Are human research studies on hydrocodone safe?

[B.Monkey]

I have recently signed up for a medical research programme, testing the drug hydrocodone. The study involves three two night stays in the research clinic followed by short breaks inbetween, of one day. I will not be informed of the dosage of this drug until the research has begun. I would just like to know if my participation in this study will produce any short or long-term effects? I am at present a healthy 26 year old female. Any advice or help you can provide would be greatly appreciated.
Belfast, Ireland.

[T.Bear]

B. Monkey take my advice you do not want to get involved with hydrocodone if you can possibly avoid it. I am 29 I have been addicted to lorcet (which is the same as vicodin, hydrocodone just a stronger dose) for 6 years and it has basically ruined my life. It was perscribed to me in 1996 after a massive stroke and 2 brain surgerys and I have been using ever since . I am fighting daily to get off this deamond.

[Witchywoman]

Your problem with your son sounds really horrible, but i have to say that I think he is lucky to have a mother who cares about him enough to offer the support he needs without enabling him.

It can take a long time for someone to wake up and realize that they are responsible for their lives.  If he does move in, I hope you can set a clear set of agreements with him, that he will respect.  As much as you love him, you also really have to take care of yourself.

Please keep us posted..hearing from you helps the rest of us remember that our addictions really impact and hurt those around us who love us.

love,
WW

[Thomas]

I've been conducting my own study of the effects of hydrocodone use for the last 30 years. I'm almost ready to start collating my results -- but first, I'd like to doublecheck my findings ...

[CASEY]

My son called me at 2:00 am, extremely depressed, asking me what to do. Of course, he didn't want to hear about addressing the real issues; he just wanted to know how he can live without an income. I keep a roof over his head and food in his fridge but I don't give him spending money. He wants me to help him apply for welfare because his depression makes him "disabled". He claims he can't manage the paperwork on his own. We have tried various anti-depressants, Paxil being the worst. I am sure if he would follow through until he finds a match and went to counseling or NA,  he would feel better but he is too far into despair. I won't chase him around with his meds, vitamin B shots or NA schedules so we are at an impasse.  I told him it sounds like maybe he needs to move home (he is only 20) but he refuses so he really is setting himself up for no support. The first time he detoxed, he went on Paxil. He hated the way it made him feel so he rapidly went off it. Big mistake!  He went back to the streets and we were called to the ER because he had overdosed. Paxil goes into the system fast but out fast, also. Any of the other antidepressants are better. Try Serzone or Wellbutrin.  My dilemma is as detached as I want to be, he  does need support. Giving him the right kind is the trick.  I know he needs to move home and get proper treatment but the thought of him wreaking havoc on our home is another frightening thought. I empathize with you. I thought I was the only parent out there. It gets lonely sometimes, right? thanks.

[IrishRose]

1021- I am glad to see you post again. I do think of you and your son. I am an addict, married to one, and I fear now the parent of one as well. He just moved back home with us. He is terribly fond of alcohol but has been on Paxil for a year now. This week he "forgot' to take it for three days and the withdrawals are like nothing I have seen, low blood pressure, vomiting, dizziness. It scared the hell out of me. I told him if he cannot be responsible to remember to pick up his med and take it like he is supposed to then he should not be on it and should see his Dr about getting off it and he agreed. I did not realize how addictive this drug could be, yeah I know it's not heroin but it scares the hell out of me. I do know as well what it is to lose a loved one to the living dead world of active addiction at the height of it's insanity. It sounds to me like you have let go with love and it's up to him now. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Take care. IR.

[CASEY]

What a gift you have given me. I was afraid I would get a lecture about being codependent but instead I was affirmed. I just spent this morning touching base with my son in his needle strewn apartment. He is in such denial that he thinks I believe his lies about them being his friend's. I know better than to get into a debate. What does one say? I just tell him I love him and to let me know when he wants rehab but, of course, he "isn't using so why would he need rehab?" I am through with the threats and anger but I am frozen emotionally. Lines in the sand don't work with him so I guess I just have to pray. If you have any ideas, feel free. How did your parents influence you or did it come from within you to quit? I am honored that you will carry my words with you. Take care and keep your strength. (Your drive sounds like highway 93 in Montana, 360 dead deer a year). Sincerely, another mom.

[Gina]

What an inspiring post you wrote. I am a 37 year old woman whose addiction to painkillers for the past 5 years on and off (more on than off) has torn my parents hearts out. I have never seen my father cry until he came to my house to tell me that he and mom knew I was using again. They have been very supportive and after discussing options-they wanted me to go inpatient, I refused to go-I had already done the intensive outpatient route. We decided that I would try methadone. It's been 11 monhs now and it has completely changed my life for the better. I am free from that hunting/searching, how am I gonna cop some lifestyle. All the peoples bathrooms I have been in looking through the med cabinet praying for a treasure. It is a small hassle to drive 45 mins everyday but its worth it. I won't get into the flack I am hearing from my husband (a non-addict) re: miles and wear and tear on the new car, heavy deer area and bad weather coming etc....I have no intentions of detoxing yet and to tell you the truth I probably wouldn't ever if I lived closer. I am printing out what you posted and carrying it with me, so when the urge to use hits, I can remind myself of one of the most important reasons not to use. My parents deserve to have a happy, healthy and sober daughter..the daughter they KNOW and love. We are all SELFISH when we continue to choose to use. I haven't been here (on the board) for a while but as soon as I check back I always get a jolt of reality. Thanks 1021 for giving me another reason not to screw up. I hope and pray your son wakes up and realizes how blessed he is to have such a kind,wonderful and caring parent. A lot of people who use drugs are fortunate enough to have anyone that cares. You have inspired me tonite and for that I thank you!

