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Is Tapering Off Oxycontin Safe?

Posted on Wed, 7 May 2014

Question: my name is XXXX I am 70 yrs. of age, had a coronary by pass a few years ago, I have several broken vertebra in my spine and several broken discs and can hardly walk. My pain dr. had me up to eight 80mg Oxycontin per day; that is not a typo, 8 per day. Now he is "tapering" me off at a rate of 80mg per week. Is this safe? I want to be off the Oxycontin but not this fast. How do I slow my doc down? my name is XXXX, I am 70 yrs. of age, had a coronary by pass a few years ago, I have several broken vertebra in my spine and several broken discs and can hardly walk. My pain dr. had me up to eight 80mg Oxycontin per day; that is not a typo, 8 per day. Now he is "tapering" me off at a rate of 80mg per week. Is this safe?

Answered by Dr. Raju A.T (7 hours later)

Brief Answer: Yes, tapering is good Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for your query. Yes, the tapering speed when on dosage like you are on is fine. It is safe but do observe for any withdrawal effects and soon inform your treating doctor. The speed can be titrated if needed based on your experience while the above schedule. regards,

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar