is methadone or oxycontin a better treatment for chronic pain?

Hi,

In my opinion - Methadone is the better of the two. I have been on it for a year now and have never felt doppy or groggy. My pain management doctor has me on that along with a muscle relaxer (Skelaxan).  After 3 years your body needs a rest from vicodin for sure!

Walking is still a problem when it is long distances, so I do have a handicap placard for when I go to the store. Most doctors will limit your lifting and carrying as part of your care - so tell him about your daily requirements. You might need to re-train on how you lift and carry - - which could make a big difference for you.

  Good luck and above all - take care of yourself. Don't forget to give yourself a few "mommy breaks" to ease the stress.

Patti B.

METHADONE!!!  I have been on every other pain med over the last 7 yrs.  I have been on methadone for 1&1/2 mths.  OH MY GOSH!!!  What a difference!  I can actually enjoy life again!!  Be careful when you start - the wrong amount can kill you so start low dose.  You also want to make sure you know how you react before you care for your little girl or drive so have some help that first day or 2.  Good luck!  I hope this helps.

HI.  I WOULD GO WITH THE METHADONE BECAUSE I KNOW THREE PEOPLE PERSONALY THAT HAVE HAD SO MUCH RELIEF WITH THIS DRUG.

ONE LADY HAS TAKEN VICODIN FOR YEARS TOO AND DID NOT HAVE MUCH RELIEF UNTIL SHE STARTED ON THIS.  NOW SHE TELLS ME HER PAIN IS GONE.

I ALSO HAVE TWO NEIGHBORS WITH CRONIC BACK PAIN AND THEY BOTH SWEAR BY IT. THEY HAVE HAD BACK INJURIES AND THE PAIN FOR YEARS, AND UNTIL THEY STARTED TAKING THE METHADONE THEY HAD NO RELIEF.  THEY HAD BEEN ON EVERYTHING AND GONE THROUGH ALL KINDS OF REHAB TO HELP.

ONE MAN HAS BEEN ABLE TO RETURN TO WORK WHILE TAKING THE DRUG SO I WOULD IMAGINE THAT YOU CAN STILL GO ABOUT YOUR DAILY ROUTINE WITHOUT MUCH INTERFERENCE AFTER STARTING THIS THERAPY.

HOPE THIS HELPS.

DAWN

Methadone without a doubt, is the best pain management drug out there.  I tried everything until my Pain Management Dr. suggested Methadone.  You don't get real groggy, although you have to find the right dosage for you.  Someone said start low, they are right.  Methadone does not act like other pain meds.  It stays in your system, and so if you increase too much you can overdose.  Be sure to read all literature that comes with it.  I also use Oxycodone for "break-through pain".  The Oxycodone is good for "immediate relief", but if taken on a regular basis you will need more and more.  Thus creating more problems for yourself.  The Methadone is absolutely the better of the two.  You do have to adjust to it.  Good luck and try not to lift your daughter.  She is three and should be able to walk and do without too much lifting.

Good Luck

Cathy

I don't want to confuse you. I see all the answers above say Methadone. I've taken both and Oxycontin works better for me. I don't feel tired or feel high when I take it. The oxycontin is time release and then I take oxycodone for breakthrough pain. If price is an issue I know that Oxycontin is more expensive. Good luck

You've gotten lots of answers to your questions.  The only thing I would add regarding the methadone/oxycontin question is that everyone responds differently to different medications.  It might be a good idea to ask your doctor if you can try one (perhaps the less expensive one) to start with, then if it's not providing adequate pain relief, switch to the other.  Either way, it's always best to start with lower dosages and increase them gradually as needed.

As for your question about handicapped parking, it is absolutely NOT ridiculous to ask for a permit.  Their purpose is to allow easier access for those of us who cannot walk long distances.  The fact that you have a young daughter to carry makes it even more important that you be able to park nearby. 

I wish you the best in finding the best medication for you and in getting your handicapped parking permit.

    I can tell you my experience. Oxycontin works better on any pain that wasn't a nerve pain. Methadone works better on nerve pain.

    Mehadone makes my feel sooo tired. No sleepy mind you, just no energy. Oxycontin doesn't do that. It does however have more ups and downs while the Methadone is more constant.

Why don't you have to worry about the cost difference between the two medicines.  I am about to lose my health insurance due to going out of work on disability and the answer may be helpful to me. It seems I won't be able to get medicare until I am approved for Social Security Disability and then not until after 2 years have passed. Which makes no sense since your medical condition is the very reason you are leaving work. Obviously you will need to have continuing care for 2 years after leaving work. Besides your answer are there any other ways to get your care and prescriptions for yourself and your family while you wait for Medicare?