brianpain33
04-10-2008, 04:43 PM
I was wondering if I should even ask my doc about trying Provigil? I know that I will be completely shot down and my doc would not even want me on any type of amphetamine type stimulant since I am a recovering addict? However, I really need something to counteract the drowsiness/tiredness symptoms of the pain meds (fentanyl patch & Percocet & Lyrica). Does anyone here take Provigil and what is your take on it? I was just wondering if it is safe enough for a recovering drug addict to take or not?
brian
brian
Sponsor
forginon
04-10-2008, 07:48 PM
Brian,
As you know I take dexedrine, which works fairly well for me. There's no high (for me) as my dose is only 10mg. If I didn't have it I'd be a zombie all day. My Rx is for 5-10mg 2-3 times per day. I use it pretty regularly, but never close to the max I'm allowed. I always have lots left over each month, so there's some months when I don't get a refill (new script). The times when I've been hospitalized, like the bowel obstruction, I just didn't take it and had no problem with that.
If stimulants were your drug of choice then I'd stay well away from this or Provigil (personal opinion). I've tried Provigil and the effect is very similar to dexedrine.
steve
As you know I take dexedrine, which works fairly well for me. There's no high (for me) as my dose is only 10mg. If I didn't have it I'd be a zombie all day. My Rx is for 5-10mg 2-3 times per day. I use it pretty regularly, but never close to the max I'm allowed. I always have lots left over each month, so there's some months when I don't get a refill (new script). The times when I've been hospitalized, like the bowel obstruction, I just didn't take it and had no problem with that.
If stimulants were your drug of choice then I'd stay well away from this or Provigil (personal opinion). I've tried Provigil and the effect is very similar to dexedrine.
steve
conductor
04-10-2008, 09:20 PM
Brian,
Would you remind me of the drug's name to which you were addicted? Was it an amphetamine? What was the specific name? Thank you!
Sincerely,
Jon (Conductor)
Would you remind me of the drug's name to which you were addicted? Was it an amphetamine? What was the specific name? Thank you!
Sincerely,
Jon (Conductor)
brianpain33
04-10-2008, 09:26 PM
Jon,
You know I always dislike telling people what it was but it was "crack-cocaine" so obviously a stimulant. I just need some help with the chronic fatigue because I am having a much harder time driving & being productive here at work because of this.
brian
You know I always dislike telling people what it was but it was "crack-cocaine" so obviously a stimulant. I just need some help with the chronic fatigue because I am having a much harder time driving & being productive here at work because of this.
brian
Executor
04-10-2008, 09:57 PM
Brian- I think I would tell the Doc about your problem / issues in staying alert and ask him for a recommendation. I would not ask him for a specific drug, especially a stimulant given your background.
Also, if you do a search on the drug, you will see that a single 8-week double-blind study of Provigil for cocaine dependence produced inconclusive results. The number of cocaine-positive urine samples was significantly lower in the modafinil group as compared to the placebo group in the middle of the trial.
If your Doc is aware of this, he may think you're requesting the drug to help with a Cocaine addiction.
More than likely, if you are having this issue, he will reduce your meds to find a point where you still get pain control, but not the non-functional side effects.
Hope this helps.
Ex
Also, if you do a search on the drug, you will see that a single 8-week double-blind study of Provigil for cocaine dependence produced inconclusive results. The number of cocaine-positive urine samples was significantly lower in the modafinil group as compared to the placebo group in the middle of the trial.
If your Doc is aware of this, he may think you're requesting the drug to help with a Cocaine addiction.
More than likely, if you are having this issue, he will reduce your meds to find a point where you still get pain control, but not the non-functional side effects.
Hope this helps.
Ex
brianpain33
04-10-2008, 10:10 PM
Maybe I just really need to give myself time to recover completely from the flu. Most people here in Ohio say that it takes 3 weeks to completely recover from this flu outbreak. It has not been quite 2 weeks for me yet, maybe 2 weeks on Sunday. I am sure this has a big contributing factor as well.
brian
brian
conductor
04-10-2008, 10:17 PM
Dear Brian,
With my utmost sincerity, I greatly appreciate your honesty here. I wanted to know this information to try to understand the connections in medications. Please know that I have no interest, whatsoever, in "slamming" you.
Brian, you have come full-circle and walk a very tight rope here. For me, I greatly admire the progress you've made! Plus, you are being very careful in not regressing!
