Why not stay on a low level of OxyContin to defeat headache?

Question: Why not stay on a low level of OxyContin to defeat headache?

Answer:

Full Question:

I have a 33 year history of headache. Tension type rather than migraine. Every day. Some days, measuring on the scale of one to ten, I have 17's. I have told my doctor that I have no suicidal ideations, but if I could blow off the back of my neck with a gun to kill the pain, and not kill myself, I would. Headaches start 100% of the time at the base of my skull by C-1. Both sides. Recently I had a total knee replacement. While rehabbing the knee, I have been prescribed OxyContin 40mg 2 per day. One every 12 hrs. I feel no rush, no euphoria and NO HEADACHE. I had the surgery in Dec and due to blood clot I have had a slow rehab. Still on the OxyContin and have no headache. My family doctor, who is managing the pain for the surgeon, stated he will begin to slowly back me off the OxyContin to 30 MG then to 20 MG, then to 10 mg and then off. If my headaches come back, why wouldn't a doctor keep me on whatever level is needed to defeat the headache pain I am feeling? In my view, there is no need to over-use as there is no pain to fight. If I miss a 12 hr dosage, within 30 to 45 minutes, my knee sends me pain loud and clear that I have missed my dosage. Your thoughts welcome. BAC

Answer:

Dear BAC;

Like a small number of people you may have headaches that respond to opiates, at least initially. The eternal problem with this category of meds is that they can wear out after a short while. Perhaps a compromise dose (low) could help both pain and headaches.

Good luck,
John Claude Krusz

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