Need advice on taper - does anyone have suggestions or comments? - Addiction & Recovery Message Board

emsmom · 11-01-2007, 10:40 AM

Hello everyone,

Here's my dilemma...

I am still tapering my meds - near the end, but going very slowly now (doctors' advice). Well, I have another health issue, and I'm throwing up profusely from other meds I am taking as well. I haven't been able to keep down much at all (even ensure and smoothies) so my doctor gave me a suppository (strong anti-nauseant). The suppository was helping somewhat, however I still can't keep much down.

My doctor switched me today from 60 mgs of Oxycontin to the equivalent dose of Morphine (in the form of a suppository)...cause I kept throwing up my percocets and oxy's. I haven't picked up my prescription yet, but will do so pretty soon.

Has anyone else ever had to do a switch like this? Will it work in terms of my taper and w/d's? I am aware morphine is also an opiate however, I'm worried that I am messing with my taper.

If anyone has any comments or suggestions - please let me know. I'm really worried about this switch, and hope to God it doesn't mess with my taper - I've been doing so well.

Thanks in advance,
emsmom

bridgetmark · 11-01-2007, 10:19 PM

emsmom,

I think this should be ok. I think he just had to change to the Morphine because the other doesn't come in suppository form. Even if they are slightly different forms of opiates, as long as he is keeping you on equivilant dosages, your taper should remain on track. And you have the power within you to get it right back on track if it gets a little off, this is not your fault. You poor thing, I don't know what you are going through, and you certainly don't have to tell anything more than you want to, but I will say a little prayer for you.

Bridget

g8trgrl15 · 11-02-2007, 09:02 AM

ems,
I'm so sorry!! It just seems like one thing after another for you.. And I agree with Bridget, as long as it's the same mgs than it won't mess with your taper. I'm praying for you, sweetie. The main thing for you is to TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF.

g8trgrl

emsmom · 11-02-2007, 09:45 AM

Thanks to you both,

Yes, its been tough, however I'm trying to stay positive. I have two little girls who need me right now, so I try my best. The worst part of it all is when they see me getting sick - sometimes I don't have a choice

I was just worried that switching to a new drug would mess with my taper, but you've both reassured me so thanks

All the best,
emsmom

spark-o-cet · 11-02-2007, 01:08 PM

i think you are going to notice a big difference in the morphine vs. the oxycontin.if it is real time release oxycontin that you have been tapering down from,then the morphine that the dr switched you to will not last near as long between doses.4hrs max is all you are gonna get out of the morphine vs. 8hrs with the oxy.you will probably go into w/ds between doses now where you werent with the oxy.but stay on the morphine if you can it is much easier to come off of than the oxy.the morp. is a short acting drug and oxy is time release,much harder to get off of.you will have a rough 2-3days but then you will adjust to the phine and taper off that.once you get down to a low dose of phine switch over to hydrocodone for awhile,then switch to darvocet for a few days then you are done.good luck-spark