Am I doing the right things regarding my Percocet withdrawal?

OK...i just recently  decided to stop taking Percocet. I was prescribed 7.5/325 Mg every 4 hrs. for pain associated with disc herniation and hip injuries sustained when I was  run over by a  truck(seriously). i have been  taking 5 to 8 pills a day for the last year. My script was coming to an end so I decided now would be a good to try something alternative for pain relief so I didn't mess up my liver or become addicted(?). It's now day 3 and I feel like I'm going to die. I have been tapering my dosage. I took my full dosage on Sunday. Monday I took 2, Tuesday 1.5, and today I only took 1/2 a pill....obviously tomorrow I plan on taking 1/4 a pill....I'm taking vitamins, drinking extra fluids & doing all of the other stuff I've read here (hot baths, OTC pain relievers,Immodium) and I still have the creepy crawly skin, jitters, sweats & an overall feeling of dread & disgust. I don't crave the meds...I just want to feel better....am I doing right with my taper? Or am I prolonging my agony? i was hoping to feel human by the weekend....Please help!!!!!!

[Dane74]

hey, everyone is different on here.  For me taper is the only way.  I tapered down but allot slower than you.  I still got all the systoms that you are feeling but not as intense as cold turkey.  If you have the discipline to NOT "CHEAT" than i say YES taper is the way to go.  Hang in there the end is in sight.......

[trigger425]

Thanks for the advice...cheating  would only ruin me,as I've only got 3pills left...i was hoping after1/4 a pill tomorrow to not take any more. Do u think this strategy will work? I want to besure I'm good and clean before my next doctor visit in 2 weeks so I am not tempted to get another script....I NEVER want to feel like this again! It's amazing that I'm addicted and didn't realize it. Doctors just throw this stuff at you like it's no big deal....I'm learning a hard lesson now!

[Dane74]

i completely understand about doc just throwing you tons of opiates without any warning of the ramifications of these dam pills.  I too was injured and prescribed by my doc for pain before surgery and then after.  I was on Percocets and they are the DEVIL!!!  I was honest with my doc and told him all my systems but to be honest he didn't really seem to care and he thought i was just being ridiculous and telling me im not addicted. But he did put me on a taper, it did work, and it was not easy.  I did try cold turkey and that was brutal.  2 weeks is not that far away, what ever you do DO NOT GET THAT SCRIPT!!!!!!  You probably will still feel the affects of the wd systems in 2 weeks but every day gets better.   Remember, if you go back to the pills after you worked this hard on your taper, the next time you attempt to quit these demons agsin is going to be that much harder to do.  So stay positive and drink lots and lots of water to flush out all the opiates in your body.....Keep busy, stay active, and more importantley, keep telling yourself you can fight this....

[trigger425]

Thanks for the support and encouragement. I'll keep you posted.....I sure as hell don't want to give up now after 3 days of agony.....hopefully day 4 will bring a little relief! I would be happy to notice an improvement in the way I feel....so far today(day 3) is the worst.......

[vicki595]

I would expect today to be the worst. Also,just toss the 3 remaining pills. They aren't going to help at all in the long run. They'll just prolong the withdrawal at this point.

Get some Hyland's Restful Legs at Walgreens/Walmart. It really helps the RLS. Continue to force fluids. Adequate hydration is the most important element with detox!

Tell someone about this. It's imperative to be accountable to someone! Also,bring someone with you to that doctor's appt. You'll need the strength to turn down an Rx. You'll be surprised how easy it is to cave.

Good luck to you!

[trigger425]

Thanks Vikki! So my taper schedule is not doing me any good? I figured as much....more of a crutch than anything else......so toss what I have left and continue with what I'm doing and I should see some improvement in the way I feel soon? Sounds good....gonna log off, go flush the last 3 pills,then walk to the pharmacy for some Hyland's and a few huge bottles of water, continue the fight through the w/d symptoms and then get on with my life......I'll keep you posted!  

[vicki595]

That's a good plan!  The walking will feel good but not at first. Everything you're feeling is normal...stay strong!!

[trigger425]

Last pills flushed, got the hyland's...took some advil guzzling water....feeling like I'm going to die. Running a hot bath with epsom salts....gonna soak until I have to get my kids from school.....I plan on going to practice with my band tonight....2 hrs. of drumming should take my mind off my symptoms and give me  some excercise......day 3 is NOT going well. I resisted the urge to take a half of a pill....no more taper, just cold  turkey. I know it won't happen but I feel like I'm gonna die and go insane at the same time!

