SA vs LA meds

[LottyLiz]

I am currently on 90 mgs of Roxicet per day (30 mg x 3). I also take Loricet 10/650 as needed up to 4 times per day.

I get really good relief however, it doesn't last more than 3 1/2 hrs anymore. I used to be able to take it and it would last up to 7 hours. I only use the loricet for flare ups.

My question is I am seeing my doctor on Tuesday. Should I tell him I need another pill per day or should we discuss long acting meds. I am kinda scared to change meds. I have no side effects from the oxycodone, the only apap I get is from the loricet. I don't want to feel drugged - I hate that!! and I don't want to start using my breakthrough as a crutch to get me through the day. That is not what they are for.

One of my thoughts though is maybe the patch. I hate clock watching. If I were to do that, what mcg should I start at.

Thanks for your help.

Lizzie

[whitfield]

I am currently on the Duragesic Patch (100Mcg)--and it is a great pain reliever--I started on the 25Mcg--went to the 50Mcg and then to the 75Mcg--each for approximately a month at a time--I love it. Do not have to take pills all the time etc.--I do have to use tape to make sure it stays on and the placement changes each time. I only use the Sandoz generic--tried the Mylan's and they just do not work well for me. I think most docs will start you on the minimum dose and go from there--give it a couple weeks to take full effect. Everyone is different, but this works for me--I get 3 days of pain relief and only need breakthrough meds on the third day (Oxycodone/apap--5/325)--Good luck
Whitfield

[mudbone]

Question for whitfeild- you live in florida as I do, do you go out side a lot? I work out side and considered the patch but was afraid of the heat here and it releasing too much med because of the heat, therefore not lasting like it should. Any advise?

[whitfield]

Originally Posted by mudbone

Question for whitfeild- you live in florida as I do, do you go out side a lot? I work out side and considered the patch but was afraid of the heat here and it releasing too much med because of the heat, therefore not lasting like it should. Any advise?

Yeah, that can be a problem--I have wasted probably 4-5 patches over the last 4 years or so--mostly when I go out in the sun--which I like to do,(I am a true believer in vitamin D3 from the sun has healing qualities) but don't have to so I keep it to a minimum.---I use Johnson and Johnson Heavy duty Waterproof tape (1"x10Yds)--tear off two pieces slightly longer than the patch and apply along entire length--I also only use my upper arm(bicep) and alternate from left to right arm each change--works for me MOST of the time--Used oxycontin in the beginning but dr does not like it and I don't want to push it, but he does give me the perc's just in case and I try to "bank" them for emergencies. Also have a backup box of patches from when I was in hospital and the re-hab dr gave me a prescription for 5 patches--I get paranoid if I don't have backup--Hate going to hospitals!--You may want to ask dr if you can try them--Good luck--Whitfield

[mudbone]

Thanks for the input. I think I am not even going to ask about them. I work outside and do not want to take any chances with the heat and med releasing too much.