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MedHelp Member's Question

Addicted to vicoprofen??????? Help????

by MandM, Dec 16, 2001 12:00AM
Tags: Addiction
Hi There, I have no clue where to start?? I just need some feedback on my problem. If someone out there can relate to me It would sure help. O.K. I have been taking vicodon and vicoprofen now for about 4 years on and off?? I know it sounds wierd but I would only take one a day after work only and occasionally I would do 2 a day or not even anything for 3 or 4 days.  I am a registered nurse so I know how bad this is?? Go figure? I would just need a couple of hours to myself after work with a vicodon and I would be fine. Recently I hurt my back at work and ended up w/ 2 herniated disks, so the Dr would give me pills anytime I needed them (justifiable???) Last week everyone in my office fell Ill and I started coming down with flu like symptoms.  I didn't take the pills for 5 days.  IT WAS HELL.  I thought it was my cold or flu or whatever I had??  I just felt like ****.  I had the chills, then I would sweat and the WORST thing I ever felt was the restlestness at night??? My body felt like it was going in convulsions?? I didn't think that it could be withdrawl symptoms?? I am sure that had alot to do w/ it but I just need someone to say, yes It was withdrawl sx's???  While I still felt like **** I took a vicoprofen to see if it would go away. OOHHHH, don't feel sick anymore??? I feel perfectly fine now??

I am very scared because I am getting married in a few months and we are going on our honeymoon for 15 days, I don't want to take any meds w/ me??? I just want to go and have fun, but I am deathly afraid that these symptoms will come back.  

Thank You for listening!

M :)
Member Comments (54)

by Witchywoman, Dec 16, 2001 12:00AM
Yes...it was withdrawal you were going through, no doubt about it. The restlessness is the worst..isn't it?



Do you still need it for chronic pain, or are you able to live a decent quality of life without it? If you don't have chronic pain...the freedom of an addiction free life is so worth it!



Let us know how you are doing.



love,

WW

by MandM, Dec 16, 2001 12:00AM
Thank You for replying! I didn't think it was withdrawl because I only take one  a day?? That was denial i think. So now, should I do cold turkey? and just go through the symptoms for a few days?  Will it eventually go away?? and how long does it take. Thank You for listening to me because I have nowhere else to turn.



Thanks Again



M

by SHOTSY, Dec 16, 2001 12:00AM
To: M
Hi, M , I'm Shotsy. I've been posting here for awhile and have become quite fond of this place and the other one. Sounds like you and I are in the same boat. When I initally started coming here it was for researching on my father's condition. Long story. In the process I found that I myself may also have an addiction. I thought because I took so little I'd be okay. Well, I guess from the info gleened here that's not the case.At least I've managed painlessly to get my dose down half of we I was when I first came here. But I still have discomfort from physical symptoms so I haven't totally stopped. My big fear at this point is the neurotransmitter thing. And how long it takes to recover from that. But slowly but surely I believe I'll be fine. I personally suggest slow tapering.

You'll find a lot of wonderful people here. Very knowledgable and insightful. If I can help in any way I'll try. Bye for now, Shotsy

by MandM, Dec 16, 2001 12:00AM
Thanks Shotsy!!!  I guess I am going to have to wiene? myself off of it. I'm going to talk to someone on Tuesday so I will let you all know how that works out! Thanks so much for responding I really do appreciate it.



I took one today and I only have about a dozen left so I hope I will be able to get through it.



