Sounds like the government is contemplating a Darvocet ban. Darvocet has been around for 50 years. What are all the chronically addicted pain folks who swear up and down that "the only medicine that works is Darvocet" going to do? Banning Darvocet? Really?
It kind of reminds me of my inpatient smokers who ask to go out and smoke. I tell them this hospital including the outside grounds is a smoke free zone. If you want to go out and smoke you will have to leave AMA. Would you like a patch instead?
My opinion is that Darvocet is a very weak pain medicine, but apparently loved by millions for its addictive nature. Perhaps they will no longer get their fix. But, if they are going to ban Darvocet because of it's limited effectiveness and high abuse potential, I can't imagine Demerol is far behind.
I predict the Law of Unintended Consequences will be heard from soon after a ban.
ReplyDeleteWhat will this be replaced with? Oh, Vicodin maybe. That's a good trade, Darvocet for Vicodin.
(I wonder if this is going to make i through the comment filters)?
GruntDoc
I don't think Darvocet is all that great, but it fills a necessary void between plain Tylenol and Vicodin, particularly in patients who are allergic to codeine. I think Ultram has more downside than Darvocet.
ReplyDeleteA teaspoon of Lortab elixir is like half a Vicodin, but it's much more expensive.
Scalp, I would be interested to your insights on Ultram. I take this now, and though it helped at first I now wonder if it ultimately makes things worse when you try to get off of it. I've read a small spattering of patients comments who claim this. It's impossible to tell though, as I have RA and been a chronic prednisone user and have a very difficult time trying to taper off that also. Of course rheumy touted the tramadol as not being addictive. I don't think addictive, but perhaps dependent?
ReplyDeleteScalp, I would be interested to your insights on Ultram. I take this now, and though it helped at first I now wonder if it ultimately makes things worse when you try to get off of it. I've read a small spattering of patients comments who claim this. It's impossible to tell though, as I have RA and been a chronic prednisone user and have a very difficult time trying to taper off that also. Of course rheumy touted the tramadol as not being addictive. I don't think addictive, but perhaps dependent?
ReplyDeleteActual patient conversation (well, almost kinda):
ReplyDeletePatient: I am in AGONY! I had a car accident 22 year ago and 15,243 doctors haven't been able to help me. I'm allergic to morphine, codeine, hydrocodone, Dilaudid, Percocet, Tylenol #3, Percodan, Darcocet, Lortab, methadone, Ultram, Ultracet, Ibuprofen, Motrin, Naprosyn, Naproxyn, Alleve, acetominophen, aspirin, Paracetamol, oxycodone, Toradol.
Me: What happens when you take these drugs?
Patient: (Looking completely comfortable while texting 12 people simultaneously on better cellphone than mine.) Oh, I nearly DIE! There's one drug, only one drug, hmmmm....What's the name? Oh, it's right on the tip of my tongue, ah, um...Oh, yeah, it's DEEEEEmoral. DEEEEmoral. Is that it? Yes, yes, that's it. Is that how you say it? I just can't keep these drugs straight. Oh, and my last doctor told me to tell you that you shouldn't even bother with the 50mg dose. I need at least 150mg to even make it possible for me to sit up.
Me: Kill me.
The worst addictions I see are from Vicodin. I have never seen a Darvocet addiction. Darvocet is generic and cheap and is a good bridge for chronic pain patients. For some it works, for many it doesn't. Who the hell would want to ban it and force patients to pay lots more for meds and develop a real addiction to Vicodin? Get these stupid policymakers out of my office!!!
ReplyDeleteWELL STATED Toni Brayer MD!!!! Why do these "policymakers" always feel the need to make everyone's medical decisions for them instead of leaving it up to the patient and their physician? I suffer daily with chronic pain from neuropathy. I have tried every available treatment and medication for this and Darvocet is the only thing that gives me any relief(not complete but at least I can function!!) I am highly allergic to morphine,codeine,etc. so this is my only hope. I am afraid that I will not be able to stand the pain and will resort to something else that might eventually end up killing me, if the pain doesn't get that accomplished first!! Can this really be happening in the USA?? I do not want to believe it!!! God help us all, especially chronic pain suffers that are allergic to other pain medications!!! The scary thought is "whats next?" Maybe they will decide that the "side effects" from chemo just "aren't worth it" even though it is the difference between life and death for many cancer patients on a daily basis. What a horrible thought, but maybe one we need to consider, because these "policymakers" could actually have this on their next agenda. We must quit giving our rights away!! We must INSIST on having the right to choose our own medical treatments!! These decisions are between a doctor and a patient, not a "policymaker!!" Please doctors, nurses and patients WAKE UP before we have NO RIGHTS left!!!!! We live in the best country for medical treatments so let the doctors practice medicine and keep the "politics" out of it PLEASE!!!!
ReplyDelete