Rebound pain with NSAID withdrawal

May 11, 2004

During my slow transition from ibuprofin to Bextra, during which I

used my sample meds sparingly for really bad days, I would always

notice an intense burning in the joints when I'd go off the stronger

Bextra and back to the lower dose of ibuprofin. After a day, it would

go away, and I'd be back to the " normal " joint pain. Over time, I

graduated to COX-2 NSAIDS full time.

I have appreciated their gentleness on my stomach and the awesome

pain relief, but they make my head feel funny! For that reason, I

want off. I tried going off twice with Plaquenil, but the pain was

intense. Soon I'll be starting MTX and I'm hoping that will allow me

to go off my Vioxx. I was glad to discover tonight that there is a

name for what I experienced-- " rebound pain " --and that a gradual

reduction is recommended. I will ask for an Rx or samples of the 12.5

tab (a step down from my 25 mg.) when I try again. I'm grateful for

the Internet for the wealth of info. I can access. Busy doctors can

only tell us so much...and they probably only remember so much!

Sierra

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