Tripletmom

Hi Dani~

First of all, you are aware that oxycodone and oxycotin are one in the same medication. There are many different names, brands, strengths and such, but the only difference in oxycodone and oxycotin is that one is IR Instant Release and the other is ER Extended or Slow Release...so if you had difficulty getting off of the oxycontin, you may find the same problem with the other, unless of course the strength is significantly less. As far as I know, w/d is w/d in any opiate, although some may find that different kinds are worse or better then others.

As far as tolerance goes...that's a given. And again, for each person, it is different. The problem is, that everytime we take an opiate, it multiplies the receptors in our brain...before ever taking an opiate, our recptors are like virgins and it only takes a small amount to cover those receptors, but with every opiate we take, they multiple and multiple to the point that we need more and more medicaton to fill all the receptors. I know that taking a "holiday" from meds, if possible can be helpful, although I am told that it only takes so long for one to get back to where they ended.

The reason that Dr's don't want to continually increase ones meds, especially for those that will might be on them long term, is that in the end, there will not be enough meds to control the pain b/c the receptors are saturated...I think some ppl think that the Drs are just being mean, and I know that there are some out there that are (been there, met them) but for the most part that is the reason why.

I know that I am in the same boat as you...and I actually am thinking of talking with my Dr tomorrow about tolerance and reshaping my med routine. I have been on the patches and oxy for breakthrough pain for the last 4+ years without a change or increase, but it is not doing what it is suppose to do any longer. Instead of increasing my dose, I might change meds for a couple months and see if that works, and then maybe go back...we'll see what she says.

I probably didn't answer your question, and maybe somebody else can help you better...I think with each of us, it's just such a personal situation and what fits well for one, doesn't always fit the other.

Good Luck,
Dani