Oxycontin not lasting.?: I've been on oxycontin... - Pain Concern

Pain Concern

38,079 members11,728 posts

Oxycontin not lasting.?

Madlegs1 profile image
65 Replies

I've been on oxycontin for lower back pain ( and also helping with restless legs) for six months.

I was very happy with it but recently it doesn't seem to be lasting the full 12 hrs- only about 7 or 8 at most.

I thought this was tolerance but on researching with Dr Google have come across a major scandal in USA concerning this very issue.

My question is- has anyone , using oxycontin, had this experience and what were you able to do about it.

I'm considering trying Tramadol as I have no reports of the same issue with that drug.

Anyone got any experiences on all this?

Thanks.

Written by
Madlegs1 profile image
Madlegs1
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
65 Replies
RAYJAYC profile image
RAYJAYC

Hi Madlegs1

I'm having to swap between Oxycodone and Fentanyl patches now as both dwindle down after four months or so. My pain consultant thinks it is due to tolerance building up so we've come up with this plan.

I also have RLS so take 1mg of Ropinirole with 100mg of Tramadol; this is succeeding for me currently.

RJC

Madlegs1 profile image
Madlegs1 in reply to RAYJAYC

Thanks- what are your co- equivalents for oxy and fentanyl.

I'm on oxy 10 at night and 5 during day.

Do you find the fentanyl lasts the three days.

Cheers.

RAYJAYC profile image
RAYJAYC in reply to Madlegs1

50mcg Fentanyl to 45mg Oxycontin.

It's debatable about the Fentanyl lasting the three days; sometimes I get a good solid 3 days but another only seems to last for two BUT I have a very unpredictable pain pattern so it could be a flare rather than the patches not lasting.

Lots of experiences & views on the Fentanyl but I definitely rate it as top of prolonged release meds!!

RJC x

stokebones profile image
stokebones in reply to RAYJAYC

I hope that's 25 mg OxyContin twice daily. Even still It doesn't work out to be as strong as fentanyl unless you are taking oxynorm with the OxyContin which you don't when on the patch.

RAYJAYC profile image
RAYJAYC in reply to stokebones

45mg Oxycontin twice a day; is on the conversion table to be the equivalent to 50mcg Fentanyl.

Pacemaker_1 profile image
Pacemaker_1

I have been on Oxycodone for some time however I take 3 doses per day, can you take a smaller dose 3 times per day, it may last longer? I have not heard of analgesia for restless legs, there is an amazing FDA approved device for restless legs, I believe it may be more beneficial than drugs. Also consider magnesium tablets, you may find that they will assist you with your restless legs. Please google myrelaxis.com/ to learn more about the device.

Madlegs1 profile image
Madlegs1 in reply to Pacemaker_1

Thanks- I'm on the RLS site on HU- so know a fair bit about that end of things.

It is the oxycontin that I'm really concerned about- it's supposed to last 12 hrs but simply does not. There was a huge class action in USA a while back on this.

When you say you take oxycodone three times a day, is that the shortacting one (oxynorm) which does only last 4- 5 hrs and is really only for breakthrough pain.

Does anyone out there have experience of using oxycontin and tramadol ( ultram) in rotation?

Thanks both of you for your input.

stokebones profile image
stokebones in reply to Madlegs1

Actually oxynorm isn't just licenced for breakthrough, rather it can be taken every 4-6 hours.

If it drops off after 8 hours why can't you take an oxynorm - or maybe you will need the liquid as your OxyContin dose is really low - which is good.

Sometimes they say if the dose isn't high enough it doesn't last the full 12 hours. If it lasted 12 hours before then maybe it is tolerance.

As an example if someone takes 20mg OxyContin twice daily and it only lasts 8 hours, then maybe reducing to 15mg twice daily with 5mg twice daily after 8 hours would help.

Madlegs1 profile image
Madlegs1 in reply to stokebones

Makes sense!

Madlegs1 profile image
Madlegs1

Thankyou.

Is that the prolonged release version three times daily?

How long have you been on that regime?

Tashi delig.

