Opana ER for Pain User Reviews

• JP ...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 7, 2012

"My doctor switched me from OxyContin to Opana ER 40mg three times a day when it first came out. I have had wonderful results with little to no decrease in mental ability, which is important since I work as an ER RN. Since the outcome of the new crush-proof formulation, though, I feel that the strength and effectiveness have decreased. I am glad they are making the formula abuse-proof, but I don't think the patients who don't abuse the medication should suffer. I now have to take double the amount of pills as before!"

• Cly...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 30, 2014

"Back pain 7 yrs... Spinal Stenosis and Degenerative Disc... Once I was prescribed Opana ER, I was also prescribed a companion breakthrough medicine taken 4 x daily, these have been rotated every few months. My doctor started me on Opana 10 ER 2 x daily, then Opana ER 20 twice daily. I'm now on Opana ER 40mg twice daily. I'm seldom pain-free, but with Opana ER 40 and a breakthrough medicine, I'm more comfortable. I can now stand and do tasks for short periods, then sit until the pain subsides. This method has allowed me to cook, do laundry, raise tomatoes, etc. I know that sounds limited, but before I was pretty much chair-bound. NOW I FEEL I HAVE MY LIFE BACK. SEVERE CONSTIPATION is the only reaction, but I've had that with every pain medicine prescription."

• Anonymous
• April 3, 2012

"When I first started taking Opana original formula, I was overjoyed. Finally, a medication that relieved my pain. Then the new formula came out, and I literally cried. Why did you change a medication that worked so well? I realize that you're trying to make your medication abuse-proof, but you did so at the expense of the legitimate Opana users who take the medication as prescribed. The new formula gives me nowhere near the relief of the old formula, and it also takes twice as long to work."

• Can...
• August 20, 2014

"My pain management doctor prescribed me this for my knee pain, which is excruciating. I have no cartilage in both knees. This medication allows me to live my life in a normal way. I dance Zumba every day as well as do other cardio classes to stay fit. I NEVER take more than what my doctor prescribes. I've been taking it for two years and it's a Godsend for me. I've never had any side effects. I never drink alcohol and I watch my diet very closely. I rest well. Drink lots of water. Opana is a great medication. Of course, always do what your doctor says and take them EXACTLY how they were prescribed."

• Ste...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 5, 2014

"I think Opana ER is a GREAT pain medication. On a 1-10 pain scale, I went from a 6 with the MS-Contin to a 3 with Opana. I get more done around the house. I can prep, cook, and clean, as I could only do one of those things continuously with MS-Contin, so it does its job in that respect. But it has never lasted 12 hours. It seems to wear off in 8 hours on the dot. And when it wears off, you don't just hurt, you feel like total crap. Usually you don't feel like that as soon as a pain medication wears off, but with this, you do. If I get my dosage raised to 3 instead of 2 a day so I don't have to go through the yucky stage, I can't help but wonder how I'm going to feel when I come off as I have only been on it for a month."

• Dis...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 22, 2014

"I came to this site to see if I was the only person who had some minor issues with this medication. I started Opana ER 10mg 4 days ago. I was supposed to start it 9 days ago, but my insurance initially wasn't going to cover the cost. My doctor filled out some forms, and I am preapproved for a year. I find that the medicine is great for my pain, but it does not last 12 hours. I have found that at 8 to 9 hours later, I need another one. If prescribed 3 times daily, it would be a perfect medication, and who knows, maybe I wouldn't need my breakthrough medicine."

• JST...
• March 14, 2013

"I was hurt on the job back in 2006. Had a disc removed and fusion of L4 and L5 in my lower back. I have suffered for years with chronic back and leg pain because of this injury. I was on 80 mg of Percocet a day for 2 years and was taken off of it, cold turkey as they say, by my Dr. After 5 days of terrible withdrawals, my Dr. put me on OPANA ER 10 mg tabs, twice a day. They helped me with my withdrawal symptoms but didn't do much for my pain. My Dr. agreed to up my dosage to 30 mg, twice per day. WOW!!! What a difference these 30 mg pills make. Pain is about a 1 on a scale of 1 to 10 and I can finally sleep again. It is known that only 10 percent of your dose is actually absorbed by the body and the rest is eliminated when taken orally."

• kim...
• April 21, 2013

"I have tried many different medications for my back. I have deteriorating arthritis in my lower back along with curvature of the spine. I am currently on Opana ER 10 mg twice a day and Norco 4 times a day for breakthrough pain. When I get up in the morning, I can hardly move. I take the Opana, and within half an hour, I can move better. I still have pain but not as intense as it was. It has helped a lot. I would not be able to afford this medicine without the coupon."

