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Can someone explain in plain terms how different pain medications relate to one another strenghtwise? Specifically, how do Fentanyl, OxyContin and Lortabs relate the following way: 50mcg Fentanyl patch equals how many mg of OxyContin which then equals how many mg hydrocodone?
Also, is there any (Rx) muscle relaxers available that work exactly as Soma does only with longer-lasting effects? I have tried Flexeril, Skelaxin and Robaxin with no success at all and with bothersome side-effects including stomach and digestive upset and a dizzy or "cloudy" feeling, I have found that Soma is the only one that works for me with minimal side effects (mild stomach upset, slight reflux) but I find it very short-acting, effective for about 3 hours or so and I am only prescribed to take it 2 times per day (spaced approximately 12 hours apart, basically morning and evening). If there is nothing comparable to it, is it possible and safe to take Soma more than 2x per day? Don't get me wrong, I'm not asking if it's OK to break the rules and take more than prescribed, I know that is wrong and dangerous. I'm just asking if it's common practise to prescribe Soma more than 2x per day or if that is the max and I shouldn't bother asking the Dr at all.
Is there a common ingredient in the muscle relaxers I listed that might be causing me to get the stomach and digestive upset?
The person to ask about dosages and interactions is your Physician or, if that is uncomfortable for you, your Pharmacist. The interaction can also vary from person to person.
I think all of your questions and threads should be best addressed by one medical professional who is familiar with you and your need for pain control.
My husband had a multitude of medical problems and the only way he could be treated adequately and safely was to have one Physician aware of all of his problems and prescribed medications in charge of his treatment.
Well, it was mostly idle curiosity, nothing I'd really want to waste my Dr's time with, but asking the pharmacist is a good idea. Duh, why didn't I think of that??!!
Remember that addiction is a very fine line. Having to take "something" for the pain is different than having to take "oxycontin" for the pain and having to take "oxycontin" even if the pain isn't there.
"Rebound" is a odd thing as well. You body can manufacture pain because it wants the medication.
So, what I am saying is that if you can substitute something else, your not addicted. You may however, be dependent.
Always take narcotic medications when pain is present and you should be fine.
Here is an interesting reaction to the drug Fiorinal (Aspirin/Cafeine and a barbituate sedative) from three people:
Person #1. Ate it like candy
Person #2: Slept for 12 hrs
Person #3: Aspirin-like
Person #1 can't have it (addiction potential). Person #2: Can't have due to side effects. Person #3 has taken it over 25 years.
Well, it was mostly idle curiosity, nothing I'd really want to waste my Dr's time with, but asking the pharmacist is a good idea. Duh, why didn't I think of that??!!
Mu husband was a Doctor of Pharmacy - they are also busy professionals. If this is a matter of "idle curiosity" I would conduct my own search on the Internet.
Of course, some pharmacies are busier than others.
Well, the pharmacy I use is not very busy at most times and they've never had trouble answering any previous questions I've had (that's why I go there). I tried to look the info up at first before I asked the question, but I couldn't find what I was looking for. I did however ask my Dr about the muscle relaxer.
Anyway, I don't even care about the question anymore, I was most interested in getting my other question answered, but unfortunately that didn't happen.
I've been hooked to all of the drugs you've mentioned. Hydrocodone, Oxycodone,and Fentanyl.
I've learned to live without taking anything stronger than Ibuprophen. With the help of Suboxone, I am narcotic free. I hurt like hell sometimes, but I am no longer a slave to pills. The pain I am experiencing is not as bad as being an addict, on the roller coaster that I am sure that you're on. Limp in the doctor's office, get your script, skip out. You're never as happy as when you come out of the drug store, then when you have two pills left, 10 days BEFORE it's time to get more... and guess what? The withdrawals you're having will get worse, your addiction will get worse, your life will become a constant search for more. Then what? What is your exit plan?
Your doctor knows the answers to your questions. Why aren't you asking him? Just be careful with what you're doing.
I never said I wasn't looking into alternatives, in fact I have a appt on the 5th to see a Dr about a neuro-stimulator. But for the time being, opioids are my only option. I don't know what the outcome of the appt will be, if my insurance will cover this device, or what. This appt is just a consult, to give me an idea about what this Dr offers and to see about coverage if I am a candidate. It's goin gto be months at least before I'd even be able to proceed with implanting the device, should everything work out favorably. So I am still going to need the meds for a while, so why not be on the meds that I prefer? I have NEVER run out of meds before I could renew my script, in fact besides the muscle relaxer, I generally renew scripts well after I actually could. The Fentanyl, of course, I always had to renew on a regular basis as there is no way around that. The patches are worn (in my case) for 72 hrs, so I would be prescribed enough to last 30 days, no more.
But you are correct, I am a slave to pills. I have medical issues that are beyond what motrin could help. There's no way I could lead a productive life without the meds. I have too much responsibility.
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