Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) Joined: Nov 2002 Posts: 3,552 | Hi Vince, ALL long term opioids are pretty serious stuff! Oxycontin is the only one I haven't taken. They all have potential for side effects, constipation problems and addiction/withdrawal issues.
I would have never gotten through this without them. Pain management is an extremely important aspect of curing this disease.
These drugs will always make you drowsy when first taking them - that should subside with time.
Be sure to consult with your doctor about any concerns you may have, especially when she plans to stop using it. It is best phased out gradually.
And like D said, I would discuss any new meds with the pharmacist for potential drug interactions and common adverse reactions. Dee makes a good point too that age can be a consideration. You would be surprised how many doctors prescribe conflicting medications.
I find it's better to have a consult from the pharmacist than the sheet they hand you where they have to list, by law, even one adverse reaction in a million taken. Where else can you find drugs that cause constipation and diarrhea at the same time!
Gary Allsebrook *********************************** Dx 11/22/02, SCC, 6 x 3 cm Polypoid tumor, rt tonsil, Stage III/IVA, T3N0M0 G1/2 Tx 1/28/03 - 3/19/03, Cisplatin ct x2, IMRT, bilateral, with boost, x35(69.96Gy) ________________________________________________________ "You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes" (James 4:14 NIV)
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