LymeNet Flash: --Question about dependence on pain meds--

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Posted by merrygirl (Member # 12041) on :

I have a RX for Vicodin that reads 1-2 tablets 4 times a day. I usually take 2 tablets once a day at night or evening.

I am concerned that my body depends on the vicodin and that I am now a drug addict,

This is my worse fear! [cussing]

I didn't take any pain meds for 2 days and I felt so sore I mean a lot of pain and I couldn't sleep it was like my body was reved up and couldnt relax, shaky for 2 days. I took the pain meds and I was back to "normal".

Does this mean I am a drug addict? [Eek!]

I don't feel like I need to take the pain meds and mentally can stop whenever. But it seems my body needs the pain meds.

The pain meds do not make me loopy or high it just makes a lot of my pain go way.

I need pain meds sometimes because pain is my #2 symptom. I refuse to suffer in pain, but this makes me nervous.

What do I do???

[confused]

Melissa

Posted by JKM03 (Member # 17788) on :

It depends on your definition of "addiction".

You are taking the medicine because you are in pain, if the pain stopped, you would be able to stop the pills, so it is not a PSYCHOLOGICAL addiction, like many pain-pill addicts have.

On the other hand, the nature of narcotics and the way the opioids build up in your brain has caused a PHYSICAL dependency/addiction. I don't really view that as an "addiction"-- more as a "side effect"...

If the meds. help you function, take them. Worry about physical dependency later, for now, worry about getting well. Once the pain is reduced by proper treatment of Lyme/Co's, you probably won't need them or want them.--At least, this is my LLMDs theory.

That's my $.02, anyway...

Feel better.

Posted by MusicMan (Member # 11966) on :

Hi MG [Smile]

I have Vicodin and hardly ever take it because it just does not seem to do anything although I have never tried two at a time.

I suggest you try cutting down the dose by one for a week and see how that is. If that seems ok take one more pill out so you have halved your dose.

Steve

Posted by MY3BOYS (Member # 17830) on :

i am having lots of trouble with pain and meds

myself, but i do know that there is a difference

in addiction and tolerence. if you are in pain

than that sends signal to your brain, the trick

is knowing what kind of pain it is and diff. types of meds work on different receptors.

even understanding this (am in medical profession

myself) does not mean i dont have fears about it;

hate to be in pain, wears you down in every

which way. do use other things as well, prayer

meditation, distraction, biofeedback, whatever

helps. dont overdo vicoden too much- has tylenol
look on your rx- will say something like

5/500 that means 5 mg of hydrocodone and 500 of
tylenol-- watch to much.. the liver gets upset..