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Mobic (meloxicam) and a change in regiment

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Posted 9/8/2011 12:53 AM (GMT 0)
Hey everyone,

After my second Rhizotomy, I have noticed some decrease in pain and some decrease in frequency (though it is still frequent and significant enough to require more than OTC help unfortunately). As a result, I talked to my PM doctor today, and went from Nycynta (tapentadol) 75mgs x3 and Soma 350 x3 to Vicodin 5mg x2, Soma x3, and now Mobic x1.

The way I see it, as my pain is generally more in the moderate to mod-severe range (vs mod severe to severe as it was), tapentadol IMO was the main relief for pain, and Soma was an adjuvant. I used NSAIDs occasionally but didn't use them regularly due to the major stomach issues they cause (Soma on its own causes some irritation though not as bad as NSAIDS).

Now I'm hoping that this Mobic (which last 24 hours) is going to be the main source of my pain relief, and that the Vicodin and Soma will be the adjuvants to be used more as needed.

Also I should mention the x3 was the max daily, I never used tapentadol to 3 times a day everyday as I was trying to keep my tolerance down (same with the soma).

I will admit that I am surprised by the synergestic effectiveness of a single 5mg Vicodin and a single Soma 350, they work very well together for pain, and the sedation, euphoria, mood changes, and side effects are fairly tolerable.

The one thing I am worried about with the Vicodin is tolerance. Despite Nucynta (tapentadol) being a stronger medication, it built tolerance slowly. It finally did arrive, though thankfully after my procedure. I am hoping to avoid tolerance as much as possible with the vicodin and I'm hoping that at only 5mgs this will make the tolerance build slowly. The Soma seems to have built a little tolerance but is still maintaining its effectiveness and with MUCH MUCH less sedation and side effects than cyclobenzaprine. I've heard horror stories about soma tolerance, but it seems that provided the dose is 350 x3 a day or less, its not much of an issue.

The other thing is this Mobic. Has anyone else here been prescribed it and should I have hope that if my pain remains in the moderate with some spikes into the mod-sev range that it will be effective on its own as the primary pain killer with the other meds used more for spikes or as adjuvant if time has passed and the pain is still fairly noticable? I've read great things about this med and my doc seems excited about it. I think it will be a few days (as with most NSAIDS) until the full potential is reached so here is hoping :)

Posted 9/8/2011 1:03 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Salt,

I am on Mobic as part of my medication regiment. I think it depends largely upon the source of your pain as to how effective it will be on its own - if your pain is largely inflammatory in origin, then my guess is that yes it probably would be quite good. I take it for the inflammatory component of my CRPS and it controls that pain reasonably well. I can use it as prophylaxis too - I'm usually on 7.5mg a day, but know if I'm going to be subjected to something that increases the pain (e.g. a physio session) I can double that and it will stop my pain spiking as high as I suspect it would otherwise

If you start on Mobic, can I suggest talking to your doctor about also going onto a Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI). These reduce the amount of acid in your stomach and can help to reduce the risks to the stomach associated with being on NSAIDs. I've not had any ulcers fortunately, but I have had several very painful episodes of gastritis attributed to the Mobic.

Hope that helps :)

Laura
Posted 9/8/2011 1:40 AM (GMT 0)
One of the reasons my doc decided to put me on Mobic is that its supposed to be less irritating than ibu and naproxen.

So far, I've had little irritation to my surprise, but its something I'll keep an eye on and if it becomes an issue, instead of going off the NSAID, i'll request being put on a PPI ;)

I should have also mentioned that the ideal of Vicodin only 2 times a day is to rely less on narcotics. The Vicodin by itself isn't too effective but like I said 1 vicodin + 1 soma = about three times the effectiveness.

My pain is a combination of inflamation and nerve (and some localized muscle tightness). The inflamation is localized, though the nerve pain did shoot down into my legs until the rhizotomy (which helps to reduce the nerve part of the pain).

Post Edited (grainofsalt) : 9/7/2011 7:45:10 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 9/8/2011 2:12 AM (GMT 0)
Yes - it's certainly meant to be safer than ibuprofen and naproxen - designed for longer term use by people with osteo- and rhematoid arthritis.

If it's nerve pain, are any of the 'nerve pain' meds appropriate for your situation? Things like Lyrica or Neurontn?

Definitely good to limit the Vicodin if you can do it without compromising on your pain relief :) I've love to be without narcotics!

Laura
Posted 9/8/2011 12:12 PM (GMT 0)
I have been on Mobic for about 5 months now and knock on wood no gut problems. I have crohns disease and all NSAIDS are a no no, however, I do take 30mg of Acephex twice a day. i feel this is what helps me from getting into major trouble. How long I will get to take it depends on what the gut does. From what I have been told Mobic is one of the least ones to cause stomach issues.

I have a lot of arthritis not just in my neck and back but in my hands and knees. With arthritis of course comes a lot of inflammation and I do think it is helping in that department.

I think its worth anyone giving it a try to see if they can get some relief. Good luck Grain, I hope it will help you out.
Posted 9/14/2011 6:07 PM (GMT 0)
I was prescribed meloxicam for pain from tendonitis in my wrist prior to surgery.  It helped my  wrist but did nothing for the pain I have in my neck, shoulders and head from disc and other problems.  Also  left me with a horrible headache as many meds do.
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