[vicki595]

You won't die but you'll feel like you did 2 days ago!!  LOL     Try to keep your humor and do as much as you can. You've got this!!

[LeaAnn807]

I remember feeling like you do!  I didn't want a pill.  I just wanted someone to fast forward the withdrawals for me before I died!!!!  The baths will help.  I had to get up in the morning and make my bed (so I wouldn't stay in it!) and take a shower immediately.  It helped the creepy/crawly feeling and sweaty feeling that I woke up with.  I usually got back in bed at some point, but it will help you to be up moving around as much as you can.  Have you tried the cal/mag/zinc supplement?  It also helps the creepy/can't be still part.  

[trigger425]

Cal/mag/zinc?

[LeaAnn807]

Yeah, you can get it at Wal Mart.  It's Calcium/Magnesium/Zinc tablet.  It's really helpful and inexpensive.  How you feeling now?

[trigger425]

Feeling like I'm gonna die..........just want to liedown for a week!

[LeaAnn807]

Ok, you are NOT going to die!  I remember thinking I wanted to lie down because of not having any strength, but when I did, I couldn't stay still.  It's maddening.  We all understand it!!!  Baths were the best help I found.  Plus, and this was just a comfort thing for me.....I kept plenty of comfy clothes washed and ready.  I liked changing my clothes a lot.  For some reason, it was comforting and made me feel better.  Go figure?  I changed 3 times a day at least!  Also, apple juice and gatorade made a world of difference in how my legs felt.  I hated the cramping SO bad.  I thought it would never go away!  

Next time you are out, grab the apple juice or gatorade and give it a try.  

[trigger425]

yes! the baths are very helpful......I'm just pissed that I have to feel this bad & I had no idea that taking Percocet as prescribed could do this to a person. I just pray that Ifeel somewhat better  tomorrow!

[RaygenPerrie]

I am on day 15 cold turkey! I know 100% of what you're feeling and going through. I still feel it...but not nearly as BAD. I still have to force myself to eat, and my anxiety bothers me...mainly in the mornings. As the day goes on, it get easier. Then I wake up in the morning and it is back. It feels like ground hog day. BUT, it has gotten better and it is very important to recognize that each day! Powerade, Juice and water...make sure you are drinking ALOT. For my anxiety, I take Kava Kava and L-Theanine, they truly do help and are good to help your body relax a little.

IF you can, get Xanax...but ONLY use it when it is a MUST. Xanax is a Benzo and could be addicting if you over use it. I have it for anxiety attacks.

It will feel like the worst ride of your life, but, it WILL getter better. Days 1-7 are by far the worst. You're almost out of the worst of it...keep going!

[LeaAnn807]

I know you are feeling like CRAP, but hang in there.  The WDs will peak out and then slowly be better after that.  LIVE in the bath if you have to.  I basically did.  Just baby yourself and try to hang on.  Eat some toast and remember to drink fluids no matter what.  Eating bland foods will help you so much more than you can imagine.  I went without food for a few days, and that is NOT good!  I just didn't think I could eat, but when I did, I felt so much better.   Also, imodium (immodium) has helped other symptoms besides diarrhea for some people.  Do you have any nyquil?  If you can, take a dose of that tonight.  It will help RLS quite a bit and maybe allow you some sleep.  

[trigger425]

Thanks to everyone....I feel like I'm  going to die or I'm gonna feel like this forever!  I don't feel like it, but I'm gonna go practice with my band tonight. My wife feels that the excercise of playing the  drums and the distraction from the symptoms may be theraputic and may help me to feel better & sleep a little better tonight......I'll let ya' know! I've gotta force myself, it's gonna be very hard, but I'm gonna give it a shot! Maybe day 4 will be better......

[trigger425]

As I said....Day 3 was VEY BAD!

[cathy7871]

Glad to hear you are gonna get out of the house for awhile this evening.  Push on, you are doing so good.  No turning back now.  And, day 4 will be better.  Stay focused.

[RaygenPerrie]

ONE DAY AT A TIME!! All you have to do it focus on the day at hand! Getting out of the house is a REALLY good thing, but yes, it is SOOOOO hard to do! Stay strong!

