back problems is percoset safe for long term use?

Question

I hurt my back 3 months ago, my Dr has had me on perocets I take 4 a day for pain,i'm supose to get a stand up mri done in the next couple weeks Ide just like to hear any good or bad problems from the MRI, and the percosets, I've been told the stand up MRI is not as good as the one you lay down on.but from my back pain I cant lay on my back long enough so I get the stand up MRI soon, Ide really like to hear any good or bad results from med's and the mri's
thanx

Answer 1

I agree with the poster about the open/upright MRI. If you can find one it might be in your best interest to have one done.

As for the percocets the only problem with them will be the Acetaminophen or Tylenol. The maxium daily amount is considered to be 4 grams or 4,000mg. Of course if you are at this level at below you should be fine. However, even at this level it is still not recommended that it be taken on a long term basis. By the way the maximum dose is around 2,000mg a day if you have liver problems or drink alcohol which you should not do on these medicines for obvious reasons.

As for dependence yes it will occur if you are taking opioids/opiates long term. It happens with many medications and not just opioids. This is in no way the same thing as addiction. Addiction is a psychological disorder where you use a substance despite harm to yourself. If you are taking this medication for pain control and not for the way it makes you feel than that is considered acceptable. The odds of becoming addicted to this medicine in people who have true chronic pain is less than 5%. and the ones who did become addicted had a substance abuse disorder long before taking an opioid/opiate medication.

You should not let fear of addiction stop your from having your pain treated. It may also be a wise idea to ask about a referral to a pain management doctor or clinic where they specialize in pain and know how to properly Rx pain medications.

I wish you good luck and many pain free days

Answer 2

The main problem with the Percocet is the Tylenol. My pain doctor has me on something similar called Oxy IR. It is Oxycodone, the active ingredient in Percocet, but has no Tylenol in it. I'm also on Oxycontin, whic has the same active ingredient and works 12 hours. It IS possible and safe to be on narcotic medications long-term, as long as you are on the pure-opiate type and not the type mixed with Tylenol because the Tylenol will cause liver damage. Dependance will occur, but that is true of ANY medication that is taken to control a chronic illness. Diabetics are dependant on insulin, but no one calls them insulin addicts. Addiction is a behavior issue, and it is characterized by the compulsion to continue to use somethig or do something even when it causes harm to yourself or your family members as well as spending considerable amounts of time obtaining, pursuing and doing/using something and lying about the time you spend doing those things. As long as you take the Percocet exactly as prescribed by your doctor and don't increase you dosage without his supervision and knowledge, you have a less than 1% chance of becoming addicted. Narcotics work differently in the brains of those with true chronic pain than tney do in those who use narcotice recreationally: Chronic pain patients don't get high they just get normal. Chronic pain patients who DO become addicted have addictive personalities to begin with; their addictions have nothing to do with being prescribed narcotics long term. Narcotics are the oldest and safest form of pain management out there. I would suggest looking into going to a pain management clinic. The doctors there will work with you to create a regimen of medications and other modalities that will relieve your pain as much as possible with as few side effects as possible. Don't let anyone scare you or shame you about taking narcotics as prescribed by your doctor. Like a diabetic, you have a medical condition and you take a medication to treat it; it's no different. Some people will say that your are addict if you stop taking the narcotics and have withdrawal symptoms, but this is not not true. Withdrawals occur because you body chemistry changes from taking the m,edications. Again, ANY patient who takes ANY medication consistently will become sick if they stop taking it. Again, addiction is a behavior issue. You have a right to a pain free life, and narcotics have the fewest side effects and offer the greatest relief and are absolutely safe if they are taken responsibly and doctor's prders are followed explicitly.

Answer 3

There are no side effects from an MRI and it is painless (except for being still).

The percocets are habit forming, as is any opiate pain reliever. Percocets are a form of oxycodone and are pretty strong. You probably be shouldn't be taking them long term. But if you continue to have chronic pain, your doc can refer you to a pain mgmt clinic who can prescribe something that you don't have to take so much of per day.

If you decide to get off the pain pills, let your dr. know. Don't just quit them cold turkey. Your doc can recommend a "weaning" schedule to help you get off the meds, if you want to.

Answer 4

Darvocet is an analgesic within the opioid class. It is used to regard slight to mild anguish and is an anti-tussive. Percoset (Oxycodone) is the equal factor however it's semi-artificial opiod. Both are enormously addictive and used for anguish.

Answer 5

My doctor told me that the Stand Up MRI was better, it shows more than the one you lay on. Also those pain medicines are more addictive than any other. My doctor will not give them to me, not for long term use that is. Good luck!

Answer 6

Jpsnay420 is absolutely correct in his/her answer. Mandy VZ is also correct but the odds of becoming addicted are not less than 1 % they are less than 5 % and as it was stated it only occurred in people who already had a substance abuse problem and failed to mention it to their physician.

Do not let fear of addiction stop you from seeking a solution for your pain. You do not have to suffer !!