Detoxing OxyContin

[veryconcerned]

I am a 55 year old male in semi-decent shape and good health except for typical controlled hypertension. I have had two knee replacements in October but am nolonger in any pain. I was placed on OxyContin 9 months ago, originally at 10mg/ 2x daily. The 30 days later increased to 20mg/ 2x daily. At the point of the surgeries in October I was on 20mg/ 3x daily with 5mg Oxycodone in between.

I have uncomfortably weaned myself, by myself, down to 10mg/ 1x daily, but the cold flashes and shakes are hell. The doctor's current program was to wean me with 10mg OxyContin 1X daily for 7 days, then 10mg 1/every 2 days and to stop after 4 days. I lasted 2 days on the 10 mg and have cold turkeyed it because I would feel good for 10 hours and like hell for 14 hours. It has been 36 hours since I have had any OxyContin. When do the cold flashes and shakes stop. Is there anything my doctor can prescribe to make this more tolerable?

I sincerely appreciate any help.

[Witchywoman]

Hello and welcome!
Oxy is harder to come off of because it last longer in your sytem, but like all other opiates, the worst of the withdrawals will be over in a week, then you'll be hit with lethargy and fatigue that could last a few weeks.

Your Doc can prescribe clonodine to help with the chills and the restlessness, but it is a blood pressure med, and I'm not sure it is right for you.  Another option is to ask your Doc to switch you to a short acting narcotic such as vicodin for you to taper off from. Either way, it is a tough road, and I'm very sorry you are suffering.  We've all been there.

The good news is that it can and will be over with time, though it is uncomfortable as hell.  If you have an understanding Doc, let her or him know what you are going through and see what they recommend to help you get off this stuff as comfortably as possible.

I was never able to taper, tried and failed many times, so I had to go cold turkey. You have my sympathy and support.

love,
WW

[hellbent]

It may not be a good idea for you to run you're own detox program on yourself here. If anything, it sounds like you need to increase your dosage and wean slower. I get the inference from your post that you are a straight pain med patient, and not an addict, psycologically. If that's the case, I recommend that you get on a less painful taper schedule, perhaps getting off the OC altogether and switching to Vicodin, then Darvon. Perhaps get a script for 10 ambien if you are really sleepless. Of course, take it all AS DIRECTED.

[veryconcerned]

Thank you for your comments. You are so kind to paint a brighter horizon than some of the horror stories I've read. I'm not sure that there would have been a better pain narcotic than Oxycontin for the pain I was enduring pre and post surgery, but I never had any idea that I would have a withdrawal. I'm not one to use medications unless totally necessary and this just proved me to continue asking questions before taking any medication. God bless you for your kindness.

[Witchywoman]

You know, reading hellbent's post, and then re-reading yours, I really agree with hellbent.  You definately don't sound like you have the psychological addiction part that most of us here have.
Given that, I totally agree with hellbent's suggestion that you speak to your Doc about a better taper plan.  Going on vicodin, then darvon, tapering down very slowly, you can do this much much more comfortably. There is no need to suffer if you have the discipline to do a slow taper.  Oxy is a wonderful medication for serious pain, and I'm glad it worked for your surgery. You shouldn't suffer coming off it when there are techniques that will make it almost painless.

Talk to your Doc, see what she or he is willing to do to help you.

love,
WW

[veryconcerned]

It would be so nice if I could taper. Howvever his method of tapering off OxyContin is not working. But being off 40 hours (yes, I'm counting the hours}, I really never want to put anymore O/C back into my system....ever. I do have a call into my doctor, but of course he is off today. So, I guess it will probably be a long and uncomfortable weekend. Thank you for your help.

[Witchywoman]

This constitutes a medical emergency for someone in your condition.  Ask for the back up Doc. Trust me, there is always someone backing up. If you can't get a response, go to the ER and explain the situation.

If you are not an addict like most of us here, there are more comfortable ways to go through this.
I wish I could have been able to taper!  Believe me, I tried and failed many times. I had to face the hell of cold turkey. I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy, but it is survivable. I just got over the flu, and I actually think the flu was worse. I still feel very worn down from it actually, but am back at work.

love,
WW

[veryconcerned]

I'm sure you have read my comment to Hellbent. We'll ses what the doctor says when he calls. He really is an understanding guy but I think this is somewhat new to him. He said it was the first time he ever received a call to get off Oxycontin. He said most of his patients want to get on it.

