I have had several heart attacks and have 2 stents in my heart. i also have stents in both legs. this is due to vascular disease. i have chronic back pain and have been on lortab 10 for a couple of years - 2x a day. they don't seem to help anymore. i also take plavix,asprin,and a number of other meds. any ideas on what i should ask my Dr. for to help with the pain?
What is the strongest pain medication I can take for chronic back pain?
Question posted by fortunate on 7 Oct 2009
Last updated on 10 May 2024
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
101 Answers Page 6
itsmetoo2
13 Dec 2009
You take Plavix and asprin? You need to have a cbc to see what your blood levels are. Then with the lortab I would be concerned. Have your Cardiologist take over your medications. As it does not sound like you are on a healthy track.
howsue1
9 Dec 2009
lortabs didn't do a thing for my wife and she has constant pain in the back from arthritis all over her spine, so we asked the dr for something better as my wife told him lortabs are just like tylenol for her so he prescribed oxycodone 10/325 every 8 hrs. that was years ago now she is up to one every 4 hours.
Gennag
7 Dec 2009
I suffer from chronic pain since 2001 due to a bad back surgery and a surgery ti try and correct the first one. I take up to 6 10/325 Norco (same as vicodin. Hydrocodone with tylenol) My pain recently got worse My doctor added Lyrica which works on pain in the nerves. Since adding the Lyrica, I only take 3-4 Norco a day. It has been a 180 turn around for me.
brenda fain
19 Oct 2010
i too take narco and most of the time i can live with my pain.but i have those days when nothing seems to help !and i have been on so many meds that i can't name them all!my pain is due to back surgery and a missed up back ! i was told by the doctor in 2001 that i would be in pain the rest of my life ! God has helped me deal with my pain too!but here is my problem ,meds are so high that i can't afford them!
i am sure there is a lot of meds that would help me but i just can't afford them !i also have fibrmyalgia and this can cause you to hurt in places you wouldn't think about !and lyrica is one of the meds that helps fibromyalgia but it is to much for me !
i had no choice but to have surgery are i wouldn't be able to move from the arm pitts down ! so i am blessed to have pain in a way !
thanks for sharing !
Bobbydenirosgirl
5 Nov 2010
Gennag..I totally know where your coming from, my dr. only prescribed me Lortab and my tolorence went thru the roof. so I switched to norco with only 325 mg. of acetaphetemine , but that only allowed me to take more at once.I had to take 4 1/2 Norco at once every 4 hours and finally said thats it "Im done". So afraid of my liver or kidneys giving out. I am currently on suboxone. nearly 4 months now and I am ready to get off of them. I just hope I dont have the withdrawl pains with the subs, like i did with the norco. or worse. So I am weening myself off of them. I am supposed to be taking 2 8/2 mg a day and am now down to 1/2 or 1 per day. Cant wait to be done with them. Lyrica sounds like it may be a good choice for me since I also suffer from Nueropathy.
curious997
3 Dec 2009
Ok, this is an alternative answer: Pain in the back is often caused by misalignment, using your body unevenly, stretched and shortened muscles. If you mask the pain with pills, you will go on getting worse. There is a therapy called Alexandre Technique available all over the world, and this involves quite a lot of lying still and quiet, maybe for ten minutes a day. Not much but I expect an impossibly long time in your mind... You may need to change your car, your office chair, the way you sit and stand, how you hold your head on your neck, and all of these can be helped by AT. The pain in your back is not treatable by medicines.
itsjustashotaway
27 Nov 2009
The best thing for relief of pain i sleep. But I would suggest MSContin 100mg for contiuous relief. For times when the pain breaks through Actiq lollipops which contain Fetanyl a synthetic pain killer is a fast acting drug because you absorb it through your mucous and you can stop and save it when the pain subsides. It also makes you sleepy and you cant feel pain in your sleep. Try these along with a antinflammatory like Etodolac and you should feel much better. Sweet dreams my friend,
Nero1
24 Nov 2009
Fortunate, I had 2 lumberdectomy done on the L4and L5 I was on Tylenal # 4 for one year
untill I saw what a infrared laser can do, I have taken about 10 treatments and I am off
the pills about every year I top it up with one RX It keeps me pain free about 85 % of the time. Make sure if you decide to go for these treatments that they use a medical laser
above 780nm.Most hopitals use them here.
