These comments are made for the purpose of discussion and should NOT
be used as recommendations for or against therapies or other treatments. An indi
vidual patient is always advised to consult their own physician.
[posted 11/6/1999]
Question: Doctor,
For over a year I have suffered from cronic pain due to TMJ,
I have been to so many Dr’ trying to “Cure” this problem it’s not funny. The pain is so bad that sometimes I take 20mg every three hours. I have had many meds prescribed to me, from Percodan to Demerol. Vicodan/Hydrocodone seems to be the one that not only works, but still allows me to function. I don’t really suffer from any side affects, but I am probably very addicted to this medication. I travel a great deal for work, at times I run out of my medication while away from home, and I go down hill fast. Not only does the pain become intolerable, but because of the obvious dependency, I get very anxious and moody. (sorry this is a long one) My question us this, how long can I take this medication. I do not want to get my Doctor in trouble, how long and often can he prescribe this med. before he gets in trouble. finally if I were to just stop taking this all together, what is the best way to do so, without terrible withdraw problems.
Answer: Before you can stop the narcotics, you will need to find a way to treat the TMJ. Have you seen a dentist or orthodontist? They can often fix a bite plate or change the angle of your bite to address the underlying problem. Get this addresed first before you take on the drugs. You will be unable to stop the drugs until the pain is corrected. I do not hear any attempts to address this.
[posted 11/8/1999]
Question: Recently my 83 year-old father-in-law was diagnosed with having TMJ. He went to a new doctor, a endodontic who diagnosed him with the disorder. This doctor prescribed him with cyclobenzaprine and a high dosage of ibuprofen. My father-in-law also has heart problems and urinary tract/prostate problems. After taking the cyclobenzaprine for a few days his heart started beating super fast. He decided to get off the drug, but is still in pain. What are your suggestions? Was the doctor wrong to prescribe him this combination? I too have a very severe case of TMJ disorder and have had good luck with my doctor creating a splint. Since I have ground down my condyles (hope I’m spelling this correctly) my jaw is constantly moving and I have to go in every 4 months for splint re-adjustments. Never have I had a doctor prescribe me medication and such a high dosage (I’m only 34). I appreciate your response.
Answer: Bite appliances are usually a better way to go for an elderly patient due to side effects. Ensure they have checked a sedimentation rate. Jaw pain can sometimes be evidence of Temporal Arteritis which is a much more serious problems and usually requires systemic steroids.
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