Questions on Oxycontin

[JamesB]

I wonder about this drug.I am starting to have really strange dreams and I'm wondering if I really need to be taking it. I started when I began chemo as I was getting nerve pain in my feet and fingers. This comes and goes but it it not a big issue.(Maybe it would be if I stopped taking it) I'm on a dose of 10mg in the morning and 10 in the evening.

Previously I had high BP and was on meds for that. Now I have BP which ranges from superlow like 90/ 60 to other variants in between. I usually get a rapid heart rate with it too.My docs have given me vague answers but nothing that has stuck in my brain. I know I need to speak with them again. Problem is which one.

I just wonder what this group of experts thinks about this drug.

Thanks!

James

[LexieCat]

Apparently Oxycontin is just the timed-release version of oxycodone, which I was prescribed for my severe back pain earlier this week. I have a real problem with nausea/vomiting from opioid drugs, so I had to take an anti-nausea drug with it. They can also be addictive (severely) for some people--I never liked the feeling, just the pain relief, so I always stop taking them as soon as I can. I tried going without it after Wed (morning after my CT scan) and I've felt fine since. Pain may come back when the Dexamethasone I take with the chemo wears off--if so, I'll do what I need to do to at least sleep at night (that's when it bothered me most--I couldn't sleep--but could cope with ibuprofen and heating pad when I was up and around).

I wouldn't stop taking ANY prescribed drug without running it by a doc--they need to know exactly what your meds are to avoid drug interactions. And I've heard you should not stop BP meds suddenly without talking to your doc.

 

[LouT]

James,

I've taken Oxycodone (5mg/325mg) for surgical pain and, like Lexie, I try to stop as soon as possible, even though I've never felt addicted.  Usually it may give me a "vivid dream" or two and some slowing of pulse, but no other side effects.  If you are concerned about the symptoms you do need to go back to your doctor.  If your doctor believes the pain to be nerve pain and that the Oxy is not compatible for you he may then look at something like Gabapentin which is often used for nerve-based pain.  But you need to enlist him if figuring all this out.

Lou

[BridgetO]

I agree with what others  have said . I want to add that it's probably not a good idea to stop  too suddenly oxy or any opiate med because you may have withdrawal effects. 

[JamesB]

Thanks guys for the great and fast responses as always. I have never liked to take any drugs but if they help me I will. I will talk to my doc about Gabapentin Lou.

 

Thanks,

James