Questions posted in the The Addiction Forum have been answered by Steven Adelman, M.D. and by Richard C. Bozian M.D. F.A.C.P. of Harvard Vanguard Medical Group.

Question Title: VICODIN WITHDRAW

Forum: The Addiction Forum
Topic: Drugs

Posted by HUGH on August 12, 1999 at 22:42:18

ARTED TO HAVE MUSCLE CRAMPS IN MY ARMS AND BECAME VERY RESTLESS, SO I TOOK ANOTHER1 AND 1/2 TABS, AND FINALY FELL ASLEEP. MY QUESTION IS DO YOU THINK I AM ADICTED, AND IF SO WHAT DO I DO?

Posted by SA, M.D. - HVMA on August 16, 1999 at 11:52:32

Hugh,

Although muscle cramps and restlessness which are alleviated by a narcotic might very well represent physical dependence on the narcotic, this is something which should be definitively determined by your physician - preferably the physician who prescribed the narcotic in the first place.

If you are physically dependent on narcotics, you will have an easier time becoming narcotic free if you get medically detoxified. If gradual tapering of the Vicodin does not work, then use of clonidine, buprenorphine or methadone might be called for. You should discuss these treatment options with a physician who is familiar with narcotic detoxification.

There is more information on narcotic dependence and detox on

http://www.drsteve.org

Good luck!

DrSteve

The information provided is for general medical education purposes only, and not a substitute for medical diagnosis and treatment provided by your physician.

keywords: narcotic, opiate, opioid, withdrawal, dependence, detoxification



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