Can I take a cough medicine w/narcotics in it while on BUP?

[ColdInVT]

Hi all -

I started Bup on Tuesday of this week (and it is going GREAT!!).  I have a major cold!  My coughs aren't just "little coughs", I had radiation treatments and chemo 12 years ago and due to the radiation, my bronch tubes are funky - according to the radiologists that over saw the radiation treatments, the coughing (when I have a cold) is due to the effects of the radiation.  In any case, I have Tussinex cough syrup at home for this type of thing but am scared to take any since I am now on Bup - What will happen if I take it?  Does anyone know?  I am on the Bup due to my addiction to percocet and I realize that the cough syrup is a nacotic that can be abused as well, but for some reason I never abused the cough syrup (and don't plan to now).  This also leads me to another question, what if I broke my leg or something?  How would the pain be treated?  Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks!
-Cold

[AmberHunter]

i have no earthly idea if you can take narcotic cold medicine... how about taking tessalon perles or something like that? i LOVE tussionex! my all time favorite cough medicine! love it!!! would cough out a lung before i would take it again though!

now this is just regarding myself... for me, i have to be really careful what meds i take esp. narcotics... i will manufacture pain to give myself a free high here and there... by no means am i a martyr... i had kidney stones a few weeks ago and i had to take pain meds... but it is scary every time i need to take narcotics... to easy to mess up...

in your case you may really need to take something stonger for your cough, i don't know... i am sure the doc will be around soon to tell you if you CAN take that tussionex with the bup! good luck either way and i hope you feel better soon!

amber

[pammy0690]

Do not take any narcotic anything with Bup.  Chances are it may not make you sick, but if it does you will really be ill!  Like throwing up sick!  Call your doctor and ask what you can take for cough syrup with Bup.  Glad to hear the Bup is helping someone else my husband quit narcs with the help of bup.  He had no withdrawal symtoms at all.  He kind of misses the pleasant feeling of well being the Bup gave after he quit.  Just a tiny psychological gee I miss that nice feeling.  Not a big overwhelming craving.  It has been over a month since he stopped the bup and he feels great!  Then again we have really taken the long road to recovery so every step even the small ones were a vast improvement to how our lives were!  Peace and love, Pamela

[ColdInVT]

Hi, thanks for responding...it is Tussionex - it is an incredible cough supressant and I have used it for years...I didn't realize it was Vicodin though...I knew it was a narcotic but I didn't know to what extent.  The coughing is so bad I cracked a rib last year and I also vomit...I was worried if I took it with the Bupe it might kill me?  

Thanks
-Cold..

[whatitistoburn]

Oh, yummy, Tussionex! It's the best cough syrup ever, and it sure gives you a pleasant feeling, but do not take it on Bup. Like the post above, please call your doc, and ask what you can take with bup. You have a very complicated case, and we wouldn't want to see anything happen to you. Be very cautious, and good luck. Your coughing fits sound just horrible, and I really feel for you.

Burn

[steve1981]

Hello,

This was supposed to be day #1 for me.  I hit snooze on my alarm clock and apparently slept through it the second time, so I didn't go to work this morning.  Must have been the 2.5 mg of xanax it took to get me to sleep last night (since I tapered to about 20 mg snorting oxycontin).  Well I am out of OC and don't have anymore lortab either...I had 3 lortabs 7.5 for when things got really bad, and I couldn't help myself this morning after my shower.  I was just sooooooo drained feeling.  ANyway, one good thought is that now (35 min after taking the three lortabs) I feel like superman again... Usually 20mg of hydro wouldn't affect me this much.  

SO, here I go...cold turkey... =(

[NEW ORLEANS LADY]

I feel like I'm going through posting withdrawal!  I had to do some marketing for one of our other offices and haven't had access to a computer.  I hope everyone is doing well--day 11 for me out of hydro-hell and still standing strong!--Peace & Prayers N.O. lady AKA Mystere

Anne

[steve1981]

Day 11?  I'm about to start cold turkey tomorrow.  I have: Immodiam AD, xanax, Centrum Performance (has B6 and Ginseng and Genko--probably don't need any L-Tyrosine right?), methocarbamol (muscle relaxant not like Soma but better than something like ibuprofen), and Clariten-D.  Does that sound like a good detox cocktail?  Any suggestion?  Can you tell me about how your day to day withdrawal were like?  Like which was the worst day?  When do you start to feel better?  Are you still experiencing detox?  If you missed my post yesterday you might can still review it midway down under the "Questions about coming of opiates" post from yesterday (or was it 2 days ago?).  Good luck to all of you!    THANKS!

