Question:
i'm 5 months post op and still on roxicet due to wound infection i'm scared

i tried without telling the doctor to quit taking it for 2 days. i felt like i went into withdrawl, sweating ,shaking crying horrible leg and insciion pain, can someone help me to get off this my doctor is away until sept. i decided to begin by lowering the dose this time. can i get feedback on possible solutions even different medications, i'm really really scared about this.    — carol R. (posted on August 21, 2000)

August 21, 2000
I would really urge you to not make any changes without talking to a doctor. If your doctor is out of town he must have someone covering for him and maybe that would work out for the best anyway. You would be getting a second opinion. Perhaps a "fresh eye" would be helpful in getting your infection under control. I also would ask for a referral to a wound care specialist. I hope this resolves soon for you.
   — Cecelia R.

August 21, 2000
Hi, im 7 months out now and still taking pain meds......i have had the infections and still have an open wound..If and when you come off the roxicet do it slowly half the doses for a week then cut then in half again....because you have been on so long even minor pain will seem huge if you stop suddenly...it can also cause medical problems including siezures were you to stop all at once.... your body needs them now to function.slowly decrease for safty...definatly check for infection it hurts bad diane neal
   — BBD

August 22, 2000
Why are you wanting to get off Roxicet so desperately? Do you fear Addiction? If that is the case don't be afraid. Unless you have a history of substance abuse and have been taking the meds inappropriately there is nothing to worry about. Less than 1% of patients who take opioid analgesics for legitimate pain ever become addicted. There is a big difference between addiction and physical dependence. Judging from your experience when you tried to stop on your own I'd say your physically dependent. Opiods are the safest analgesics there are for managing long term pain. Don't let the word "Narcotic"trick you into thinking they are bad. Calling them that has caused people to associate them with illegal street drugs, when they are very different. I would be more concerned about getting your infection healed. Once that is done you will need your doctors help to slowly wean off the Roxicet. It takes 1/4 to 1/2 your regular dose to prevent withdrawal. I live with chronic pain and was on Roxicet over a year before developing such a high tolerance to it that 2 pills at once barely touched my pain and had no effect on my motor skills, I too experienced withdrawal as I was being undermedicated. If the Roxicet is helping your pain stay with it until you are healed, if it is not talk to your doc about a stronger opioid or a continuous acting one. Oxycontin is the same drug that's in Roxicet minus the Tylenol. It comes in higher doses and lasts longer. Roxicet is a fast acting and not very long lasting med, that could be used for breakthrough pain, between Oxycontin doses as needed. Good Luck
   — Julie B.