sonshine0707
24 Nov 2009
I've read all your posts... you've had some very good responses. What I did not see however is what has worked for me for the past 4 years... an epidural injection of steroids to reduce the inflammation that causes the pain. I'm not sure what is causing your pain -- I would definately recommend a pain specialist or an orthopedic doctor that can look into your issues completely -- and then cross reference their recommendation with your cardiologist to be sure it wouldn't harm your heart. But I would definately look into a spinal injection of some sort. Good Luck! It has been effective for me for 4 years --(I have had 4 of them) but I am relatively pain free most days. My husband saw a pain specialist today with 5 bulging discs and will be having the injection next week. Our prayers are with you and your doctors. Pain is a miserable thing to live with. God Bless You.
DadsWatchinU
24 Nov 2009
Unfortunately I forgot to list this as an option as it did not work for me and had horriable side effects but you are correct this is an excellent suggestion. I have known of a few people that have received relief from this option and either maintained a pain free life or put surgery off for quite a while. I think we forget after a while the things that didn't work and only think aout the successful outcomes so thank you for reminding us of this. Momma N
robin499
27 Nov 2009
Spinal injections,do sometimes work.Generally they contain two components.One is a general anethestetic,that should bring some immediate relief if the correct area is targeted,the other component in a steroid to lower inflamation."Pain Management Practices" all use thr tools of their specialized proffession.Anethesiologists,use spinal injections.At $2000-$4000 a treatment,with20 -30 patients lined up and waiting for treatment,you can see how much money they can make in a day. Orthopedics specialists are going to want to put you under the knife and fuse this and cut away that.
Steroids are usually the last choice for Doctors when they don't know what else to do.A friend of mine had a problem in his lower back and received a spinal injection.It seemed to work wonders for two years when the pain came back much worse than before.After a CT-Scan a tumor was found at the injection site tha had eaten it's way though the vertabrae and was within the width of a piece of paper from the spinal cord .His Doctor told him if he had waited another day or two he would have been parylized from that point down.Steroids can act like "Miracle Grow" on any kind of pre- cancerous cells.
Basicly spinal injections are a money making scam that they will use on anyone who the feel they can put the paperwork through and get paid.I have seen them exceed the "safe" limits that are recomended by many factors.
They will also minimilize the potential side effevts to the patient.I was told that I may have "some soreness at the injection site, a possible headache,and some bruising." What they ommited was the fact that if the technician/Doctor makes a mistake with the needle,damage to the spinal cord can result.In my case 4 injections were given to the C-2,3,4, and 5 regions.If a mistake was made I would have had 4 min. before brain damage occured,IF they could have placed me in an Iron Lung to keep me breathing,or they could have damaged the nerve that makes my heart beat!Just minor effects,hardley worth mentioning.
You have a computer,do a search for side effects for any proceedure that they are proposing and print them out so you can discuss them with your Doctor.They are not Gods,and they are not alla altruistic beings with the patients best interest at heart.If you do go in for a proceedure,try to have someone with you who is not afraid to ask questions and if needed to challange the Doctor and STOP them from doing something questionable.Good luck.Chronic Pain is something that anyone who has not had to wake up with it every day will NEVER understand.You MUST become your own expert on your OWN condition.
