I have to say that the list of medications you have listed as being prescribed by a physician is alarming.
Let's take a look at what you are being prescribed:
Methadone- often used as a pain management medication, more commonly known for its use of opiod dependency maintenance and detox medication. It is also highly addictive and a dangerous medication when not used correctly and with supervision. Respiratory depression is the chief hazard associated with methadone. Methadone also stays in your system for a long time and builds up what is commonly referred to as a shelf-life...meaning when you stop taking methadone it generally takes a few days to feel the withdrawal effects.
Percocet - is a common pain medication which is a combination of Oxycodone and Acetaminophen. Again, this is a pain medication that is highly addictive.
Lyrica - this gives me a little bit of insight to your history as this medication is prescribed for neuropathic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Are you a diabetic?
Lunesta - a sleep aid which with all of the pain medications I'm surprised you are not falling on your face and into your soup. Then we finally we get to
Tizanidine - is a muscle relaxer that reduces muscle tone in patients with spasticity for a period of several hours.
To the general public reading the information about your prescriptions is frightening. However, with the medications you are taking I strongly suggest that you DO NOT stop taking anything without first finding a physician who will supervise you during detoxification! If you are unhappy with the pain management physician and all of the medications you are taking TALK to your doctor. If the physician does not listen WRITE A LETTER and be sure to keep a copy. Make sure they place the letter that voices your concerns in your file. If this physician will not listen to your concerns seek a second opinion.
At some point in your medical history you must have presented to the physician as a patient in a great deal of pain. Has the problem that took you to the physician now stopped and you want to come off the medications? Once you present yourself to your physician as ADDICTED to the medications the level and direction of your care may change drastically. Please start by talking to your physician and seeking the opinions of other doctors in your area. Then have a serious discussion with yourself about whether or not you require these medications for pain management. Many people do require legitimate assistance with chronic pain! Do not beat yourself up if the pain is chronic and the medications are required to function. However, taking enough medication to knock out a horse is not functioning! If you want to stop taking the medications you will need to do so gradually. Never discontinue a medication without first consulting your physician who will help you do it safely! I wish you the best of luck and know that if you want it you can do it!