To answer your question, no I am not an addictive personality who has the slightest craving to ever touch the mediaction again. I just want to get rid of the discomfort which are worse than any flu I've ever had.

[hellbent]

Souds like you have resigned yourself to kicking the habit the hard way. Sooo... here are some suggestions. Call in some help if you can. Someone to get you food at the store, etc... make yourself as comfortable as you can. Get some vitamins in you, some soup, stay warm, rent some movies, take baths, and don't stress about anything at all. You are doing more than you ever should have to just by getting off these meds in the fashion that you are. Be real kind to yourself, and remember that if you get heavily depressed or are jumping out of your skin, it's ok, and it's passing all the time, every hour you stay clean.

And keep posting here, and if I didn't say anything that is useful, someone else will.

[veryconcerned]

Doctor just called. Said that since I am already off 40 hours, to try to stay off. Of course I agree. He is recommending clonodone patches with a decreasing dossage over 2 weeks. He also wants to be kept abreast throughout the weekend. Thank you all for your help. I will be back as I can, to keep you all informed. Up to an hour ago I felt all alone till I found this web site. Thankyou all.

[Rex1]

Hang in there, and post here if you feel down.

I think the one thing that I would add that I did not read from the others is to accept that it is a rollercoaster ride. Up one minuet, down the next. But with every passing hour your closer to the end.

Sleep, rent movies do anything to keep your mind off of yourself.

God's Blessings upon you.

Rex

[southernbelle]

veryconcerned, please keep us posted.....
as for ME, folks, I'm scum, a slug, the lowest of the earth.
I just got back from a new doc, he gave me a new scrip.  I'm so wicked.  This is horrible.  I was able to go two and 1/2 days, and I just couldn't take it.  This time was worse than the last time I went without. I don't know if I can do it -- and keep up with everything i do during the day.  I met with my psychiatrist early this morning, she is good.  I told her about my problem, she said i needed to get to the root and reason as to why i run to these pills and she will do her best to help me do that.  i think she will.  i'm already on the prozac, remeron and buspar --- but NOTHING, NOTHING makes me feel like a percocet does.  I feel like such a loser.  The doc i went to was sooo nice and innocent.  trust me, my back WAS killing me!  that was true.  but it wasn't because i hurt it...it was because i'm withdrawing.  i feel yucky, but i just felt helpless.  i felt like i was dying.
sorry to ramble, i just saw that witchywoman and rex were on board, and you guys have been so sweet to me.
my biggest problem is i can be so good to everybody in my life, i feel like i live a life of devotion to my family and work, but i can't be good to me.  just call me gollum (from lord of the rings)...isn't he the most pitiful, dangerous and despicable creature?  i love you guys.  if anybody read this far, i love you and you have my support.

[Witchywoman]

Southerbelle, first...let's look at your first sentence.
Sorry, but you are NOT scum. No way. Down with Shame!!!! It is the shame that will suck you in.  You are an addict, just like the rest of us and we have all been where you are.  Just look at the fact that you got right on here and told us that you filled the script and took it. That is honesty, right? And honesty is part of what gets us to recovery eventually. Trust me on that, you did the right thing by telling us, but don't call yourself a slug or scum. I used to do that. I used to come on here and tell everyone that I was the scum of the earth. The loving folks here would not let me get away with that, and I'm not going to let you get away with it either.

You are a valuable human, a sweet loving woman who has a nasty problem, addiction. But you are not your addiction, you just have it.  

Relapse with this illness is the norm, so don't beat yourself up. Learn what caused you to relapse (maybe it was just the hell of withdrawals) and let each relapse teach you that one lesson that might bring you to the final time you get into recovery.

Love yourself.  It is in the times of deepest self hatred and shame that we have to love ourselves the most, unconditionally.  That is when it matters the most. At least be willing to love yourself, if you can't really feel it. Trust that we know you are the beautiful soul you are, and most of us here know what the hell of addiction feels like.  Never, ever give up on yourself. Even when you relapse, never give up. You are not scum!!!!!

I don't know if a single word I've written here will reach you but I wanted to at least try and give you some loving support. Take care of yourself and give yourself a huge pat on the back for being honest with us here. That is hard to do. No one here will judge you for relapsing. It has happened to most of us. Judgement kills the soul, acceptance and love frees it.

