Oxycontin and oxycodone

Pain control: Oxycontin and Oxycodone

Oxycontin is a long acting form of the narcotic medication Oxycodone. The advantage of a long acting drug is that the patient can avoid the ups and downs with pain and drowsiness that often accompany the traditional short acting narcotics. The blood levels stay constant after the first few doses and are maintained as long as the medication is taken every 12 hours.

During the 12 hour intervals if pain is not adequately controlled a short acting form of the same drug, Oxycodone, is used to supplement. If an occasional supplement is used this is acceptable but optimally the pain will be controlled with the Oxycontin. If more than 2 doses of oxycodone are needed it is recommended that the dose of Oxycontin be increased by one 10mg pill at 12 hour intervals. However if no supplementary doses are needed decreasing by one 10mg pill every 12 hours is advisable.

Keep in mind that the post operative pain will diminish after surgery every few days. Doses of the pain medication should likewise decrease. It is reasonable to use adequate pain medication to allow therapy and comfortable sleep. As the pain diminishes an over the counter pain pill such as Ibuprofen may be substituted for the short acting narcotic (oxycodone); this may make functioning during the day more pleasant. If Ibuprofen is used a dose of 600-800mg every 8 hours is appropriate.

Nausea may occur secondary to the anesthetics given at surgery or the narcotic pain medication taken after surgery. A prescription for promethizine (Phenergan) has most likely been included in your post-op prescriptions. This medication will control nausea if given early. Do not hesitate to use this before the symptom increases to the point that taking it orally is not possible. If vomiting is already occurring and the medication cannot be held down a suppository will be needed.

Many patients will experience constipation while using narcotic medications like Oxycontin and oxycodone. A stool softener and laxative such as Senakot or Pericolace and plenty of fluids will help. Nausea, also a common problem, may also benefit from the laxative. Certainly decreasing the dose of narcotic and substituting Ibuprofen is helpful for both of these problems. In addition, a drug for nausea may have been prescribed at the time of surgery and this can be used.

Itching is common with the use of oxycontin and oxycodone and does not usually represent a true allergic reaction. Using over the counter Benadryl (diphenhydramine) will control this symptom. Other concerns with narcotic use include dizziness, poor coordination and drowsiness. All of these can be a problem with even small doses but lowering doses when possible will help. You should not drive a car or operate machinery when using theses medications.

Other problems and concerns can be addressed by call 336-626-2688 and speaking with Gezelle or Lisa. Always call during office hours if your prescription needs to be refilled. This type of narcotic medication can be filled only with a written prescription and cannot be prescribed over the phone (this is a law regarding Type 2 narcotics).