New Pain Management Patient ( Methadone, Oxycodone & Xanax ) Advice Needed!

[christina.amaretta]

Hi. My name is Christina, I'm 31.

I just visited a pain clinic today for the first time after dealing with upper back, shoulder, neck pain and carpal tunnel. I have been self-medicating for five years with any opiate I could find on the street, alcohol and pot. I also have intense anxiety but today I got my first legit prescription for xanax, outside of a short time (6 months) after my brother died in 2005 for PTSD.

I got prescribed 120 15mg oxycodone for the next three months (4 a day), after which I will step up to 120 30mgs. The doctor also gave me 10mg methadone. I always assumed methadone is a opiate blocker but he told me that on lose doses, it can be used as my main source of pain management medication, and to use the oxycodone for breakthru pain.

What is the best way to dose these two medications (I will also be taking 1mg xanax three times daily.. morning, noon and night). I know the methadone takes at least an hour or two to really start alleviating pain but it lasts at least 12 hours. So, should I take a oxycodone to get out of bed and get moving, followed by a 10mg methadone? Someone on another post mentioned an A/B schedule. whatever this means. Does that mean take a full 10mg one day, and 5mg the next?

Thanks for any advice.
Christina A. D. G.....

 

[Felonious Monk]

That is a really worrying regiment. How much were you using before seeing the Doctor?

Those combination of drugs (ESPECIALLY methadone+xanax) is just asking for an OD.

Be REALLY careful mixing the Xanax with either one.

I'd say take the 10mg methadone in the morning as your wake-up, then take the oxy if you need it during the day.

 

[christina.amaretta]

That is a really worrying regiment. How much were you using before seeing the Doctor?

Those combination of drugs (ESPECIALLY methadone+xanax) is just asking for an OD.

Be REALLY careful mixing the Xanax with either one.

I'd say take the 10mg methadone in the morning as your wake-up, then take the oxy if you need it during the day.

yeah, I don't intend of taking methadone every 12 hours. I don't want it in my system while I'm sleeping. I also try not to take any xanax in the evening. It's more about getting out of bed and havin the motivation to start my day and get things done than for sleep. But should I take the oxycodone first thing, followed by the methadone.. or the other way around?

 

[christina.amaretta]

I've been taking 1-2 30mg oxycodone daily and 2-3 1mg xanax.
I take my first dose of each before I get out of bed, lie there until my motivation that comes with the xanax begins and my stiffness and aching muscular-skeletal pain subsides.