Med question

[jaztsd]

I was wondering if anyone has the same issue I have with breakthrough meds, and how you handle it.

I take Actiq for breakthrough. My pain is bad enough that I have breakthrough every day, usually several times. I have enough Actiq to cover one breakthrough almost every day.

My challenge is, it's so hard to resist using the meds when I know it will at least take the edge off. I run out of Actiq early every month. Any ideas on how to make it last?

Love,
Jan

[southerngirl]

I can only ask why your doctor doesn't give you enough to get through the month, if this is a opiote and you take it every day (I was on oxycontin for over a yr) and I got to the point where I had to take it because my body has adjusted it having it every day. It really helped alot the first yr, so you don't want to run out if this is the case. Can't she give you more? can you cut the pill in half, I use to do that with the other pill I took.
Just a though or two, glad to hear everything is working out for you, like I said my sister had 30 bags of good stuff that we just threw away, she just wanted to get through the move her health isn't too good either and I think she's happy in her bedroom, she put a loveset in it and its perfect for her for now. I love having her here, that God my husband is understanding some aren't and she can stay the rest of her life if she wants. With being on disability I have isolated myself to no friends (except you guys) and that's not a good thing. So I know you will adjust and maybe even be at ease with your new surroundings. Good to hear your back also
Catherine

[Fizzbw]

I can sympathise as I'm rocking through the actiq at the moment as well. Are you useing the lollipops yes? They do come in different strengths so if you are using more of the lower strength then maybe it would be better using less of the bigger ones? I used to be given only 3 in each perscription - which if I had a flare up could be gone in one day! Now I have a perscription for 15 at a time - I had to ask and they resisted - but they should know by now that I'm not going to be out flogging them on the streets!

The other thing I do is to only have half the lollipop - I seal the rest back into the tube - I'm sure it's not what you are "supposed" to do but I have done it with no problems - it allows me to have a suck for a bit to take the edge off and sometimes that is all that is needed.

The other option is to use a patch rather than the actiq - if you are consistantly using the actiq then a patch might be a better way to do it.

I know there is a great fear about dependancy with opioids - and that it IS a factor - but I personally don't have a problem with physical dependancy on the fentynyl, its more of a psychological dependancy as you say - why sit in pain when an actiq can lessen it......slippery slope? or perfectly ok? Hummm. I DO however get very addicted physiologically to Tramadol, but am taking it a lot at the moment - but I know I can get off it, it just won't be fun.

I'll still take the opioids over the anticonvulsants every time. But in flare ups like right now I wish there was a better way of getting over the pain.

Niki ***

[EE03]

Niki, I haven't taken tramadol on a regular enough basis to encounter dependancy but even just one dose leaves me a little hung over the next day and I really don't like the headaches I get with it. I'm glad you posted your experience as I'll be back at the pain doctors office next month and I'm looking for other options. Take care, Ellena

[Fizzbw]

Trouble is, with tramadol, that although I get dependant, it is the ONLY one that works on a day to day basis! All the other similar level drugs just don't hack it - or make me throw up.

Hey ho.

Niki ***