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Oxymorphone?? Just switched to this med....

Anyone ever used this med? Just got switched from being on Tramadol for 7 months to this yesterday. 5mg up to 3x daily. My told alternative is a cervical epidural(not thrilled about that though) Frustrated and depressed and miss my old athlete self.



*Several Disc Herniations/Buldges C 5-6, C 6-7  L 2-3, L3-4, L4-5 ,L5-S1 w. anular tear w/ osteophtes and stenosis.
Mild sclerosis at C7-T1
Severe whiplash from MVA 2/2011
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1331804 tn?1336867358
Since my post here in Oct 2011, I have been switched to Opana ER...30 mg twice a day and has been a wonder drug for my chronic pain.  After being prescribed Opana ER 2 months ago, I researched it more and Hootie is right.  The bioavailability of oxymorphone is lower than that of Morphine...10% is correct.  I still am prescribed Percocet for breakthrough pain and most days I only need one dose instead of two but there are days that two doses are definitely needed.  Oxycodone is one of the active ingredients in Percocet alongside acetaminophen.

Oxycodone is metabolized by the liver into oxymorphone.  Oxymorphone is about 2 times stronger than oxycodone based on pharmacology.  When I was first switched to Opana, the drowsiness and tiredness were unreal!  It was a real struggle for me at first and I also have a desk job.  However, the sedation effects only lasted for a month at the most.  Now I don't get sedated anymore and in fact I am more alert than I was on Morphine.  Not sure how long you have been on Opana ER but if you just started it, I would give it a try for at least a month before deciding it isn't for you.  If Opana ER truly isn't for you, you could ask your doctor about Oxycontin (oxycodone in extended release form) or Fentanyl.  The oxycodone may not be as effective for your pain as oxymorphone is stronger but Fentanyl is stronger than oxymorphone.  So there are a couple of directions to take if you decide the Opana ER is not worth the side effects.

femmy
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1244639 tn?1270984166
Female 49.  I had a double by pass surgery December 2007.  Since then I have still been suffering from the pain from around the scar and muscles around my chest.  I have had several bouts of cortizone injection shots. I also had Keloid reduction surgery at which time it was discovered that a wire had come loose on my sternum which helped the stabbing pain so it was removed.  I have also had Acupuncture and hypnosis those also did not work.  I am currently in pain management I have been prescribed most recenlty Opana ER with Vicuprofin, and Lidocaine, but since I started the Opana it makes me too drowsy and I am suffering from Diareaha.  I spoke to another person who said that she takes oxycodone and it helps her with the pain and it does not make her as drowsy.  I work in a very stressful position which requires me to make snap decisions so the drowsiness does not help and I also sit at a computer most of the day..  Can you give me some idea of which medication and or other treatments that might help me?.  Can you please respond at your earliest convenience.  Thanks in advance for you help.  P.S. I NEED HELP!!!
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Avatar universal
Hello.  I have a great deal of experience with Opana being on the 40mg ER three times a day for more than 1 1/2 yrs.  I am assuming that you are prescribed the instant release 5mg.  I don't think with your extreme back problems that the opana is an inappropriate med to be switch to but do agree that it is a leap from the tramadol.  While of course you should be aware of respiratory depression from any opiate med, it is doubtful that you will experience it due to that being a rather low dose, especially for your chronic problems.  If after at least 7-10 or more days of opana, you are still experiencing severe pain or pain interfering with your daily functioning, you can be raised to a higher dose, or maybe better, switched to the long acing form.
Opana works quite well for me and I have been through almost every other pain medication available.  You just need to get to the correct dose.  
Also as a side note, Opana oral bioavailability is actually very low.  Lower than morphine  I believe the bioavailability is around 10 percent.  However, if you reach your optimal dose, bioavailability matters little.
I see that this post is from October 2011.  But since I have this typed, I'll post anyway :) Good luck and gentle hugs.  Hootie
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1331804 tn?1336867358
Hi thirdeye,

I got your friend request today and I accepted it.  :)

I am jealous!!!  ;)  Oxymorphone is the generic name for Opana.  It is an extrememely powerful pain killer.  I am on morphine and it helps but I am aware that the bioavailability is lower with morphine (approx. only 1/2 of the dose taken orally gets absorbed by the body).  I have to take two doses of percocet daily as I ALWAYS have breakthrough pain at 7 am and 3pm.  I take the morphine at 10am and at 8 or 9pm.  The morphine does not last 12 hours like it is prescribed.  Nor does it last 8 hours.  It lasts only 6 hours.  I am being forced to switch insurances at the end of the year so I am hanging on until I meet my new physician next year.  Hoping some changes can be made to my pain meds at that time.

I am sure you are experiencing great pain relief with this new medication.  I am so glad that your physician was open, understanding, and most importantly, willing to help you!  

I think a swich from Tramadol to Oxymorphone is a really big leap so watch for severe respiratory depression.  Your body will get used to this new med in a week or so and the respiratory depression should subside.  

Please let us know how it is working for your pain!

Take care

Femmy
Helpful - 0
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