Thanks Again



M

by SUSIEBLUE, Dec 17, 2001 12:00AM
To: mandm
I BELIEVE YOU SHOULD GET ON THE PHONE, RIGHT NOW!!!!!! AND CALL THE NEAREST AND MOST RELIABLE DETOX AND REHAB CENTER.  DETOXING ON YOUR OWN IS JUST ABOUT IMPOSSIBLE.  YOU NEED HELP.  IT IS DANGEROUS TO JUST STOP TAKING A MEDICATION OR TO CUT BACK SLOWLY.  YOU WILL FEEL SICK AND YOU NEED THE EXPERIENCE THAT A DETOX HOSPITAL CAN GIVE.  THEY HAVE DOCTORS WHO VISIT YOU DAILY.  THEY HAVE NURSES THERE 24/7.  COUNCELING IS ALSO INVOLVED.  IF YOU DON'T HAVE MONEY, THERE ARE MANY COUNTY SLOTS WHICH YOU WOULD PAY APPROXIMATELY $200.00.  IF THAT.  IF YOU HAVE INSURANCE YOU CAN GO TO A HOSPITAL THAT HAS A DETOX WARD.  SERIOUSLY, YOU MUST DO THIS IN A HOSPITAL.  IT IS SO EASY TO SAY "OH, I'M CLEAN NOW.  ONE PILL WONT HURT.  WELL THAT PILL WILL FEEL LIKE THE FIRST ONE YOU EVER TOOK, AND YOU WILL BE BACK ON THE ROAD TO DESTRUCTION.  I WISH YOU ALL THE LUCK IN THE WORLD.  DETOXING FROM A DRUG IS ONE OF THE HARDEST THINGS TO DO IN YOUR LIFE.  BUT YOU NEED HELP!  DON'T BE AFRAID TO ASK FOR HELP.  HAVE A HAPPY, CLEAN LIFE.  MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND GIVE YOU THE STRENTGH TO CARRY ON AND TO MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICES.  I AM WRITING THIS THROUGH EXPERIENCE AND EVERYDAY THAT PASSES I THANK THE LORD I HAVE NOT USED.  TAKE ONE DAY AT A TIME, IF THAT DOSEN'T WORK TAKE ONE HOUR AT A TIME, IF THAT DOSEN'T WORK TAKE ONE MINUTE AT A TIME, AND IF IT GETS TO ONE SECOND AT A TIME CALL THE DRUG HOTLINE AND TALK TO SOMEONE.  YOU WILL BE MUCH MORE HAPPIER WHEN YOUR HEAD IS CLEAR AND YOU WILL BE PROUD OF YOURSELF OF YOUR ACCOMPLISMENT.  BE STRONG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by youngdad, Dec 18, 2001 12:00AM
Hello all, I’m very concerned for my wife. She has been taking vicodin for about 3 years now everyday. She was involved in a serious car accident and suffers from extreme headaches. Her doctor has been prescribing her medicine every month when she goes to visit. But I’m afraid she may be addicted. She complains about restless legs, and her bones feel like they are rotting (her own comments). She also still suffers from the extreme headaches, which I’m now afraid may be part of her addiction. Does this sound like she needs help? Worst off she is 8 mo pregnant.

by Seamstress, Dec 18, 2001 12:00AM
To: Youngdad
I don't think you ever want to see a baby born addicted to opiates.  I have and it's horrible.  Why would you do that to an new life you love so much and is so completely defenseless?  Incdidentally, nurses are vey judgemental about this so it will reflect on your wife as well. I can't blame them; it's so awful when the baby cries and cries in pain. That's been my experience when I worked in a hospital drug rehab. I know there will probably be a lot of posts from nurses saying they would never judge.  They're better people than me. Your wife needs to get off the opiates now.

by Leigh, Dec 18, 2001 12:00AM
To: Youngdad
Actually, I would make the argument that although your wife needs to get off the opiates, at 8 months pregnant, that might be very traumatic for the unborn baby. I'm NOT a doctor or a nurse, but my point is that I think this is something for the qualified professionals to decide. I've heard doctors say that abrupt withdrawal is more traumatic than being born with an addiction. And I'm sure the effects would be directly related to the length and intensity of her addiction. How about talking to her and supporting her during a visit to her OB/GYN, where you could both discuss her possible addiction and your concerns? Severe headaches, a serious car crash--perhaps she's self-medicating depression or anxiety with opiates. My guess is that your love and support would be very valuable right now. Not support for her to continue abusing opiates, but support for her to be honest with her doctors and set up a plan for her and the baby. I just worry that at 8 months, it might be a danger to both her and the unborn baby to practice "tough love" or go through cold turkey. After all, she'll want to keep her strength and health so she can care for the newborn, too.



I know this doesn't offer much help, but I guess I'm just trying to really encourage you to get professional, medical help. Good luck, and keep posting--you'll find a lot of support here.

by Seamstress, Dec 18, 2001 12:00AM
To: Leigh, Youngdad
Actually, Leigh's right.  I didn't mean to imply your wife should just stop cold turkey as that would obviously put your unborn baby into exactly the same kind of withdrawl. Weaning might make more sense.  As Leigh says, we're not medical experts and you do need a doctor for this one. You must tell your doctor of your wife's addiction so they can help your baby.

by MandM, Dec 18, 2001 12:00AM
hi, im the one who posted the question but I am not the wife of that man who responded??? i just wanted to clear that up!!!!! I am not pregnant, i think he messed up by meaning to post a  question and he posted a comment??? I HAVE GREAT NEWS THOUGH, I HOPE ANYWAY.



