pain meds | Arthritis Information

What kind of pain medication is everyone taking? Which is better over the counter or perscription?

Well no doubt prescription strength pain killer are the best.....but I personally only take them when I'm at home and don't plan to go anywhere.

Considering I work a fulltime job and I'm an active Mother with everyday responsabilities that I can't ignore I take advil during the day. (High doses....on a full stomach)

While I'm on an excellent treatment program; Humira and MTX I am able to manage most days without anything. Then again as the week comes to a close I find myself needing more pain relief until I reup my meds. 4 advil honestly helps me a great deal and keep my head clear to manage a normal life.

Now if I'm home and in great pain I take tramadol and muscel relaxers. Makes me groggie though so it's only if I intend on doing nothing but relaxing.

Right now I am currently on Darvocet, which doesnt help alot, it calms me and gives me a boost of energy. It is interesting I had to ask my doctor for them, she has never given me a prescriping for pain, even though I have told her each time I hurt and have doubled up on the Darvocet. She asked me why I increased the dosage, which I replied, "I hurt". Nothing more was said.

For pain I take Ultracet which is the strongest pain meds my Rhematologist will perscribe. Along with taking Arava, Placquinil and Prednisone dailing and Remicade every 6 wks for now it helps. Doesn't get rid of all the pain but lowers it to a level that I can handle.

I take Tramadol (usually 200mg or 400mg on a bad day) daily for pain and occasionally Mobic as an anti-inflammatory. In my case Tramadol is fairly good at relieving general joint pain although it is not without side effects (raised blood pressure being one and constipation another) and if taken every day the only way to stop taking it without quite unpleasant withdrawal symptoms is to gradually reduce the dose. I've been on it for about 5 years taking it more or less every day to ease joint pain throughout my body.

I am excited about a new pain med I am using. It is Talwin. I am curious if anyone else is on it. I have not been in a bad flare since I have been prescribed but I have taken it for over doing it pain and it was very effective. What I REALLY like about it is it is not codeine based. My past prescriptions were vicoden and norco. They upset my stomach, make me itchy and very loaded but not a high that feels good. I cannot tolerate my pain without painkillers - I do not want to start on the morphine pain killers which has been offered to me and darvocet does not work for severe pain but is very effective for every day pain. Anyway, I am just curious. Anyone else try Talwin? I can't take tramadol.roxy38741.8521180556

I take

Methotrexate, prednisone, plaquinil, Actonel and hydrocotozone

Hi, my name is Jana,

I was recently diagnosed with RA and fibro. about 1 year ago. I am 33 yrs. old. I am seeing an internal medicine doctor because of the lack of rheumatologists in this area. He seems to be taking care of me, ok, I guess. I am currently taking Methotrexate, Lyrica, Cymbalta, Nexium, Lunesta, and Mobic/Celebrex. I have pains in my feet that affect my ability to walk and also shoulder pain. I am missing a lot of work. Now, I have nerve damage in my left foot. I called him recently and asked again for something for the pain. He finally gave me Darvocet. They don't really do anything for me. I would like to try theTalwin but since it's a narcotic, I don't think he would prescribe it to me. He seems to be against anything that could be addicting and would work!

That is so sad Jana. I get so frustrated with doctors who will not treat you for pain. I think I am lucky that I have had my doctor for so many years. I would not be able to handle ra without pain meds. How about going to see another doctor? That is what I would do or be more aggressive with your doctor. I am very open and honest with my doctors and TELL THEM WHAT I NEED. Let me know if you get more help. You can take two darvocet for pain - I do. That may help. Good luck. hi everyone, the rheumy has just put me on methadone 10mg a day every 8 to 12 hrs. if needed ive tried percocet and vicoden for pain with no relilef this takes the edge of the pain the only thing is terriable constipation. and you feel a little sleepy, it is very frustrating adjusting your dose so you can live pain free. good luck to all have a nice weekendHi Deb, Good luck on your med adjustments. Are you having any progress on treating the ra to control the pain or is it permanent damage that causes the pain? I am taking so much less pain meds since I have been on Enbrel that I am hopeful that there will be a day, I will need very few painkillers. I am adament with my doctor that I always want to have them on hand. I don't want to go to hospital or clinic when I have a flare. I would rather ride it out with some pain meds. Hoping you have more pain free days - whatever it takes.

I have changed doctors a few times sometimes because the doctor was too cautious in providing pain medication. My attitude is that it doesn't pay to become dependant on a particular doctor as circumstances change and the doctor may not always be available so be prepared to try different doctors. I'm happy with my current doctor because if I have a bad day and take an extra Tramadol and I require a new prescription early he doesn't question this because I simply tell him I had a few bad days and took an extra Tramadol on them. If the doctor gave me the 3^rd degree about this I would find one that was more understanding.