Thank you to the caring people who answered me... I've been reading as much as I can on the web about the Opana ER and the new Oxycontin OP's. The side effects from both the medications sound almost exactly the same! What the heck is in this crap? Now my husband, who is also disabled like me, and was put on the Opana also when I was, is having some of the same problems I am. Our doctor told us that a 40mg Opana ER was equivilant to a 80mg Oxycontin OC. It sounds like the new Oxycontin OP's are not as strong as the old ones and the poor people that went a head and are taking them are also going through some withdrawal. Their symptoms sound a lot like mine and my husbands. Jeff, my husband, is only on the 20mg Opana ER's and he seems to be doing a lot better than me, even though he is still complaining that he is sick to his stomach. I made the mistake and drank some milk the other night before bed... boy did I regret that! Later I found out that the 40's (which I'm on) can make you lactose intolerant! Something in the dyes I think... I think I'm going to call my doctor on Wednesday, when he's in the slowest office, and talk to him. I can't take another 2 weeks of this or I'll go crazy! My 3 year old granddaughter lives with us, and she doesn't understand why "Nana" can't play with her... until I talk to my doctor, should I just try to take my Percocets and get by on just them?, or should I keep taking the Opana ER with the Percocets and try to just deal with the headaches and feeling like I'd rather be dead!! Any suggestions on how to deal with the withdrawal symtoms till then? I appreciate all your help and kindness... right now I feel like I'm so alone... Jeff just took some anti acid and gas pills... said it helped, but I was told that would make my medicine work even less! Is this true? Thanks for all your help...
Answers (10)
christine...28 Sep 2010
This is just my personal opinion, but if the Opana is making you feel that bad, stop taking them and increase the oxycodone until you can see your doctor. I also don't believe the mg's are the equivalent as your doc said. 80mg of OC is stronger than 40mg Opana. But like I said, this is just my opinion. You 2 must be having such a rough time! I'm a chronic pain sufferer too and watch my 4 year old grand daughter often. I know how you are feeling and you have my sympathy, for sure! This OC mess has really gotten bad for people. I wish you the best and good luck with your doc. I did hear that they were still producing the regular OC in the 40mg dosage. Maybe your doc could prescribe 2 every 12 hours or the equivalent of what you were on before?
My best wishes,
chris
I<3theOcean28 Sep 2010
If I were you, Id either try the 2 40mg dose like was mentioned or else just try the new 80mg OP. Ive taken them and they seem like they arent as strong but they still work the same for me other than being a little weaker. I still feel the same way as I did when taking the OCs so if they worked for you, I think you would be much better off trying the OPs if you havent already. I dont see how it could possibly be worse than what you are describing with the Opana. Anyway, just my 2 cents on the matter. Do what works for you.
retromad
2 Apr 2011
Not trying to be mean, but, this ocean fella needs to open his ears b 4 putting pen to paper as one might say. Or another way to put it "stupid is as stupid does" , allways reread b4 posting. I quote "they work the same for me other than being a little weake" let all of take a moment to ponder Mr. Oceans comment , then ask ourselfs , do we really want to take the advice of this ocean , or just go for a quick swim?. Just food for thought. Retromad.
I<3theOcean
2 Apr 2011
Ok newbie before you go trying to correct me or tell ppl who they should or shouldnt listen to on here, maybe you should try to help ppl on here a little first. If you look at my history, all Ive ever posted on here is answers helping ppl. Ive been way more helpful than your 2 posts. Theres nothing wrong with what I said. I said it works the same except for being a little weaker. Mean the same effects, just less of it. Theres nothing wrong with that. Now why dont you go try to help some people like I always have instead of looking to try to correct people.
29 Nov 2010
You would need to take 80 mg of the Percocet to equal 80mg of Oxycontin.
I worry about the amount of acetaminophen you would be taking. Check and see what the safe maximum daily dosage is before taking it if you decide to go that route.
Opana is much stronger than Oxycontin in regards to the milligrams needed to get the same relief. I'm sorry but I do not remember the exact dosage equivalents, though I'm sure it's on the Net somewhere.
