Oh My God I Am High At Work!

[bebe]

My doctor gave me a new prescription for migraines and I took them for the first time this morning. I just have to say - holy sh*t. I totally feel like I smoked some weed, but without the munchies and tiredness part. This is hilarious. And very strange. I told my database administrator so that he could watch me and make sure nothing strange happens, but I didn't want to tell anyone else. I didn't want anyone to think I was trying to garner sympathy for the migraines or anything. My head feels like I smoked pot, but my body feels like I could run a marathon or walk out of my office, jump in the bay and swim to Alcatraz.

[Steph]

LOL. But seriously, don't drive later if you are still feeling funny/high.

[Complicated Woman]

Oh man, bebe. Too funny. Looks like you'll need to call home for a ride and then veg out with some twinkies and 70's rock.

What's the prescription that you're taking?

[roseprincess]

uummmmmm, lemme guess: Imitrex?

Sorry but I have to

[PlanetClaire]

That's what I want to know!! What are you taking!? LOL

[ljeagle]

Don't u just love the feeling. lol Don't drive!

[Cirig]

HEY- that's better than weed, you have energy! Don't get addicted!!!

[bebe]

Nope, not Imitrex. My doctor suffers from migraines too and he said those medications never work for him. He wrote me a prescription for what he takes, which is a specially made cocktail containing 3 different things. The only ingredient I recognized was acetomenophin, and the other two I can't remember. The abbreviation on the bottle says ISOMETH/APAP/DI-PHENZ 65-325-100 CAP. I left the slip that came with it at home, I'll post it later.

So far, so good (knock on a giant redwood tree.) I just have what feel like a common mild headache. It is pretty funny, just strange feeling this way at work! I think the last time I smoked pot was 5 or more years ago, so it was just funny to suddenly start feeling that way. And I actually got mildly paranoid at first like "Dude, they are going to know I am on drugs right now.." which is completely irrational! It's prescription medicine for migraines for Pete's sake! Another interesting side effect I am having is going back ond forth between having the chills and super sensitive skin to practically sweating. Like I have a fever I guess. I'll definitly make sure I am good to go before I get in my car and drive home today!

[roseprincess]

I googled it...

here's the info from WebMD

Imitrex made me feel like that, it wasn't pleasant. Well, except I also felt like going out in the streets and killing people b/c I was very amped up. Seriously.

If at the end of the day you aren't satisfied that this is the right medicine for you, I highly recommend Toradol. I will not allow anyone to prescribe anything different, I'm very sensitive to medication and it's the only drug that makes the pain go completely away w/o leaving me with unpleasant side-effects. If I get a massive migraine before I can take one pill of the Toradol, then I take two and know that I'm gonna get sleepy. That's the worst side effect for me.

[rosefeather]

Where can I get some of that?? LOL Just kidding! Just be careful before you try driving. Make sure you're feeling up to it!

[Heather]

Anyone ever have to take Ultram (Tramadol)?

Some of you know I've been struggling with whether or not to continue my pain medicin (hydrocodone). I've weaned myself off it but left myself without anything that really takes care of the pain. I called my doc today and told him I don't want to take the codone any longer, but still need something for pain and Ultram is what he's prescribing.

Reading the side-effects for this stuff can scare the crap out of you!

Bebe enjoy the high, lol, but like Steph said - don't drive if you don't have to!

[wynelle]

We prescribe Ultram at our clinic. It's in between SuperStrength Ibuprofen and Codeine. Seems to work.

Incidentially, in our ER (as in most ERs), when people come in with back pain, migraines, "muscle strain," and the first things they say are "I need XXXX (narcotic) pain medication, nothing else works." They are almost automatically labelled as a drug abuser. Even when it has been prescribed. Especially if we have seen them before with the same condition. Bad of us, yes, but correct 90% of the time.

[feb-bride]

Originally Posted by wynelle

Incidentially, in our ER (as in most ERs), when people come in with back pain, migraines, "muscle strain," and the first things they say are "I need XXXX (narcotic) pain medication, nothing else works." They are almost automatically labelled as a drug abuser. Even when it has been prescribed. Especially if we have seen them before with the same condition. Bad of us, yes, but correct 90% of the time.

Even if the medication in question is 800 mg Motrin?

[Chillchacha]

Originally Posted by wynelle

Incidentially, in our ER (as in most ERs), when people come in with back pain, migraines, "muscle strain," and the first things they say are "I need XXXX (narcotic) pain medication, nothing else works." They are almost automatically labelled as a drug abuser. Even when it has been prescribed. Especially if we have seen them before with the same condition. Bad of us, yes, but correct 90% of the time.

Same thing when I worked in the dental office. I even had one of our patients try to pay me to call in a prescription for him. Sha as if!

Bebe,

Dude puff puff passs, lol

[Heather]

Wynelle I agree 100%. I belong to a pain management group and the biggest gripe is that many of the sufferers have been "red-flagged". There's actually a checklist (mental or otherwise) that will red-flag a patient. Here are a couple of them:

1. Asking for a specific pain medication
2. Switching doctors often

Found the list:
http://www.addiction-free.com/chroni..._red_flags.htm

The problem with many of the things on the list is that someone who suffers from chronic pain for whatever reason, may need to go from doctor to doctor to find someone who will or can treat them.