Would any of the ADHD medications like Ritalin, Adderall, or Concerta be helpful? They do make them in small doses that can be tolerated. Bluntly, here's where my complete ignorance enters. How do these relate to the street drug you mentioned? I simply don't know. Perhaps you already know, or some of our resident "chemists" know!
This is interesting to me, to say the least!
Sincerely and know that you are still being remembered daily,
Jon (Conductor)
With my utmost sincerity, I greatly appreciate your honesty here. I wanted to know this information to try to understand the connections in medications. Please know that I have no interest, whatsoever, in "slamming" you.
Brian, you have come full-circle and walk a very tight rope here. For me, I greatly admire the progress you've made! Plus, you are being very careful in not regressing!
Would any of the ADHD medications like Ritalin, Adderall, or Concerta be helpful? They do make them in small doses that can be tolerated. Bluntly, here's where my complete ignorance enters. How do these relate to the street drug you mentioned? I simply don't know. Perhaps you already know, or some of our resident "chemists" know!
This is interesting to me, to say the least!
Sincerely and know that you are still being remembered daily,
Jon (Conductor)
brianpain33
04-10-2008, 10:40 PM
OK all of you people that are good at knowing your drugs & OTC meds. Does anyone know how caffeine pills get released into your bloodstream? Is it at a steadier dose than what it is when you drink coffee? I am VERY SERIOUSLY considering picking up the caffeine pills on the way home after work tonight. Of course I won't take them until I get up. I know some of you were thinking that (I hope he doesn't take one tonight or he will never get to sleep):nono::eek: This extreme fatigue and tiredness from the flu & the meds in combination are just killing me.
brian
brian
Executor
04-10-2008, 10:53 PM
Depending on the dose, the caffeine pills will last about the same amt of time. They will, however, take a little longer to hit your system b/c they are a pill vs. liquid (coffee). The biggest thing you need to be careful with the pills is that they are usually high in dosage. Depending on the type, one pill can be equal to 2 or 3 cups of coffee. Thus, they can be overkill. I'd read the label to see the exact qty. Some are also packaged and shotgun'd with decongestants, or ephedrine for even greater kick.
Good luck.
Ex
Good luck.
Ex
brianpain33
04-10-2008, 11:17 PM
Ex,
Do you know exactly how caffeine compares to the drug Provigil? I do know that caffeine does affect certain neurotransmitters in the brain including dopamine. Isn't it strange how things like caffeine(the most abused drug in the world) is actually legal and does not require a RX???
brian
Do you know exactly how caffeine compares to the drug Provigil? I do know that caffeine does affect certain neurotransmitters in the brain including dopamine. Isn't it strange how things like caffeine(the most abused drug in the world) is actually legal and does not require a RX???
brian
duttin
04-10-2008, 11:20 PM
Brian,
I Have Found Provigil To Be Very Benificial In Fighting Fatigue, I Have Taken It For A Year Or So Now,i Can Take A Little As Half A Pill Or Even 2 A Day.
I Take It For Fatigue Do To Multiple Sclerosis.
I Have Tried Ritalin,it Wasn't Effective For Me,but We All React Differently To Meds.
I Had The Nasty Ohio Flu Also.
Hope You Get Some Releif From The Fatigue Soon
I Have Found Provigil To Be Very Benificial In Fighting Fatigue, I Have Taken It For A Year Or So Now,i Can Take A Little As Half A Pill Or Even 2 A Day.
I Take It For Fatigue Do To Multiple Sclerosis.
I Have Tried Ritalin,it Wasn't Effective For Me,but We All React Differently To Meds.
I Had The Nasty Ohio Flu Also.
Hope You Get Some Releif From The Fatigue Soon
forginon
04-10-2008, 11:46 PM
Brian,
Two things Ex wrote deserve repeating.
One is that a discussion with your doc about daytime fatigue may result in your pain meds being lowered (to decrease the drowsiness). Maybe this is appropriate, but just be careful what you ask for. Secondly, the caffeine tabs are very potent, usually 200mg. That's an awful lot at one time. I imagine it would behave closely to how 3-4 cups of coffee would. At first you'd fly, and then a big let down. Tolerance builds quickly, and caffeine withdrawal headaches are horrendous.
I remember Dr. Dean Edel once saying that if the Feds had understood caffeine back in 1914 when the Harrison Act was passed (drug scheduling) it would have become scheduled at level II or III.
It might be best to avoid the caffeine route, at least the tablets. I know this might sound strange, but exercise is great for combating fatigue. It's been established that regular exercise combats tiredness and fatigue.
Best of luck whatever you decide.
steve
Two things Ex wrote deserve repeating.