[NEW ORLEANS LADY]

Hi and welcome!--I found that the fear of withdrawal was actually worse than going through it!  I'm not familiar with oxycontin but I can tell you about my experience with Hydrocodone 10/325--12-14 per day for several years! It seems you have the right ingredients to begin your detox--I had used xanax in the past and I found that it did help--but none the less you feel like someone ran over you with a truck!  If you have read the thomas recipe I hope you have the 5-7 days needed to get the demons out of your system!  Also everyone is different--Please read some posts from some oxy users to find out what their experience was like.  By day 5 I started feeling like a human being and the "fog" began to lift--You are soooo young and have your life ahead of you--If you can get this behind you now it will save you many years of the pain and misery of addiction.  I read and posted often--that was my "mental" therapy--still do as a matter of fact. Most people will tell you that withdrawing from an opiate is hell on earth but the good news is that it is TEMPORARY!--and you have a wonderful opportunity to reclaim your life.--Good luck my friend you will be in my prayers--I'll check on you from home as Mystere-Peace N.O. Lady

Anne

[NEW ORLEANS LADY]

I forgot to say--I would probably skip the clariten-D in the beginning i think it has ephedrine in it and that could make you more jittery!  Anyone else have any advice for Steve? Especially someone who has detoxed from both oxycontin and hydro's--Thanks
N.O. Lady AKA Mystere

Anne

[steve1981]

Thanks!  I am starting to come down from the Lortabs now...starting to freak out a little.  I AM going to quit now for sure.  I think I have some claritin (minus the "D") so I'll take that instead.  

Does anyone every have "yawning attacks" when you come off opiates?  It no big deal, but it always happens to me.  Kinda embarassing when you're in a meeting or talking to a co-worker.  Does anyone know why this happens?  Just curious.

[MellyR]

Steve, you said you have a son, correct? Will he be able to stay with your ex while you go CT? I have two little ones and they (no fault of their own, they're good kids) are defintely the hardest part of dealing with withdrawl, if you can arrange so someone else has him while you're going through this, that might be best. Although you'll miss his cuddles and love, it'll be easier for you to only have to deal with yourself for the next few days. Also that way you won't be able to fall into the "well, I NEED to take just a few so I can handle his needs and be in a good mood for him" trap. If he will be with you during C/T I can give you some advice (if you need it) on activities he could do that require minimal parental involvement and keep him from bugging you. I would defintely go out to the store today and get everything you need, since you'll obviously not want to go anywhere tommorrow. Don't forget fluids; it's easy to get dehydrated during C/T. Keep a few bottles of water in your bedroom so you don't have to keep getting up. Stock up on magazines, books, videos etc. to help pass the time (and of course post here so we can all cheer you on!!). If no one's going to see you, don't force yourself to shower if you can't stand it, for some people (like me) the feel of water is just unbearable during C/T. You may want eyedrops, my eyes always feel dry and burning during C/T. If you don't eat anything at all you'll end up feeling even weaker, so if you can handle it, you might want to try choking down some easy to digest foods. From my multiple experiences with C/T, the things I could eat were: crackers, bananas, cinnamon toast, dry cereal, smoothies (the tropicanan brand you can buy in the grocery store are good, also the Odwalla brand C monster is good slightly frozen) although if you have very bad diahrea, too much fruity stuff is obviously not a good idea. Good luck

[mystere]

I just got home from work and I wanted to check in and see how you are doing! One other thing please be careful with the xanax--not only the dosage but how long you stay on it-A few days at the most--You do not want to trade one addiction for another! You have a lot of support here and we're all rooting for you just hang in there--Things will get better--It's 6:45 c.s.t here in the Big Easy--I need to run an errand and I'll check on you later--YOU CAN DO THIS!  Peace & Prayers-Mystere AKA N.O. Lady

Anne

[whatitistoburn]

Hi all,

Can anyone tell me how long it is safe to take Rx sleep aides during, and after detox? I'm doing pretty well, only w/d symptoms I have are freezing during the day, then hot, hot heat at night (I have to sleep w/o anything on, open the window, and turn my ceiling fan on, and it's still very chilly where I am), and of course the not sleeping thing.