Madlegs1 profile image
Madlegs1

Thanks. I'm going by the advice from a Dr of rlshelp.org who is probably a world expert on rls. His experience is that any of his patients on long term opiate use ( under 30mg/day) for upto 20 years- the limit of his experience with them so far- that there should be no issues with tolerence or dependency.

I'm in Ireland and have to say that there seems to be not a huge help with these issues. The pain consultant just wants to pump my back full of steroids.

When I asked the Dr about the short term effect of the oxy , thinking it was tolerance, he said unlikely , and pointed to the short term controversy with oxycontin.

I have very high ferritin (1200) and OA in lower back and severe rls.

I sometimes wonder are they all tied up together. And there seem no answers from the professionals.

Ah well- life goes on- I live from minute to minute.

Tashi.

[Edited by Admin: Name of Dr removed]

Sweetfa22 profile image
Sweetfa22 in reply to Madlegs1

Hi hope you don't mind me asking but with ferratin levels that high have you been tested for hemochromatosis? It a condition that if not caught and treated can lead to excess iron deposits on your organs. Cerrosis of the liver etc. Very easy to try. Just having a pint of blood taken regularlyuntil ferratin numbers come down. Please ask your doctor x

Madlegs1 profile image
Madlegs1 in reply to Sweetfa22

Thanks- I have had every test they know of! No genetic hemo, all organs looking and working good. I am relatively healthy- except for excrutiating lower back pain- and restless legs , when the medication fails.

They have me in the category of " medical mystery "😷

I've just had a blood taken to determine trend- but, unless it's down by a few hundred , I will get phlebotomy (bloodletting).

I'm on the heamocromatosis site- if you want all the "gory " details.😲😱😜

Cheers.

Sweetfa22 profile image
Sweetfa22 in reply to Madlegs1

Hi I have the condition myself so I know the gory details hahaha. We call it venessection instead of bloodletting 👿. Glad you've been tested though. X

Shumbah profile image
Shumbah in reply to Madlegs1

Just a thought Madlegs

I write this my my hospital bed

I have suffered horrific pain since i had shingles in March .

I had Botox in my legs for the horrific pain which has been awesome .

IF all my tests come back this time as nerve pain in shoulders postherpetic neuralagia I will source Botox again for the shoulders .

I have read up on it and most people are getting great relief. It seems some from a 10 to a 3 pain score also they have been able to reduce pain meds .

RSL and horrific pain , god we drew the short score .

All the best 🙂

MumofSam profile image
MumofSam

Hi Madlegs, it sounds as though you've suffered from what is known on the RLS site as "augmentation", where the meds you take no longer work. I'm on Tramadol, not for RLS (which I do suffer from) but for lower back and sciatica pain. It's just a bonus that it pretty much stops all RLS symptoms as well. Tramadol does not lead to augmentation, apparently, so it's a good med for RLS.

Hope you find something that works for you.

Madlegs1 profile image
Madlegs1 in reply to MumofSam

Thank MoS! Yes- I understand all about augmentationand had it with Pramipexole. But there shouldn't be any issues with oxycontin- which is an opiod like Tramadol. Thats why I'm looking at either changing from oxy to tram or rotating the two as referred to by a previous poster above.

I was given oxy for similar conditions to yourself. But its simply not lasting the distance.

Thanks for your input.😊

Madlegs1 profile image
Madlegs1

The jury is out on the reaxis pad- it works for some and not for others. It is not available in ireland anyway and I'm not sure of its availability in the UK.

Also it is way too expensive to take a trial from what I understand.

The amount if opiates I am on would not be high on the general scale of matters- and I would be happy to get a good quality of life than what I am going through.

Thanks again.

maximoe profile image
maximoe

Hi, I was on Oxycontin slow release twice a day 8am & 8pm, Plus Oxycontin for break through pain taken in between the other doses. I was put on this in hospital so when I came home, I thought these are great for my pain, But after a couple of months of been on them, I found I was struggling badly with my pain, & I still add an other 4hours to go till I could take my 8pm slow release dose. It was after an other month or so that I realized that my pain was just as bad as it was before. So my doctor came to visit me, & we both agreeded that I was becoming Addicted to them. I then went back on to the meds I was on before I went into hospital. I really hope you can find something that suits you, my be talk to your doctor again, and explain how you are feeling. I hope you can get settled on something that can help you. I wish you lots of luck Madlegs1. Please let us no how you get on.