One is that a discussion with your doc about daytime fatigue may result in your pain meds being lowered (to decrease the drowsiness). Maybe this is appropriate, but just be careful what you ask for. Secondly, the caffeine tabs are very potent, usually 200mg. That's an awful lot at one time. I imagine it would behave closely to how 3-4 cups of coffee would. At first you'd fly, and then a big let down. Tolerance builds quickly, and caffeine withdrawal headaches are horrendous.
I remember Dr. Dean Edel once saying that if the Feds had understood caffeine back in 1914 when the Harrison Act was passed (drug scheduling) it would have become scheduled at level II or III.
It might be best to avoid the caffeine route, at least the tablets. I know this might sound strange, but exercise is great for combating fatigue. It's been established that regular exercise combats tiredness and fatigue.
Best of luck whatever you decide.
steve
brianpain33
04-10-2008, 11:51 PM
Grrrrr. There is just no easy answer. OK where's the EASY BUTTON? I want the easy button. I know be careful what I ask for Steve. I think that I really just need to completely get over this flu and make sure that all the lingering fatigue/tiredness is gone before I resort to asking my doc about the Provigil. We'll see what happens with stopping the Ultram as of today. Maybe I will actually feel better not taking it anymore.
brian
brian
forginon
04-11-2008, 02:18 AM
Brian,
Now that you're gettin' up there in years :) you gotta be extra careful with the flu and realize it can take a whole lot out of you.
Heck, last year's flu took me to heart failure. I'm fine now, but that flu knocked the stuffin' right outa me.
Just rest and let this thing run its course. Take it easy - you're no spry young chicken any more :D
steve
Now that you're gettin' up there in years :) you gotta be extra careful with the flu and realize it can take a whole lot out of you.
Heck, last year's flu took me to heart failure. I'm fine now, but that flu knocked the stuffin' right outa me.
Just rest and let this thing run its course. Take it easy - you're no spry young chicken any more :D
steve
sammyo1
04-11-2008, 08:28 AM
Brian, My client takes provigil. She is in her 70's & is chronically tired. I believe it is from all the meds she takes for alzteimers. Interesting to see the provigil come up in converstaion. She says it does nothing for her, but with the alzteimers it is hard to tell. I know when her doctor put her on it she said it was a pretty safe drug, given her age & health issues, then again her doctor said her meds were not causing her to be so tired & four of the meds say "may cause drowsiness" go figure. Is provigil a stimulant? I don't know much about it.
I have taken adderall for ADHD when I went back to school a couple times. Of course for me it calms me down, major difference for studying. People noticed right off the get go that I was different. Now my husbands co worker was curious because the put his son on it for ADHD & tried a half one, he was zooming around, scared him & his wife had to call the doctor, which of course he got yelled at for. Was told it will do the opposite if you are not ADD/ADHD. My daughter has been on several over the years & she is like me calms her right down. I am worried because she is 21 & her doc put her back on the adderral after the holidays for work & school but she can't seem to get by with out it. It can really make you moody. But I have heard of people taking these kinds of meds for energy. I don't like taking any of them. Did cause me to get alittle on the moody side, but major difference with your ability to focus when you have ADD/ADHD. Just be careful no matter what you try. Sorry got alittle off track there. Sammy
I have taken adderall for ADHD when I went back to school a couple times. Of course for me it calms me down, major difference for studying. People noticed right off the get go that I was different. Now my husbands co worker was curious because the put his son on it for ADHD & tried a half one, he was zooming around, scared him & his wife had to call the doctor, which of course he got yelled at for. Was told it will do the opposite if you are not ADD/ADHD. My daughter has been on several over the years & she is like me calms her right down. I am worried because she is 21 & her doc put her back on the adderral after the holidays for work & school but she can't seem to get by with out it. It can really make you moody. But I have heard of people taking these kinds of meds for energy. I don't like taking any of them. Did cause me to get alittle on the moody side, but major difference with your ability to focus when you have ADD/ADHD. Just be careful no matter what you try. Sorry got alittle off track there. Sammy
Executor
04-11-2008, 08:55 AM
Ex,
Do you know exactly how caffeine compares to the drug Provigil? I do know that caffeine does affect certain neurotransmitters in the brain including dopamine. Isn't it strange how things like caffeine(the most abused drug in the world) is actually legal and does not require a RX???
brian
No, I'm sorry I don't.
