Paradoxical Reaction to Painkillers and Amphetamines

by Terry
(Colorado Springs, Colorado)

Immediately after hand surgery, I picked up my two meds, oxycotin and extra strength hydrocodone. My pain was really bad, couldn't wait to go home and take both. Around supper time, I took both.

After an hour, pain still intense, but I was becoming alert. Another few hours went by, I was so focused and alert, I balanced my checking account and did a rough estimate of my income taxes, in my head, with high accuracy. I cleaned the kitchen, did laundry, scrubbed the floor, etc, even at midnight.

It was 4:10 am before I even had a desire to sleep. I was upset and confused why they didn't work. Despite the warnings, I continued the drug routine the next day, same hyperactivity. I forced myself to go to bed at 2 am (I usually go to bed around 11:30). Frustrated, I called my surgeon after a few days and he asked if the medicine helped, I said not at all, now I'm getting 3 or 4 hours of sleep.

He asked what I'm doing for pain, since I stopped the meds, and seriously guys, I told him cherry kool-aid with extra sugar, and with Russian vodka. He politely told me he needs to find me a different combo of medicines. I said it better work like the Kool-aid/vodka combo.

Surprisingly, he suggested Tramadol, a much less potent drug. I took them with Motrin and my pain decreased while my hyperactivity decreased as well. Strange but true. My Native American doctor/friends suggested taking a combo of naturals; Bromeline and turmeric.

I'm no big fan of naturals, but she said if I reduce the inflammation, the pain would decrease. Within 48 hours max, pain greatly reduced, and meds voluntarily reduced. Halfway through the naturals, I stopped the Tramadol and didn't realize it. I was in shock, but a happier guy.

Moving along, three months later, I needed an MRI for general exam, no issues, just age related. I went inside the so called extra wide MRI (the white coffin of fear). I never had claustrophobia, but now this was a challenge, a panic I've never experienced. I was then given two 2 mg Ativan (lorazepam), a really strong dose, and one was a trial to use at home to see my body's reaction.

My roommate was asked to be nearby. I took most of the 2 mg (1 1/3) in fear of knockout . I've never had them before, just like I never had the first above mentioned drugs. Well, my roommate asked me when I planned to take it, I informed him I took it around 1 1/2 hours ago, and I rattled off mathematical equations such as the speed of light is 186,000 mps, the sun 93 million miles, it takes 500 seconds to reach earth, which I informed him 8 minutes 20 seconds.

I also gave him more data, and he said " well, time to find a different pill, I was focused and active, but not as much as the first two drugs. I asked the MRI tech if I can just bring Jack Daniels, she said not without sharing. I'm clueless what to do now.

I take 30 mg of Adderall morning/noon (20+10). I was on 20-20, but fell asleep on the couch too often, so he lowered the dosage and spread it through the hours. Now that works in my favor, I don't understand why amphetamines do that to me.