Of course I do not want to get addicted to Rx sleep aides, but right now, I really need my sleep.

Thanks much for any info.

Burn

[mrmichael67]

That tussionex is like taking a lorcet.  Actually, I think it is better as I think the chlorpheniramine has some additive effect.  There are 10mg of hydrocodone per tsp.  As far as taking it with bup, the thing that might happen as a result of taking bup with the hydrocodone is that the bup might block it.....or at least to an extent, depending on how much bup you are on.  It is when you take the bup when you are currently on another opioid and dependent that you get sick from it.  Try your best to get by with cough drops.  A good one with dextromethorphan is Delsym.  One note is it at least was made by the same manafacturer as Tussionex....Medeva.  So, I would imagine that is why it works as well as it does.  I am not sure who makes it now.  It doesn't taste like **** either, just like tussionex.

[mystere]

Good evening my guardian Angel!--I wasn't able to post much today because I didn't have access to a computer--Anyway thanks for the James Frey Info--I plan on picking that up this weekend--I hope you had a great Thursday--Take care Hon--I'll post tomorrow--Peace and Prayers Mystere AKA N.O. Lady

Anne

Gracie97--How are you doing? day 8 and going strong I hope!

[gracie97]

The cravings have been getting stronger today, starting day 9 tomorrow. Rick thinks I am being grumpy and mean. But I am just trying to explain to him that I miss "my bad friends" sometimes-used to be when things got too stressful, I turned to them. I am now at that stressful time, and I KNOW that is why the cravings were so strong today. But now it is over, made it thru day 8, and will keep trying. Honestly, work really can be the best "distractor" if I let it, it is just hard letting go, ya know what I mean?????  I made the choice myself, I argue with myself when the cravings start saying, "so what" what is the big deal anyway? Well it is a BIG deal, I just go read my posts from 7 days ago, I was in serious pain then from the wd's. They are gone now, I just can't go back, no way......Even if I wanted to I would have to go to some DR and make up crazy stories (I have never been a good liar-too much guilt) The monkey is not on my back, just keeps trying to see if I will let him come home.....NO, he has been issued a legal restraining order by me! (hehhehehehe)

[peaz]

Hi Doll---I am WHIPPED!! Today was Instant Winner Thursday and the phones were ringing off the hook, people were dropping by, and I had some spots to cut....So I haven't posted much, either.  Did I tell you I started the Frey book?   I isn't really in chapters.....in fact the writing style is somewhat unorthodox, but very well-written and compelling.
    I think the AA gods are on my case for spouting off AA heresies, because my sponsor wants to meet w/ me before my mtg tomorrow.....About something she'd "rather not discuss on the phone".  ???? Sex? Drugs?  Rock and roll?? LOLOL  No, I don't think so, either.....I think she's sensing that my heart isn't in the program, and she's concerned that I might "GO BACK OUT"  one of their favorite slogans....First of all, she needs to work HER own program, and I'll work MINE......Secondly, what happened to the famous slogan," Take what you want and leave the rest?"  Or were they just kidding??  Because I DON'T believe everything she does, and I'm NOT madly in love w/ AA and will not make it my second addiction!!  Let's see, now---I've been sober 16 months, quit smoking for 4, lost 30 pounds or more, got in the best, most fit shape of my life, attend mtgs and go to my professional group therapy, and see my drug counselor regularly.  Yep----I'm on a CRASH course, I see that plainly.....I'm headed for TROUBLE!!!!
    Well, I'll get back to you on that.
    But!!  Look at you, Missy!!! You are just an awesome example of motivation and determination and I am so proud of you!!!  There is a WORLD of difference in you as a person between last week and this one.  Incredible!! And I see you posting to others to help them as much as you can, and it doesn't get any better than that.....What goes around, comes around, for certain.  God bless you, Anne--hats off to ya!!  Love, Peazy

