Question
i was seeing a pain management dr. for back pain i had as a result of a car accident. At one point this dr. had me on fentenyl, both the duragesic patch and the actic sucker. 1 sucker a day and the patch every 3 days. 2 80mg oxycontin per day, up to 100 norco per week, valium,colonopin, and some other time release pill(blue & yellow). Can you tell me what you think about this. What kind of dangerous interactions are there between all of these drugs?

Answer
Hi Jen and thanks for writing,

Narcotic analgesic combinations block pain in the brain. These medications have added ingredients that increase pain-killing effects. They raise the level of pain that you can withstand at any time, called your pain threshold.

When used for long periods, narcotic analgesics that contain codeine or oxycodone can cause addiction, or dependence. Other side effects depend on the added ingredient but can include those listed below.

Bothersome Side Effects

agitation
cramps
diarrhea
dizziness
headache
lightheadedness
loss of appetite
nausea
sexual dysfunction
sleeplessness
stomach upset
sweating
vomiting


Serious Side Effects

addiction
allergies, such as itching, hives, skin rash, face swelling
breathing difficulty
heartbeat changes
low blood pressure upon standing
trouble urinating

Possible Drug Interactions With Narcotic Analgesic Combinations


Drugs to Avoid With Narcotic Analgesic Combinations
To help you avoid unnecessary side effects, don't take these with any other medications until you talk with your doctor. Tell your doctor about all other drugs you are taking - it's even a good idea to let your doctor see your other prescription containers. Not all drugs in the categories listed below will react with narcotic analgesic combinations. Interactions with other drugs depend on added ingredients. Always consult your doctor before taking other medications, especially those from the following lists:

alcohol
antihistamines
antibiotics
antidepressants
barbiturates
tranquilizers
ulcer medication
These drugs may decrease the effects of narcotic analgesics:
antibacterial medicines
medications for seizures
nicotine, including cigarettes, cigars, and pipe tobacco
other pain medications
Narcotic analgesics may increase the effect of the following medications:
alcohol
antidepressants
blood-thinning medications
blood pressure medications
heart medications
seizure medications

If I was you I would ask to be referred to a pain Management Specialist who can review all your current and past medications and hopefully get you on to one or two effective medications so you can avoid all the possible interactions of mixing too many medications together.

I hope this helps & I wish you all the best,

Margot