DadsWatchinU
29 Nov 2009
Sonshine..I ABSOLUTELY AGREE WITH YOU!!! OUR HEALTH CARE IS IN OUR OWN HANDS!! DO NOT JUST ACCEPT DOCTORS ORDERS WITHOUT QUESTIONS! RESEARCH ... COME BACK WITH A COMPLETE LIST OF QUESTIONS B-4 ANY SURGICAL PROCEDURE including the steroid injections, as I mentioned I had horriable side effects, as a whole, we just accept what ever doctors tell us, and believe me I know how this decision can destroy a life, too many failed neck & back surgeries paitents are left with uncontrollable pain and then no one wants to treat that pain, so I be all of you to be you own best friend and do you research b-4 making a life changing decision about surgery. My friend w/the morphine pump is living proof, it took him years to get back to even half the man he was b-4 the surgery. He would have been much better off seeking relief from pain managment and never having surgery in the first place. I hope you find the comfort and relief you so desperately seek & dseserve. God Bless & Good health M, nancy
barbles2413
21 Nov 2009
Your Doctor would be the besy to suggest to you what pain medication would help your pain and not interfere with your medical condition or the other meds you are on,
DadsWatchinU
18 Nov 2009
A friend of ours husband injured his back in a car accident and tried just about all the medications mentioned in the previous post... he too had a miserable surgery that only made him go from bad to horriable non stop pain that brought him to brink of killing himself. Thank God he finally found a doctor that tested, then implanted a morphine pump, it took a few months of adjusting to get the dose just right, but he got his life back. The change was remarkable, he his wife became intimate again for the 1st time in years, he interacts with his neighbors, his children have their dad back after 7 years and we feel like our prayers have finally been answered. I do not know if this is your answer, but if you are doomed to a life of torture and pain that can not be fixed I would explore this option.
He 1st did an inpaitent hospital stay to test the pump & called us that night, he proclaimed it was a miracle, he was laughing & had walked around the hospital with no pain, next was the actural implant, now that took a while as I stated earlier to get the dose right, so the relief was not instant, but it sure was much better right away, and now he is like a new man. I pray you find this or some other pain treatment that is your miracle, or at least close enough to live with & not think about pain all day. God bless & Good Health ! Momma N & DadsWatchinU sleeping away not a care in the world... wish i could be like him & not worry or hurt... he just gives it up to the Lord ... I do but... he not answered yet :-)
StephanieAlice
21 Nov 2009
That is an amazing paragraph. Thanks for sharing :)
DadsWatchinU
21 Nov 2009
I strongly feel that our health care is in our own hands! We can not give up, if your doctor is not helping you after a decent period of time, seek out another doctor, different type maybe, ortho, neuro, pain mngnt, keep looking until help is found, with our friend it took years, but he found his miracle, we would not let him quit. Write places, Cleveland clinic, doctors on tv, articles u read, etc, there is always another way, mayber not a cure but another option to try, so please keep your head up, pray, and never give up. God Bless& Good Health to U sooner than later..Momma N
RENADO BUCIANI
9 Sep 2011
SEE that's great and it's horrible that there our pros out there and think lightly of it some of them should have to feel not read about it and think the worst in everyone,i'm glad to hear that postive spin on that story nobody should want to kill themselves over stpid miscommuncation,it's the doc's job to know meds,believe me I read all about any med before i put it in my body,it's funny a word changes the whole outlook on medication,if you were on 300 mgs of oxycodone aday and told people you just tkake advil or something they would look at it entirely different,I totally understand I never in my whole life thought I would have to finish my life on strong pain meds,but I'm useless without them I can't do anything,some days nothing works,but I wouln't be able to live at all without the meds,i'd be useless i tried it on my own,and tried hard,but to much damage has been done,I'm very greatful ive had and have docs that understand... god love them...
Inactive
17 Nov 2009
I have a failed 3-level fusion in my lower back. I have had 4 surgeries and they have made things worse. I have been on most of the major pain meds you can imagine. Unfortunately they are very hard to deal with when it comes to withdrawal and cravings. Consider a non-narcotic pain reliever. I am working with Kratom. It is an herbal. It helps my pain and I don't get cravings. Something to think about. Contact me for more info.
sasher
20 Oct 2010
My neurologist told me never to allow them to do surgery - because the rate of failure is 25% and what you're left with is a back that can't do a lot of the things you expect of it.
He told me "People adjust. They compensate" and it's true. I should be totally disabled, given my lower back (3 out of 5 discs impaired..), but I'm nowhere near that.