I'd like to further echo what Steve wrote. Just be careful what you ask for, you might just get it. I'd bet the Doc would lower meds, at least for a test period, before he's script something to counteract side effects. The rationale being is that the pain meds are causing the problem. The problem with the latter is that it falls into the "Elvis Doctoring" category...The Kings regimen is still a classic example used medical school....Uppers in the AM, and downers at night to combat the uppers.
My guess is that it's the patch....It can be sedating. In all honesty though, maybe a 25 + 12 would be better than a 50? It may be the answer.
Steve is also right about the flu...It can really knock you down, so let it get completely out of you before you make any kind of decision.
Good luck!
Ex
Do you know exactly how caffeine compares to the drug Provigil? I do know that caffeine does affect certain neurotransmitters in the brain including dopamine. Isn't it strange how things like caffeine(the most abused drug in the world) is actually legal and does not require a RX???
brian
No, I'm sorry I don't.
I'd like to further echo what Steve wrote. Just be careful what you ask for, you might just get it. I'd bet the Doc would lower meds, at least for a test period, before he's script something to counteract side effects. The rationale being is that the pain meds are causing the problem. The problem with the latter is that it falls into the "Elvis Doctoring" category...The Kings regimen is still a classic example used medical school....Uppers in the AM, and downers at night to combat the uppers.
My guess is that it's the patch....It can be sedating. In all honesty though, maybe a 25 + 12 would be better than a 50? It may be the answer.
Steve is also right about the flu...It can really knock you down, so let it get completely out of you before you make any kind of decision.
Good luck!
Ex
hessie28
04-12-2008, 03:23 AM
I was wondering if I should even ask my doc about trying Provigil? I know that I will be completely shot down and my doc would not even want me on any type of amphetamine type stimulant since I am a recovering addict? However, I really need something to counteract the drowsiness/tiredness symptoms of the pain meds (fentanyl patch & Percocet & Lyrica). Does anyone here take Provigil and what is your take on it? I was just wondering if it is safe enough for a recovering drug addict to take or not?
brian
Hi Brian, I mentioned before that I have Narcolepsy. A few years back I was on Provigil. I was up to 1000mg a day. It cost the insurance company over $1200.00 a month. Luckily only $10.00 for me. They did not have a generic back then. I don't think it is a good drug to use in my opinion. I now take Dextroamphetamine 30mg long acting and 20mg fast acting. Sometimes it makes me nervous. When I wake up in the morning I am in horrible pain. So if I need to go out somewhere, I have to decide what to take first. I am afraid to take them together. If I don't take the Dex., I can't drive. If I don't take the Oxycodone, I can hardly function. The Dex. doesn't really do the job but when the Dr. tried increasing it, I started getting heart palpitations. But since I am not working, I can be tired and nap if I have to . So in my opinion, I would stay away from it. What about an extra cup of coffee or something like that. Not sure if that is just as bad as the meds or not. I don't drink it.
brian
Hi Brian, I mentioned before that I have Narcolepsy. A few years back I was on Provigil. I was up to 1000mg a day. It cost the insurance company over $1200.00 a month. Luckily only $10.00 for me. They did not have a generic back then. I don't think it is a good drug to use in my opinion. I now take Dextroamphetamine 30mg long acting and 20mg fast acting. Sometimes it makes me nervous. When I wake up in the morning I am in horrible pain. So if I need to go out somewhere, I have to decide what to take first. I am afraid to take them together. If I don't take the Dex., I can't drive. If I don't take the Oxycodone, I can hardly function. The Dex. doesn't really do the job but when the Dr. tried increasing it, I started getting heart palpitations. But since I am not working, I can be tired and nap if I have to . So in my opinion, I would stay away from it. What about an extra cup of coffee or something like that. Not sure if that is just as bad as the meds or not. I don't drink it.
forginon
04-12-2008, 07:43 PM
...I now take Dextroamphetamine 30mg long acting and 20mg fast acting. Sometimes it makes me nervous. When I wake up in the morning I am in horrible pain. So if I need to go out somewhere, I have to decide what to take first. I am afraid to take them together...
hessie,
You can take these two meds together without worry. As a matter of fact, the dextroamphetamine actually makes the oxycodone more potent, even better at attacking the pain. I've ben taking dextroamphetamine together with my pain meds for years and have never experienced any problems whatsoever.
steve
hessie,
You can take these two meds together without worry. As a matter of fact, the dextroamphetamine actually makes the oxycodone more potent, even better at attacking the pain. I've ben taking dextroamphetamine together with my pain meds for years and have never experienced any problems whatsoever.
steve