WHAT IS BREAKTHROUGH PAIN - Addiction & Recovery Message Board

south249 · 06-15-2003, 09:30 AM

I WAS IN A CAR ACCIDENT AND DOCTOR GAVE ME VICODIN FOR THE PAIN. I AM ADDICTED TO IT BUT HAVE CUT DOWN ALOT. CAN SOMEONE EXPLAIN TO ME WHAT IS BREAK THROUGH PAIN, AND WHY WOULD THE DR. GIVE YOU 2 PAIN MEDS?

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south249

HERMIT · 06-15-2003, 10:45 AM

I will do my best as I understand it. Breakthrough pain is when the drug that the doc gave you to maintain your pain daily does not give enough relief when you have an extra sore day.
The breakthrough drug is meant for those times when the first drug just ain't cutting the mustard. Hope this helps.

Autumn Angel · 06-15-2003, 01:26 PM

Hi South.....Bearkthrough pain is the pain that comes when you are on the 12 hour pain meds like all the Contins. They are supposed to last 12 hours but mine only lasted about 6. So if you get pain before the time is up you are allowed to take an instant release med like vicodin or percocet. I hope this helps you some.

Autumn

Risky Business · 06-15-2003, 10:23 PM

Breakthru Pain Meds: Based on what docs have told me were when you are managing severe pain and as mentioned above...time-released, that the break thru is a short-acting med meaning that it should help your pain within 30-60 minutes...

Whereas if you were only on a time-released...it could take a longer time and cause you to suffer for no reason. This info is only my opinion and based on my experience. I would add that this may not appy to recreational users.

May all be well and I will stand beside all who wish me to,

your friend, Risky Business