Does this seem like a good idea?

[MetalDog]

The FDA has approved the use of Oxycontin for children ages 11 to 16.  First, let me say, that in order for them to get to this place, there must be cases of children in serious pain.  Serious enough to think Oxy could be an answer.  That being the case, and from that perspective, I understand.  However, I can't in any way, shape or form imagine that this has a good ending.


http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/fda-approves-oxycontin-for-kids-11-to-16/ar-BBlK3zS

[LongBlade]

It's typically used for high octane pain mitigation - like cancer.

Docs usually only issue it when the issue of addiction is less than the pain they're suffering.

So, no, it probably won't have a good outcome for kids - except to make what remains of their lives more pleasant.

[Bison]

Based on the medical examples they give cancer, trauma, major surgery I can see it.  But man as a parent, I'd be hesitant to let my kids take something that addictive.

[Staggerwing]

Just the thought of a doctor and parent being forced by a child's condition to discuss Oxy as a possible way to go is just heartbreaking.  :(

[Gusington]

^Yeah.

[MetalDog]

If it's come to that, you have to imagine that the parents are involved enough that abuse should be non-existent.  But, opiates are powerful and have a lure that makes people do things they wouldn't normally do.  The potential for abuse by the people around the young patient would make me think long and hard before agreeing to this.

[Nefaro]

I've been on hydro or oxy (alternated) for years now, due to permanent back injuries.  If it wasn't for this stuff, I just wouldn't be functional at all and the pain would definitely cause an increasingly serious mental health issue over time.  I was getting into a pretty bad mental state years ago, before it got even worse & I finally went to Ortho treatment.  Unfortunately, the surgeries and procedures haven't helped so here I am, a walking pharmacy.  But at least I'm not constantly incapacitated with pain, or thinking dark thoughts, so I'm thankful for the stuff.

Sorry for the sob story.  I just wanted to show that I'm familiar with them and have an idea why they're prescribed.

I know dependency would be a major problem for children on it, but I'd expect that they're in a really bad way if they are given such a 'scrip.  Such prescriptions are heavily monitored, including the doctors writing them being constantly scrutinized (as I've heard some complain). 

It would be doubly terrible if some kid, in constant pain, had his or her pain meds stolen by their parents.  Just terrible.  :o  I wonder if they'll require drug testing for parents in such cases?

[LongBlade]

+1 with Nef.

My mom had cancer. She was on all kinds of that stuff. No doctor worth their salt would prescribe those meds without a really good reason. They're pretty much a last resort. There's not really anything more powerful for pain.

[airboy]

If you are in the type of pain that requires Oxy, your other choice is often morphine.  Morphine is even more addictive than Oxy. 

When you have that sort of pain, you don't have good choices.

I'm sorry for anyone in that level of pain, including those here and one of my co-workers.

[BanzaiCat]

I've seen morphine and oxycontin both used in an ER on trauma patients and it's truly amazing to behold the patient's transformation from egregious, unmitigated pain to utter bliss in the span of a few heartbeats.

[Centurion40]

I've been on hydro or oxy (alternated) for years now, due to permanent back injuries.  If it wasn't for this stuff, I just wouldn't be functional at all and the pain would definitely cause an increasingly serious mental health issue over time.  I was getting into a pretty bad mental state years ago, before it got even worse & I finally went to Ortho treatment.  Unfortunately, the surgeries and procedures haven't helped so here I am, a walking pharmacy.  But at least I'm not constantly incapacitated with pain, or thinking dark thoughts, so I'm thankful for the stuff.

Sorry for the sob story.  I just wanted to show that I'm familiar with them and have an idea why they're prescribed.

I know dependency would be a major problem for children on it, but I'd expect that they're in a really bad way if they are given such a 'scrip.  Such prescriptions are heavily monitored, including the doctors writing them being constantly scrutinized (as I've heard some complain). 

It would be doubly terrible if some kid, in constant pain, had his or her pain meds stolen by their parents.  Just terrible.  :o  I wonder if they'll require drug testing for parents in such cases?

I'm glad that this works for you.  Mental darkness and suffering is a living hell that should (IMHO) be avoided if possible.

[Sir Slash]

Totally opposed. The good drugs should be reserved for we adults who have to deal with the kids not they who have to deal with us. Spoken from experience chasing two young step-grandsons all over Sarasota Jungle Gardens yesterday 10am thru 3pm. And the Animal Keepers were all out of Tranc Darts. After I called ahead to make SURE they had plenty. Not even Hotdogs and 97 degrees could slow these two down. Access to opiates should be an Adult-Only perk. Because we need them.

[Centurion40]

Totally opposed. The good drugs should be reserved for we adults who have to deal with the kids not they who have to deal with us. Spoken from experience chasing two young step-grandsons all over Sarasota Jungle Gardens yesterday 10am thru 3pm. And the Animal Keepers were all out of Tranc Darts. After I called ahead to make SURE they had plenty. Not even Hotdogs and 97 degrees could slow these two down. Access to opiates should be an Adult-Only perk. Because we need them.

And if you duct-taped them to a tree, you'd be the bad guy!

[Sir Slash]

^So true.