What is the difference between Oxycontin HCL CR and Oxycontin HCL ER?

04/26/08

Charlotte

I have been on Oxy ER 40mg for about 2 years. I had a doctor appt last week and needed a refill on the Oxy. This time she upped the dosage to 60 mg - one 40mg and one for 20mg to be taken 2x daily. After having the script filled I noticed that it was not the extended relief but CR (donb't know what CR means). I could be imagining this but it seems I am not getting the relief (although it is short term relief) as I was when taking the ER.

I have had FMS/CFS for about 15 years although finally diagnosed a little over 2 years ago. I was put on Lyrica but it did nothing to help with the pain. Just caused swelling in hands and feet and a feeling of dizziness and being off balance - if people saw me they would think I had one too many drinks, lol. I was on it for 6 months before I finally told the doctor I wanted to wean off it.

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Answers (2)

Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Terri

Hey Charlotte, I searched this on my pharmacy site and what I found was that the OxyHCLCR is for immediate release and the OxyER is for extended release. The first one works fast and the second is to help control the pain until your next OxyHCLCR. I hope this helps in finding an answer. As for the Lyrica I also had terrible reactions while taking it. Swelling and feeling totally drunk all the time! I even was walking into the door frames because my balance was way off! And also had terrible headaches even on the lowest of doseage. My Rheumy didn't believe it and told me I was not taking it right. I tried to tell him that I followed the directions to the tee. He then told me that there was no way it would cause those reactions and I just didn't want it to work and that I just wanted pain meds!! What a jerk! Needless to say I have not been back to see him. He is one of those very arrogant know it alls if you know what I mean. Since we live in a very small community I had to travel 30 miles to see him and he is the ONLY Rheumy in the town I have to travel to. I am just going to my regular dr who has been wonderful in all aspects of helping to get my pain under control. Although we have tried several different meds (haven't tried the Oxy as yet) such as methadone and morphine the plain ol'Lortab(hydrocodone) seems to work the best. I take 10mgs 5 times daily and 5mgs for break thru pain if needed. Sorry to have written a novel! Anyway, I hope the info I found helps. Good luck to you!