[J.B. to Brian and Vicky]

Trying to stay away from heroine or any opiate is like trying to give up sex in many ways. It's an imprint on our minds that we may have no control over. I always told you that in so many ways in the past. Maybe you will "mature out of it" as they used to say. I used to hear this from old junkies(and there aren't many of them)on the streets. You are so young but have gone from oxycontin, to heroine and now to methadone in such a short time!

Have you ever wanted to grow up, get married and have kids? Someday you'll likely regret all this BS of a life when you are in some motel dieing alone with a needle sticking out of your vein. No life, no wife and no kids to care about you as you take your last breath and fly into the black hole of nothingness.

Somehow, I can't imagine that this will ever happen to you! At least, I hope not.

J.B.

[cindi]

care about you?     LOL    did I say care?  i meant to say love ya      ahemmmmmmmmmm   waiting for the email     love cin   and PS  it's not just the net................it's that POWERS Of  Mrs...cindi   aummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

[CHAD FROM PHILLY!!!]

Thanks girl...I am starting my methadone taper program yet again tommorow. It's time to grow up. Once again, thank you for being there....even though it's just through the internet, it's nice to know that for whatever reason, someone cares. Thank you, Talk soon, Chad

[CASEY]

I keep hoping my son will ask the questions you are asking. I would tell him by making a commitment to getting clean and sober, he has the power to reclaim his soul, his "self". He has the power to restore peace and a sense of well-being to his dad, his brothers, his aunts , his uncles, his niece and nephew and most of all to himself. He has the power to  make the world light instead of dark. He is so into his preoccupation with drugs that he has no idea how much  we miss "him", the son who is no longer present  to any of us.  It isn't his job to make us happy but it sure would be wonderful to have our son back.  I love him so much and I feel like he has died. He is the last thing I think of at night and the first  person I think about at 4:00 am. Please get off the fence and give yourself back to yourself and to those who love you. I know it isn't easy but you deserve the effort. Keep in touch.

[J.B. to Brian and Vicky]

I've never been involved in any drug studies except my own personal ones.  I would think that all the side effects would have been provided you when you signed up for this study. If, as you say, you are healthy the hydrocodone will be of little benefit to you unless you are considering addiction to narcotics as beneficial. Whenever I've abused painkillers in the past, it was for the buzz and the warm fuzzies. Hydrocodone taken for this reason is very habit forming for most of us here. Why are the people in Ireland doing this test anyway?  This stuff has been around for eons!

J.B.

[GingerLee]

Hello to you jay! The people like I have met here I can relate to and like better than anywhere on the internet. I see myself over and over again. Some come and some go, but while you are here you will never feel alone. Everyone has been so good to me. I wish I could name them all. Wizard, jbear, butterbean,telby, witchywoman, jennyfla, Thomas, and there are more. I am off the oxys myself right now, as well as the other stuff I used to "enhance it". I have a medical cause for pain, so I am taking darvocet and so far I have been ok. Just sick for a while and then sort of lost. So I come here and feel "found". Good luck and stay awhile..

[cindi]

Hi Hon,,,,As usual I am very concerned about you,.....i need for you to send me some mail..let me know what is going on,  since we last spoke.......love ya  cin

[Witchywoman]

Hi folks,
This is just to help JayNine learn how to post higher up on the board...JayNine is new to us and hoping to get support for getting off of vicodin.

Welcome Jay!

WW

[CHAD FROM PHILLY!!!]

Hey guys! Wow, alot has changed since I have been gone! The site looks great! I just wanted to ask you guys for some more help...

I have been on this roller coaster of using and detoxing for like the last nine months. I am really at my witts end (you know what I mean Cin?). The question is simple, the awnser is not...

HOW THE HELL DO I STAY AWAY FROM THEESE DAMM DRUGS???

Here's the deal...I have been using Heroin for about nine months. The good news is that I got off of the Oxycontin. Obviously, I just found something to replace it with. I have Methadone, so fortunately I do not have to go through the pain of withdrawl. The problem is that here I sit with enough Methadone to detox me properly, yet I continue to use. Sometimes I wake up with the intention of quiting forever...so I take a few Methadone tablets (10mg's) and then by 3:30 pm I am off to the city to cop dope. I don't cop because I am dope sick, I cop because honestly I freakin' love the feeling the H gives me (I sniff it). So how do I combat this problem? I know you guys can help because you have helped me MANY, many times in the past. Could someone please help me...Most of you know my story...For those of you who do not......It's the same old song and dance. Thanks guys, I know I can count on you.           Chad