I have been taking methadone for about 5 years due to substance abuse. It has worked miracles for me and I have had no relapses.I understand that methadone blocks some pain killers, ex.hydrocodone and found this to be true when I broke my arm in 5 places falling down a flight of stairs 3 years ago. I was in so much pain even w/ the lortab that i didn't even take it any more after 2 doses and I really suffered for about 3 days. I am having 5 teeth pulled next week(impacted wisdom teeth) and I will be put to sleep during the procedure itself. Today, the nurse called to verify appt. and I told her I was concerned about pain control when I got home b/c I was taking methadone. She said to me that the doctor usually gives percocet but will probably not give me anything now b/c I was taking methadone and it contains codeine.
What??? Now I'm terrified to go.I want to be informed when I go about what options are available in case the dentist is as ignorant as this nurse. I have heard it can take more and stronger meds to relieve pain when taking methadone. What is safe and what will work for me??? please help.
What meds are safe to take with methadone, and work for pain relief?
Question posted by arc19973101 on 14 Jan 2010
Last updated on 24 April 2014 by missnu01
3 Answers
Ibuprofen, naproxen, celebrex, etodolac... Any high dose NSAID should help you. I don't trust poison pills, I mean pain pills, and if 800mg of ibuprofen works after a c - section it will surely suffice for your teeth. Will you still be sore? Yes, but it won't be that bad. You'll get through it. They cut me darn n near in half 3x and I manage with taking 4 advil and I'm not super tough or anything. Lol
Once you are on methadone long term the only thing that is going to help with your pain is more methadone. See if you can get an increase for awhile. I have a bad tooth and 800mgs of ibuprofen helps more than I ever thought it would. Way more than tylenol.
when you're taking methadone it blocks all other opiates so even if he did order percocet, it wouldn't work anyway, no matter how many you take. Years ago i took 3,000 mgs of morphine and it didn't do a thing. Your best bet would be to get a prescription strength ansaid. Advil works well, also ask your methadone provider to give you a increase for a week. This is how it is usually handled...
Related topics
pain, substance abuse, methadone
Further information
- Methadone uses and safety info
- Methadone prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Methadone (detailed)
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