I would never tell anyone not to take narcotics if they need them, though. They get very bad press, and don't deserve it. In most countries they prescribe far more narcotics than we do in the US and have less trouble with abuse. We lose too many people from the workforce, and too many are left with lives that aren't worth living because they are in unremitting pain.
By all means people should do the least invasive thing that works - non-narcotic pain relievers, when safe, should be the first line of defense...
robertablanton
17 Nov 2009
I would say moriphine and oycontin. Keep in mind these drugs are very addicting
sasher
20 Oct 2010
Big difference between addiction and abuse, though. If you only take the medication as prescribed, stop taking it if the pain ceases and generally keep an eye on yourself, you should be able to take it safely. If you are one of the very few who can't do this, you have to consider that abuse is a possibility for you and take action accordingly. Narcotic abuse will destroy your life, will eat you alive, spit you out and trample whatever's left. Nothing is worth that.
There are ways to take pain meds even if you tend to abuse - you just have to have the right doc and be willing to go through the hoops (pill counts, UA's and so on.)
kersey777
12 Nov 2009
Wow, so much has been said already... Opiates cause your respiration rate to slow down . This is important when talking to the doctor.On the other hand, the stress of chronic pain, and the hormones released because of that, is bad for your heart,among other things.Lack of sleep has been linked to vascular disease,also due to sleep apnea. When you ask your doc for something more effective to control your pain-(like demerol,morphine sulfate) and what others have recommended; Insure him that you are walking,eating anti-inflammatory foods. This shows effort on your part(not that I think you need to show effort) . But I'm seeing it thru the docs eyes. I've gotten some relief from systemic enzymes,and a guy named "Jesse Cannone". Google him and see what you can glean.You're in my prayers.
robin499
15 Nov 2009
Demerol is only recomended for short term acute pain,not chronic pain.It quickly loses it's effectivness.Whatever you and your Doctor decide,less is more in the long run.ALL medications put a strain on your liver and kidneys,as well as other organs.Also with your Doctors advice,stretching and range of motion exercises may help.The best pain killers are the bodies natural endorphins,which narcotics mimic.A body in motion tends to stay in motion.
tyson3152000
18 Nov 2009
hi everyone!im new,im from ny,and i look forward 2 having access 2 the knowledge presented from all different areas of the world!i am an oppiate user,with methadone,ocs,and dilaudin being my favs.thx.
AUNTIEBERYLE
22 Nov 2009
There are different medications for back pain, but with your condition you must be very careful what you take. Definitely discuss this with your Doctor. I have back pain, and tried several medications, there are side effects with them, from tiredness, and constipation is always a big one that you get with pain meds, and more, which you must be careful. I have use lidoderm patches in the past, there is also fentanyl patches, they seem to be stronger, but I had problems, and went on the other ( lidoderm) I had back surgery, but still have problems, but that was years ago, that is not always the answer, talk this over with the Doctor, and see which is the best for you.
chefrichard
5 Dec 2009
Just to add my comment there is a new medication being used for treatment of pain and i am on it and its wonderful it is called OPANA ER -ER means extended release and its the best pain med i have ever beed on- chemical name is OXYMORPHONE ask about it and good luck.
rowdy976
4 Feb 2010
Where is there a doctor that will prescribe methadone because all the doctors i have seen either see it as out of the question or give a low very low dose
rowdy976
4 Feb 2010
oxymorphone is what is in dilauded i think. strong stuff!! some like it better then oxy's. hard to get.
Inactive
4 May 2010
Hey can you tap MSt on the shoulder and let him know that they also make soma in 250mg.
sasher
20 Oct 2010
Unfortunately, not all of us can use exercise to stimulate endorphins. My orthopedic surgeon wouldn't even sent me for PT because my back is so bad that any exercises they gave me would just antagonize the situation. I do exercise when I can get enough pain meds to handle the extra pain...
subsailorslady1980
26 Oct 2010
Dilaudid is hydromophone not oxymorphone which is Opana. There is a 5 and 10 mg Opana, and higher doses are extended release.
