Help.....Am I addicted?

[Susan10]

I had surgery about 7 weeks ago and they gave me Lortab.  For the first 5 or 6 days I took 1 every 4 hrs. as instructed.  I didn't want the 'tired' feeling it was giving me at the time back then plus I was feeling better (pain from surgery) so I started only taking 1 1/2 (10mg. a pill) at night before bed because that's when I felt sorest from surgery.  Anyways I always could tell when it was almost time to take my pill for the night because I started feeling terrible all over though and depressed for no reason.  As soon as I took my 1 1/2 pills I felt 'normal' again mentally and physically.  I am almost out of the pills the Doctor prescribed for me but now something has changed, instead of just feeling terrible at night when it's time to take them, I'm starting to feel terrible all day right when I wake up, I am very depressed and irritable, I feel like I want to jump out of my skin right now, I'm trying not to take any right now, it's day time.  I don't know if these feelings are from the pills or what.  I used to only get that feeling at night time.  Can it be that I'm getting addicted to them and my body wants them in the day time too?  I do not want to be dependent on these.  I would like my 'normal' self back.
If I am addicted, since I was only taking 1 1/2 pills per night, will it be easier to get off of them compared to one that's taking 10 or more a day?  How long will I feel like this until it goes away?   I don't feel like doing anything and I have kids and I can't just lay around.  Can anyone help me out here with advice?

[Member of the Tribe]

   Hi Susan, I'm Rob.  I just went through withdrawal from percocet, I'm on day 12.  I feel wonderful compared to how I felt before, and you can get to this point also!
   W/d is a nasty horrible thing to have to go through.  Day one and two aren't to bad, days 3 and 4 are the absolute worst. Day 5 you will start to feel better ( only a bit better ) and each hour that passes after that you should feel better and better.
   If you give up and start using again when you are going through w/d's, you will have to start all over again from day one.  So I don't think it's a good idea to have any pills around you when you start the process.
  The physical symptoms are not pleasant, Anxiety, depression, restless legs, insomnia, diarrea, chills, runny nose and eyes, sneezing, among a few others.
You need about 4 or 5 days to get through this part of it, and the clock ticks very slow.  I am not able to do very much as far as taking care of responsibilities during this and I tryed to lay down as much as I could on days 3 and 4. I also did this cold turkey, but there are some things the doctor can perscribe to  make the w/d's a little easier.  I had some of the anxiety and depression even through day 10 , but everyday you feel better and better.
Here I am on day 12 and my body is still making adjustments, and just takes time. After day 5 you should be able to function pretty well and see the light at the end of the tunnel.
I hope this helps you figure out whats going on. Please feel free to track me down on here for support, I usually check it a few times a day when I'm home.
Don't cave in and take anymore pills, not even small pieces of them.
You will get through this and your kids will see a way better you!...I used to Isolate from my family and had a lot of guilt from that, but today I'm able to smile and play with the kids and pay attention to my beautiful wife.
Hang tough...everyone here is pulling for you
Susan it is scary I know, but we have all been where you are now...so hang on!

[shelby74]

Your leg problem is called Restless Leg Syndrome and it is very common with the w/d's.  Take a potassium supplement ot eat banana's which are rich in potassium.  The leg problem will not hurt you but it is annoying to say the least.  You are going through withdrawals.  I can not stress how important it is to stop taking these now!  You will not feel nearly the w/d's if you were up to 10 a day.  Please for your own good - got through a few days of being uncomfortable.  If you wait it will only get worse.  Nothing you are feeling will hurt you either - it is just scary the first time.

[Susan10]

Well thank you to those who gave me advice here.  I do have a quick question though, I chose not to take anything today to try and get back to 'normal' asap so I haven't taken anything since yesterday, a little over 24 hrs. I believe.  But I'm feeling really weird and I wanted to ask if it may be from not having it, if this is part of withdrawl. This has never really done this before.  I can not get comfortable at all, my legs especially are driving me nuts wanting to move all around, I can't lay still but I'm too tired to walk around all night, I just feel very very restless and have anxiety.  I haven't done anything today because I have absolutely no energy at all, I just don't feel right.  My legs are my biggest concern right now, it's getting me worried.  If this is part of it, do you think these symptoms will ease up tomorrow since my dose was not as high each day in the first place as I stated in my first posting?  I don't really want to talk to a doctor yet, I would like to see if I can do this on my own first.

[Member of the Tribe]

I could'nt agree more with Ga Guy.............The sooner you stop, the easier it will be.  

[GA Guy]

You may not be addicted in the traditional sense, but your body is definitely dependent on these meds. 7 weeks is plenty of time to get a dependence on these meds. The key to your answer is when you stated that you felt "normal" after you took the pills. You're on a low enough dosage that the withdrawals shouldn't be as bad or as long lasting as people who take larger amounts. I'd suggest asking your doctor to prescribe clonidine for the wd's...it helped me immensely. Also, search this site for the Thomas Recipe. It has specific suggestions about stopping these meds. Most have physical WD symptoms that last 5-7 days. Since, you're taking a low 15mg a day dosage, I'd guess your WD's wouldn't last longer than 3 days or so. But, that is just a guess. Some people are just hypersensitive to medications. I implore you to stop these now, especially if you aren't taking the meds for pain anymore (a sure sign of addiction). Good luck to you, post here if you have any more questions...

[BETZ]

Hey Susan,

I wouldn't think you would be addicted to them only taking that many.  You haven't abused them any, and most of us that are addicted have been major abusers.  If i were you, i would call and tell your doctor exactly what you have told us here.  He can help you i am sure.  That would be your best bet.
Until then, hang in there, and take one of those pills if need be because you clearly aren't abusing them from what you are saying.  Best of luck to you, but please call and talk to your doctor Monday.  Or at least his nurse.

I wish you well!!!!