• nao...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 25, 2014

"I have been on Opana ER for approximately 4 years. I have multiple conditions with the bones in my spine and both psoriatic and rheumatoid arthritis. Opana does not seem to help much with general arthritis pain and not at all with the psoriatic arthritis, but it has been the most helpful medication for my back pain. Unfortunately, on Medicare, I reached the gap, and at that time, the medication becomes way too expensive. I cannot endure this cost while I am on Medicare, and now I have to switch medications. I go from paying $40 a month to $250. On Medicare, you cannot use the discount cards for the program that Opana has. I am feeling very upset about this as the medication has been the most helpful to me without side effects."

• Ant...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 23, 2014

"I have needed opiate meds to manage my pain control for many, many years. I have a clotting disorder that has caused high levels of pain for my entire life. I can remember taking liquid Tylenol at 9 or 10, probably earlier. Anyway, as a teen, I would use Tylenol 3 or Vicodin. It got to a point where I needed way too many to adequately control my pain. I was switched to OxyContin and had started taking 20 mg 3 times a day. Over 8 years, I increased to 80 mg twice a day with Oxycodone for breakthrough. Eventually, I was up to 100 mg twice a day. Changes in providers caused me to switch from OxyContin to Opana ER. I have been started on 50 mg twice a day. It is just enough to help and take the edge off, but it is nowhere near as effective (for me) as OxyContin is."

• Siz...
• March 22, 2014

"I had severe migraines up to 24 a month. My neurologist tried everything...including Botox to no avail. Next, I developed neuropathic pain in my feet that traveled into my calves - extremely severe 99 percent of my day! Between these two conditions, I was at my wits' end. Then my primary suggested Opana. The lesser dosages did nothing for me. When I reached Opana 40, my life became more bearable. Hooray for Opana!"

• fin...
• October 24, 2008

"I have been in terrible lower back pain for over 2 years. After numerous MRIs and other tests and a lot of different doctors, nothing showed up that should be causing that much pain. They did find a problem in my L1 disc but nothing major. I have a very high tolerance for pain and could barely function. All the different doctors put me on Vicodin 10/325, but it only worked for an hour. The doctors treated me as if I was a drug addict, even my pain management doctor. After I took a so-called routine drug test, my very next visit after she saw I passed my drug test, she put me on Opana ER 20mg. Instantly my back pain was 90% gone. I don't feel high, just pain-free. I forgot what that felt like. My pain level went from a 10 to a 3 instantly."

• kat...
• June 26, 2014

"I've been on pain meds for 30 years. Changed to Opana ER 20 x 2. This made a large difference but still had breakthrough pain, so Dr. added Opana IR 10 mg. These I break up into thirds, halves, or quarters as needed. I couldn't use Norco because of breathing problems. This dosage isn't perfect, but I'm no longer whining every time I get in or out of the car. Two major surgeries coming over the summer. I hope Opana continues to work."

• aus...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 5, 2015

"My doctor currently has me on Opana ER 5 mg every 12 hours, and let me tell you, it's a Godsend. I was taking 4 or 7 Norco 10 mg a day, every 4 hours, because I was always in so much pain. Now, since my doctor switched me from Norco to Opana ER, the results have been amazing. I no longer have pain constantly, and whenever I walk a long way, I still sometimes have pain, but on a scale of 1-10, the pain is only a 2. I'm so thankful for this medicine because now I'm no longer in pain, and another good thing about this medication is I don't have any side effects, nor do I get that fuzzy feeling that other opioids give you. I highly recommend anyone who has chronic severe lower back pain to talk with your doctor about switching to Opana ER."

• Kas...
• August 11, 2016

"10 years pain sufferer. Opana ER was my godsend. 40 mg, night and evening, and only using Percocet for breakthrough. Very rarely. I have a life back. I tried every medicine out there and never had this relief. Mind you, been taking so long, no high effect, just pain control. Those looking for a quick high, not for you. Time released. Sad to have to say that, but great med when used for the right reason."

• 2ol...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• August 23, 2017

"Doesn't matter what any of us leave in a post, as street drug addicts have made the FDA decide to pull our Opana ER. Because they melt it and shoot it up is how it was described to me, as I was very upset! My question to the FDA and the government... WHAT ABOUT US PEOPLE THAT NEED IT AND USE IT AS TOLD? Very upset chronic back pain (scoliosis)... plus other issues."

• Hus...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 20, 2016

"After being on 80 mg of OxyContin 3 times a day, I wasn't getting the pain relief. I went through breakthroughs, and my insurance would only cover generic oxy. I saw a new pain doc, and the nurse practitioner switched me to Opana, only 30 mg twice a day. My breakthrough meds stay locked up unless I'm doing something special. I always take Opana with food (instructions say take on an empty stomach) as I found taking it with food makes it last longer. Due to insurance, I had to switch to 15 mg, 2 tabs, twice a day. I found this gives me some flexibility. If I'm having a tough day, I may take one around 5 pm and then only one at bedtime. Medicare sucks, though. I hit the gap about 6 months ago and found out I have to pay 4,800+ till it's done."

