Oxycontin Problem and Pain

The problem you are having is not uncommon when trying to manage pain with narcotic analgesics (pain killers). A significant proportion of people will develop tolerance to the pain medications over time and will require higher doses to achieve the same result. In some, tolerance is so great that increasing the dose provides little benefit. Another thing that can make matters even worse is that in some people pain severity actually gets worse as a result of chronic use of medicines like OxyContin. This is called opiate-induced hyperalgesia and is a real problem.

You may need to see a physician who specializes in pain management and can evaluate what approaches may be most helpful. In some cases switching pain medications will do the trick. In others gradual tapering is needed. Some people will benefit from antidepressant medications like Cymbalta that provide relief from chronic pain, or antiepileptic drugs that also suppress pain such as Neurontin. Nerve blocks and epidurals can also be helpful.

You are physically dependent on OxyContin but you may not be addicted. Addiction implies that you are using the medication to elevate your mood, decrease anxiety, or to experience pleasure. A physician specializing in pain management or addiction medicine can help sort this out. Drug rehab can be very helpful especially since you are getting very little benefit from the pain medications now.