Thanks for your honesty....you are an inspiration. Keep reaching for the light my friend, it is just around the corner.

love,
WW

[NickA]

Yes, we are all fundamentally loathesome.  I have been strung out on many different substances over the past 5 years, and even in the weed soaked gaps in that time, I've never been able to maintain complete sobriety at all.  I'm sure if there were some pressing reason for me to be sober (health, etc...), I would easily be able to do it.  Of course I'm just assuming that.  But - I feel that the crux of the problem lies in the simple fact that you and I deeply hate ourselves, and it's not going to get any better.  As long as I don't feel like me, the real pain goes away.  Maybe I need to start crushing up Oxy's so I can be like you people here... ;)  Ahh, it's a good life.  The only way out is through...

[southernbelle]

i read your post to me and i'm fighting back tears.  i live in georgia....i wish i could meet you face-to-face, gosh what a blessing that would be.  thank you so much for your wisdom.  i do so wish we could meet --- have coffee and talk!  your words are powerful though, and will have to suffice.  thanks again.  at least it's friday and i don't have to hear "this employee just did this, can i fire them?  how should i fire them?  what should i do?"  i work in human resources at the corporate headquarters for a large company, and that's just about all i do all day --- tell our locations out in the field how to handle employee relations and issues.  i travel alot, too.  i visit our sites when things have gotten out of hand and my presence is necessary.  if my boss knew about my problem, i'd be without a job.  sorry, i'm rambling. i believe the stress this time is what drove me to relapse.  i love this place, though, it makes a difference to be able to talk and share with others who are in the same boat.  love to you, mean it!

[Rex1]

Hey - I have been thinking about you lately.

I need to add to what WW said about you, and the fact that you are not scum! You know this and we know this.  You're simply a drug addict that is powerless over the drug of your choice.

I need you to really think about this answer.  Is there any way, anyway at all, that you could quit work for a short period of time to focus on this detox plan of yours?

I don't know about other people on this forum but there is absolutely no way that I could have detoxed completely while still working.  Like many have said here on this forum, I needed time to devote to myself. I worked a highly modified schedule during the week of Thanksgiving and used this five-day period to go off the medication completely. Today is day 33 and I am doing things today that are stress relievers.

Think about it -- you said it yourself.  You give to everyone else but yourself.  You know, when they give that little presentation in the airplane about the oxygen masks, what do they tell you to do if you're traveling with kids?  "Place the mask on your own face before assisting others", because they know you are worthless to others if you are not functioning properly yourself.

Think about this, OK? The only plan that may work would be the plan that involves you leveling with everyone you know, taking some time off under the guise of the flu, and devoting yourself to you.  I'm not you, but I am exactly like you in one regard.  I do and do and do for others, because that's what the Bible commands us to do.  But the stress that we put on ourselves while doing this, at least in my case, can be very damaging. my workload is insane, as I know yours is. the kids are one full-time job, the house another, and the career is two or three.  Then there's the church, and worship, which for me should come first, but is usually four or five on the chart. when you look at everything that you do for everyone in your life during every week and every day -- I guarantee it will make your head spin.  What if you could get off of that ride for one week, or maybe 2 - do you think that this time off would give you a better chance to succeed?

Sorry for the length of this message, but no one here has stopped thinking about you, and we will be here for you no matter which plan you decide to go with.

God's grace and love,

Rex

[Witchywoman]

Nick, if you read my words again  you'll see that I disagree that we are all fundementally loathsome. It's that kind of belief about ourselves that hurts us worse than any drug can. Most of the addicts I have come to know are fabulous, creative, loving, funny people. I prefer them to my so called 'normal' friends.

Southernbelle I'm glad my words are of comfort to you.  I too have a very high profile professional job (I'm a shrink) and would have been canned had anyone known at the time.  

