Regarding Oxycotins.

[headstrong13]

I'm worried about my Dad. The doctor prescribed him Oxycotins last week. I don't know what miligram they are. For many years now he has been taking percocets for his cronic pain. Lets just say his back is worse than anyones I've ever come across that moan & complain that their backs hurt... Trust me they don't know what real hurt is like, nor would they want to.

Again I'd really rather NOT go into what he does for his part-time living. In fear of anyone at all finding out. If I don't though you will think I'm crazy. My Daddy & my entire family are clammers. Since before I was born, my Dads back is so bad, he has to walk around daily wearing three, at times four back-braces, he's in constant pain & he does suffer from server arthritus (sp?) that runs in the family, but with his job it makes it all that much worse. It's not a "fun" thing to watch you're loved ones be in constant pain & not be able to help them.

So this is where I get worried. He's taking one tablet a day, and if needed he could take more.. But I know my father & he wont. He tried herorin in Vietnam & honestly hated it (alot of our tropps did it too back then!). So I know that he wont start to abuse the medication. I'm just worried as his child, I know he's in cronic pain, I know the medication has been helping him 10 folds.. I'm just worried that he will end up becoming addicted to it and so forth.

So with that said, what do I do? Do I leave it alone & see how it plays out?

Advice welcome thanks!
~LC

[bval]

I know this is a little late, but ...

Percocets and oxycontin are the same drug, it's just oxys are time-released and don't contain tylenol like percs.

It's likely that he is already somewhat physically-dependent on opiates if he's been on oxycodone in any form for any length of time (like >6 months or so). This means if he stops taking them, it will suck for him for a bit. This is different than addiction, which by definition means abusing drugs, drug-seeking behaviour, increasing doses/tolerance, and using them to achieve an altered state of consciousness.

'Dependence' is a normal reaction to opiates, and many other types of drugs, and is to be expected. Many people who take opiates for legitimate pain do so for years without becoming 'addicts' in the traditional sense. Yes, the danger of it becoming an 'addiction' will be there, but in my experience, addictive behavior around opiates usually begins fairly quickly if one is inclined toward it, once one starts taking them with any regularity.

[hairgirl]

There is a outstanding difference between being a drug addict and being medically dependent. Your dad's body is already physically hooked on the drug, that is just how they work- which is why you have to take the meds strictly as prescribed.I would not worry, if he is in that much pain, and has been for years, he needs the relief!

[tommyk]

Originally Posted by headstrong13

So with that said, what do I do? Do I leave it alone & see how it plays out?

Is there any alternative?

Sometimes it is necessary for some people to become medically dependent on prescription drugs, and often times when taken as prescribed the meds are good for the patient.

I hope he's feeling better!