TheSHOP2003
19 March 2011
I have degenerative joint disease, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia & have had 2 back surgeries in the past 18 months... I have been on the Fentanyl 100Mcg patch every 2 days, Lortab 10-500 every 4 hours, Skelaxin 800 mg 3 times a day and Klonopin at night at different times and Elavil with Flexeril at night, just depends which one works at the time. I have been on the pain meds for almost 2 years and I am still in constant pain! I was told a year ago that Methadone was the only thing stronger than the protocol that I am on... I just don't believe that and I refused the Methadone at the time. My Dr. is retiring this year and I am on the hunt for a new pain dr, that will continue my care and give me my meds. Here in Texas it is hard to find one! Maybe when I find a new one they will be able to help me come up with a different protocol that will help me more. I am tired of not having a life at the age of 44! Prayers for everyone else that deals and lives with chronic pain!
FibroAlpha
26 May 2011
At the risk of redundancy, Nalbuphine (Nubain) is a synthetic Narcotic, MG per MG equal to Morphine. It is non-addicting, safe (can't overdose), and effective. It is to Narcotics what Ibuprofen is to NSAIDS. It is used for Mothers to be in labor, it is also non-constipating, fast acting with a decent half life. It is injectable, no swallowing or stomach or nausea, use insulin needle very fine hardly feel it, can be used anywhere (no water necessary)and injected any where on your body. Nubain is a Pain killer unlike the rest of the opiates which are Brain killers. One more very nice thing, it is not a "controlled substance", not a "schedule drug", can be called in with refills.
RENADO BUCIANI
9 Sep 2011
i been on methadone for bad chronic pain for years now,i tried the 30 mg oxycodone,but i have to take at least 2 at a time,i was on over 100 mg of methadone and my doctor and i are talking about trying something new,but im a little afraid seeing my pain is most mornings I wake up lately with a hip that takes me an hour to even move it,and my neck i can feel a pinching on the nerve,i did roofing for years and fell on the concrete more than once,not by clowning it's just a dangerous job and i got back up every time and continued working,believe me i'm no cry baby,i've tried to get off all together afew times,but i know i'll have no quality of life,and i accepted that,i really dislike when other people that never lived in my shoes thinks they know whats best for me,i would be totally useless if i wasn't on class II narcartic pain opiods,I was just wondering how many mgs would equal to 80 mg of methadone/dolophine and i know the 30 mg extended release oxycodone ...
work,I just was wondering how much i would need,and they also take care of another problem I personally have that's why i'm intersted plus they don't put weight on me as dolophine has that long life and tends to put unwanted weight,anyway i hope someone has an answer for me cause i'm tired of going to pharmacies and they don't get the right brand which would able me to take even less or they look at you like your coming off heroin which people wouldn't even know i'm on anything,there's not a pill on the planet that knocks me out or makes me feel high because as you people out there with pain know that the pain meds got to the painful areas and not your head,belive me my vertabre is all cracked and body is a mess,but im a gym rat,and if i can't workout and do my mma and can't get out of bed i would much rather not live,but thank the lord my doctors have been great,anyway thanks to anyone who has info for me...
RENADO BUCIANI
9 Sep 2011
i have no respiration rate problems,no heart problems ,no high blood press or cholesterol,opiate aren't even dangerous if your a responsible adult and know your body yourself,I know my body to a tee,i've always been in tune with my body,as should everyone,i'm very responsible with my meds and make sure they don't get in the wrong hands,just mine they are for me afterall,i wish i had a low tolerance for pain meds,unfortunately I have a tolerance bigger than a horse,it's crazy,but i still made my doctoc take me down and belive me i could use alittle more but i'm trying to push myself,some day's i'm like im only in my mid thirties god I can't imagine it's only going to get worse that's why i stay active,to get out of my head,I know how powerful the mind can be,but you can't lie to oneself,and i don't I know it's gonna be a lifetime battle,in the 50s opiates were used for depression,but the problem was the euphoria ...
goes away,so they stopped that and befor 1913 the harrison act all opiates were legal,when your playing with strong meds you have to be responsible... anyway thanks for listeningh...
