Do stronger pain meds make you tired like muscle relaxants?

Question

I've posted more than a few questions today, too bad I couldn't lump them all together :)
To rehash:
I have a chronic connective tissue disorder and have been having steadily increasing muscle pain. Not over days, but over months.

I've been on darvocet and soma for a few years now. But the soma really makes me a bit tired and it's hard to know when it'll surprise me and make me way TOO tired - tough to plan for anything.

I'm thinking about asking for a stronger pain med (tylenol+codeine or vicodin were mentioned by my dr. a while back), and hopefully just cut out the soma muscle relaxer.

But I have no experience with the stronger pain meds like those mentioned above -- do they make you just as sleepy all by themselves? Thank you all again for the help it is very much appreciated.

Thanks again for the answers.
The name 'Oxycontin' just scares the heck out of me. I guess from all of the news stories and specials about ODing, dealing, and addicts.

Actually all pain meds in my mind are just scary sounding. it's been so beaten into my head though TV, news, etc that anyone that uses them is a 'drug addict'. now that I really need some form of one, I feel guilty, like I shouldn't be taking it or embarrassed to ask for it.

But the pain is getting worse, so I am going to bite the bullet and ask. thanks for the suggestions.

Side question:
Since my pain seems to come in waves, the best days being still painful but darvocet usually works. the worst, well something stronger is needed. But if I start on a stronger medicine, can I switch off as needed or am I going to go through some weird withdrawal issues every time? this all just scares me

Answer 1

All the opiates that you describe work through the central nervous system...the brain. The antagonize the receptors to allow the medication to fill the void and thus allow the medication in. At that point the pain receptors are filled with a nerve blocking agent that reduces the pain and the stress and you can become less stressed and sleepy.

Answer 2

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Do stronger pain meds make you tired like muscle relaxants?
I've posted more than a few questions today, too bad I couldn't lump them all together :)
To rehash:
I have a chronic connective tissue disorder and have been having steadily increasing muscle pain. Not over days, but over months.

I've been on darvocet and soma for a few years now....

Answer 3

They can make you tired, probably not as much as the soma though and usually only in the first few weeks of taking them. You might want to consider asking your doctor for oxycontin in 10 mg, it last for 12 hours and is more effective with chronic pain than say the Vicodin. The Vicodin is still a form of the same medication in oxycontin which usually is 5 or 7.5 of the narcotic in mg form usually with tylenol but does not last 12 hours so you have to take more in a 12 hour period than you do with oxycontin which is timed release. I would talk to your doctor about it since you have a chronic pain condition and longer lasting pain relief is important when dealing with severe chronic pain.

You may want to consider seeing a pain management doctor who specializes in dealing with patient long term chronic pain needs.

I hope you can find something that provides you with better pain relief without making you so sleepy especially since it's such a big quality of life issue.

Answer 4

That really depends on you. I personally am on Lortab 10s every 4-6 hours and they actually make me feel energized...could be from the pain relief, but I can remember years ago they would put me straight to bed. Everyone handles them differently. Good luck...hope you have some good days.

Answer 5

All medications are man made chemicals. I would not take any medications at all. Call your natural health food store, they may have advice for you.