"i have recurrent back pain, and i&#039;m currently experiencing an acute episode of back pain and sciatica. i was referred to a pain management doctor, who switched me from 40 mg percocet per day to 30 mg xartemis xr per day in the hopes that i could sleep through the night and wake up without extreme pain. after a week, i had to see him again because the medication is supposed to last 12 hours, but it starts to wear off after about 6 hours, and it doesn&#039;t relieve the pain well even when it is in effect. he gave me a prescription for 10 mg percocet to take twice a day as breakthrough medication, so now i&#039;m taking a higher daily dose with less effective relief. i&#039;m asking about other options at my next appointment."