Opiates Anyone?

[HIgirlXO]

So I have PTSD, a chronic pain disorder and I'm starting to suspect that I am ADD. Over the course of my 20's as I tried to figure out what was wrong with my mind and body I was prescribed Vicodin. I've never used more than 4/day and about 3 months ago I stopped taking them because of increased liver function. However, I have found that Vicodin, more than any of the psych meds I've been given over the years, makes the chaos in my head shut up and relaxes me enough to function in the reasonable day to day expectations of the world around me.

Now the real issue. How would one go about telling a dr that, opiates do what it is my brain needs, do you have any meds that will do that for me and are more appropriate for my psych issues?

And of course, if you think you understand what I'm trying to express and have any ideas of meds to suggest to my dr. PLEASE feel free to tell me all about them.

I'm really sick of being treated like a juncky when all I want is to have peaceful days and nights.

 

[mamachick]

What is the cause of your pain disorder that you have been prescribed Vicodin for? What psych drugs have you already tried?

Vicodin is not generally prescribed for chronic pain, (so I am told), however, I too am prescribed vicodin for chronic pain.
I do not think there is a non opiate drug that is going to duplicate the effect of the opiate. I have taken it off and on for apx 20 years, and it does nothing for my concentration except that it is difficult to focus when the pain is too bad. I have taken no more than 2 in a day although I am allowed to take 4.

Have you taken any anti anxiety such as benzodiazipines (xanax, atavan, valium, clonapen)? which are highly addictive. Have you taken and anti depressant used to treat anxiety as well?

What are your expectations of functioning? Maybe a better question....What are you feeling the world is expecting that you are not meeting requirements of?

 

[Candy Champ]

HLGirlXO The Tylenol in the vicoden causes problems for the liver which is why is shouldn't be prescibed for chronic pain. So you could simply ask your doctor to try you on another opiate tablet that contains no secondary ingredient IE Tylenol or Ibuprofen. Beta blockers could be very helpful if there something you have never looked into. They work on the adrenal sites and block symptoms of physical anxiety. Sweating, shaking, ventilating and what not, which opiates do the same for me.

Benzos are something I would not get into.

(I had typed much more but I exited the page.)

 

[landytoday]

Hlgilgirlxo,
I too had taken vicodin for chronic neck and back pain for about 10 years 3 tablets daily. Got beat up pretty badly by mental patient at work. Doc increased my meds to compensate for additional pain.

Long story short, she is 83, my case is complex, I found myself having to find a new doc and suddenly being cut off from the maintenence dose of vicodin. NIGHTMARE. New docs won't give opioids.

Too much controversy. It's crap controversy but still hampers the docs. They do not make vicodin without a secondary ingrediant in the US. the closest you can get is hydrocodone 10/325 so you get minimal tylenol. Next step oxycodone or oxycontin. Good luck getting an RX for that. You'd have to be maimed and dying. I know exactly what you mean by thats what my brain needs to function. I am the same way.

Why is it ok to take 8 different PTSD and MDD meds but not 3 or 4 pain pills. Which, yes would give better results. I am ignorant of why everyone is so hesitant about the benzo's any idea? My psychiatrist prescribed me ultram; not the best but with the klonopin it definitely kept me from withdrawel symptoms. LOTS and lots of pain, but no physical withdrawals which I am grateful for.

I can't take anymore...

 

[landytoday]

Hlgirlxo I am sorry about your name in the last post I keep scrolling back and forth and by the time I can type I have already forgotten it again lol. Sorry:(

 

[Barberian]

I'm on tramadol for pain. I can take 6 tabs a day, but I try not to take them. I don't want to get addicted. When the pain is bad, I take as needed. After a day or two I drop usually the noon dose, then the next day if I can, the morning dose, then the next day, none. I hate it when I find out the hard way that I should have taken all my meds because of overwhelming pain.

I have the flexability to use it for PTSD symptoms, but to tell the truth, it doesn't do much but make me a little loopy at times and make it difficult to concentrate. I still have the hypevigilance, anxiety, endless rerunning of memories, etc.

 

[landytoday]

Oh me too. the tramadol is for pain. I can take 6 a day. I think I take 4 usually. But about 4.000 mg of Tylenol (don't bother with the lecture, I'm a R.N) I just can't take the physical pain. I take klonopin and lithium and aderall for PTSD. Basically it makes me feel a lot less of anything. But at this point I'd rather feel nothing. Maybe later it will be different
'

 

[mamachick]

Tylonol does nothing for me, IB pro tears up my stomach. Aleve has also been providing me with some relief, particularly when alternating with vicodin.

 

[IraqMedic68]

HIgirlXO, thank you so much for creating this thread and sharing your emotions and experiences. This truly underpins emotional bravery. So again, thank you. I would like to contribute to your thread in more detail, however, before I do that I just want to make certain you are still interested in feedback as I am coming to this thread a bit late in the game. I hope you are doing well and eagerly await your response.

Respectfully,

Adam

 

[Spiderallis]

I don't know if it'd do any good for your situation, but remeron or mirtrapine is an older antidepressant that has some effect on the opiate receptors in the brain. It's not having much of an antidepressant effect for me, but it's helped quite well on the insomnia and anxiety.

 

[Jlso111187]

I have found my Vicoden works better too, I don't know how your doctors are but my doctor will let me have some 56 Vicoden every month to get me through the really rough days. I was honest with her about it. She said she doesn't like it but she understands.

But I am also on other medicine to like Prozac. My doctor checks to make sure I have filled that prescription as well and checks my blood levels to make sure I am taking the Prozac too. She fears addiction to the Vicoden but she said if I ever show any traits of addicts that she will cut me off.

 

[IraqMedic68]

Spiderallis, I have actually tried those medications and unfortunately I did not receive any appreciable benefit, that and the side affects were quite unpleasant.

Jlso111187, yes, most doctors are skeptical to say the least about prescribing opiates for anything other than pain and are equally concerned about addiction. I'm going to expound on those topics later. Just wanted to let you both know I read your feedback, appreciate it and will respond in a more meaningful way soon.

Adam