something I just don't have the power to do along with the other symptoms I have to deal with. But yes, it today's environment of medication abuse the legitimate cases are looked at with more scrutiny. So, which do you think I should try first, my primary or the GI?
Posted 6/28/2019 7:38 PM (GMT 0)
I would start with the gi, but do not be surprised if you get told you will need to see a pm dr. The primary is another different issue. The CDC guidelines also targeted GP's for rxing pain meds. Depending on your state you need to look up your state laws regarding this. Some will rx 3-5 days for acute pain, some 7 days, in other words things are really all screwed up. It's one fine mess for individuals that truly need help. I hope you can get some help one way or the other.
Posted 6/28/2019 8:41 PM (GMT 0)
Minnesota, Straydog is absolutely right. There is a big difference between addiction and dependence. Part of it is why a person takes the drug. If it is taken as prescribed and not abused people can become dependent on the drug to live their lives in a more comfortable way. Addiction crosses the line when people take the drug other than directed, ask for more when not needed for the pain that is identified and will take the meds for feelings instead of pain relief. Many of us have taken pain meds or many years and continue to take them for relief and do not abuse them. Many pain meds if you are on them for a long time will cause withdrawal symptoms. That is a response of the body and not an indicator of addiction. I have found friends and family do not always understand this and express concerns when someone takes pain meds for a length of time. From your description you certainly don't show signs of addiction. Hang in there, you find many people here that understand.
Posted 7/1/2019 6:59 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you so much for the comments. Like most, there is a point where the pain tips you over to a state where you just hate life, and can't find joy in anything. These medications serve a purpose, so for me it is to use when needed until I get down to Mayo clinic for my appointment in mid September. But, maybe I will need them for a lot longer, who knows. Uncertainly with health situations is really hard.
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