Hi, may I join in this thread? I have been reading it for awhile. Thinking of you, Squeaky.
I have chronic pain (back and neck) and take oxycodone for it. I also take diazepam which doubles as a muscle relaxer and helps my anxiety.
Both meds help me. I didn’t ask to be put on either med and my doctors are great.
I have not had a dosage increase on either med for quite awhile, a couple of years. Therefore, my pain and anxiety are managed as well. I do not expect to be pain-free or anxiety-free.
My issue is that I struggle with running out early on my scripts each month. Well, I manage on a much lower dose on diazepam but run out of oxycodone. I am in withdrawal for at least a week as a result. Sucks. I have no “sources” to obtain more and I am ok with that.
Therefore, my current goal is taking both meds as prescribed. That would be a huge accomplishment for me. Not sure if I am in the correct thread. Tapering would be down the road, I guess the diazepam as I have read about withdrawals being dangerous/lethal.
I previously had a huge stockpile of Clonazepam and Alprazolam - bipolar mania for a long stretch and didn’t want them to slow me down. Unfortunately, they were stolen from me last year, by a “friend”...obviously not a friend now.
I also may have to switch doctors and I am scared about these two medications being discontinued by new doctors. Oxy for decreased functionality and lowered quality of life. Diazepam - same thing plus anxiety .... gosh, I have been on benzos for ten years. Doctors here seem to titrations too quickly, no knowledge of The Ashton Manual, etc.
Therefore, I need to get on track with med compliance and then stockpile in case I am titrations or a new doctor(s) stops prescribing them. I had a severe loss (death of a loved one) last year and that was when I started having compliance issues with my benzo. I never did totally run out in a month and never touched my (stolen) stash.
But, now I struggle with my benzo. My pain medication (oxy) does challenge me. I am finding it wears off after 3.5 hours. I take instant relase. Six hour intervals.
Please let me know iI I should post elsewhere.