Need some ideas on pain meds

All I have used for pain is Hydrocodone
I tied fioricet once but it did nothing for me
I have been needing higher doses and not getting good pain relief from it

I did some research and keep hearing how its not so good to stay on any acetaminophin/nsaid combo opioid for any length of time for liver kidney health reasons.

soooooo...

anyone have any suggestions for how to live a pain managed life without frying the old organs by taking mass amounts of acet/nsaid combo opioid???

My new neuro is also a pain manager and I will of course ask him in 2 weeks when I see him. But wanted some ideas from friends too so I could be an informed participant

As always, if it's more comfortable to do so, you could PM me on this topic.

Thanks.

I haven't had good luck with hydrocodone. It doesn't seem to work for me.

Did you try just fioricet, or was it fioricet with codeine? I haven't tried either, but have been considering asking my nuero to try fioricet with codeine.

I am on tramadol right now and do get relief but only for the lower-grade migraines. I also take imitrex.

I am on stadol nasal spray as a rescue med for the really bad migraines, and it works very well.

That's one reasons I started on the long acting drugs.

They are pure narcotic without the acetaminophen.

I was on MS Contin at one time and then changed to Oxycontin.

I guess the Duragesic Patch would be one too.

Tried it a couple of different time and while it worked pretty decent for pain relief, I couldn't get the darn things to stick very well.

I also used Stadol a few different times but I always have a terrible tolerance issue with it.

Hope you get some answers at your Doctor's appointment.

Cindy

PS...I forgot that they also have a morphine syrup. My doctor is talking about giving me that for breakthru pain and maybe aleviating some of the need for the shots I get. I wonder if it would even work better because I was taking Hydrocodone syrup at one time and it works much faster than the pills. Just a thought.

Jess,

I'd be interested in replies to this thread also. I take hydrocodone with vicoprofen and since I've hurt my back have actually had enough of it to control the M's. However, I hate the up and down I get during the day...it's not kicked in, now it's working, now it's wearing off but not time to take next dose, now it's working, now it's not. Up and down all day long.

Plus, it's not full proof for all days, but it's nice to have decent pain relief for probably 20 out of 30 days.

I just had injections in my back and am hoping for relief on that front, so I won't be getting the extra vico any more.

I'm not sure how to approach it with my new neuro, who I see for the first time on the 22nd. This is the first time I've had a neuro who is also a pain manager. Do I explain that I came across success accidentally by hurting my back?

Charlotte

I get 30 hydrocodone to last 3 months. Because of the tyenol it it I was concerned and questioned my doctor and was told I wasn't taking enough to do any harm. I think they exagerate side effects to be on the safe side. I never take more than the recommended dosage and have never built up a tolerance or have had to take more.

I would be concerned about hearing loss from the NSAIDS.

Cheryl

I had some pain relief using tramodal . some Dr. even scripe it for M. also its not noted as being addictive ? and does not cost alot.

To be in this Headache Clinic program I've had to comit to no pain meds. Because of the MOH's. I am certainly not saying that people shouldn't take pain medication, believe me, If I had a bottle of hydrocodone, i'd be right there with ya, just to manage the pain somewhat.

When it gets really bad, and it's been bad for a few days, I have taken some of my mom's tramadol that she gets for her back pain. It's basically Ultram, Non-Narcotic. For some reason, I get relief with it.

But I've promised the new doctor I'd give his program a really good go without pain medication. I keep telling myself, 2 weeks until DHE 2 weeks until DHE, because I know at least then I'll get some relief.

But yeah, Tramadol....

I have had good success also with Tramodal (Ultram) except it will keep me awake if I take it in the evening. It's not technically a narcotic so docs will be more generous with prescribing it. If I take more then 100 mg then I do notice a slight narcotic "high". Usually 50 mg and a 500 mg Tylenol works good.

Once the non-narcotic treatments have been exhausted, patients are usually tried on escalating types of narcotics to treat their pain. Once you have tried the weaker stuff and either built up tolerance or it doesn't help, doctors may let you try the stronger stuff. Us suggesting a certain med will be of no help for you because honestly it is a huge red flag to ask for a narcotic by name. I suggest you say your pain is not managed and you want to try something else. Do however point out if what they suggest you have already tried, etc. Most of the people who take Hydrocodone or similar for migraines are not given enough pills a month to be harmful. You have more of a risk of rebound than liver problems when taken as directed. If you were taking it around the clock, then is where lies the problem. When taking it around the clock it would be better for the patient to be on a long acting medication. Not sure where you are in your journey--are you getting daily pain, or are you looking for a narcotic medication to take to treat specific migraine/headache episodes? How often do you currently take Hydrocodone? I wouldn't be surprised if you were next prescribed Oxycodone. That is a typical next step (it does still contain Tylenol). One of the reasons they put Tylenol in the meds is to prevent people from taking too much (it will make you sick before you get high). Most doctors are wary to prescribe pure narcotics. Best wishes.

I take tramadol as one of my abortives (zomig first, indomethacin second, tramadol last) and it's really not very effective. But I don't think my doctor's want to prescribe anything stronger, that's the impression I get.

Not easy to find an abortive that is also harmless for organs
I think that I have tried all types of ergots, triptans, anti-antiflammatories and pain-killers on earth and I have found only two things that work: ergot and indomethacine. Both are toxic for liver and kidneys if taken at high dosage. High dosage means more than 3 times a week (at least according to our guidlines which might be different from the US guidlines).

I have recently found out that paracetamol + anti-vomit meds + ice packs + caffeine helps to reduce the strong pain and bear the attack. The mix does not abort the attack in 30 minutes like ergot does, but it reduces it to a dull h/a that lasts up to 3 days but that is very manageable.

I also rub tiger balm on my temples, but this is not too scientific. Anyway, as soon as I apply it, I feel better. At least it reduces the stuffed nose which is one of my bugging symptoms..

Bye