[mystere]

You Go Girl--9 days and standing strong! I do understand about those cravings that hit out of the blue-Believe me it does pass--I'm like you when I think of where I was 12 days ago my resolve gets stronger--I'm not sure if I told you about the book Rational Recovery by Jack Trimpey--He identifies the cravings as your primal "beast" talking--This book has helped me tremendously especially with the mind games we addicts like to play!  Take care hon you made it through your first week opiate free!  That is quite an accomplishment!  I'll check in on you tomorrow! Peace & Prayers-Mystere/ AKA N.O. Lady

Anne

[steve1981]

Hey, thanks for the advice, but I've never had a problem with xana or any other drug.  Only opiates are addicting for me...tried cocaine a couple of times...never had the urge to want anymore.  I drink alcohol sometimes, never feel like I could drink on a daily basis either.  I don't know why I like pain pills so much.  I guess it's because I can do all things I have to do in my life easier, it doesn't make you high in the sense of like being drunk or anything...just makes you feel GOOD and for me, it's gives me energy to be a young father/collgeg student/full time employee.  Anyway, I get my son back from the ex tomorrow.  I'm taking him to Pensacola City Beach with my girlfriend, brother, and his wife.  I'll fake a bad case of the "flu" when we meet up in Birmingham where he lives.  =)  "Will, can you watch Austin and take him to the beach for a while, this flu is horrible!"  haha  Yeah I think I can find family to help me with him while daddy gets better.  One thing that bothers me though...when I first started dating my girlfriend I would tell her I had a few beers if she wondered why I acted wierd (being on pills, I didn't want her to know).  She happened to casually mention one time that she "liked me better" when I was like that.  I have a bit of a social anxioety problem that opiates completely cure...might have something to do with being so young and haveing a 3 year old son, divorced, heart broken because of the way my ex also treated me...ANYWAY, I hope once the withdrawals are over I can work on it...........uh oh, here come the runs...gotta go bye~!

[steve1981]

I CAN'T SLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!  Argh!

[mystere]

Good morning!--I know it will be rough but I know you can handle it!--I also loved those precious little pills--Like I said in an earlier post--A handful of hydro's and I was ready to paint and roof the house/have a Martha Stuart style dinner waiting for my husband/rebuild a few antique cars/then go dancing all night!-I not sure why those things have that effect on some people--They were almost like speed--until you come crashing down--and I always did--having to increase my dosage to experience that very first wonderful "high"--except it never came--I took so many of those suckers one night i was afraid to close my eyes because I was convinced I had overdosed--Paranoia--now that's a great feeling Ha!  Please Steve you have a great opportunity to reclaim your life-Do you want to be doing this 20 years from now--Because that is exactly what will happen if you don't stop NOW-- You have a chance to spare yourself 20 years of hell and misery I was willing to endure those VERY UNCOMFORTABLE 5-7 days to get my life back. Read and post often--This board was my lifeline--You have many wonderful people here to offer love and support because we know exactly what you are going through! You are in my prayers-- good luck Hon We're pulling for YA--Peace & prayers Mystere/N.O. Lady

Anne

[rodewc]

Gd. Mrng.

Hope you have access to a puter, Steve. Hippee and others saved me my 1st WD weekend.

The Frey book: I agree. Unorthodox style, but it grows on the reader. I had mean to photocopy one pg. (2nd graph and pg 141 and one other pg. prior), but I never got @ to it.

So the book is in the mail, Dancin', as of yesterday. I sent in the cheapest way possible (I might be able to get the dope outta my system, but the bargain hunter's gotta stay.) (IE: I mailed it in the cheapest way)

Anyhoo, I had to fill outta ass of info as it was going across the border to Canada. For a book. The P.O. guys looked in pkg, flipped through the book, etc. I felt like a criminal (similar to waiting for the pharmacist to fill a legal script).