Gentle Hugs x.

Madlegs1 profile image
Madlegs1

Thanks- addiction isn't the problem as such- more like tolerance.

Tolerance is where the body gets used to the med and so it seems not as effective. Addiction is where the body wants more and more for the high.

Moot point! But an important difference.

In this case the oxy just isn't effective after a length of time. This is mainly a problem of the halflife.

I have discussed it with the GP who didn't know too much. I'll bring it up with the Pain consultant - but that won't be for 2 months at least.

Thanks for your input.

grace111 profile image
grace111

im on oxycontin, if you read the patient information leaflet, under uncommon side effects, it says a need to take increasingly higher doses of the tablets to get the same level of pain relief.(tolerance) i find this with most pain relief medication and often change for a few weeks or cut down and then go back to the normal dose,its the same with diazepam and those sorts of meds and sleeping meds. for me anyway. this is the slow release ones,

Madlegs1 profile image
Madlegs1 in reply to grace111

Thanks Grace- funnily enough , I hadn't read the leaflet since I got the scrip- so good to be reminded of that.

Very helpful- I will be armed for my next GP visit.

I had proposed spreading out the doses to three times a day but he wasn't having any of it.

Thanks again.😊

maximoe profile image
maximoe in reply to grace111

Hi, Grace111, Yes u ar quite right in what u ar saying. I was just telling madlegs1 MY STORY with Oxycontin, as she asked if anybody as ad any experiences with this medication. which mine was very much the same problem, as I ad only bn taking it for about 9wks & not for a long period, so that meant I was becoming addicted to it. If I ad been taking it over a long period of time & it was only the pain that was not bn under controll with it, then yes this would be classed as "Augmentaion" So I was just letting her no what problems I av ad with Oxycontin.

Gentle Hugs x.

Tigger50 profile image
Tigger50

I've just gone from 20mg oxycontin twice a day plus up 40mg oxycodone for breakthrough to 30mg a day OxyContin plus breakthrough oxycodone.

I cannot function on this amount. It's been increased by 33%. That's a huge increase. I have slept for three days solid. Gone back to my 20. I'd rather put up with more pain and know what in doing. There must be something in between.

stokebones profile image
stokebones in reply to Tigger50

I hope your doctor has made you aware of the strength of OxyContin and oxycodone.

The manufacturer Napp states it is twice the strength of morphine and others state 1.5 times.

As someone who went up to 120mg a day and occasionally more, and now down to 80mg a day - all including breakthrough I wouldn't go any higher then 80mg a day. I think 20mg twice daily and 10mg up to 4 times a day is the max I'd feel comfortable taking and even then that is 120-160mg a day of morphine which is a lot.

Scotspain profile image
Scotspain in reply to stokebones

I'm on 240 mg daily and tolerance just catches up otherwise people could stay on 40mg for good wish it worked that way I started on 2 20mg cont and 4 10mg norm now I'm on 4x40mg Contin 4x20mg norm kills pain same as 20 did but stopped I know I'm addicted to this but I need it simple as but such is life

Madlegs1 profile image
Madlegs1

Ladies- please be gentle and kind with each other. I'm very grateful to you all for your inputs.

One thing I have learnt from my time on Pain Concern and RLS is that everyone's reactions and experiences to medications are different.

And - by the way- my wife is getting concerned about my sexuality so please lay off the "she" stuff.! 😂

Thanks again.😎

maximoe profile image
maximoe in reply to Madlegs1

Hi Madlegs1, I am so sorry if I av called you a "she" I don,t no why that was, I do apology's.

Thank you for your in putt, I'm glad someone understands we are all different when it come's to medication.

Gentle Hugs x.

Madlegs1 profile image
Madlegs1 in reply to maximoe

That's ok Maximoe - no offence taken!

We all need a senseof perspective on these sites.

It's easy to get passionate about matters close to our hearts.

