Infographic: Patient Insights on Acute Pain | Turn the Conversation

Infographic: Patient Insights on Acute Pain | Turn the Conversation
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I'm pissed...

I'm pissed! In an effort to minimize the use of controlled substances, especially in children, doctors like to prescribe powerful more stabilizers (Lamictal, risperidone/Risperdal, Seroquel, etcetera) for pain and sleep. I myself was a victim of this kind of inappropriate prescribing.

Now, I'm bombarded with reports that THESE MEDICATIONS (Risperdal/risperidone, Seroquel, Lyrica/pregabalin, and gabapentin/Neurontin/Gralise/Horizant) ACTUALLY CAUSE PAIN!!!

I've known for years that Risperdal/risperidone is responsible for the painful facial tics, but the idea that these medications are actually causing or exasperating the conditions that they treat. That's like prescribing high dose acetaminophen/paracetamol/Tylenol for the pain of liver failure!

Do I believe that Risperdal is responsible for 100% of my pain? No, but my doctors are constantly telling me that my tumor on it's own should not be causing the severe, crippling pain that I'm experiencing on a daily basis and there isn't a doubt in my mind that this illegally marketed drug is responsible.

Risperdal could have been replaced with the following safer, cheaper alternatives:
1) melatonin (OTC supplement)
2) Z-drugs- zolpidem/Ambien/Intermezzo, Sonata/zaleplon,eszopiclone/Lunesta, zopiclone/Imovane/Zimovane/Imrest (Rx, controlled substances)
3) benzodiazepines, like lorazepam/Ativan (Rx, C4)- ideal for stress induced insomnia where you can't quiet your brain (exactly what I experienced)

Rozerem (Rx, non-controlled substance) was not approved at the time, but is currently very useful.

So why was I given an antipsychotic? Because the manufacturer illegal advertised off-label use and bribed doctors into prescribing it.

That is why the anti-controlled substances environment that we are living in is so dangerous.

Steve

Sleep, or lack thereof

Recently, I have experienced a SEVERE increase in insomnia, despite multiple sleep aids. This inspired me to write a post on insomnia.

First, anyone experiencing insomnia should mention it to their doctor because undertreated pain can cause insomnia and insomnia worsens pain.

Talking to your doctor about your insomnia doesn't mean that you need to take medication, but they need to know. Plus, if you do need medication, they'll know that you've tried other things and that it's not a brief bout of insomnia. The doctor can discuss non-drug treatments with you including better sleep habits and

I don't believe in using dangerous psychiatric drugs, like antidepressants (especially trazadone) or antipsychotics (risperidone/Risperdal, Seroquel) for sleep. It's every patient's personal choice, but I developed permanent tardive dyskinesia from it low dose, short-term risperidone/Risperdal as a child. Seroquel caused night terrors

There are many treatments for insomnia that should be considered.

Melatonin
* Melatonin supplements
* Rozerem

Barbiturates- rarely used anymore

Benzodiazepines
* lorazepam/Ativan
* alprazolam/Xanax
* Valium/diazepam
* and countless others

OTC Medications
* diphenhydramine/Benadryl/Unisom- the generic Benadryl is IDENTICAL to Unisom, don't waste your money
* Tylenol PM- DO NOT TAKE FOR INSOMNIA, take diphenhydramine; this medication is intended for occasional treatment of pain & insomnia, but leads to the overuse of acetaminophen/paracetamol/Tylenol
* Advil PM- DO NOT TAKE FOR INSOMNIA, take diphenhydramine; this medication is intended for occasional treatment of pain & insomnia, but leads to the overuse of ibuprofen

Z-drugs
* Lunesta/eszopiclone - this is an overpriced waste of money and should only be used as a last resort, after cheaper, equally or more effective drugs have been tried; this is the left hands isomer of zopiclone (clinically the same drug)
* Ambien/zolpidem - this is a very useful medication, but some idiots took Ambien CR and drove less than six hours later, which caused the FDA to recommend limiting the dose to 5mg, especially in women; many doctors are unwilling to go to the more effective 10mg dose, even if you don't drive and the 5mg was worthless
* zopiclone/Imovane/Zimovane/Imrest
* zaleplon/Sonata

Steve

Desperate for sleep

So, it's 9:20am and I'm finally getting sleepy thanks to my giving in to my body and taking lorazepam, oxymorphone, tizanidine, and Rozerem.

Sweet dreams to all.

Remember, I'm always looking for post ideas, suggestions, and/or questions.

Steve
IntractablePainKills@gmail.com

Sleep, or lack thereof

As day five of my pain flare begins and, at 6:40am, I still haven't slept I am left with a choice. I can take a little extra medication and finally get some sleep or sitting up and suffering.

It's times like this when I am reminded how lucky I was two years ago when I could properly treat 2-4 of my up to six daily flares. Of course, now that flares last days, there technically are fewer of them.

I'm so tempted to treat this flare, but I must pick and choose because I'm now on less than half of what I used to take.

For now, I'll suffer in the dark and hope that the Rozerem, tizanidine, and lorazepam kick in soon and give me a few hours of relief.



Steve
IntractablePainKills@gmail.com