[trigger425]

just returned from practicing with my band...I felt like garbage on the ride there....butonce I got behind mydrum-kit and focusedon the music I felt a bit better. I was honest with theguys in my band and let them know why I was not myself....they understood...then we played  for two hours. It's a metal band so it was like running at full speed for 2 hours...it gives you that "runners high" that you get after physical exertion. I drank  2 huge bottles of Gatorade  in two hours too....the ride home was good, it seems some of the  symptoms were lessened for the time being! I hope it was due to the physical exertion! I took some advil and some Melatonin and will try to get some sleep now....thanks again for the support and encouragement! hopefully day 4 will be better!

[Decadelong]

I was on them(the devil) for 13 years and I can PROMISE  you that life WILL GET BETTER. ...and for you, VERY SOON just hang in there. I was taking up to 16, 10 mg percs a day...AND DRINKING WHISKEY with them. ...i know we are not suppose to compare BUT i was literally in HELL for a month and had to trust the people on here and at aa/na meetings. JUST REMEMBER, YOU NEVER, EVER EVER have to feel this way again. Life is SOOOOOOOOOOO much better and you WILL get there. ...the only time i felt better was when i soaked in a very very hot epsom salt bath during my hell....as others have said....LIVE in the hot bath....the increase in your water/electric bill will be cheaper than detox......Hang on, IT WILL PASS.

[trigger425]

Day 4...it's the worst so far. I'm suffering beyond comprehension. Been in hot baths  all day. Still hanging on....day 5 will be my day to turn things around.

[LeaAnn807]

I'm sorry!  But way to go with the attitude. It helps more than you know!  I'm surprised that you are in worse shape today than yesterday. Of course, until you feel better, they all seem to stink don't they?  Tomorrow will be better.  Keep staying in the bath!

[Jimmy1975]

Way to go ! Hang on the worst is just about behind you ! Keep up with the Hot baths and great attitude ! Your life is right around the corner  Stay on Med Help as we are here for you . Good luck ! Jimmy

[brinsmom]

Hope you're hanging in there. Everyday is one day closer.

[trigger425]

Day 5 !!!!!!!! Got up early today to get my act together before my kids got up........I felt pretty good! Good as compared to yesterday......I got the kids off to school....took a hot shower...still felt OK......had breakfast pancakes!...still  felt OK...went to the supermarket..came home with the groceries....started feeling the creepy/crawly skin & a huge anxiety attack....I grabbed my IPOD, went outside & started walking, it helped...I'm feeling much better today...I can't wait for tomorrow and  the rest of my life ! Hope this feeling of  improvement continues...................I mean don't get me wrong, I still feel like s**t & will continue to fight through it, but there definately is a significant improvement in w/d  symptoms...they are managable at the moment. Thanks for the continued support, I couldn't have made it to this point w/o you folks!  Bring on Day 6! I'm ready.....

[RaygenPerrie]

I am so proud of you! I am only 12 days ahead of you. There is an end!

[cathy7871]

Way to go!!!  I am on day 7 and feeling much better from the WDs.  Today was my first day back to work, and I just felt so much clearer. I used to just go through the motions at work, but today I just felt like I had tons of energy and seemed much more focused.   Only gonna get better from here on out.  Thanks for the support, much appreciated!!

[RaygenPerrie]

How is your anxiety level? Just curious because mine is out of control...

[cathy7871]

Anxiety is much better.  I am not sure if its this natural stress releif pill called Holy Basil, that I bought a couple days ago thats helping or if I am just getting better as the days go on.I also had a massage yesterday and that felt so..good. Went back to work today also and ran my butt off for 12 hours, so maybe its just the getting out and moving around and focusing on other things and not having time to think about that stupid pill anymore.  Stay focused and think positive. We didnt become addicts overnight and we are not going to recover overnight either. You are doing so good and must be so proud of yourself.  Keep up the good work!!

[serene789]

You guys are helping me by reading this.  Was gonna go to the ER but I will try not to.
I might have to though.  I have been on 10/325 of percs and 15mg of roxicets for 5 years due to 2 herniated disks and the rest keep bulging.  These pills are definately from hell.  I just want away from them.  I have been taking more and more and this is the 2nd time I have run out.  I keep thinking, well, if I go to the ER enough times they will figure I am a drug addict and take me off of them all together.  I wrote down Gatorade and to see my Gastroenterologist and Hylands restful legs and epson salts and the calcium, magnesium and zinc.  Thanks you guys for talking about it.  