Life goes on no matter.😓

grace111 profile image
grace111

its the tolerance that starts the addiction as if the pain is not being relieved then we need more tablets. and if we take them, as many of people have done/do thats what starts the addiction as the its not only the mind that gets addicted its the body. thats my experience.

RAYJAYC profile image
RAYJAYC in reply to grace111

There's a difference to building tolerance and conscious addiction; Madlegs isn't in the grip of an addiction I don't think!!

This has gotten very confusing and posts being mis-read. The problems with text in relation to emotion!!

RJC

grace111 profile image
grace111 in reply to RAYJAYC

of course there is. but tolerance is one of the first things that cause bodily addiction to people who dont misuse drugs. i think we should leave it there.after all madlegs is happy and well equiped to see his doctor. and from what i'v seen quite able to stand up for himself.

Madlegs1 profile image
Madlegs1 in reply to grace111

😊😎😘

stokebones profile image
stokebones in reply to grace111

There is a clear difference between becoming tolerant to a medication and thus it becomes less effective and a higher dose is needed over time, and secondly addiction which is misuse - usually for the purpose of getting a buzz.

Yes some become addicted, but having withdrawal symptoms is not a sign of addiction either.

grace111 profile image
grace111 in reply to stokebones

have a nice cammonile tea.😂

RAYJAYC profile image
RAYJAYC in reply to stokebones

Hallelujah!! Someone who understands my posts (apart from Madlegs1!)

RJC

luckyjim profile image
luckyjim

Madlegs

Had exactly the same problem with oxycontin, it will last about half the time it boasts.

As I expect you know, oxycontin is the slow release variant of oxycodone. Ask your GP if you can try an equivalent dose of immediate release (IR) oxycodone. I find it lasts 3-4 hours, so you will be popping pills more often, though, hopefully you will find this a more beneficial way of delivering the medication.

You may also need to trial doses to find the one that suits you, once again with your GP's direction and approval.

Best Wishes

Jim

Madlegs1 profile image
Madlegs1 in reply to luckyjim

Thanks, Lucky. Are you only coming in now cause you know I'm a fella?😅

Good to have actual confirmation of my situation from someone else.

My concern with going on to oxynorm is that it will mean upping the total opiate dose-from 15 at present to 20 with oxynorm( 5 is the lowest dose)

But I will bring that to my GP next week.

Thanks again.

RAYJAYC profile image
RAYJAYC in reply to Madlegs1

I find the immediate release 'floors' me which is good if I haven't got anything to do but for real life - impossible!

I've got 10mg prn Oxy - somepeople take more but it just isn't for me hence going back on Fentanyl and using Oramorph for breakthrough. (I ended up using Oramorph for breakthrough whilst on the slow release Oxy too mind; try to avoid the quick acting stuff!)

I hope you can find a solution that's right for you; I guess it's just like a game of chess - bit of skill, bit of cheeky trial and a lot of luck!! (No offenceto competitive chess players regarding the luck statement!!)

RJC

Madlegs1 profile image
Madlegs1 in reply to RAYJAYC

You have expressed my sentiments exactly re oxynorm quick release.

I was on fentanyl/ oxynorm a few years ago after spinal surgery. It took me 18 months to get completely off them.

I don't mind going back if it's effective without too many side effects.

Ultimately it's all about the quality of life overall.

There are some real horror stories on HU regarding effects of various meds.

I take note of it all but am not driven by individual cases.

Thanks again to all of you- I'm building up a good picture of where to go from here.

Cheers.

stokebones profile image
stokebones in reply to Madlegs1

Oxynorm also comes in a liquid of 1mg/1ml so you might find 2.5 mg plenty and use even less.

No point taking a tablet which has more then you need !

Madlegs1 profile image
Madlegs1 in reply to stokebones

Did not know that. Is that available in UK/Ireland?

Thanks.

RAYJAYC profile image
RAYJAYC in reply to Madlegs1

Yes the 1mg/ml Oxynorm is available in the UK but not all GPS want to spend the ££s prescribing it!!

Not all pharmacies have it in 'normal stock' either so would need to order it in.

Worth asking for though.......