RENADO BUCIANI
9 Sep 2011
Does anyone else have a problem with certain methadones,methadose,dolophine,I really had some problems with some and ive been lied to at several phamacies,i caught them red handed,it's very anyoying,and rude,and shouln't be allowed I heard someomone saying they get the cherry dolop[hine in the cough syrup bottle,and just wanted some input... thanks
snakelady628
6 Dec 2011
didnt know you had heart problems. they wont give u methadone but its is top dog for narcs and does work best
Shaneysmom
12 Nov 2009
fortunate; Wow you have got some stuff going on there don't you. The Lortab is not going to work anymore. That medication is not a long lasting opiate. There are lots of things that they can try you on. I would recommend that you try Tylenol #3. That is Tylenol with Codeine. A little stronger than a Lortab. They also have Tylenol #4, it has just a little more Codeine in it. If these do not work then there are the "big guns". There is Oxycontin that they can try in small doses. These meds are very addicting but, they work. There is also the medicine known as Methadone. This is used to help get addicts off of opiods and they work great as a pain med. Be persistant about needing a new pain med, you deserve to not be in pain. Good Luck
robin499
15 Nov 2009
Tylenol #3 & #4 are not stronger than Lortab.Both contain Tylenol which is bad for your liver and kidneys.
Methadone(Dolophene,etc) is a very powerful synthetic narcotic.It is long lasting (generally 24hrs after it has built up in your body)most of the other pain killers discussed are water soluable and are eliminated from the body quickly.Methadone is fat soluable and take a long time to be eliminated.Most Doctors are very resistant to perscribe it,mainly because of it's association with being a Heroin substitute,and was until not long ago only available through Methadone Maintainance Clinics.Unlike the water soluable narcotics,methadone is one of the hardest drugs to stop taking once started.In cases of overdosage,the narcotic antagonists given to reverse overdosage often wear off before the methadone and overdoe can keep re-occuring.It also seems to have other side effects such as weight gain,and is probably not great for the liver or kidneys.Whatever you use,use the least powerfull and lowest dosage you can.A low dose of narcotic and a muscle relaxer may be of help.What ever you do,make a list of questions,symptoms,past medications used and any other concerns you may have.It is very easy to forget your concerns when you are in the Doctors office.As I stated in an earlier post Tramadol may be of help.Only your Doctor is qualified to help you make these decisions.Good luck.Deep breathing and meditation ALWAYS help and will do you no harm.
MSt
1 Jan 2010
Methadone has worked wonders in my life. My pain is gone, and I don't have to deal with daily withdrawal symptoms every morning like I did on Oxycontin. I take a very high dose though (130mg/day) and can only get 1 month's worth at a time, but it is 100% worth it even though it is considered a "last ditch" medication for pain.
Shaneysmom
1 Jan 2010
Robin499; Do you suffer from any chronic pain. It does not sound as if you do. When you are screaming in pain and cannot sleep at night, you do not want your natural endorphines to help you, you want pain meds. And at that time you are not thinking of your liver and kidneys.
sasher
20 Oct 2010
I think of my liver and kidneys every time I reach for pain meds. You'd think Tylenol was an effective analgesic, the way it's put in everything, instead of a known liver destroyer. What it really has is a great marketing department. Until all of us complain, it will continue to contaminate otherwise safe and useful pain medications.
geenaluv
24 Nov 2010
Au Contrare, Methadone is a semi-synthetic, narcotic med. It's actions peak at approx4 hours and continue working for up to 12 hours, yet can "hold" most users for up to 36 hours!
Sadly, this very good pain med has been stigmatised due to i'ts use in methadone rehab clinics for the maitenance of former heroin addicts.
The facts are these: Methadone is basically on par with Oxycodone in it's strength. However, due to it's naturally longer action, it works better for chronic pain, which is a good thing. Also, like most other drugs it has side effects, which can be noticeable in some pts, while not in others.
