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How To Wean Off Oxycontin?

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Posted on Fri, 23 Oct 2015
Question: I have been taking oxycontin long acting with oxy ir for break through pain for 9 years, the same dose for at least 5 years. From the studies I've read, it should no longer be working. I am cheap with the short acting so that they keep working. Should I just wean off the long acting to get better relief from the short?
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Answered by Dr. Ivo Ditah (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
You cannot wean off teh long acting and get goo dpain control now!

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.

I am so sorry to hear about this pain that you have been experiencing for 9years. It must have been a difficult time for you but happy to know you are facing the challenges.

The long acting provides a cushion on which the short acting works. Should you stop it, then the short acting can no longer be of help because of the absence of this cushion. I will encourage you to continue with both and enjoy the same level of pain control.

It is true that when a pain medication is used for a long time it may no longer be very effective. This is not the exact scenario with you as still get pain relief and at the same dosage for he past 5 years. This means tolerance has not set in otherwise you would have required huge doses to overcome this.

I hope this helps. I wish you well. Thanks for using our services and feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Ivo Ditah

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 3984 Questions

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How To Wean Off Oxycontin?

Brief Answer: You cannot wean off teh long acting and get goo dpain control now! Detailed Answer: Hi and thank you so much for this query. I am so sorry to hear about this pain that you have been experiencing for 9years. It must have been a difficult time for you but happy to know you are facing the challenges. The long acting provides a cushion on which the short acting works. Should you stop it, then the short acting can no longer be of help because of the absence of this cushion. I will encourage you to continue with both and enjoy the same level of pain control. It is true that when a pain medication is used for a long time it may no longer be very effective. This is not the exact scenario with you as still get pain relief and at the same dosage for he past 5 years. This means tolerance has not set in otherwise you would have required huge doses to overcome this. I hope this helps. I wish you well. Thanks for using our services and feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be.