If anyone is interested, here is a REALLY GOOD article/letter written about the dilemma of chronic pain and shows both the patient's side and the doctor's side:
http://www2.rpa.net/%7Elrandall/thernstrom.html

In January of last year I wanted to die. No joke. I was in constant, unbelievable pain and I could not find a doctor who would work with me. Why? Because I knew what drugs helped and what didn't. At that point I had tried probably 9 or 10 types of meds to help. The only thing that didn't whack me out and make me sick to my stomache, among a hundred other side-effects, was hydrocodone. If I didn't find my currrent doctor/surgeon, I would have killed myself. I could not go on living like I was. I had no life, I had nothing but pain.

Sorry about the novel here. This is just a subject that I've researched to no end, and as you know probably have too much personal knowledge of.

[roseprincess]

oh, Heather... I just can't begin to imagine! Migraines are so bad and still just a drop in the bucket compared to what you've lived with for so many years.

I wasn't sure if what wynelle was saying was directed at me, for saying that I will not allow a doctor to prescribe anything else, or at you for asking about the one particular drug you were thinking about trying out. In my case, it's never been a problem b/c I always try the naturopathic route first for any ailment and migraines are my only chronic condition. I've been with the same doc for years and loooooooove him b/c he's one of the few I've met who treats the "whole" person. My Rx for Toradol usually lasts several months b/c I only take it as a last resort... so I can't see myself getting red-flagged.

It's kinda ironic that we live in such a pill-popping-minded society and yet people with chronic conditions still have to justify themselves. There are so many people taking meds that they shouldn't be taking. And others, like you, who have to struggle to find the relief they deserve and need... Well, only one rant for me today, so I'll stop now.

[Heather]

I could be wrong but I think Wynelle was speaking generally. I'm sure she knows first hand the dilemma from both a doctor's perspective and a patient's. For people like me it's (or was) a double-edged sword, especially with an addictive pain med. I would rather risk becoming or being addicted than suffering with the pain I had anyday. If someone can treat my pain, I'll worry about the addiction later.

For me at that time (last Jan) it wasn't even about the meds, it was about finding a doctor who would listen to me, give me test, do an MRI, etc. I even had a pain management doctor put up his hands and say "Sorry, there's nothing I can do." What? You're an F'ing Pain Management Doctor! Manage my F'ing pain! I remember crying in my car for over an hour after that appointment. Mike left work and met me there and brought me to lunch. If it wasn't for him, I probably would have jumped or driven off a bridge at that point.

My general practice doctor actually told me to go to the emergency room instead of coming into see her when I couldn't even walk from sciatica. I wanted to sue her ass for "abandonment". (By law a dr. can't abandon a patient.) I haven't seen her since and plan to switch.

What kills me are people who suffer from fibromyalgia (sp?). It's hard to determine the cause and people are in great pain. They, more than other chronic pain sufferers, get the brunt of the medical red-flags - being accused of simply addicts. It's awful.

[555Ann555]

Originally Posted by Heather

Anyone ever have to take Ultram (Tramadol)?

Some of you know I've been struggling with whether or not to continue my pain medicin (hydrocodone). I've weaned myself off it but left myself without anything that really takes care of the pain. I called my doc today and told him I don't want to take the codone any longer, but still need something for pain and Ultram is what he's prescribing.

Reading the side-effects for this stuff can scare the crap out of you!

Bebe enjoy the high, lol, but like Steph said - don't drive if you don't have to!

That one of the ones I'm on. Well it's Tramadol slow release. That's the one that *should* keep you evenly balanced...

You know how the codine suddenly wears of and your hit by the pain again; even though you can't have any more meds yet? Well the Tramadol SR is really slow at wearing off. I just take two a day.
They make them in a wide range of strengths so when it's time to come off them you can lower the dose gradually. I don't get a lot of bad side effects from them like I do from the codine but they are still from the same family. All the pills that work like that are opiates and as such they can be hard to come off even when the packaging says 'non-habit forming' or whatever!


And you know I'm right with you on the red flag topic. There is a reason we get hooked on the pain meds and it's not self inflicted.

[Heather]

Thanks Ann. I was hoping someone had experience with this particular drug and I should have known it would be you!

Are you basically saying that this stuff is addictive too, but you don't need to take as much of it?

I feel like I'm high-jacking bebe's day at work post so feel free to PM me if you would like.

[555Ann555]

Yeah, instead of every 6hrs it's every 12. Or however that relates to you!

For me: I was taking the codine every 4-6 hrs but only need these every twelve so it keeps me stable and keeps my mind off of "whens the next tablet due?"

You'd have to check it was the slow release ones he was recommending because I'm not 100% sure if they make a version that isn't SR. I find the SR ones a bit improvement on the codine.

