Chronic Pain

Hi everybody.
Hope no-0ne's overhruting. I made the mistake of posting the following question on yahoo answers and was wondering if anyone here had some intelligent advice.
:What is the most effective time/method to take oxycodone so I get maximum pain relief from the smallest dose ?
I've been prescribed 15mg oxycontin 8 hourly and 5mg oxynorms, 1 or 2 at a time, for breakthrough pain. I would like to take less if possible and still get the maximum pain relief attainable.

Hello again John

I'm not really sure what type of answer your looking for here. My first thought would be for you to take your medication exactly how your doctor has told you too, but I'm thinking that's not really what you were talking about.

I personally don't take any of the Oxy pain meds, but am familiar with ms contin & Hydrocodone.
I take my base line sustained release meds round the clock at the same or very close to the same time every single day & night. My doc has calculated it out to keep a continuous amount at a certain level in my system round the clock. My break through meds, I only use when I absolutely have to to get a break through under control. I normally will lay back in the recliner, meditate, distraction activity, heating pad or ice and if that does not get it to come down, then I'll take one of my short acting meds. I've really been cutting down on the use of them, as I don't want my medication needs too go up and I actually would like to reduce them during the summer when my pain is not as high as the winter. I've been on the same dosage for a few years now and I just want it to stay that way for as long as I can.

I'm not sure if this was what you were thinking about for your answer, but if you would like to explain further, I will try and understand your question better.

Take Care
Betty

PS; Love your quote! I'll throw mine away with joy in my heart.

Hi Betty,
What I'm trying to find is the most efficient method of taking them ( before, after or with food or with certain foods or drinks for example )so that I get maximum relief with the lowest dose. I was hoping to find someone who has been on oxy for a while and learn from their experience rather than wasting time and meds and suffering more than I need to while I discover the tricks of the trade , so to speak , for myself. Your input however , is greatly appreciated also.
ps.
I can't take credit for the quote. It's from " Cure For Pain " by Morphine. But it does describe my situation.

Hello again

Well, thanks for sharing the quote anyway! lol

Hope all is well with you and hope you get some answers to your question.

Betty

Hi,

When I took a small course dealing with Inflamatory disease I was told that if you have a caffeined drink with your pain med (Oxy etc) it will enter your system quicker. I have tried it and found it works well.

I hope this helps,

Take care Sherry

Thankyou Sherry, that's the kind of thing I was looking for. My pain levels vary so sometimes I need relief a bit faster. Any other hints will be greatly appreciated.
ps
Don't anyone bother telling me to shaft 'em though , cos that's just not happening.

Now, I feel that I should state that I don't actually suggest trying any of the following, just in case something happens to you. All I have done here is compile a list of things I know about pharmacology that are relevant to your question. Bear in mind that opiates can cause nausea and vomiting, and I would imagine that effect is increased when the absorption time decreases, along with other more dangerous side-effects like respiratory depression.

First of all, the caffeine thing is true. It speeds up your metabolism so that you break the drug down into the active form quicker. In fact, caffeine is often added to OTC painkillers to increase their speed of onset.

Also, taking it before food is the best option from a speed point of view, because your body will metabolise it before it starts on the food.

I must also say that I have only taken oxycontin once and I am in no way experienced with it. All these are just things I know about pharmacology in general; although I do have chronic pain, it is probably less severe than most on here, and as such have never been prescribed opiate painkillers, although there are nights when I would give anything for a vicodin or two.

I realise I'm a bit late with this response but I only just discovered this website and hoped I could help in some way... I always knew all those pointless things I learned would come in handy somewhere.

To a pain-free existence!

Sean

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Karen Lee Richards,

I edited the previous message because it contained a very dangerous suggestion. According to the PDR, when taking Oxycontin you should "swallow tablets whole. Do not break/crush/chew as rapid release and absorption of potentially fatal oxycodone dose may occur." Taking crushed, broken or chewed controlled-release tablets is one of the things that causes accidental (and often fatal) overdoses.

I understand your desire to have your medication work faster and better, but it really is best to follow your doctor's instructions as closely as possible. The recommended dosages are designed to give you maximum effect with minimum risk. When you take drugs in ways other than those recommended, you are putting your health and your life at risk.

The best person to ask anytime you have questions about how to take a medication, possible interactions, etc. is your pharmacist. They are usually quite happy to answer your questions and have more expertise when it comes to drugs than most of us here.