What is too high of a med dose?? - Pain Management Message Board

BriterSide · 10-30-2003, 11:09 AM

I am starting to get concerned about the levels of pain medication I am on and not getting any relief. I have an appt tomorrow a.m. with my pain dr. and need to ask to have my dose increased. I have had a 4 level fusion with rods and screws 2 years ago and since been in a lot of pain. After having several different types of nerve blocks I have gotten no relief. I am on Oxycontin 60 mg 2 x's day and percocet 1-4 x's day and do not get relief. Does this seem like a high dose? I am not sure. I know I must be developing a tolerence but how much more can they increase my meds before its dangerously high? I appreciate any input. I am new to the boards but have learned so much from the few times I have read.
Thank you!!

susieq03 · 10-30-2003, 11:29 AM

Hello, Read your post and just wanted to tell you that I have been on Oxy for about a year and my dose is 3-4 40's 3x a day(360mg. a day) and am taking ms contin ir for any breakthru pain. I feel as if I am on a very high dose, but have been at this dose for quite awhile and it seems to really help with my chronic pain. Good luck and may God Bless you,SusieQ

BriterSide · 10-30-2003, 11:45 AM

Susie - Thanks for your reply. I thought oxycontin was a 12 hour med. I really feel it only last me 6-7 hours if that and tnen it only takes a little edge off the pain. I have a great PM doc and everytime he sees my films of all the hardware they put in my lumbar spine, he literally gets excited and calls all the med students in too look at them. He says that what makes a dr.s day when they can see something that profound. I hope to get my does increased and maybe ask to take it 3 x's daily. I work full time in an office and sitting in this chair is no picnic. Is oxy IR stronger than percocet? Take Care

RubySlippers · 10-30-2003, 11:59 AM

Briter,

Although I'm not taking as high a dose of oxy as you - 20mg 3x day - I wanted to let you know that it does NOT last the whole 12 hours...for me it usually lasts about 6 hours. I take one at 5 am, one at around 11-12 depending on pain level, then the last one around 5 pm.

I also take vicodin 5/500 1 1/2 in between for b/t pain. The pain never goes away.

I too sit in a chair all day and you're right...it's no picnic. Today I'm feeling exta bad

It's one of those really bad pain days.

My pain is in my stomach and I use a heating pad almost all day...seems to help a bit.

Anyway, just wanted to reasure you that oxy's do not last 12 hours.

Have as pain free a day as possible

Angela

RubySlippers · 10-30-2003, 01:01 PM

Briter...

I got to thinking...I also wanted to say that I have only been on oxy for about 4 months. I started at 10 mg 2x day and quickly needed the increased dose.

I've seen many posts on this board of people who need a much higher dosage due to tolerance, pain issues, etc.

I guess I just wanted to let you know why my dosage is low, and that you probably need a much higher dosage to control your pain.

Angela