There was a time that I didn't ever want to give up the pills.
Then, I wanted to, tried, and couldn't. That went on for a while.
Then I just kept trying, till I got it right, with the help of the unconditional love I found on this board.

email me sb, anytime. ***@****  (sometimes I forget to check that account, but I'll try to be better about that)

love,
WW

[pon]

great post

pon

[lifeisbetter]

Wow, my best friend lives in Atlanta and is exactly where you are in her addiction. You know, the truth is your really not "scum" like you think. You just haven't quite grasped the meaning of powerlessness. When I finally got it I was able to turn it over to God and beg for help. At that point in my life I didn't even know who or what "God" was. I just said. "Please help me or let me die".  He helped and continues too when I let him. We do have a choice. You are not a failure, you are just one step closer to a bottom that is just right for you. Haven't you heard the comparison that addiction is like a downward elavator everyone can get off on whatever floor they want. We all have our own level of discomfort just remember the bottom will be jail, instituions or death. I got off just in time and Dec. 23 was 1 year. The best gift of recovery so far was watching and being present on Christmas morning as my 3 kids opened their presents. They are 3, 5 and 7 and the gratitiude I felt was better than any "happiness" I had on the opiates. It is so worth every struggle, every moment of self pity and doubt, to have come through a hell I really couldn't conceive of at the stage you are at now.  I can only say from experience that there is no difference between you me and the junkie under a bridge. You can get out with the least amount of scars but they will come and they get worse the longer you let yourself believe you can take the pills "just a little longer". here is no magic cure or unlimited bottle you have to face this someday. Until then stoop with the personal name calling. You really don't deserve it.

[teeitup]

hang in there, I've been feeling that way myself for not being able to cut back more. But the key is to keep trying, with all these good people pulling for us things will get better.

teeitup!

[Witchywoman]

That's exactly my feeling on it too tee...
Just never stop trying. Treat each relapse as a chance to learn something about your triggers, instead of an excuse to kick yourself. Kicking yourself only gives you an excuse to use more. It's the Dragon's way of luring you inside the cavern of addiction.

What got me clean was people showing me unconditional love, until I was able to love myself. Also, people showing me patience, confronting me with truth even if it was hard to hear, and ultimate, me deciding I Wanted it with every fiber of my being.

Someone here said to me, two years ago, "You can get clean if you want it bad enough". It was a poster, Kristen, who never posts anymore unfortunately. I miss her. That comment pissed me off at the time. My reaction to it was "what, you don't think I want it?" But she was right. At that time, I still wanted to chase a high I'd never find again. I wasn't ready.

Then, by the grace of the Goddess, I was ready one day. I sat at my altar at home, prayed to the Goddess, and made a commitment to Her that I would begin cold turkey that day. And I did, because I wanted it bad enough, finally.

Just never give up. As Wiz used to say here "Never stop reaching for the light, no matter where you are".

love,
WW

[theGolden1]

Dear Belle .... the type of work you do is stressful. It will squeeze every ounce of pyschic energy out of you. Sounds like you have to put out "fires" and get people to compromise, when in reality, you may feel differently. You have to subordinate your "true" feelings, and make peace. If this is the case ... I understand you.  I am a real estate broker here in New York and every deal I work on takes a little peice of my soul .... really. Somehow people think it's easy money and I don't really work for it .... but believe me, it's blood money. I want to retire ... but my loyal following won't let me (smile) It's almost impossible to be in sales without playing the game. I'm not trying to solve your problems ..... but I noticed you made a character judgement on yourself and put yourself down for getting drugs from an "unsuspecting" doctor. I am wondering if you may have a chronic pain condition ... (FMS?) and also, you just started the other meds a short time ago ..... it takes at least 3 weeks for antidepressants to work. Sometimes they do not work! The bottom line is that some people have a more painful withdrawal than others because of residual pain. Don't be so hard on yourself .... withdrawal is serious stuff. You need to plan it carefully  .... anyhow, you need a cyber hug ((( Belle))) tommorrow is another day ..... Goldie

[Rex1]

Hey Goldie - been missing ya around here. Thanks for stopping in and for the words of encouragement for SB. She (and we) need it.

Rex

[southernbelle]

thank you so so so much for your words.  they truly make a difference.  i love each of you, i really do.  i love you and wish nothing but blessings for you.  i'm going to watch a movie now and will checkp back in either after the movie or in the morning.  each of you need to know how much you have helped me tonite.  i will do my best to face this and get better, because i know it can be done.  i love my girls and husband so much and i want to be here for them for a long time.  i'm sure the depression will get better, and the anxiety will too.  thanks again --- love and peace to each and every one of you.

