A new response to a drug you previously reacted to? (Methadone)
 

Hi guys,
I've been on MS Contin (among other meds) for almost five years straight, going up and down between 20-80mg daily a few times during that period.

I saw my pain dr yesterday for the first time since April 2013 because my current dose isn't working anymore and myself an my regular doctor aren't keen on raising my dose again (I'm on 50mg daily).

My pain dr has suggested a drug rotation that involves switching to methadone. I've had good results from 7 ketamine infusions (between 3-10 months pain free and sometimes med free) but there's a 6 month waiting period so I can't get another one for a while. I know that methadone is in the same family as ketamine but I tried it in 2004 with really bad results. My GP at the time considered it an allergic reaction. I had the worst stabbing stomach pains and vomited every hour or so for three days. I pretty much laid on the bathroom floor and only got up so I could vomit in the toilet. Sorry for the tmi lol but that's kinda how it was!

But that was in 2004, 11 years ago, so I'm wondering if I will react the same way now as I did then or if a different response COULD be possible?

We only have so many medication choices so that's why my rsd dr reckons its worth trying again. My other current meds include baclofen and endep, with endones for breakthrough pain. I can't take gabapentin or its friends anymore so I'm restricted to drug rotations in the opioid group until an infusion place becomes available.

So has anyone gone back to a medication you had bad/good results from a few years ago and got a different result that time? Good or bad?

Thanks,
Kate

the only med i've had bad results with was cymbalta and i never want to take it again. it didn't help my pain and deepened my depression. but everyone is different. you just have to keep trying different things until you find what works for you with your doctors supervision of course. hope you feel better soon.

Hi kate, regarding your question, yes i have had different results the second go around with some meds. About 5 years ago i was given neurontin and i swore it was making my hair fall out. Tried it off n on several time, same results. Now im taking horizant, an extended release version for the past two weeks with great success. No major hair loss. Also was on tramadol, made me hyper, kept me awake back then. Havent taken it in 3 years. Tried it recently and now it makes me sleepy. Ive been on cymbalta for two yrs. I really dont know howmuch its helping but my new dr said to keep taking it and not to stop. I guess if i were you, if you are unsure about methadone,tell your dr to pick something else. Your previous experience with it sounds extreme and i would be apprehensive to try it again. If your dr insists, maybe try a baby size dose first to see how your system reacts. :winky:

I've taken several meds years apart and had different reactions. Neurontin, Klonopin, Cymbalta, Lyrica, Dilaudid, Morphine, and Tramadol. BUT my getting off of them was because different Doctors I saw had a "new plan." I did have side effects to some of these medicines that were pretty bad and the next time around they were different. I have really tried to be my own advocate and let ANY Dr. Know what I think is best for ME, but with my dealings with ANY Dr. that even mentions "allergic reaction" I typically try to listen. I too would be apprehensive to try it again. Your reaction to it the first time does sound pretty severe. Best wishes on trying to figure this dilemma out. It's always hard to know for sure. Hugs.

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Thanks guys. I am reluctant to try it again because of what it did to me last time. If it was any other need I'd do it as I've been on ms contin for so long and I'm open to switching it up, but I don't want to go through the difficult process of coming off the morphine only to end up being THAT sick again!
But you have given me hope that it could work this time. I think I just need to see my dr again before I start, so we can have a back up plan in place. I don't want to get in that situation where I'm as sick as a dog and be on NO pain meds then have to wait three weeks to see my dr to find out what I should try next!
Thanks for your replies guys, I'll let you know how it goes ☺ xxx