HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

How Can I Wean Off Oxycontin And Percocet Slowly Without Any Side Effects?

I m being prescribed OxyContin and Percocet for chronic neck pain and two major neck surgeries. If I wanted to stop, do I need to taper off? Since taking these for last two months, all the sudden, everything in my body hurts not just my neck and upper back? Is this common when taking these types of drugs? Thanks for any assistance you can provide.
Wed, 31 May 2023
Report Abuse
General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hi,

If you have been taking OxyContin and Percocet regularly for two months, it is recommended that you gradually taper off these medications rather than stopping them abruptly. Suddenly stopping these medications can cause withdrawal symptoms such as muscle aches, restlessness, insomnia, diarrhea, and anxiety.

Here are some tips for tapering off OxyContin and Percocet:
* Consult your doctor: Before making any changes to your medication regimen, talk to your doctor. They can advise you on how to taper off the medications and monitor you for any withdrawal symptoms or other issues.
* Gradually reduce the dose: Your doctor may recommend gradually reducing the dose of OxyContin and Percocet over several weeks. This will help your body adjust to the lower levels of medication and reduce the risk of withdrawal symptoms.
* Follow a tapering schedule: Your doctor may provide you with a schedule for gradually reducing your medication dose. It is important to follow this schedule carefully and not make any changes without consulting your doctor.
* Manage withdrawal symptoms: If you experience withdrawal symptoms during the tapering process, your doctor may recommend medications or other strategies to manage these symptoms.
* Consider alternative therapies: If you are looking for alternative therapies to manage your chronic pain, talk to your doctor about non-medication options such as physical therapy, massage, or acupuncture.

It is not uncommon to experience pain in other parts of your body while taking opioids for chronic pain. This phenomenon is known as opioid-induced hyperalgesia and occurs when long-term use of opioids increases pain sensitivity in the body. If you are experiencing increased pain or other side effects while taking opioids, talk to your doctor about other treatment options.

If you require a personalized response, kindly use the Ask A Doctor service and post a follow-up. Take care. Hope I have answered your question.

Regards,
Dr. Priyanka, General & Family Physician
I find this answer helpful
General & Family Physician Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini's  Response
Hello,

It is not recommended to stop oxycontin and percocet abruptly. Suddenly stopping these medications can lead to withdrawal symptoms and other side effects. You may need to gradually decrease your dosage over several weeks or months, depending on your individual needs and the severity of your pain.

It is important to follow your provider's instructions closely to avoid withdrawal symptoms and minimize side effects. As for the other pain you are experiencing, it is possible that it could be related to the medication or the underlying condition causing your neck pain. It is important to discuss this with your caring doctor to determine the cause and appropriate treatment plan.

Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Albana Sejdini, General & Family Physician
I find this answer helpful

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
How Can I Wean Off Oxycontin And Percocet Slowly Without Any Side Effects?

Hi, If you have been taking OxyContin and Percocet regularly for two months, it is recommended that you gradually taper off these medications rather than stopping them abruptly. Suddenly stopping these medications can cause withdrawal symptoms such as muscle aches, restlessness, insomnia, diarrhea, and anxiety. Here are some tips for tapering off OxyContin and Percocet: * Consult your doctor: Before making any changes to your medication regimen, talk to your doctor. They can advise you on how to taper off the medications and monitor you for any withdrawal symptoms or other issues. * Gradually reduce the dose: Your doctor may recommend gradually reducing the dose of OxyContin and Percocet over several weeks. This will help your body adjust to the lower levels of medication and reduce the risk of withdrawal symptoms. * Follow a tapering schedule: Your doctor may provide you with a schedule for gradually reducing your medication dose. It is important to follow this schedule carefully and not make any changes without consulting your doctor. * Manage withdrawal symptoms: If you experience withdrawal symptoms during the tapering process, your doctor may recommend medications or other strategies to manage these symptoms. * Consider alternative therapies: If you are looking for alternative therapies to manage your chronic pain, talk to your doctor about non-medication options such as physical therapy, massage, or acupuncture. It is not uncommon to experience pain in other parts of your body while taking opioids for chronic pain. This phenomenon is known as opioid-induced hyperalgesia and occurs when long-term use of opioids increases pain sensitivity in the body. If you are experiencing increased pain or other side effects while taking opioids, talk to your doctor about other treatment options. If you require a personalized response, kindly use the Ask A Doctor service and post a follow-up. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Regards, Dr. Priyanka, General & Family Physician