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Posted 7/14/2009 5:20 PM (GMT 0)
Well I have lasted alot of years just using pain relievers to take the edge off but it has gotten to the point that I have having to consider using a " long acting pain med for maintenance"

But all my doctor wants to use is methidone. Does anyone use something else?

I am currently on Vicoden 7.5 every four hours and I am not watching the clock to see if the fours hours is up so I can take the next pill, but going to methidone still seams to be a big jump to me and besides I don't want to have to go on something that addictive until It is the last resort.

Thanks

AL

 

Posted 7/15/2009 3:54 PM (GMT 0)
Al, I don't know the answer to your question. I am only taking a small dose of mobic every day and tramadol for extra pain. I would be wondering the same thing. Why does your doc want to switch you to methadone if the vicoden is working?
Sue
Posted 7/15/2009 11:05 PM (GMT 0)

My PM doctor started me on avinza.  It's a long acting morphine that you only take once per day.  So far so good.  I'm on the lowest dose one but didn't have any side affects or that drugged feeling from it.  I also have oxycodone for BT pain.  I take these for chronic back pain.

Jag

Posted 7/16/2009 1:13 PM (GMT 0)
I would bet that you are (at least) more physically addicted to the Vicoden than you know. It is still a strong drug. There isnt that many drugs that are stronger than those in the Vicoden and Percocet class. Primarily methadone and morphine, maybe fentyal patches (sp?). Your doc is prob looking for something that wont interact with what you are already on.
I was scared to start taking morphine too. It felt like I was crossing a line that wasnt easily crossed back over again. But it was the only thing that could bring my pain down to a manageable level. Now I am trying to change my lifestyle so that I am in less pain (quit my job) so that it is possible to lower my meds.
It may even be healthier for you to take less of a stronger drug...I dont know, but its no good to be in that much pain either!

Good luck & hope you get some relief soon!
Posted 7/16/2009 10:31 PM (GMT 0)
If I were to guess, I'd say the reason the doc was trying to get you off the Vicodin is for potential liver issues. Vicodin contains acetaminophen which is the same pain killer found in Tylenol which with moderate use isn't bad for most, but could be of some concern when taken regularly over the long term with regard to liever damage.

Methadone sounds scary, but I work with many clients who use it (some for pain management and some for addiction recovery), and if you're using it according to directions, it's generally not too bad on people.
Posted 7/16/2009 10:40 PM (GMT 0)
hi,
methadone is a big jump and not a drug to be taken lightly.

On a scale of 1-10 how bad has your pain gotten, there's surely other drugs that are worth a try before going down that road.

I dispense methadone to heroin addicts occasionally and i can't understand why it's used as a pain killer. The poor peolple i see taking it are at rock bottom i suppose.

That said.. if it works and you can handle the possible addiction and side effects, have a good chat with the doc and see why exactly he's prescribing it.
boo
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