i was recently prescribed 5mg of methadone HCI 2x a day and 10mg of oxycodone for breakthrough pain. Someone told me that methadone blocks other opiates, but then why would my Dr. put me on oxy with the Methadone?
Thank you!
Is is true that methadone blocks the effects of other opiates like oxycodone?
Question posted by sunnydays on 18 Jan 2012
Last updated on 4 September 2019
4 Answers
DWAYNE---77
13 Dec 2018
2012 still here
redface0
30 April 2018
I know this is old but wanted to add input. I was in a bad car wreck and the pharmacy itself would not fill my script because they said they don't feel comfortable with my dose level. so to answer the last question on this. they can refuse to refill to a certain dose that's why they have dummy pharmacist there who know nothing about your personal experience
rntracy1
4 Sep 2019
Yes, they can refuse to fill a script if they are uncomfortable, just like as a nurse, I can refuse to administer a medication if I feel the dosage is unsafe, etc. However, a pharmacist cannot actually change the amount of medication you are prescribed. They can either fill or not fill. I was on the exact same dosage as luv2talkl8tr, 240mg/day, 720 tabs per month. My insurance, after years of filling, cut me back to 360 tabs every 75 days!!! I tried appealing it several times. But here's the kicker, I had a prior auth that was good until October. Got my meds filled the end of Sept. Went to fill in Oct and needed a new prior. That's when they denied it saying only 360 every 75 days. Ok, fine. I wasn't happy with that, but ok. I planned to appeal it, but meanwhile, I would get the 360 and pay out of pocket for the other 360. They said, "No, you can't get another script until Dec. because you just got it in Sept." I was LIVID.
So I had to pay out of pocket oct, nov, and dec comes and DENIED. I called and they said, I couldn't get it until March! I said, I was told Dec. They said, You got 150 days supply in Sept. Now I'm furious! I said, "first of all that wasn't 150 days supply, it was ONE month and it was gone in October. Second, that was a PREVIOUS prior authorization! It's not like I KNEW ahead of time things were going to change. When I got a new prior auth, I should get a new script! When you changed the rules on a new cycle year, with a new prior authorization, I should have been able to fill my script right away! But I couldn't. I RELUCTANTLY waited the 3 months. Now you are telling me I have to wait ANOTHER 3 months!!! NO WAY!! My previous prior auth covered my full script every month, my last script in sept was under THAT prior auth. Now you are saying you will only cover 2 prescriptions under this new prior auth? I want a manager NOW!!! " I didn't get my meds that day, but I got them (360 tabs) 2 days later. My pharmacy called to tell me they went through. That was totally ludicrous. My appeals were denied. I went to the head of my insurance company, then I went to my state insurance commissioner. During our next open enrollment, our prescription carrier changed and my full script was covered. So my guess, it was the insurance and not the pharmacist who denied the full script.
Orion83
19 Jan 2012
Actually, at higher doses methadone does block the effects of any opiate including Oxycodone. I beleive the blocking dose of Methadone is 45-50 mgs a day. Suboxone does this as well. I have been on Methadone maintenance for a couple years. Methadone is schedule II narcotic that is used for pain at low doses and at high doses to block and curb the cravings of opiates such as Vicodin, Oxycontin/Oxycodone, Heroin. I dont know what kind of pain you are having but I would suggest keeping the Methadone dosage as low as possible as it is extremely difficult for most people to stop taking(myself included)
guitargirl1
21 Jan 2012
i am on methadone and oxys, i take 80 mgs of methadone daily, i take 30 mgs of oxy a day for severe pain, associated with Lupus.I was told by my doctor that 80 mgs of methadone is the amount that will block other pain meds from helping out for pain. The way that i am rxed my meds is, i take 30 mgs of methadone in the am, 2 at mid day, then 3 at evening time. I take 15mgs of oxy between the am dose and mid day dose, then my other I take after my pm dose of methadone. I actually am going to ask my doctor to increase my oxy, by one more a day, so I can have one between each dose, instead of having to choose when i want to take it, cause sometimes I need another one, but cant take one cause i have already had all I can take for that day. If I were to take 80 mgs of methadone at one time, it would block opiates from working for me. As long as I am taking it as rxed, I can take methadone along with other pain meds.
I know this to be true, because I used to be in a methadone clinic, i was on 120 mgs daily. i took it all at one time. I took a 80 OC one day after dosing and didn't feel nothing! So, yes it is something to what you are saying, about the blocking effects of methadone, but it has to be at a higher amount.
darkhours
6 March 2012
I take 160MG a day and it is definitely a buzz-killer. And not just for other opiates. I'm unable to get a buzz off alcohol & weed. It's weird, but being free of this constant maddening pain is more important than a buzz in my opinion.