This is hardly news for anyone! As for being bad for any particular organ in the body this is untrue, as one of the main reasons why it was chosen to be used "en masse", for people with heroin addiction, was and is it's very safe ceiling of tolerability to the human body! This ceiling may get lower along with higher dosages, but it is prescribed upwards to 200mgs daily in many people. The issue with safety comes to an abrupt halt when used in conjunction with other narcotics, alcohol, and/or benzodiazepines. It has been shown and known for some time that methadone has been unfairly blamed in overdoses and in other physical problems, when the true culprit in almost 100% of these cases is the person mixing it with other pills/drugs etc... The more doctors use this very safe nontoxic drug in chronic pain pt's, is when these patients will trully get the relief they seek in the way with which they would prefer... goodluck and advocate for your right to be pain free!!!
geenaluv
24 Nov 2010
Au Contrare, Methadone is a semi-synthetic, narcotic med. It's actions peak at approx4 hours and continue working for up to 12 hours, yet can "hold" most users for up to 36 hours!
Sadly, this very good pain med has been stigmatised due to i'ts use in methadone rehab clinics for the maitenance of former heroin addicts.
The facts are these: Methadone is basically on par with Oxycodone in it's strength. However, due to it's naturally longer action, it works better for chronic pain, which is a good thing. Also, like most other drugs it has side effects, which can be noticeable in some pts, while not in others.
This is hardly news for anyone! As for being bad for any particular organ in the body this is untrue, as one of the main reasons why it was chosen to be used "en masse", for people with heroin addiction, was and is it's very safe ceiling of tolerability to the human body! This ceiling may get lower along with higher dosages, but it is prescribed upwards to 200mgs daily in many people. The issue with safety comes to an abrupt halt when used in conjunction with other narcotics, alcohol, and/or benzodiazepines. It has been shown and known for some time that methadone has been unfairly blamed in overdoses and in other physical problems, when the true culprit in almost 100% of these cases is the person mixing it with other pills/drugs etc... The more doctors use this very safe nontoxic drug in chronic pain pt's, is when these patients will trully get the relief they seek in the way with which they would prefer... goodluck and advocate for your right to be pain free!!!
geenaluv
24 Nov 2010
Au Contrare, Methadone is a semi-synthetic, narcotic med. It's actions peak at approx4 hours and continue working for up to 12 hours, yet can "hold" most users for up to 36 hours!
Sadly, this very good pain med has been stigmatised due to i'ts use in methadone rehab clinics for the maitenance of former heroin addicts.
The facts are these: Methadone is basically on par with Oxycodone in it's strength. However, due to it's naturally longer action, it works better for chronic pain, which is a good thing. Also, like most other drugs it has side effects, which can be noticeable in some pts, while not in others.
This is hardly news for anyone! As for being bad for any particular organ in the body this is untrue, as one of the main reasons why it was chosen to be used "en masse", for people with heroin addiction, was and is it's very safe ceiling of tolerability to the human body! This ceiling may get lower along with higher dosages, but it is prescribed upwards to 200mgs daily in many people. The issue with safety comes to an abrupt halt when used in conjunction with other narcotics, alcohol, and/or benzodiazepines. It has been shown and known for some time that methadone has been unfairly blamed in overdoses and in other physical problems, when the true culprit in almost 100% of these cases is the person mixing it with other pills/drugs etc... The more doctors use this very safe nontoxic drug in chronic pain pt's, is when these patients will trully get the relief they seek in the way with which they would prefer... goodluck and advocate for your right to be pain free!!!
geenaluv
24 Nov 2010
Au Contrare, Methadone is a semi-synthetic, narcotic med. It's actions peak at approx4 hours and continue working for up to 12 hours, yet can "hold" most users for up to 36 hours! Sadly, this very good pain med has been stigmatised due to i'ts use in methadone rehab clinics for the maitenance of former heroin addicts.The facts are these: Methadone is basically on par with Oxycodone in it's strength. However, due to it's naturally longer action, it works better for chronic pain, which is a good thing. Also, like most other drugs it has side effects, which can be noticeable in some pts, while not in others. This is hardly news for anyone! As for being bad for any particular organ in the body this is untrue, as one of the main reasons why it was chosen to be used "en masse", for heroin addiction.
