Cold Turkey Quiting Oxycodone and Concerned

[sgersch]

I have been on Oxycodone for over 2 years. Anywhere from 5mg to 15mg 3-4 times a day. I got carried away and took all my meds thinking I could get my script a week early as I was leaving town for a few weeks and assumed the dr would just write a 23 day script rather than a 30 day script to accomodate me while in another state where they won't fill an out of state script. The Dr would not do it, so now I'm forced to go cold turkey as I don't have resources to find the drug elsewhere to get me by for the next ten days.

I have family coming to town and then I am leaving town for work making the next 10 days very busy and already planned with family trips and work assignments. Am I going to be able to function driving with family and working over the next week or so?

I have some old tramadol that I've read can help withdrawl. Tramadol has never really helped much with pain or given me any sense of euphoria. I have a limited amount, so I plan to try it in low doses hoping it will help. I have had restless leg syndrome before when I was off Oxy for a day and I could not stand it! Will Tramadol help with restless leg syndrome?

Any suggestions to help ease withdrawl that I suspect is coming soon would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Sgersch

[sgersch]

I am feeling decent after 72 hours without oxy. Should I expect the other shoe to drop soon or could I actually get through this easy. Been taking vitamins and Hylands restful legs along with Hylands calms forte and sleeping pills at night.

[overthepill]

I can only speak from personal experience but I recently had a 19 month run on oxycodone at similar amounts that your are taking.  I always wanted to stop, but rationalized my use and always convinced myself it wasn't the "right time" to quit.  In reality, I was just lying to myself.  It is the fear of withdrawing, and fear of coping with life with no pills that makes you keep using.  But those are just mental hurdles that will overcome and it really doesn't take that long into detox until they are behind you... that is IF you want to commit to a clean life without pills. If you are committed, its simply mind over matter.  The worst of the physical withdrawal symptoms only last a few days and the mental games were subsiding around days 10-14.  If you can make it 10 days clean, you would be much better off staying that way.

I jumped off with no taper and personally think thats the best method.  I highly, highly recommend the Thomas recipe.  I was skeptical about how much effect some vitamins and over the counter remedies would actually help, but the difference is substantial from the times I previously tried to detox and failed.  Look it up in the health pages and follow it closely.  I fully credit the Thomas recipe and this message board for getting me clean.  They are life-savers.

[sgersch]

I do want to quit oxy for good. It would be dumb to withdrawal twice. I'm not sure if I will be strong enough though. If withdrawal gets too bad, hopefully I will get motivated enough to rip up my next script that is on hold for 9 more days. Thanks for all the advice and support.

[Sonrissa]

Hi and also welcome! I'm really sorry you are in this position, and I've been through something similar several times! I won't lie, it's gonna be pretty tough! I don't have much experience with Trams, but they may help slightly! I would definately get some Immodium, and stay very well hydrated! Lack of sleep and RLS will more than likely be an issue! You have been given good advice about that! After 10 days you will be through the worst of the withdrawals, perhaps it would be good time to quit for good? Just sayin! Wouldn't it be nice not to have to worry about refills and such?

Anyway, I wish you the very best! Take care, and please post with any questions or if you want some support! Good luck!

[littlebit667]

I think you may have moved from dependence on the meds to addiction.  Been there, done that and have the t-shirt!  The tram will probably help some to keep the worst of the withdrawals at bay.  While you are in this situation..please consider what it means and please be honest with yourself.  I hope all goes well and glad you found this site.  It has been a life saver for me.  

[Teresa1717]

I wanted to second what Vicki asked in are you just wanting to figure something out until your next refill or are you wanting to stop? Stopping cold turkey isnt going to be fun but its doable. As far as driving and working you should be able to but your symptoms may make it more uncomfortable for you.

Vicki gave great advice on things to get to help with the w/ds and you can also check out the Thomas Recipe for more information. HOWEVER I do disagree about taking the Trams! But I guess im just biased  in hating that drug! :) But I guess if your just looking to stop until your next refill, then trams will help some.

Best of luck to you!

[vicki595]

Hi and Welcome-  This is an unfortunate situation for you to go through...Yes, the Tramadol will help the wd's although I never said that...

Are you just trying to get to the next refill?  Are you sure a refill request can't be made by your current pharmacy to the out of town pharmacy? Oh...I guess not...it's oxycodone.

The Tramadol may not cover much, though. For RLS, get Hylands Restful Legs at Walgreens or Walmart. Drink apple juice, orange juice, eat bananas, and take cal/mag supplements.