• CME...
• March 17, 2008

"I was on the Fentanyl patches 100 mg every 2 days. Then my doctor put me on Opana 40, 3 times a day, and I think they work just as good, if not better. It didn't give me the anxiety or weird feelings I get off certain pain pills."

• Mar...
• February 7, 2013

"I just started this medication a few days ago, and I am on 10 mg twice per day. I would have to say it works very well on my neck and back pain and my nauseating migraines, which all result from a car accident, and I'm only 23 years old. I luckily have a very nice, understanding doctor and know what I'm going through, and he has never turned me down when I've needed an increase or change in meds."

• Jay...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 13, 2016

"Let me start by saying this medication is awesome! I have MS, chronic pain syndrome, chronic joint pain, lipoma pain, degenerated disks, and lots more, and I have tried literally every ER pain med on the market, and not one of them seems to do half as much as this medication. I take Dilaudid 8 mg for breakthrough pain with it after a few hours, and they both are like brother and sister, work so well together. Now the only thing with this medication is that it is very expensive as the brand, but some places do carry it in generic. I end up paying $40 a month with insurance, without insurance, it's near $1200. Hopefully, when I get on Medicaid, they will cover it, but again, it works (ER) wonders. If you can afford it, give it a shot."

• kar...
• May 2, 2016

"Insurance required me to use Opana ER crush-resistant version! Takes about 2 hrs. to take effect, so I take hydrocodone/acetaminophen 10/325 with 1 Opana upon waking, and together they last about 8 hours, NEVER 12 hours! Then take 1 hydrocodone/acetaminophen about 4 pm, then another hydrocodone/acetaminophen about 9 pm, then 1 Opana at 11 pm. I tried using Opana alone but couldn't stand waiting IN PAIN for 2 hours before I could feel any relief! Regular Oxycontin DID provide 12-hour relief without needing any Vicodin for 'breakthrough pain,' but even with insurance, it would cost $100/month. Pain level with Opana AND Vicodin still at about 5 but chronic pain after FIVE hip replacement surgeries - 2 on left hip, 3 on right, since 2008!!"

• Dak...
• April 17, 2008

"I have degenerative disks in L-1 through L-4, with herniation in L-4, L-5, and S-1. Also have nerve root damage, which causes pain radiating to my left hip, left leg, and bottom of feet. I take 2 Opana ER 20 mg tablets a day. Opana ER works fairly well on controlling my back pain, while it's not eliminated totally, I'm able to function better on most days with the help of Lortab 10 mg for breakthrough pain along with my Opana ER."

• 44 ...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 27, 2017

"I've been on opioids (oxycodone mostly) since my accident in 1996. Approximately 24 months ago I was up to six 30mg oxycodones daily. This allowed me to have some quality of life-moderate physical activity. Then my state took up the anti-oxycodone crusade. My doctor has me trying everything except oxycodone or OxyContin-the goal is to get completely away from those two (due to pressure from the government). My daily oxycodone is down to three 30mg plus three 30mg Opana ER (tamper proof). Right off the bat, my pain went up. The Opana 30 ER has zero effect regarding pain management. The main side effect is nodding off. Example: it has taken me 36 minutes to write this. Unless I am actively moving, I nod off-I dare not drive. Pain 7-8 daily."

• Mea...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• March 23, 2019

"I take Opana ER for spinal pain, post-surgical pain, and other pain from a car wreck. Before this medicine was introduced, I went from being on every painkiller: Vic’s, Percs, Norco, Avinza (which brought out rage in me). Then a doctor who was also a friend who cared about me recommended I try Opana, of course starting at a relatively small dose and went up, and since I found the right dose, it’s been a godsend. My pain is controlled all day for almost 10 hours. Other than dry mouth and peeing a lot, it’s a great med. You may get dizzy or nauseous, but usually, that only happens if you don’t eat after you take it. Pain-free is a great thing."

• Sho...
• August 8, 2015

"I started this medication after 8 years of methadone for chronic widespread pain. Was originally started out with a very low dose of 10 mg 2X daily, and it didn't seem to help at all. Was raised to 40 mg, and for some strange reason, after not feeling as though it was helping and going to 3X a day, I was given the name brand instead of the generic, and within 24 hours, I noticed a measurable difference. Now my insurance won't pay for the name brand, and although in the same dose, 40 mg 3X daily, I feel like I've been given a placebo. The name brand works wonderfully as long as I take an instant-release medication with it, but if I don't, it is not effective enough to let me sleep without tossing and turning. I am taking a total of 120 mg per day."