Expert: Dr Alan Galbraith - 3/27/2009

Question
I am have been on various narcotics presently roxicodone for crohns disease and other medical issues. Because my stomach absorption issues I crush and snort the medication. The problem is between each dose I get devastating leg cramping pain. It is similar to pain when i tried to cold turkey stop the meds so I assume it is withdrawal pain. Everyone says its just magnesium shortage but i take plenty and the pain gets better when I take my next dose of pain meds. Problem is I now have to take the pain meds just to stop the leg cramp pain even when i dont need a pain pill. Is their any other medication I can take or something I can do to stop the leg cramp pain it really rules my life. Thank you.

Answer
Dear Matthew

It certainly sounds like withdrawal symptoms and they can be difficult to control. In the past quinine has been used for this with varying success. The only other drugs thay might help are the mudscle relaxants such as carisoprodol. Speak to your prescriber about this.

Regards

Dr Alan Galbraith