Can I just stop Vicodin cold turkey?

[doddlebug44]

I am sitting here crying my eyes out, realizing that I have become an addict.  I have been on Narco 10/325 2 pills 3 times a day for about a year.  I have recently, within the past two months, began taking much more than prescribed.  I am terrified.  I have let everything in my life get out of control while I have stayed "High".  My story is not much different than most I have read, I really relate to most of them.  Can I quit cold turkey?  Well, basically, I have to because my Doctor will not renew my prescription as my urine test was not good, he could tell I was taking more than prescribed.  I have about 25 pills left. Without saying it, I'm sure most of you know where the extra pills come from.  I don't want to do this anymore, but I am afraid of loosing the "good feeling".  To be honest they don't even help with the pain, but they sure help my depression.  HELP ME PLEASE.

[CharlieAce61]

L_tyrosine and b_6..... You will not withdrawal at all...you will feel like the pain med is still in you....Trust me on this...get it at Gnc

[CharlieAce61]

L_tyrosine and b_6.....AND will not withdrawal at all...you will feel like the pain med is still in you....Trust me on this

[Elmijack15]

Check your inbox

[doddlebug44]

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

[doddlebug44]

Yes, lets do help each other.  It is so good to have a place to go (or at least chat) about issues.  Thank you so much for your response.

[doddlebug44]

Thank you so much, great advice on the extra pills.  Thank you so very much.

[doddlebug44]

Thank you so much, I really appreciate the positive and compasionate feed back I have received.   Thank YOU.

[sickteach]

Yes!!!!!!!!!!!!You can do this and so can I.  Maybe we can help each other as my story sounds very similar to yours.  I have made it to day 5 and so can you!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Elmijack15]

Hi there, you say you have 25 pills left why don't you try to taper down so withdrawals aren't as bad. Can someone hold them for you and make a plan and stick to it? Just an option that may help so you don't have to go cold turkey. And you're right, they do make us feel better when we're down but that's not the right medication for depression. Wean off and go see a doctor and see if maybe some anti depressants can help you out. Good luck to you! Hang in there!

[IwillDoThis]

doodlebug - I just want to echo what bkitty and littlebit said - littlebit and I could be the same person I swear.  I just wanted to say hi, welcome and I'm so happy you found this place.  I'm 48 days today off hydros and it feels so good.  You CAN do it and I bet you'll find you are in much less pain than you think.  I did have a spike of rebound pain for about two weeks but right now things are starting to level out for me.

You CAN do it and we'll be here to support you!

[littlebit667]

Boy can I relate.  I think I was taking them for depression, grief..you name it.  But I promise...it gets better and better.  I am having a down day today, but still better than when I did not care because of the pills.  I hope this helps you.

I kept telling myself...YOU HAVE the FLU!  It will be over and I will feel so much better.  My brain seemed to get that and settled down a little.  It is hard, but doable!  The Thomas Recipe (bottom of the page) under Health Pages will help.  I did not to the tranquilizers and had to cut back on the Ltryosine, but the rest really helped.  Imodium, Imodium, Imodium (liquid or pills if the liquid can't be found or you can't swallow it) will help.  I took double the dosage for a few days (personal choice) and it helped so much..even with the withdrawals in general and the opiate trots which sucked.  

Hydrate and eat! ((gatorade is good) Even if it is just a little every hour or so.(boost or ensure might work for both food and drink)  You have to eat something to keep your energy up as much as possible.  

If you have Restless legs..it is hit or miss what works.  Walking seemed to help me some.  Hot bath with epsom salts..a little.  I finally had to get my doctor to refill my restless legs meds (non addictive) to get some sleep.  If nothing works,your doctor might help.  Benedryl helps some with sleep issues and you will have them.

One hour at a time is all anyone can ask.  After 2 weeks it gets a little better and I started to say, One day at a time!  Your brain will do all sorts of things to get you to take a pill.  I found if I was hungry..the cravings got worse.  I would try to eat a banana, a few grapes or a few crackers to get that under control.

The hardest part comes after the detox.  Your brain will be all over the place and will try to get you back on the pills...It is having to work and not depend on the pills to help.  

Good for you.  I hope all goes well.  You have made a good start coming here....this site has helped me so much!!!  Keep posting!!!!!

[doddlebug44]

Thank you so very much for your help.  You have really put some of my thoughts at ease.  You will never know how much your quick and compasionate response means to mean.  Thank you so very much.

[Bkitty]

Hi and Welcome!! First off dont be scared,,Its going to be Ok I promise. Yes,,you can quit cold turkey but you need to be aware that there will be some uncomfortable side effects that you have to go thru. Most common side effects that people experience are: flu like symptoms,,sneezing,,yawning,,restlessness in legs and in general,,general malaise,,anxiety,,hot and cold sweats,,insomnia,,and diarrhea. Day 3-4 are the hardest usually and then the mental part sets in,,the depression and cravings.Some members do well tapering slow off the pills and some dont. You need to cut off your supply thru your doctor and outside of your doctor. Aftercare is inportant as well. NA/AA are very important or some kind of support and therapy. The pills give you a false sense of being,,that good feeling will go away eventually and then you start having to take more to get that initial high back that you once had,,thus begins a merry go round. There are supplements to help ease withdrawal symptoms you can look up the Thomas Recipe. Its important to get in the right mind set as well. I had everything I needed in place so I didnt have to run around getting things. After the physical symptoms subside,,its all mental from there and like I said you will need to address that. If you have a history of depression,,you may want to address that as well,,depression is what caused me to use,,I self medicated. Please dont panic or be scared. We all will support you and walk you thru this process. Im sending hugs and hope to you. ~Bkitty