Can I go cold turkey off of oxycontin? - Pain Management Message Board

gorgee · 03-05-2008, 01:01 PM

Quick question, I have been on o.c. for 1 1/2 months. I started taking o.c. at first 20 mg 2xdaily and then 2 weeks later my doctor increased the dose to 40mg 2xdaily. So I have been on 40mg 2xdaily for 1 month. Now the switched work well for me, and I feel like I got my life back and a break from pain and having to treat pain every 4-6 hours, but my husband does not agree and feels that the side effects from taking this med are causing me more pain. I have done research on this, and I do not believe this pertains to me, but I am not sure. I am so tired of this being a daily issue. My husband has called me an addict many times, and it breaks my heart, for I am not, I am dependant on pain medication at this time, My doctor is wonderful and I have appt on Friday, but I wanted to see what you all thought. My husband is causing me more pain and agony because I am stressed, anxious and crying which makes fibro/myofascial,tmj, and migraines worse.

Is it possible that I can go off the o.c. cold turkey and go back to (for now) treating my pain with vicoprofen every 4-6 hours without too many withdrawal symptoms? Or is this too much to ask? Eventually I am going to look for alternate ways to treat my pain, and look to medications for extreme pain flare ups only. This is hopeful thinking, but I am being optimistic.

I have always taken the medication the right way as prescibed and I have never abused it. I respect the medication. My husband does not understand the pain I have, but is causing me more pain by not supporting me. That is a whole other post.

I would love any advice that you all might have. Thank you.

ihavtwins · 03-05-2008, 01:21 PM

I would try going down to the 20 again first to see your body's reaction. Your pain will increase, try to rest more, ice where it hurts, take ibuprofen, anything else you can think of to help the pain. Do this for a week, if the pain does not level out, then you know you really need it.

Then you may ask for 10mg tabs if they have them, or ask doc best way to step down from that.

I would never go cold turkey, that is not good for the body in so many ways.

You are not an addict, your body is physically dependant- TOTALLY different. You suffer chronic pain and your husband is not being understanding. Can I kick him for you?

If you really want to reduce your pain meds ask your doc at appt what other meds may you take that would support your gradual decrease in meds such as anti depressants, tramadol/ultram, anti-anxiety meds etc.

I would not discuss your medication issues with husband, this is your body. The more you talk about it, the more he is picking on you. Stick to talking about it with your doc.

Jen

ozzybug · 03-05-2008, 01:22 PM

Kass-
I would advise against going cold turkey even though you have only been on it for a couple months.

Is there some way you can get your hubby educated about chronic pain and the toll it takes on the suffering patient? Maybe take him to an appointment with your PM doctor?

He really is making assumptions that aren't fair to you. I know you are tired of it being an issue, but what are you supposed to do- suffer because he just won't understand? Please, PLEASE don't suffer just to keep him quiet. Try and find help making him understand by having your doctor talk with him.

cmpgirl · 03-05-2008, 01:28 PM

Kass hon:

The oxy (or any LA med) is actually a better source of relief and isn't really any different chemically, than taking just your BT meds. They are both narcotics. In my opinion, and it is totally up to you, but I think you should stick with what works best for your pain.

Talk to your PM about this and let him know what your hubby is telling you. Hopefully he can clarify everything.

The stress is certainly not helping your pain, that much I do know, from experience.

Hugs, cmpgirl

ms_west · 03-05-2008, 01:34 PM

Maybe hubby needs to go with you on your next pm appt -- your pm may need to speak to him and help him understand why you need the medication. Good luck and I feel terrible that your spouse is not supporting you right now.