Alternative med

[Bsgma22]

I am currently taking oxycodone 10/325 4X a day, morphine er 15mg 2X a day, cyclobenzoprine 10mg 4X daily & gabapentin 900mg 3X daily for chronic back and neck pain. I am 49 yrs old, have had 2 spinal fusions with the inclusion of dtrax in last surgery. I have asked my doctor repeatedly to change my meds, as they are no longer helping much. He says there are no alternatives. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[backhurtz]

Your doctor is whom you need to discuss changes to your meds with. He/she would have a better idea what meds would be suggested to replace the current ones you are - based on your physical condition, other illnesses, current pain levels, and your medical history.
There is also the comfort of your sr in prrescribing other opiates and their conversions .

[backhurtz]

Are you seeing a pain management dr or is your surgeon prescribing the meds?  All opiates over time become less effective and may not work as well  after months or years one the same meds.
The extended release meds are meant to be your main pain meds and the immediate release are meant only to be when your pain is escalating beyond your normal every day pain levels- and they typically should not be taken regularity on a daily basis- otherwise they simply become a part of the problem of opiate tolerance.
In order for breakthrough meds to remain effective in treating spikes of pain- they should only be taken as needed.