The P.O. guy said maybe 5 days 'fore the book arrives in Canada, unless it gets humg up in Customs. Doubtful, as there is nothing for the dogs to sniff, not even a drop of residue.

I decided not to copy to 2 Frey pages I wanted: 1. They would Just get lost in the myriad piles of Junk I already save. 2. Not  many (none) of my friends or famBly know of this dirty laundry anyway. (Years ago, 10, I claimed "alcoholism", long story- but it saved my ass; although alcohol, in truth, bores me)

I did, however, at first ask my hubby if he would mail the book for me. He asked why I was sending it to a girl in Canada. I told her I had met/read her words on an addiction board. That piqued his curiosity. (He writes for a living. I can definitely mail you some of his work if you wish, e-mail) I replied to him that peeps here, and other recovery boards, were sooo nice, not dregs of Earth as the GP (general population) thinks.

He agreed. "Recovering addicts are." He has been through Al-Anon (for me) some decade ago see above^), so he knows all the phrases. Prolly agrees w/ them for that matter. He is wayyyyy religious, not that I couldn't bone up on my secular knowledge, but I am not he in my views at all.

All that ramblin' was to prove, or say, that Peaz, you have a great life, certainly a great aspect/outlook. I wouldn't weigh 2 cents on a pro-advocate lecture you +may+ be about to receive @ A/A. A friend who has embraced A/A for years told me that asking an A/A convert if meetings were important was like asking a cowboy w/ hemmrhoids (sp) if he should still ride.

Mystere: you are doing great. Though I may be farther in my recovery (time wise) than you, I don't feel so far maturity wise. IE: I still have myriad thoughts of using. I even cashed the script for the Vikes. DUMB. I had thought I was holding on to a script for 18, but it was filled for fifteen VikeES. Now I want to call the oral surgeon, or the pharmacist, and ask who was wrong: he or I?

Now. That is the epitomy of a setback. What difference does it make (15 vs. 18) if I am not planning to take them?

As an aside to a possible setback, my hubby has left town for the weekend, leaving me to care for things, including the puppy who is a mixture of sooo many dogs, perhaps even YIKES.. Pit Bull!

I, as a reward, for having the hovel to myself, decided to cash the script in case something happened. I can't believe how dumb that sounds, kinda like I am soo prescient that I can predict a broken/sprained ankle.

The other reason I took the day off (unpaid; I am out of sick days) is that I am generally up 4-6 night a week w/ one of my errant (almost adult) kids who frequently spends the entire night out (w/o caling) while I lie in bed listening to sirens and rehashing horror stories accompanying same.

Ah, for the years the kids were two, and all I worried about was the constant bickering and kiddy illnesses.

I have rambled about here. I follow all the stories on this board, though, and admire the courage, advice and strengths through your (all of you) struggles.

Time to enjoy this stolen day off by watching TV trash, visiting Lacy Petersen and Elizabeth Smart boards, checking in the myriad addiction boards, reading, playing Yahoo Bridge and Spades, and taking the hyper Pit Bull/Chow/Lab (mix) to the beach, hunting for sharks' teeth, and hopefully refraining from yammering here.

I worry now, tho, that hubby will visit these same boards now that he knows I do. I hope not. He quit snooping years ago when he saw that he had to live his life, not mine.

rwc~

[steve1981]

Thanks.  I do feel like I'm young and have the rest of my life ahead of me, but at the same time I have a lot behind me as well.  I mean, in a couple more years people are going to be asking me "is that your brother or--" when I'm out in public with my son.  ha  What I mean is that being 22, I may not have had this problem for a long time but it still makes up 25% of my life.  One quarter of this **** is all I know.

Anyway, I actually slept well last night even though I had to get up three times to use the bathrrom.  Thats a very awkward experience mind you...waking up at 1 AM with the xanax still blazing, having to dash/crash/stumble to the bathroom still half way asleep... =)

But I was able to go back to sleep pretty easily.  Well, it's time for me to go to work.  This is going to be interesting...at least it's Friday.

[whatitistoburn]

Are you talking about the beautiful Birmingham in Michigan?