To counteract stomach problems I have been taking ginger capsules and Probiotics. They are both found at the health food store. Ginger helps nausea, gas, bloating, etc. Probiotics are needed when the good and bad bacteria in your stomach is not balanced as it should be. is Most stomach problems are helped by Probiotics. I take them whenever my stomach is bothering me.
cleo130
20 Mar 2012
Thanks for the very informative post. I realize it was posted back in September 2010, but I was wondering if the Protein Plus supplement was in pill form, and also what is the name of one you buy. I looked online and there are many entries but most seem to relate to protein powder. I'm not adverse to taking a powder, but would sure like to know the name and brand of the one you've found to be so helpful.
Thanks, cleo130
http://www.drugs.com/answers/ask/?userid=701137
Bayouboy25 Dec 2010
I have not previously heard about the intestinal issues. It is my inderstanding that Opana ER is much better, safer and newer (research wise) I do know it is less popular in the street, which makes it less of a risk for theft. Furthermore, it is not quite as dangerous (addictively speaking) unless it is used contrary to the prescribed methods.
jmccormie
9 Mar 2012
I have been taking Opana ER for about 6 months and have not had any problems with upset stomach. It's helped my back pain (I had a double bone fusion of the L5,S1,and a diskectomy of the L5). I take 1 tablet every 12 hours and take Oxycodone during the day and it gets me through the day.
On the pamplet they give with the medicine, one of the dangers of taking this medicine, if you chew, break or dissolve the tablet and take it, it can cause death because you are taking a very powerful drug all at one time.
For me, it's helped, I'm very lucky.
Patiently Waiting
27 Apr 2012
I can add some info here. If starting out on Opana or Oxy from instant release you will go through some strange pain increases and feel kinda rough. When changing from one to the other one has to unbind to your nerves while the other is taking its place. It takes 2 weeks for Opana ER to take hold of those nerves so does Oxy.. actually the OXY OP TOOK 4 weeks to get in there but I survived. ( I changed due to the redo of Opana and I'm getting ready to change back. Opana ER has a kicker of a mood booster, I was talkative and not so moody.. on OXY OP, I AM VERY MOODY. We are all different but taken with 8-12 ounces of Luke tap water seem to help it kick in quicker and less heartburn on both meds. Oxy OP, doesn't move down the body like Opana ER. Oxy stays in your brain longer and tries to manage it from there. Severe chronic conditions like me.. done very well with Opana ER because it went to my pain. Thank god.
28 Dec 2010
Hi my name is Frank an i live in Maryland.I just stumbled across your posting and i can relate to the withdraw symptoms.What i had to do was find syciatrist dont know how to spell that,but a doctor that you can talk to and prescribes you meds that helps with withdraw.They can perscribe you like clonipin or clonidine which helps lower your blood pressure.This is what happens when you go threw withdraw is you start to panic and your blood pressure goes up.Also i would ask about suboxin which is to help you get off of opiates.But dont tell the one doctor that your on suboxin and dont tell the other that your still takin pain pills.Another is to ask for methedone which is also used for pain but also used to help get off opiates.So ask around about that.The other thing is if your Dr. doesnt give you enough to last you a month you have to slow down on taking them or go see another doctor and split your pain with the diffrent doctors and you can get more meds that way.Just be careful what you say to your doctors and others.
retromad
2 Apr 2011
FRANK, PLEEEZ tell me this post is a JOKE!!!
Softball15
14 Feb 2012
Frank, you can't go from doctor to doctor just to get pain meds. That's way too dangerous. You Ned to find a pain management and work through the issues and go fom there. I go to pain mgr and have more than enough meds for a month. You are playing Russian Roulette!
19 Jan 2011
well what works for withdrawls is suboxin... it takes the sick feeling away till u get it all figured out,, the opana 40s are the same as oxy 80s.. the ops are garbage.. especially when we are being punished for being sick..they reformulated the meds cause of abuse..they will figure another way or pill.. my pharmacy said everyone is complaining and he is the one that recomended the opanas to me.. he told me people complain the ops are not as strong i was taking 2 instead of 1. well good luck i hope u figure it out...