RJC

Madlegs1 profile image
Madlegs1 in reply to RAYJAYC

Thanks- we don't have a free drug service in Ireland - so it will be my pocket!😵

I'll check the situation with the pharmacist.

stokebones profile image
stokebones in reply to Madlegs1

If your GP is prescribing oxycontin and oxyNorm capsules, i'm not sure why they would have a problem prescribing liquid. It costs the NHS £9.71 for a 250ml bottle. Add on private dispensing fees and a profit margin and you may be near 15 quid a bottle.

RAYJAYC profile image
RAYJAYC in reply to stokebones

Maybe my GP is a little 'tight' although I suppose I've cost the NHS quite a few pennies already!! 😩

I'll have a chat with him for when I'm back on on Oxycontin & Immediate Release Oxy'

RJC

grace111 profile image
grace111

i understand exactly what your saying iv read many posts of people who have been on tramadol for a long time and then had no more and they are in agony. thats not right. because there body has become addicted to them and they have withdrawel pain. nothing to do with taking them for a buzz. xoxo🤗

maximoe profile image
maximoe in reply to grace111

Hi Grace111,

Thank u for ur comment, I'm glad someone understands where I'm coming from. I ad bn on them in hospital as I was in the High Dependency unit, quite sometime as I ad a bad case of septis that was caused by me aving a urine test done by using 2x catheters, done as an out patient. the infection caused me to become unconscious , & I was taken 2 the Hospital. I ad no idea that there would change my meds to something like that, but I also thought well there no better than I do, so I carried on with them for an other 9wks or so. Withdrawal is so bad I would not wish it on anybody.

Gentle Hugs x.

grace111 profile image
grace111 in reply to maximoe

yes i used to have such faith in doctors and nurses until i got really ill and then i found out i have to keep on top of them all the time i do think that the surgeons do an amazing job. i do hope that your feeling better. i understood what you were saying as i'v experienced it myself. and read about it happening to others on this forum they were in agony because they did not known that they could not just stop the medication, or change to a milder one. love grace xoxoxo 🤗

grace111 profile image
grace111

embracing 😂👏👍👍👋👏

KatieD profile image
KatieD

Sorry for the late reply but I had this problem from the start with OxyContin. According to my pain specialist it is a common problem and some people just metabolize it faster so it only lasts around 8 hours. I was on 20 mg twice a day and switched to three times a day on a lower dose - 15-10-15 and it was much better. My specialist said it is better to have the pain relief working evenly throughout the day rather than relying on breakthrough meds every day. I still used the oxynorm for breakthrough pain, but I didn't need it twice a day every day when the OxyContin ran out!

Madlegs1 profile image
Madlegs1 in reply to KatieD

Thanks- perfect- just what I was hoping to hear- and supported by a pain specialist.

That's also good about keeping drugs on an even keel- just what I was advising on another thread today.😊

Thanks so much for your input.

I'll screen shot this and bring to my dr.

Cheers

KatieD profile image
KatieD

You're welcome - hope it helps you and your GP can make the change for you. After all you're not asking to increase the dose, just spread it out differently! Sorry you have to wait 2 months for the pain specialist.

stokebones profile image
stokebones

We know the difference between dependence and addiction, and hopefully people will consider our info more reliable as 2 healthcare professionals.

Disclaimer - everyone makes mistakes. Cross reference with a reputable source - such as the BPS/ NICE/ BNF,

RAYJAYC profile image
RAYJAYC in reply to stokebones

Cheers stokebones!

maximoe profile image
maximoe in reply to stokebones

I Would just like to say I was a Healthcare Professional, my self, so yes I do no what I was talking about, especially, in my situation, No matter what anybody else has to say about it.

Bananas5 profile image
Bananas5

David takes 140 a day (70 x 2)+ 20 Oxynorm. But at least the sun shines on here and it is warmx

lightweaving profile image
lightweaving

I have Multiple Sclerosis, restless legs. low back issues, muscles spasms and migraines. When my pain is bearable life is nice. The problem is the doctors do not want to increase pain meds. I am on Vicodin 5 mg. It doesn't cut it. There are no pain clinics here and the hoops have to go through is ridiculous. My friend was on morphine as she had a doctor who understood. If you are in pain you need help. I used to be on demeral(sp) and have slowly lessened. The problem with too little pain meds is I need to stay in bed to keep my sanity.