It has a very safe ceiling of tolerability to the human body! This ceiling may get lower along with higher dosages, but it is prescribed upwards to 200mgs daily in many people. The issue with safety comes to an abrupt halt when used in con-junction with other narcotics, alcohol, and/or benzodiazepines. It has been shown and known for some time, that methadone has been unfairly blamed in overdoses and in other physical problems, when the true culprit in almost 100% of these cases is the person mixing it with other pills/drugs etc. The more doctors use this very safe, nontoxic drug in chronic pain pt's, is when these patients will trully get the relief they seek, in the way in which they would prefer. Goodluck and advocate for your right to be pain free!
rbeauvais11
1 April 2011
Actually methadone is quite liver and kidney friendly. Unlike most
rbeauvais11
1 April 2011
Actually methadone is quite liver and kidney friendly
BriceRice
12 Nov 2009
Oxycontin is the strongest, but dont take that man. See your doctor and he might prescribe you Tramadol or Celebrex. Oxycontin can damage your liver and kidneys.
sasher
20 Oct 2010
Nonsense. Oxycontin is a very fine pain medication; effective, and with fewer side effects than any pain med I've tried - and after 20 years, I've tried most, if not all of them.
There is now a new formulation that supposedly corrects the laughable abuse 'protection' they used to have. Instead of being a coating that every child over 3 knows how to remove (around here, anyway, alas), they are now formulated to turn into jello when they get wet - can't snort 'em, can't shoot 'em. I pray that this will mean the junkie wannabes will find some other drug to abuse and this very useful drug will once again be available to us legitimate users.
travsmom57
18 Nov 2010
Sasher is correct; oxycontin is far less damaging to the liver. In so many of these opiates (like Percocet), its the Acetominaphen that does the liver damage.
I have been taking 60mg oxycontin bid for 2 years, with Percs for breakthrough pain. But ALAS! The new formula makes me itch! So, now I must find an oxycontin equivalent. Any suggestions?
geenaluv
24 Nov 2010
Makes you itch lol? My dear, the itching is simply a minor side effect which diminishes completely once you become accustomed to the dosage. Noone switches from a narcotic which works in every other way simply due to an itch ...
amandastenosis
15 Oct 2011
Wow really oxycodone can damage my liver and kidneys, are you sure? Especially the pure dose with nothing added? Please tell me more, I was given pure oxycodone for spinal stenosis and 5 herniated discs and am in serious unrelenting pain. I need to know. I also have cirrhosis from portal hypertension, so seriously bad combination for pain relief! thank you!
StephanieAlice
12 Nov 2009
I've been a Chronic Pain Patient for a couple of years, the first 22 months on Lortab and Ultram and I was miserable, unable to get a good night's rest because as I woke up in the middle of the night, I could not fall asleep because of the pain, so I'd get up and take the medication. Then, my day would be all screwed up b/c I'd have to go to bed at some crazy time in order for me to be compliant with the amount of medication I could take. Finally, the Physician's Assistant I was seeing said that I would benefit from something more around the clock and she referred me to the doctor she worked under. The doctor put me on MS Contin (Morphine Sulfate) twice a day and Lidoderm patches (Lidocaine,
kind of like Novacaine that the dentist uses to numb the nerves in your mouth, the Lidocaine numbs the pinched nerves that are causing the majority of my pain in my lower back) and now, my friends are so happy to see me smile and able to do the things that seemed so small yet so painful. The Morphine is AND Lidoderm should be okay considering your conditions. Ask your doctor and let us know how it goes :)
Related topics
lortab, heart attack, heart disease, pain, back pain
Further information
- Lortab uses and safety info
- Lortab prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Lortab (detailed)
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