Oxycontin comes in 10mg smallest dosage and these continuous-release pills cannot be cut. In other words, reducing the dosage from 20 to 10 would amount to a 50% decrease. Having tried this several times, we already know she can't stand it. So.....

Ideas for tapering off of present oxycontin dose more gradually? In the past, we've run into significant issues with attending Dr.'s reducing the amount or cutting it off without paying attention to other issues. Terrible consequences. Took weeks to re-stabilize. Don't want to risk repeat of such episodes.

If we can do this successfully, I have little doubt a number of other problems will abate also -- like constipation management, for example. It would be a great thing if it could be accomplished with minimal withdrawal issues. We can endure some discomfort along the way, but must avoid crises. Your thoughts/experience welcome.

The advantage in time release is that she only has to take it twice a day. With other types, it would be more often. But that would also give you a better way to manage it.

Good luck!

However, at her age, I wouldn't worry about her being addicted. Her comfort is the most important thing now. The oxycontin also probably keeps her calmer too.

Why do you want to get her off of the drug? I agree with Agnespuffin, don't worry about her being addicted, just worry about not giving her too much new stuff to deal with and continue to keep her comfortable.

Is there a medical reason why you want to reduce her dose or cut it off? She's 95, right? That's one of the all-time most difficult drugs to get off, from what I understand. How much stress can she stand?

Upon "skipping" a dose, she can feel the affects within hours. Within six hours, things are very uncomfortable. At twelve, her day is ruined and most of the next will be, too. Been there, done that. Serious withdrawal is no joke! Last successful attempt got us from 30mg to 20mg -- a 1/3 cut. It was rough for a week but endurable. Based on that experience, I'm very wary of attempting a 50% cut because of available dosage-size of the pills.

Seizing on the idea of non-continuous release versions of same drug. Maybe smaller doses at more frequent intervals? Like maybe Roxicodone -- which does come in 5mg tabs?

It looks to me as if it is available in liquid and as Roxicodone. The sizes are available down toward the bottom of the article. Constipation is a big problem, I know, but I honestly think that she will continue to have that problem regardless. Her age may be as much a problem as the drug. Things just don't work well. It's unlikely that her bowel function would return to a normal state.

I have to take a hydrocodone cough medication from time to time because of severe bronchial spasms. I love the way it soothes the aches and pains too. I'd be hooked in no time if that's all it did.....But I sure do hate that constipation. It's no joke! It's liquid so I only take less that 1/2 the regular dose. I just wish they could mix it up with prune juice or ex-lax or something. LOL

Thanks for site. I am familiar...one of the places the Roxicodone idea came from. We have long had oxycontin liquid (5mg/ml) on the shelf for "breakthrough" pain. It works quickly -- which used to be important -- but doesn't last long. The pills are 4-6 hours which may serve better for our intentions of easing off the oxycontin gradually.

heydeborah....

May, indeed, just leave it alone. Over the years we've learned how to manage the constipation issue although it can be a terrible thing if ever it gets out of control -- which it has on a few occasions. Would like to get off of the drug -- which no longer serves any purpose except to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Would like to think getting off of it would take the constipation issue off the table. May be mistaken in that thought, except that otherwise she is, indeed, doing wonderfully well. Have every reason to believe her guts are fine except for this interference.

Seeing Dr. tomorrow for routine check-up (same gerontologist who's ably managed her various troubles for 12 years). Will bring this topic forward and see what suggestions come -- including maybe just leaving it alone.

Take care!

Dr. suggested decreasing just one of the 20mg doses -- which we did. Reduced that dose to 10 -- a 25% cut. Rough couple of days, then not too bad, then OK. Stayed with that for a couple of weeks, then attempted same decrease with other dose. No go...first day unbearable.

At these levels and with lowest-dose available being 10mg, this next reduction amounts to 1/3 decrease. Obvious indications with single attempt, this cannot be accomplished.

If Dr. and I cannot get on same page with this, I'm going to leave it alone. Seems silly to me. What's the big deal with substituting 5mg Roxicodone for touch-up while we try this? Will broach topic again at next visit. However, no sense ruining her life over it. We're OK for now.