I wished I could help but am having some issues myself.

ORXTEN profile image
ORXTEN

Most Dr's in USA Are prescribing that drug for pain 3 x a day. We start to tolerate it but 3 times will make a big difference Studies show that after 6 to 8 hours there is little pain relief.

Madlegs1 profile image
Madlegs1 in reply to ORXTEN

Thanks- after 6 months - I have settled down much better- mainly by avoiding triggers for Restless legs and also avoiding "inhibitors " such as alcohol, citrus fruits etc.

I do get a bit wobbly in the hour before replenishment- so the oxy obviously does not go the full distance.

Interesting that this post has attracted 61 replies and is not regarded as "popular " ?

Thanks for all your replies.

Bkc1777 profile image
Bkc1777 in reply to Madlegs1

It is now popular :)

Seamus1983 profile image
Seamus1983

I've had this issue, I've been on OxyContin (U.K longtec,) version for nearly 19 months, I find that it only last for only 8 hours, I'm on 60mg 2x per day and 40 mg of oxycodone (U.K. shortec,) sine I suffered a tibial plateau fracture and broken tibia in many places, I have lots of titanium in my left leg now. I have suffered severe withdrawal symptoms from forgetting to take a dose on time, there must be something better and less addictive.

JerryR profile image
JerryR in reply to Seamus1983

Hi Seamus. I snapped my fib and tib 14 years ago and have been in chronic pain ever since. I've been on every pain med in the book. Last year I was on OxyContin 50 mg m/r twice a day with oxynorm for breakthrough pain. I suffered awful withdrawal symptoms if I was late in taking a dose. I would take it at 7am and 7 pm. By 6pm I'd be restless, feel exceedingly agitated, almost flu like symptoms until I took a dose. Some days I'd have to chew a tablet to get it into my system quickly. OxyContin is effectively synthetic heroin and I was a full blown junkie - I've had experience working with heroin addicts and I was the same as them, only difference is that I wouldn't mug my Gran!! It caused me issues at work and I was a mess. Along with the oxy I was also on tramadol and co-codamol. The oxy stopped providing sufficient pain relief. I'm now off OxyContin and taking Tapentadol. (No withdrawal symptoms during the swap). This stuff is brilliant!! I don't get withdrawal issues if I've not taken it and it seems to be the first thing to properly work for me. I'd recommend it over OxyContin any day. (I still take tramadol and co-codamol).

grace111 profile image
grace111 in reply to JerryR

I was hearing about ant from the two some ant and dec being in rehab after being on tramadol and getting addicted. also Lorrain kelly was speaking of her own experience with tramadol. NA is full of people who have got addicted to pain killing medication. It does happen to any people of all ages that i have seen.

metro.co.uk/2017/06/19/lorr...

Madlegs1 profile image
Madlegs1

Paracetamol will help a bit- I take 500mg when I feel the oxy wearing out.

You are on such high doses that it should be possible to split the full dose into 3 and take three times a day- it doesnt change the prescription dose but may need the pharmacy to give you smaller doses.

Talk to your Dr after googling all the instances where it has wrecked peoples lives.

The main problem with it not lasting the full 12hrs is that it will make you more liable to addiction, since you are going from high to withdrawal constantly.

There is a campaign for class action in the US on this very issue. Many people have tragically died because of getting addicted due to the lack of longevity.

I get very angry about this.

Grrrrrrrr.😠

You may also like...

Oxycontin

too much about this drug in the last few days but here goes.... Pain consultant was talking about...

Oxycontin

David was put on Oxycontin 70mgs about 9 months ago with a 'spare' 10 extra if he needed. Oxynorm...

Any advice on oxycontin change

they put me on oxycontin and pregabalin which has slowly crept up in dosage due to tolerance i am...

Oxycontin failure

when the Contin doesn't work. I have found recently that the evening dose of Contin doesn't seem to...

Onset Delay with Percocet/OxyContin

I've been taking Percocet and OxyContin for about a year now. I've noticed in the past couple of...