Percocet

Hello ediguinn, I see that you have some questions about percocet. I am inviting @lauriedr, @jmacvol, and @jimhd to this conversation as they have all recently discussed using percocet and its effectiveness and side effects.

edieguinn, what is your biggest concern about using percoset? Is it that you do not want to experience drowsiness that may affect your daily routine?

I recently retired and now find I can't do too much because of the pain. It affectsy lower back and legs from nerve damage. I want to be able to function independently and be able to drive. And take my grandson on nature walks. The dosage is low. Half of. 5-235 mg. I'm just concerned as to how I'll be able to function

@JustinMcClanahan, thanks for the invite to respond. I am 49 and have taken between 30 and 60 5mg or 7.5 mg percocet tablets per month for 15 years. I also take daily Klonopin, a benzodiazipam. I am not addicted to the percocet, although over 15 yeard I have developed a tolerance. I started out taking one 5 mg tablet; I now take three 7.5 mg tablets to receive the same amount of pain relief. I have never gotten "high," and I function well on this dose. I choose not to drive while taking percocet, just as I would never drive after having even a single alcoholic beverage. I also have never responded to vicodin or oral Dilaudid; it is, for me, like taking candy or a placebo. I must be very careful never to take the benzo with the percocet; it is a deadly combination and can lead to an unintentional overdose. When the pain is bad enough to require percocet, I must stop or carefully time my Klonopin, which I take for anxiety. I keep careful daily records so I don't accidentally forget when I last took each medicine. Percocet is supposed to last 4-6 hours, but I always need more pain relief closer to the 3 hour mark; sometimes that last hour is a difficult wait. I use ice and heat to ease my facial anf head pain. My condition is migraine aggravated by problems in my neck (as yet unidentified) and jaw (TMD.) Biofeedback is helping, as is PT. Acupuncture does not work. I worry what will happen as I age and doctors will want to decrease my dose. Already, I have to fight to keep this medicine in my arsenal for when my preventive medications fail. I rest when I take percocet, but am normally not drowsy. The only side effect for me us itching, so I take 2 Benadryl with each dose of Percocet, and I use a back scratcher as well. As much as percocet is in the news for causing addiction, only a small number of patients become addicted. Still, it is good to have all your meds filled at the same pharmacy so they can identify any possible drug interactions, like with benzos. You also have to make sure to stay under 4000 mg (or less) of acetaminophen daily. Percocet contains oxycodone, caffeine, and acetaminophen. I also takevpercocet no more than 2 days/week, to avoid medication overuse headache.

Many thanks but your response is what I feared. I'll still be a prisoner in my house. Maybe what I want is impossible. Lessen pain but maintain a normal life.

I keep Percocet on hand for breakthrough pain, mostly in my back. I've found that it doesn't help with neuropathy pain. I only take it occasionally, so a bottle of 30 might last a year or more. I haven't had a struggle with addiction, though I've taken some meds for many years. I feel that just because I need a medication every day doesn't mean that I'm addicted to it. I take it for a reason. I've known people who were afraid to take a medication they were prescribed because they were afraid of getting addicted to it, but even though I might have a hard time getting off a med, I know that it served a legitimate purpose during the time I was taking it.

I have no trouble with daily life activities when I am on Percoset. I'm not currently prescribed/taking any. Wish you the best.

Thanks! What dosage were you on? Doc said to take as needed. This would be for the rest of life because my condition will only worsen

5/325 every 4 hours. ( I've been on much stronger pain meds )

Do you have a TENS unit or have ever tried one?

And what does it stop you from doing? Driving?