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Switching Opiates - Quick Question

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Posted 10/20/2008 6:04 AM (GMT 0)

Hi All

Quick question... I have been taking Vicodin for almost 10 months now. 4 Days ago I asked my pain doc to switch me over to Percoset because of my building tolerance to vicodin. In the last 4 days things have really gotten wierd. For the first 3 days the percoset's really did not seem to do much. I had cravings for the vicodin. My eyes seemed watery. Had lots of anxiety. Tired alot. Just felt plain wierd. Its getting better but that little voice inside really wants the vicodin...

Withdrawal symtoms?

Can you get withdrawals when switching opiate meds?

Thanks

Richter

Posted 10/20/2008 9:50 AM (GMT 0)
Richter,
My doctor prescribed Oxycontin. Strangely, I wasn't aware that it was doing
ANYTHING for my pain. (Then he prescribed, Avinza a real strong Morphine that you could
only take once a day and you couldn't take anything else) Unfortunately the
Avinza didn't work AT ALL. I called
the ER to see if there was something they could do to help me. They said I was
at the limit of pain control. SCARY!'
Even though these meds didn't help much, going off them was awful. After much
pain and distress, a new doctor started me on Methadone. Methadone kinda works.
So ... hmmmm .... I think Vicodin could have withdrawal symptoms. I never
asked my prescribing doctor about the Oxycontin. He was a General Practioner
and didn't know much about prescribing Opiates.
Is your doctor the kind who would have awareness? After my horrible experiences,
I only trust Pain doctors to prescribe.
I wish you the best.
Pamela
Posted 10/20/2008 12:10 PM (GMT 0)
It really depends on the dosage and your body chemistry. I've run out of 10mg norcos 4x day (same active ingredients). I've never any bad problems but I do admit that my fear of pain creats a lot of anxiety like what if tomorow is one of those really horrible days. Take a deep breath and let you body adjust new meds usually take some time to get used to.

good luck

jennifer

Posted 10/20/2008 12:37 PM (GMT 0)
Richter, Hi Im JJ To me it sounds like a withdrawal situation, over the years Ive been titrated up and weaned off so many medication , as crappy as you feel it should   not last too long,   Make sure you are followed by a competent doctor, keep your self occupied time will help. Keep smiling JJ   -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A little back ground; I’m a 48yrs old male, I have moderate to severe chronic pain everyday of my life for the past10 years, I was diagnosed with sever stinosis i n the neck, severe D.D.D , At 37 I had to have a lamanectomy from C3 to C7 inclusive, do to herniated disc, and myelopathy    affecting my spinal cord. The doctors have made it very clear that there is real nothing left to try, medically. Which means this is it….. Presently I can not feel with my hands, no sensation, I have pain from my head to my toes. I have been on every type of pain medication and all stopped working after a while Now I take Lyrica and and medical marijuana    (My advice to the world ,” acceptance, never give up, keep your self occupied . get physiological help, just to put things into prospective. Try to smile )
Posted 10/20/2008 7:37 PM (GMT 0)
Actually feeling better today. Percosets are working. I'm still eyeing my left over stash of vicodin but will not take them.

Thx
Richter
Posted 10/20/2008 7:52 PM (GMT 0)
Good. Don't take them. It will catch up with you. I sure know the position you're in.
Pamela smhair
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