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Suggest Treatment For Severe Back Pain And Pain Killer Addiction
Question: Hello,
I am currently on 40mg Oxycontin, previously to that I was prescribed Co-Codamol 30/500mg 2 QDS and also Oramorph 10mg/5ml PRN, which I was using on a regular basis; for severe back pain (from what I'm told the thoracic spine T10 or L1, I'm not quite sure). The Oxycontin was working for several weeks, however, the pain continues to increase, I have been to my Gp, however he does not feel that I should increase my pain relief, partly due to the unwanted side affects. However I feel I am possibly already addicted to the amount of painkiller that I am taking. I am almost 40 years old and the pain is excruciating and is preventing me from carrying out normal day-to-day tasks. I am a single parent to a 10 year old child and at present I am unable to manage his needs due to my pain. I have tried to explain this to my GP but I have been unsuccessful and I am desperate. I feel if I cannot get the necessary help, I will try to get what I require online, probably with little success. Any advice would be most appreciated.
I am currently on 40mg Oxycontin, previously to that I was prescribed Co-Codamol 30/500mg 2 QDS and also Oramorph 10mg/5ml PRN, which I was using on a regular basis; for severe back pain (from what I'm told the thoracic spine T10 or L1, I'm not quite sure). The Oxycontin was working for several weeks, however, the pain continues to increase, I have been to my Gp, however he does not feel that I should increase my pain relief, partly due to the unwanted side affects. However I feel I am possibly already addicted to the amount of painkiller that I am taking. I am almost 40 years old and the pain is excruciating and is preventing me from carrying out normal day-to-day tasks. I am a single parent to a 10 year old child and at present I am unable to manage his needs due to my pain. I have tried to explain this to my GP but I have been unsuccessful and I am desperate. I feel if I cannot get the necessary help, I will try to get what I require online, probably with little success. Any advice would be most appreciated.
Brief Answer:
Gabapentin and B 12
Detailed Answer:
Hello and Welcome
I appreciate your concern.
Oxycontin is a narcotic analgesic and is known for its dependence effects. The dose of oxycontin may be increased to 60 and then subsequently 80 mg if there is severe pain. This can only be done under the guidance of your primary doctor.
However, I would like to suggest an alternative medication that I use in my clinic and has shown good response in patients with back pain. You could look into the use of Gabapentin. This is another prescription drug, so you need to bring the idea up with your PCP. Initially you could start with 300 mg tds (three times a day) and its dose could be increased to 600mg bd (twice a day) or tds accordingly, to be taken for 2 months vitamin B 12 IM injections may also be done in a two week course.
You may ask your GP to taper you off the oxycontin or lower it at a minimal dose simultaneously while using gabapentin. All the above must be taken after due consultation with your Doctor.
An MRI of the spine in consult with a neurosurgeon would be indicated to rule out any vertebral compression if the pain persists or worsens.
wishing you best of health
thanks
Gabapentin and B 12
Detailed Answer:
Hello and Welcome
I appreciate your concern.
Oxycontin is a narcotic analgesic and is known for its dependence effects. The dose of oxycontin may be increased to 60 and then subsequently 80 mg if there is severe pain. This can only be done under the guidance of your primary doctor.
However, I would like to suggest an alternative medication that I use in my clinic and has shown good response in patients with back pain. You could look into the use of Gabapentin. This is another prescription drug, so you need to bring the idea up with your PCP. Initially you could start with 300 mg tds (three times a day) and its dose could be increased to 600mg bd (twice a day) or tds accordingly, to be taken for 2 months vitamin B 12 IM injections may also be done in a two week course.
You may ask your GP to taper you off the oxycontin or lower it at a minimal dose simultaneously while using gabapentin. All the above must be taken after due consultation with your Doctor.
An MRI of the spine in consult with a neurosurgeon would be indicated to rule out any vertebral compression if the pain persists or worsens.
wishing you best of health
thanks
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
Answered by
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