NewYorkGu...20 Jan 2011
understand Full well what you are going thru.my Doctor has me on Oxycontin 120 mg 4x daily plus Roxycodone 30mg for breakthrough. I was on MS Contin,Avinza.The Methadone seemed to help.I never wanted to try Oxcontin,because i knew the risks, but when u literally cant move, you would take anything the doctor gives you.I have been on Naprosyn, combined with Zanaflex,and Nuerontin.I didnt like how i felt on Nuerontin so they switched to Lyrica,Dont like that either. But last month after all the bickering about putting me on Oxcontin, Which I was against for a long time, i finally try it and they get the right Dosage down,have been on for at least 4 years, they now want to take me off and put me on Opana Er, Or Embedda.I have never taken either,because I have really studied both.Why should people who are in serious pain have to suffer because people abuse meds they don't need. (They Give You A tox Screen at Pain management, and I always come up as I should, Clean).
terica3825
16 Jan 2012
Just have to say that Doctors HAVE TO drug test us because they are also us drugs that when combined with alcohol let alone illicit street drugs they can be deadly. Ironic that you said that these meds are only for us people who really need them yet your against making sure addicts are drug tested to keep them from endangering themselves, not to mention Doctors REALLY HATE lawsuits. That's not even mentioning one very good reason they drug test people... so drug dealers don't fake illnesses to obtain meds to sell. Not to get down on your response but ask anyone that has lost someone eitjher to needing these meds and mixing them with things they shouldnt have or someone who has illegally obtained drugs and overdosed ( and the list goes on ) its a very serious thing! I
Feel it should be more indepth of an initial process so maybe one day these meds that so many of us truly need wont be the drug that tops Americas list of most abused drug! I hope you feel better take care!
itiswhati...18 Jun 2011
This is my very 1st post ever. I have read many, but just for the info regarding "personal opinion" to facts. Just wanted to say I'm very sorry to hear what everyone has to go through just to live a decent life with fair to no pain. I think in some way or another, we all have very similar reasons to why we have to take these medications, & without extended research its very hard to know what to do going based on someones opinion unless they are in the medical field to what you are posting about. Anyway, Just wanted to say that I myself am taking oxycodone 30mg(IR) 3x daily for breakthrough pain, and Opana (ER) 30mg 2x daily. Before taking these meds, my new doctor(who changed me to these) for once seemed as though he really wanted to help and get to know me & my background (pain wise). The very 1st ever that didn't seem to push me around and just write a prescription to get me out of the office to see his next patient.
FeelingSoGood
19 Jun 2011
You DO KNOW that Every Year or so you will have to INCREASE your Narcotic - Yes? Even if one gets an operation chances are you'll still be on something. Well that's what happened to me - Switching from Percocets to Morphine Sulfate to Kadian to MS Contin to Opana's (ER and Opana) and Dilaudid, Fentanyl, etc. HAS MADE ME NUTS! I was on all those drugs and STILL IN PAIN - AN INCREASING EVERY FEW MONTHS TO A YEAR - So no more - Saying goodbye! I'm in LESS PAIN NOW that I EVER was and I'm taking LESS PAIN MEDS NOW than I ever did except when I began... SOON TO BE OFF ALL RX'S FOR GOOD! (Say "Hello" to Tylenol - because that's the only thing I'll be touching!) AFter 25 years, I've HAD ENOUGH!
FeelingSoGood
19 Jun 2011
If I were you - AND I REALLY REALLY FELT THAT I NEEDED A NARCOTIC - and had TRIED EVERYTHING - INCLUDING ACUPUNCTURE, AND ALL THE ALTERNATIVE MEDS & REHABS - then DON'T GET ON THE 12 HOURS - Take Percocets - PRN (as needed). They will work 4-6 hours - and go to 10mgs - Once you go to the 12 hours, THERE IS NO TURNING BACK -
27 Dec 2011
Hello, New be here. I have been taking Opana Er 40 MG. for five years, and Opana 10 MG for five years. I have had mostly good luck with them. The only thing that happened is this. I was hit by a truck while walking. I had a head injury and after being on Opana a while I took to much of both these pills at least sixteen times and i told my doctor that i did this . Long story short I had to get My husband to help me make sure I took it correctly anyway what happened when I took to much was I was out of my head. I was talking crazy and like that. I would say stuff like I had lost my book and cannot find it i would trash the house looking for a book I had no Idea the next day about this. And once I blacked out when my doctor gave me Soma to go along with this Opana for those of you who do not know what Soma is, it is a muscle relaxer. A very good one just do not take it with Opana please.