LISTEN EVERYONE!!!!!!!!!! I WENT TO THE DR TODAY WITH MY FULL BOTTLE OF VICODIN AND GAVE IT TO HIM AND I WATCHED HIM FLUSH IT DOWN THE TOILET@!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



HE GAVE ME KLONIDINE, ATIVAN AND COMPAZINE SO I DON'T GO THROUGH ANY WITHDRAWL SYMPTOMS.  HE PRESCRIBED ENOUGH FOR 5 DAYS AND HE SAID I SHOULD BE FINE BY THEN SINCE I ONLY TOOK ONE OR TWO A DAY.



HE SAID I WAS THE LOWEST ADDICT ON THE TOTEM POLE?? I GUESS THATS DR HUMOR...LOL.  PLEASE RESPOND WHILE I AM GOING THROUGH THIS BECAUSE I NEED SOME SUPPORT DURING THE NEXT FEW DAYS!!!



JUST REMEMBER I AM NOT THE ONE THAT MAN IS TALKING ABOUT??? I AM A NURSE BUT I AM DEFINITELY NOT PREGNANT, I THINK MY FIANCE WOULD BE UPSET...LOL..



THANKS GUYS FOR LISTENING, HOPE TO HEAR FROM YOU SOON



SEE YA



M

by MandM, Dec 18, 2001 12:00AM
JUST REMEMBER M IS NOT THE WIFE OF THAT MAN!! I WOULD NEVER TAKE MEDS WHILE I AM PREGNANT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I HOPE HE SEES THIS SO HE CAN ALSO CLEAR THAT UP.



PLEASE REPLY SO YOU GUYS KNOW THAT I AM NOT THE PREGNANT ONE, IM M, THE ONE WHO POSTED THE ????????????????????





THANKS



,M

by Frank Lee, Dec 18, 2001 12:00AM
To: Another Board...
Just a fyi "the other one" ( thanks S. ) refers to another board that can provide you with options dealing with substance abuse. If you want another source to help you dealing with your problems regarding substances, this board offers a different format and approach, but a lot of caring folks -



http://pub37.ezboard.com/bthenewaddictionmedicineforum



Peace, Frankie Lee



by littleguy, Dec 19, 2001 12:00AM
To: mandm
mandm,



I dont know if this is still true... but they use to allow only one question to be posted each day.  So sometimes people will post a question on an existing thread, even though it has nothing to do with that thread.  This is not uncommon.  I don't want to speak for other folks, but I was not confused.  



littleguy

by fairlight123, Dec 19, 2001 12:00AM
mandm,



I wish you much luck for the next few days :)

by MandM, Dec 20, 2001 12:00AM
hi everyone, its the 2nd day and i am doing just OK, im at work right now, the ativan has helped alot at night, it is just that i am so anxious, no sweats or nausea, just the runs, figure!!



i could use some feedback if someone gets a chance to help me through the next couple of days





thanks



m

by MandM, Dec 20, 2001 12:00AM
one more thing too, how long will this last, a weeK????? can someone give me their experience with getting off vicoprofen with Klonidine and ativan???



i took one or two vicoprofen a day for almost 3 yrs. (just reminding yall incase you forgot.)



thanks everyone



have a good day



M

by Witchywoman, Dec 20, 2001 12:00AM
To: mandm
Hi,

I"m glad to hear you are doing better...

The worst of the withdrawals are over in a week, but it took me a full 4 to 6 weeks before my sleep cycle was back to normal, and before I felt totally normal. I couldn't believe how good I finally felt. I forgot what it was like to have regular energy.



I'm confused about how you got physically addicted by only taking one pill a day.  I was under the impression that if you only take one a day, you don't build up enough of a constant blood level to create physical addiction.  For years, I only used once a day, and never got physically addicted (though I definately was abusing and psychologically addicted).  It was when I started taking them two or three times a day that the withdrawals would set in if I went longer than  6 or 7 hours between doses.



Did you go through some time when you took it twice a day?



Please, someone who knows more, correct me if I'm wrong about taking it only once a day not creating physical dependacy.



love,

WW

by jaysbean, Dec 20, 2001 12:00AM
i am sorry about your problem and can tottally sympathise with you !i am trying to detox from vicodin and it is really hard .    i really hope and pray for us and all the other people who struggle with this pproblem .i made day #4 and felt really bad last night and today .got 1 7.5 to get some sleep .is weaning the best way to stop .cold turkey is so hard .god bless to all