I do have a supply of the codine for when I get a bad attack but for the constant ache I take the Tramadol.

They are still addictive but becuase you aren't waiting on your next dose like you would with the other kind it doesn't lock you into that routine of "six hours past where are the tablets?" Know what I mean? It lets you get on with your life. And because it keeps the pain away or toned down for longer it gives you enough of a break to get on with things.

[wynelle]

It was a general comment, and not aimed personally at any member of this forum. I know first hand what Heather has been going through and with her pain load, don't really have any bad thought as to still taking the hydrocodone. But if she can back it down to Ultram, it will help save the "big guns" for future use.

I always laugh about the Ibuprofen 800mgs. As if someone who really wanted it couldn't take 4 of the 200 mg caplets!

I am so grateful for pain management clinics and centers, who are able to help people with constant, chronic pain. It is miserable to hurt all the time; to have trained health care providers be sceptical of your pain and need for medications, to know that many/most medications won't work On the other hand, a few bad drug users have contaminated the pool for everyone with chronic pain.

I worked with an anesthesiologist on self-hypnosis and biofeedback to wean myself off of narcotic pain medications twenty-two years ago (I had multiple bones crushed in a car accident). Now I get by with 800 mg Ibuprofen, and the occasional Darvocet. Post-op, I use about 2-3 days of Lortab.

[bebe]

Yep, that's the stuff rose! I don't know why they think this stuff may make you drowsy, I was extremely, horribly alert! Don't worry about "thread hi-jacking" Heather, we are all here to share, I never think of a thread as 'mine.' And I think I have mentioned before that my youngest sister has fibro, so I definitely know what you are talking about. (Chillchacha, you made me laugh out loud at work with your puff-puff-pass!!) I don't know if codeine would work for migraines. My problem with codeine is that it just knocks me on my ass and I will sleep for hours and hours. I needed something that would make the pain manageable enough to be able to stay at work when they happen. A big part of my job is financial and is very deadline driven, so I can't afford to have to leave work with a migraine on my closing day, which is exactly what day it was today. I would have been in big trouble if I didn't have something to manage the migraine today. It freaked me out a little bit, but it wasn't horrible. I think next time it will be better since I now know what to expect! Anything is preferrable to the migraines. And if I am lucky, next time I get one it will be on a weekend while I am at home. Then I can pop my pills and clean my entire house in like 45 minutes.

Hey Wynelle, do you know if any of the ingredients are narcotic? I know acetaminophen isn't, but what about isometheptene or dichloralphenazone? The 'meth' and 'phen' parts of the words are mildly disconcerting. I have never heard of these before I got this prescription. Whatever it is, it works. I went though the entire vision thing (blindness, halos, tunnel vision) like I usually do, but it cleared up, and all I ever got was a very mild headache. I was tense, but I think it was because I was waiting for it to wear off at any minute and the rest of the migraine to kick in.

[wynelle]

It is classified as "other analgesic."

The "iso" is isometheptene- it works to constrict the dilated vessels in the head/brain that cause the headache.

The "di-phen" is dichloralphenazone, which is a mild sedative (except on Bebe) works to reduce the emotional reaction to pain.

The Tylenol is the actual "pain medicine" in the prescription.

[bebe]

Thanks Wynelle! I feel better taking something that isn't addictive (I don't think.)

[Kim&Bob2004]

I guess I have been blessed. To read all your stories..... I don't know why I am not suffering from a chronic pain that will never go away no matter what I do, that I need pills for every day.

Let me tell you why I am so surprised.

In Sept 1999 I was bit by a dog on my right upper arm. It was a large dog and the bite encompassed nearly the whole circumference of my upper arm. He bit through muscle, nerves and you could see the bone. Not pretty and being weird I looked at it while waiting for the ambulance to arrive. Let me just say it was so bad that when the first responder (a guy from the town I lived in --A small town) arrived (about 15 minutes after the call was made) he threw up. I didn't really bleed, the foresight was seen to throw me into a cold shower to stop the bleeding. The Ambulance arrived about 45 minutes after the call. Anyway, I went to the hospital got untold numbers of stitches that night. On the ride over they cut my wet clothes off because they felt I was going into shock, so guess who went home in a backless gown..... LOL Anyway 1 month latter I underwent a surgery taking a nerve from my leg and grafting it into my arm. I still don't have good feeling from nearly the wrist down on my last two fingers especially my pinky (You know the feeling you have when your leg is going to sleep well that is what it feels like all the time), and there are certain things that are hard for me to do and my arm strength in that arm is very weak, and I cut myself and burn my self and not even know it sometimes, but through it all I only took a couple pain pills and have been able to get by with IB's. Sometimes I have to take a couple a day, sometimes none (that's a lot of times). I have good days and then my arm might hurt for a week or two, but nothing at all like people like Heather have dealt with. I can not imagine the pain of a chronic bad back, the times I have hurt it at work has been excruciating enough, but day in and day out.......... my thoughts are with you Heather (and everyone else with bad pain). I am so sorry I wish I could somehow take away your pain....