Please read and respond. really need help! - Pain Management Message Board

sTaR_cHyLd · 10-29-2003, 09:19 AM

Hi I am new to this board usually on the fibro board. I have a few questions, I am not an addict, and was recently diagnosed with fibromyalgia, my doctor currently has me on Vicodin ES 4-6 times a day, and will be upping my scrip to Percocet, due to Chronic 24 hour a day 7 days a week pain. Fibro is a chronic muscle and pain disorder, and the pain meds, is the only thing that will help me out of bed in the morning. My question is, with taking these meds 4-6 times a day, and it will probably be for a long time, since my disease is uncurable , will I become addicted, and if so, how long until I do?? I don't want this to happen, but ive tried ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING for pain ,and nothing works but NArcs because of how much pain relief they offer. Can anyone answer my questioins, your feedback will be greatly appreciated.

NeedANewJaw · 10-29-2003, 10:17 AM

There is no reason to believe you will become addicted as long as you are only taking it for pain.
Now physical dependence you will experience. Anyone that takes narcotics will. What this means is that your body becomes accomadated to having the meds in your system and if you stop taking them all of the sudden you will most likely experience withdrawal symptoms. But this is completely different than addiction. There is a very small % of people that take pain meds for pain only that become addicted.
In my opinion its really not something you need to worry yourself about...unless there is more to the story you havent told us.

Good luck and I hope your pain is relieved soon!!

igy76 · 10-29-2003, 10:51 AM

Hi STAR,

I just wanted to say that I'm glad you're going to be moved to taking Percocet because frankly it worries me some (though I don't know how long you've been on it) that you doctor would keep you on 4-6 Vicodin ES a day. That is my least favorite opioid reliever because of all the tylenol in it (750mg per pill!). A person should not have more than 4000mg of tylenol per day for a prolonged period of time or they're risking hefty damage to their liver. This would put you at taking just 5 of those pills a day to keep you in a moderately safe range (and even that's pushing it, if they're continual. They actually say that if it's truly a long time, even around 3000-3500mg is too much for the liver). So the fact that he would 'OK' you to take as many as 6 a day is bothersome (though again, depends on how long it's been). You can get even more hydro per pill & with less tylenol, that's Norco 10/325.

But, hopefully now that you're on Percocet, and if you're doc's smart and looking out for you he'll put you on a combo that has only 325mg per pill (which, you can get that with 5 or 10mg of oxycodone per pill). Good luck

paininjaa · 10-29-2003, 08:09 PM

Hi. I too am a chronic pain sufferer. How old are you? I am only 27 and have had severe TMJ, headaches, and arthritis since I was only 19. I started on Vicodin, then vicoprofen. Then moved to Norco. Now am taking oxycontin 3 x's daily (10mg) and norco for bt meds. I hate feeling like I have to depend on these drugs, and yes my body is physically and somewhat mentally dependent on them. I don't consider myself an addict (I have NEVER used an illegal drug in my life, so taking these opiates were very hard for me at first) They too are the only thing that can help me function normally, be a mother of two small boys and work fulltime. I know how you feel and it is very scary. But these drugs are for people like you and me, and all the others here on this board. Take care and good luck...

Leslie