How do pain meds relate to one another?
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?