Luv2talkl8r
12 Dec 2014
I have been on a dosage of 240 mg a day for a year and a half and only take it and soma. After all this time getting 700+ pills a month my pharmacy all of a sudden are limiting me to 360. Tapering is a bitch! Don't let your doctor get you on doses above 120 mg a day. None of the pain clinics will take me being on so much so I can't even switch from the dr that did this to me. It works great for me at 240mg a
Day but I'm down to 180mg a day in a months time. Now with my new script today im dropping another 60mg a day. I'm just having to take other stuff for the withdrawals. I'm hoping this next drop works easier but I'm not quite banking on it.
darkhours
14 Dec 2014
I have a question - how can a pharmacist reduce the amount of medicine that is being prescribed by a doctor? They just fill prescriptions. Do you mean your insurance?
Jax17
22 Dec 2014
I think it's not so much of blocking as a ceiling effect going on.
brownhog
21 March 2015
Yep, the Phar can voice concerns to your Doctor and refuse to fill in CA and I'm confident they can do thisin other states
Curiousgeorge1226
4 Dec 2016
A pharmacist cannot ever limit the amount of medication you can recieve from your doctor. An insurance company can't either.. an insurance company can control your fill date, i.e. Will only let you fill 1-3 days early etc.. or only cover a certain amount but that doesn't mean you can't pay for the rest out of pocket. So long as it's not a Goverment or State Medicaid insurance you should still be able to buy a few days of your medication if the fill is early as well. The only person who can adjust your prescription is your physician. I would speak to my physician immediately or call the insurance company or my State Congressman so someone gives you answers immediately. JMO. :) good luck
Pharmacy Sick
12 June 2017
I was dressed down by a PUBLIX Pharamcist, who was talking about what meds I take and that she refused to fill my legal persciption because I would not take OxyContin. She violated the HIPPA Act telling everyone around what pain meds I was using but, PUBLIX refused to fire her. Her name is Diane Jones in the state of FLORIDA.
Hrmnee
18 Jan 2012
No, not at all. You are thinking of a drug called Suboxone, it would narcotics.
I used to take 10mg of Methadone 3x a day, plus the same 10mg oyx's for break through pain. The methadone doesn't block any of the oxy. So you don't have to worry about that... If you want my personal opinion of methadone (I took the above for five years after 7 years of oxys), friend me, and I will tell you about my experience. I just hope you are only on the meth for a short period of time. If you are planning long term, I might want to hear some of our methadone story's (mine is con, but I think there might be some pro opinions out there too). But know, no matter what your story is, or what you take or don't take, this is the most unjudgemental group of people I have ever had the priveledge to meet. Also, they are full of wonderful ideas on treating pain, whether temporary and long term. God Bless 'em! Feel free to ask any question you are interested in. This is a great site. May God Bless and keep you, Harmony
gypsy88
29 Jan 2014
Please help... I've suffered 6 yrs of pain after falling off a deck; impacted spine on corner of deck n the rest of damage occurred when I hit lower level w/ head n tailbone screwing up neck n coccyx! It would seem a "conspiracy" is in effect in my area. After years of advocating for myself to the point I can't c or think straight any more... the best I can get out of these so called doctors was band aiding the pain w/ drugs(oxy,methdn,lyrics etc.,etc.,)instead of actually getting to the root FIXING IT & GETTING ME MY LIFE BACK!!! Unfortunately they can't even do the drug thing right!! Apparently, there's been too many "pill seekers" around here so EVERYONE is treated as guilty!! No doc will prescribe! Everyone is thrown into a pain clinic. I myself was thrown n forgotten about.
Got so sick of how they handle things(or lack there of) I eventually just walked out a few months ago n never looked back! Problem is I just can't live w/ the pain anymore(was always in pain even when going to clinic cause they'd only give a enough meds for 10 to 16 hrs a day @ 24 its a constant rollercoaster!) Not to mention, here in New England, more often than not weather is a factor(cold & RAIN) n minor amounts of meds won't cut through. Seems almost to cancel it out. Is anyone in an area that doesn't treat people like criminals? Please... I'm on first flight!!! Hearing some about Eastern medicine n homeopathic but just don't know enough or anyone close that can give me any feed back! Please, if u have ANY advice... I so want my life back. Thanx for ur time. PEACE!
JaymeLee
26 Nov 2014
I am a chronic pain patient after 32 surgeries since 2002. I was born with JRA which now is RA as I'm 33 and I have fibromyalgia, degenerative disc disease, osteomyelitis (bone infection) and hemochromatosis (genetic blood disorder, lost my brother to recently when he was only 35). Can I join this group as I feel I can get support and all from it and if yes, how do I and where? Thanks, JaymeLee
everydayinpain
23 Feb 2015
Need friends to talk to about things can you text me, 6025021398 my name is tara
everydayinpain
23 Feb 2015
Need friends to talk to about things can you text me, 6025021398 my name is tara fellow fibro my alia sufferers please text me as well
Poolsofblu
4 April 2017
I'd be interested in this:group you are referring to.
Billya
14 May 2017
I am also a chronic pain sufferer for more than 12 years and think i could learn and contribute to the group would love to know how to join. Pls advise thnx
wickie22
1 July 2017
looking for group ??
Vishwanat
22 Aug 2017
This person sounds illiterate.
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pain, methadone, oxycodone, breakthrough pain, opiate
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