Patiently...26 Mar 2012
Opana ER takes at least 10 days to start working... For some even longer.. If you see a pain doc.. keep on your required dosing or he/she will not write Meds for you. Careful careful!
I too am having side effects but hoping they subside like I don't feel well. A little trouble breathing causing my BP and anxiety to get up. Call asap b4 you change anything. Good luck.
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80mg of oc IS equivilent to 40 mg of opana
no way is the O/P as strong as the O/C i have been cronicly taking O/C for years and had no problems and with this new formula I am losing weight, sleep is a thing of the past . i have been the gamit on es pain killers and I find a coctail that works and they change the formula because they cannot police them properly? B/S if you ask me. does anyone have a suggestion?
I feel for you because I have the same problem. I dread starting trials of any new pain medicines because I tried so many where I could not function, even if they did control the pain. I think there might be 2 yet that I have not tried and my doctor is very conservative and probably won't let me try them anyway.
I probably should think about going the way of non-time release Oxycontin. I dislike it because it's a constant pain roller coaster. But it's better than Oxycontin OP, and It's better than nothing at all.
I read somewhere that Purdue came out with a 7 day patch. Just came on the market, is not controlled by REMS, so it may be an option. But I hate Purdue at this point and don't want anything to do with them, sigh.
Here's an article about it:
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/724626
Wish I had a better answer for you.
My doctor switched my medications from 60 mg Oxycontin to 30-mg Opana. (I was taking the 'old' O|C version, one 40-mg and one 20-mg each - not the thick new O|P formula, so I don't know if that matters... )
My experience indicates that the Opana is perhaps 50% stronger (equivalent to ~ 45 or 50-mg Oxycontin), but NOT 100% stronger (or twice as strong).
So - in my experience and opinion - it would take around 50-60-mg of Opana to "equal" your 80-mg Oxycontin...
Thanks for your input Guy Hardrock. We all really do have different experiences and opinions on various medications. The way my system reacted to the switch was just that, MY system. And since this was only an opinion and not chemical structure interpretations, my opinion remains the same. I hope your meds are controlling your pain as well. Unfortunately I had to switch several months ago but now it's finally under control again. Have a nice day :-)
chris
Walgreens has the old Oxy OCs only in 10mg and 40 mg doses, they are made by Purdue for Ethex... hope this helps
If you go to Opana's website FOR HEALTH PROFESSIONALS - there's 2 to choose from - you will see the CHART that is used by Pain Docs. If a pt is on Oxycontin and moves to Opana- the Doc gives the pt 1/2 mgs. of Opana.and Opana ER. If they are on Opana ER and/or Opana and are moved to Oxycontin, then they are given 2x's the amount of Oxycontin. Been on both - Opana longer..
The Opana Chart refers to other narcs as well-I'M ALMOST OFF ALL NARCS - TITRATING DOWN - NO MORE MEDS FOR ME! DAMN TIRED OF BEING ON A MED MERRY GO ROUND-AND THAT GOES FOR BENZO'S TOO!
BOTTOM-LINE
OPANA OF ANY STRENGTH IS DIFFERENT THAN OC'S BECAUSE OF 1 WORD,
POLOMAR!!! the medicine that relieves the pain in the original oc's is now wrapped in a polomar (plastic) thats why it doesn't get into your system unless u have a un-usually SLOW digestive system this OPANA pill is going to pass rite thru u and, no better way to put it , end up in the toliet!!!
This is a fact and if you read the entire reading material that u get like I do from Walgreens it says rite in there that some patients may notice this pill in with the rest of the stuff u flush.
Now i don't recomend digging around in the toliet but i can tell u first hand that after reading that i paid a little more attention b-4 flushing, and the aren't lieing!
FYI--retromad