[trigger425]

Just woke up to day 6! Yes! I slept about 5hours......feeling OK so far..........let's see how it goes!

[Forjbe]

I'm a 6 a day taker. I'm also a mom to a 3 year old a one year old and an 8 week old. I started taking these horrible things when my pelvic bone broke during childbirth (with baby number one). I'm scared to go through withdrawals but it's time to quit. I haven't needed them for two years but still take them to take the edge off of motherhood. I could cry writing this bc I love being a mom. Please help, I guess cold turkey isn't the way to go if I have children to tale care of. No one knows, not even my husband. Help.

[IBKleen]

Hi Forjbe, You really should start your own post and let members get to know you. You may get over looked her in someone else's post. Go to the top of this page and hit the green Post A Question button. Follow the instructions. If you need help let someone know.

Hope to see yous tick around.

[trigger425]

everyone is different.....if you are prone to cheating tapering won't  work......cold turkey is rough but quick...I've been clean for 6 days and it's worth it...I'm a stay @ home dad  with two kids, my kids are older than yours, but I did it. You need the support of your husband, especially with the young children.....you will have plenty of support here on this site....if it wasn't for the friends here...I would have never made it to day 6...they got me through the worst of it,and we will get you through it too once you commit to it!

You can and will do this!!!!!! It's time to take your life back from the grip of the beast!!!  

[trigger425]

everyone is different.....if you are prone to cheating tapering won't  work......cold turkey is rough but quick...I've been clean for 6 days and it's worth it...I'm a stay @ home dad  with two kids, my kids are older than yours, but I did it. You need the support of your husband, especially with the young children.....you will have plenty of support here on this site....if it wasn't for the friends here...I would have never made it to day 6...they got me through the worst of it,and we will get you through it too once you commit to it!

You can and will do this!!!!!! It's time to take your life back from the grip of the beast!!!  

[IBKleen]

trigger...you talking to me? I think you meant that for Forjbe, no?

[trigger425]

Sorry, I was talking to Forjbe....just  a bit of a spaz today! Day 6 is Spaz  day! LOL

[trigger425]

While suffering on my worst day  of w/d symptoms, I just listened to alot of music(along with hot baths,and everything else)...and this song by the band Opeth called Hours Of Wealth really struck a chord with me....it's all in the way YOU interpret something...but I felt this song represented what I was going through and how I felt on Day 4....especially the last line.........


Found a way to rid myself clean of pain
And the fever that's been haunting me
Has gone away

Looking through my window
I seem to recognize
All the people passing by
But I am alone
And far from home
And nobody knows me

Never heard me say goodbye
Never shall I speak to anyone again
All days are in darkness
And I'm biding my time

Once I'm sure of my task I will rise again!!!!!!!!!!!

Find a song that works for you.....this is the song I will go to as a reminder of the dark, miserable,scary, painful, lonely place I was on Day4!

I have truly risen again!

[trigger425]

Day 7 !!!!!!!!!! I can't believe I am sitting here feeling like I'm human again..........a little anxiety, a little time in the bathroom (forgot to take my Immodium!). yesterday Ii went for nice long walk again....my girls came along and rode thier bikes on the paths I was walking...then I took them to the play ground....then out to lunch! I never thought I'd be feeling this good after the Hell I  went through on Days 1 through 5....days 3 & 4 were aboslutely the worst.....now I  feel like I have my life back.

THANK YOU TO ALL OF YOU HERE WHO HELPED GET ME THROUGH MY JOURNEY TOHELL AND BACK....I COULDN'T HAVE DONE IT WITHOUT YOUR SUPPORT!!  

[trigger425]

Day 8 and I'm feeling great!!!! Still a bit anxious and  my back & hips hurt like hell....butthe pain from my injuries is so much better than the hellish w/d symptoms  I had!!!!!

[LeaAnn807]

I'm so happy!  You sound SO much better.  See the difference a few days can make?  Last week at this time, you were feeling like death, and now you're much better!  Yaaay!  Have you checked into any kind of aftercare?

[trigger425]

I spoke with my doctor and told him I do not want any more Opioid pain meds, that I'm looking for alternatives....I see him in 2 weeks. I've been going  to a pain relief clinic & wellness center trying to get the pain under control........myofacial release, massage and acupuncture type stuff....hopefully it will work!