making the switch / is it worth it???

[antigonemuse]

I have been on Oxycontin for two years for chronic migraines (status migraines). Needless to say, my tolerace at this point is high, and nothing seems to control the pain anymore. I have PRNs for oxycondone, loratab, injectable torodol, migranol, barbituates, ect... I take preventative meds like topamax and vitamins like b2... NOTHING WORKS... I wake everyday in pain... and seldom have relief.

Luckily I have very understanding doctors, no runaround about narcs, being the pain is severe. They feed me the stuff like fertlizer. (I have been through the gambit of medications, treatments, protocols ect. before the opi managament)

SO... Here is where I need the advise / oppinions... I do like my buzz, dont get me wrong, and my DOC (DRUG OF CHOICE) are my Oxys... BUT... due to my growing tolerrance, the neurologist is switching me to methadone tomorrow. I am not sure what miligram yet... It was explained to me that methadone was betterr in that my tolerance wouuldnt grow quickly like it does on oxys. That I could be treated long term, with reasonable pain relief on the methadone, without feeling the need to increase my dose, or abuse.

But how is the buzz compaired to OC? hehe I gotta ask....:D Is it worth switching? or should I ask to increase my OC?

[THEPAINTER1960]

I have been on Oxycontin for two years for chronic migraines (status migraines). Needless to say, my tolerace at this point is high, and nothing seems to control the pain anymore. I have PRNs for oxycondone, loratab, injectable torodol, migranol, barbituates, ect... I take preventative meds like topamax and vitamins like b2... NOTHING WORKS... I wake everyday in pain... and seldom have relief.

Luckily I have very understanding doctors, no runaround about narcs, being the pain is severe. They feed me the stuff like fertlizer. (I have been through the gambit of medications, treatments, protocols ect. before the opi managament)

SO... Here is where I need the advise / oppinions... I do like my buzz, dont get me wrong, and my DOC (DRUG OF CHOICE) are my Oxys... BUT... due to my growing tolerrance, the neurologist is switching me to methadone tomorrow. I am not sure what miligram yet... It was explained to me that methadone was betterr in that my tolerance wouuldnt grow quickly like it does on oxys. That I could be treated long term, with reasonable pain relief on the methadone, without feeling the need to increase my dose, or abuse.

But how is the buzz compaired to OC? hehe I gotta ask....:D Is it worth switching? or should I ask to increase my OC?
I dont know man once you get on methadone you will be saying where is the buzz. Becuase you wont get one especially if you allready take something like you said for pain. Now if you wrote in and said you were not taking anything strong for your pain. Yes you will feel an excellent buzz on methadone. But who knows everyone is different. Right now i am on 140 millagrams of methadone. Do i feel a buzz. No sorrey. peace

[Opiyum]

I think youll find that the painter's opinion is going to be the consensus view. You may enjoy methadone more than I did or the painter does for the simple reason that we check into clinics to get ours. Basically it wasnt through the same means to obtain it. Theres a certain dehuminization process that goes on when you check in at least thats how I felt. You know a feeling of defeat. Of course I just assumed a lot about painter but most people on methadone are on it because there use got out of control....

Mathadone was fun for me in a much different way than Ox. On meth I kind of floated through every day in a semi-buzzed state although I wouldnt call it a buzz...its weird you know its there but its nothing to get excited about as opposed to Ox which I'm sure you are well aware of the excitment there.

In short NO I wouldnt switch but If I was in your shoes I would try it out for a week or two who knows for you it might be better.

[shaunclo]

Anti, I think Methadone is one of the most euphoric opiates out there, and one of the strongest too. I seem to be out-numbered most of the time with this opinion, but every time I have used meth, it has serioulsy fucked me up. Way more than any Oxy high. I think oxy's are weak, it takes way too many of em to get me good. With meth, only 10 mg's fucked me up for a good 12-24 hours. I think you should try the switch and check it out. You always have the option to tell your Doc that the Oxy's were controlling your pain better, and I doubt he would have a problem switching you back to them if the meth doesnt work;)

[antigonemuse]

Another concern I have is only getting thirty pills a month instead of 150 like i do now. I get 90 Oxycontins CR and 60 Oxycodones. (this would be why my tolerance has sky rocketed) If I want a good buzz I have to be on 300mgs or more. I cant imagine trying to get through a month with 30 pills. Do they ever perscribe them for more them one dose a day? Like for pain managament reasons...

I am also going to ask for a quick acting PRN for break through migraines. What is a good opiate for this, other then oxycodone... How is stuff like roxicontin? or would that be pushing it?

[HistoryofMadness]

Hey man one 'done a day will hold and get hydromorphone for break through... but only if you can stand sharp stick and a sting....

H

[sobermeth]

I know this is a rather new reply for an older post, but I just wanted to put in my two cents. I'd also have to agree that methadone is one of the strongest and most eupohric opiates I have tried. Of course herion and enough oxy's will get you feeling good as well, but I found that about 100mgs of methadone lasts longer than both H and oxys. I am on a program of suboxone and every once in a while, I'd say a few times a month, wait 2 days and take the methadone I get from a friend. Both drugs are godsends for us who have to have something to get through the day. The Suboxone obvioulsy doesn't give me a buzz, but it does give me a more positive outlook and the cravings pretty much disappear. I use the methadone as an occasional treat that gives me more pleasure than suboxone, but still keeps my cravings at bay for my past demons H and oxy.

Sorry for ranting on, but I believe that both drugs can have a great impact on addict's lives. I know some people may think of my occasional switching back and forth in a negative way. The important thing for me is to lead a productive life and keep my cravings and horrible wd's (physical and mental) at bay. Stopping cold turkey just makes me miserable so these two drugs have pretty much saved my life.

In a related post, Historyofmadness provided very valuable advice that I think we can all benefit from. Remember that yes, most of us do need a maintenance drug to help us, but we also need to engage in activities like exercise, social activities, writing, reading, etc. in order to move from the lazy, apathetic behavior that I'm sure we have all experienced when horribly addicted. These maintenance drugs can help with depression, cravings and allow us to participate in life for the very first time.

~meth