A question for the ADBB sages

[tekniaektos]

Do any of you know how percocet (or any narcotic pain killer for the matter) affects the Atkin's diet? I know some would say you don't need them but I wonder if they have ever had pain that pushes you toward suicidal? Anyway, I would like to know. Thanks.

(wasn't meaning that I'm suicidal, just saying it's bad bad pain)

[Lyssie]

Um... well, my first immediate answer is to say you should probably be consulting your doctor. Since you are seeing them for the script anyway, it shouldn't be that hard.

That being said, it looks like there would be miniscule amounts of cellulose and cornstarch in each pill (usually used in the outside coating of pills), which shouldn't affect Atkins.

I took percocet when I had my wisdom teeth out and don't remember it stalling me, and the package insert doesn't say anything about weight gain/loss/anorexia... but I didn't take it for an extended period of time either...

[MommaRuthie]

The only thing I would worry about is constipation because percocet/darvocet/vicodin/norco all can cause constipation beccasue they slow down your gut. Drink more water than normal and please do not drink any alcohol, drive, or operate dangerous machinery while taking these pills.

[Lyssie]

uhm. FYI, constipation is the least of the worries for side effects - they range from cardiovascular problems to mental, to liver damage, etc etc...

[SunnySmile501]

Originally Posted by tekniaektos

Do any of you know how percocet (or any narcotic pain killer for the matter) affects the Atkin's diet? I know some would say you don't need them but I wonder if they have ever had pain that pushes you toward suicidal? Anyway, I would like to know. Thanks.

(wasn't meaning that I'm suicidal, just saying it's bad bad pain)

I suffer from Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, which has a pain rating of 42 on the McGill Pain Index--that's higher than terminal cancer. We have a special pain chart at UVA Pain Management which starts at 1 and goes to suicidal--yes they use the word. So, yes, I know about that kind of pain. I still refuse narcotics because of the rebound pain, which leaves you needing more and more for it to work next time. The doctors are very put out that I refuse narcotics, but that is up to me, just as it is up to you whether you need it or not.

That aside, when I am hospitalized, I am not given a choice. I spend a fair amount of time in the hospital and have taken oxycontin, percocet, vicodin, morphine and a few others. This was while on Atkins. I never noticed it affecting weight loss or any other aspect of the diet.

Even if it did hinder weight loss, if you and your doctor think you should take it, then you have to do what is best for your overall health. Pain causes your blood pressure to soar. You release Substance P and cortisol, both are very bad for your health and wellbeing.

You don't say what causes your pain, but when I went on Atkins with nearly no processed foods--almost totally whole, natural foods--I almost immediately had less pain of every kind. All those chemicals in processed foods cause all sorts of health hazards. They are poison. Try to eat as clean as possible and you will soon have less pain naturally.

[MommaRuthie]

Lyssie, I am speaking of a side effect that is extremely common when taking these pills, even only occasionally. yes, there are a plethora of other side effects. However, constipation seems to be the one thing brought up over and over again on these boards. I was only cautioning to watch out for constipation... not for every side effect that is written on the little list that they give you from the pharmacy...

[Lyssie]

Um... i am aware of what you were talking about. I wasn't looking at the little list that they give you from the pharmacy. Suprising as it may seem, working at a Pharma company on opiates/narcotics actually comes in handy sometimes for knowledge!!

Constipation that is brought up repeatedly on the board is from not eating enough fiber or veggies, or not drinking enough water - nothing related to adding drugs... they're completely unrelated.

[tekniaektos]

Thanks for your responses. I just don't want to cause a stall but at the moment I would have had little chance, I've been without the percocet for a couple months but the pain has gotten to bad the past few days to continue without them.

As far as the processed foods go I cook just about everything I eat so mostly what I buy is whole foods. Can't wait till this spring to get our garden in and get clear away from the genetically modified junk wal mart sells.

[tekniaektos]

Originally Posted by MommaRuthie

Lyssie, I am speaking of a side effect that is extremely common when taking these pills, even only occasionally. yes, there are a plethora of other side effects. However, constipation seems to be the one thing brought up over and over again on these boards. I was only cautioning to watch out for constipation... not for every side effect that is written on the little list that they give you from the pharmacy...

I was on them for over a year and didn't have any plumbing problems. Course then again the doctor said that the way your body responds to the pills depends on whether you actually need them or not.