Oxycontin questions
I used Oxycontin from 2000 to 2002 when I had my severe lumbar problems. My largest regular dosing was 60mg/day (20mg 3x). After my 2002 surgery, I tapered to zero and only took occasional hydrocodone; never on a regular basis until my neck went south in 2008. When things get bad, I'll creep back up to 60mg/day and when they get better I snap back down to 30. I'm now 2 years in and I'm never close to pain free. I rarely have more than a couple of good days in a row, so I've pretty much given up on any ideas about not being a chronic pain patient. I'm thankful that I can manage on what I consider to be relatively small doses. (Especially compared to most of my clients.)
Back in 2001, I learned that 3/day dosing worked much better for me than 2x dosing. I am highly motivated to take less when possible, so I'd rather take 10x4 or 10x5 if it covers me, instead of jumping up from 30mg to 60mg/day. I was pleased to see that the new formulations of oxy include 15 and 30mg tabs.
My questions are:
1. Is there a difference in the new formulation? I got the new tabs for the first time a few weeks ago. I've not been doing as well and I don't know if it's because of the med change or my situation, activities, etc... are different. (I don't expect to know.)
2. What do the blood level graphs look like with 2x dosing, vs 3x, 4x, 5x. Is it reasonable to go to more than 3/day if that gives a more targeted dose?
I understand that it's impossible to provide any information that can be applied to a specific case... we all must only make medication decisions with our doctors.
Mark
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