[pon]

Good luck...you really can do it...lots of us have...IT IS hard, but you can do it and you are worth it.  I have a wife I love very much and 2 daughters (#3 due in Feb)....I did it for ME because I wanted a life for myself...a life that allowed me to share my life with them.

You are worth doing this...and you can.

prayers

pon

[bmac]

Where you been my friend? Haven't seen ya posting much. Just wanted to see how you are doing. I hope your holiday season is going well. Post back and let us know how you are doing. Peace to you Lee,
              bmac

[theGolden1]

I just wrote a post to you about back pain and it didn't go through! How is your back?

[coswathy]

just read all 12/27's and got lots of ideas, feelings, and they were good...which reminded me of the one thing I'll never forget about life...that is, natural Life without any crutches feels better than any highs of the manmades, the chemicals etc...to know there are a lot of wonderful caring people, deep down sweethearts, with soopasolid brickwall de..fences, but can anybody honestly tell me of a better feeling than knowing so many souls really care????
I,m new, born yesterday, but I would like to relate some of the comforts to pain...for example the microwave wraps(snakelike) that you can fold around necks and down backs etc etc can be made out of flax seed & rice...use 100% cotton and position the shape to look like 7 or 8 shirt pockets sewn together..something like 36 inches long and 4 inches wide...put just enough seed-combo in each pocket to leave it somewhat flat..that way it will be lighter...heat 1 for 2 minutes 2 for 4...or 3 for 5mins,,the more wraps-the better....thanks all coswathy

[hippy]

i have a something like that i put in yhe microwave,
ii call it the long bean bag , i heat it and put it around my neck. when i get severe neck aches,
right now i am having some quality pain in my left knee,
and i have it wraped  with the magnets velcrowed on the front and back of the knee pad.
normally the knee pian does not start bothering me untill jan. and feb. due to the cold winters here on the east coast
in phila.

peace!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[mrmichael67]

I wish you luck in reaching your goal.  Your doctor should have his DEA# revoked.  If he doesn't know how to prescribe meds or wean a patient, he shouldn't be prescribing it.  A taper schedule that has you taking something every OTHER day?  Just when you think you've heard it all.  A taper schedule is supposed to accomplish two things:  Getting a patient off of the med and doing it in a comfortable manner, or as comfortable as possible.  Of course there will be discomfort, but every other day?  That is barbaric!  You should have been put on a short acting med, like what was suggested here previously.

[Rex1]

70 degrees and sunny here in SoCal.

Neener neener! (Couldn't resist).

However, I haven't had a decent cheesesteak sandwhich since I was in NY city! And that may be worth trading for the weather thing!

Hope your feeling better and your knee feels better today. I'm off to the hot tub.

Rex

[PING]

hi friend. thanks for asking about me. i am still am on the 2 10mg of oxy's a day, i went one a couple of days, the dr says i was tapering too fast. do you  think back to percocet's would be easer to taper from, i was on them heavy
for a few yrs. hope you are doing well, i havn't been posting much lately, but i do read the post's, most every day. again thanks, and hi to everyone.
                                  lee.

[coswathy]

a couple of additions to the bean bag ideas....they can also be frozen, use a large ziploc to contain any possible smells, it take approx 1/2 hour to become useful....great for area pain...then perhaps heat later...and if your bag contents are too lumpy(uncomfortable),,make one outta flax seed...its flat soft and holds heat/cold like no other(a little rice for fill)I'm in nocal where the cold weather is like a seattle summer....

[bmac]

You do not want to taper to quickly, believe me. I did that and paid for it. I have been on Kadian (ms contin) the past few months and it is working for the pain. This is the first time I have ever taken as directed. I am doing much better and I am looking forward to having my right knee replaced in the next few months. Most of my pain is in my right leg and knee. My knee is totally gone now and I have had several knee scopes with no luck. But I am glad not to be abusing the meds. Like I said this is the first time I have ever just taken them as directed.
I hope you have a great new year Lee and keep me informed.
           Peace to you!
               bmac

[hippy]

the weather sounds  delightfull'
the knee is a nightmare , throbing
and a little swelling,  i will survive.
just hpoe i can work tomorrow.
i have a few 800 mg ibuprofen.
i wrap it with the magnet wrap and it seem to help.

i may have to take an early vacation to visit
my sister who is a diving instructor down in the little camen
islands.

i will go out and get a cheesesteak with the worx tonight.
i will be thinking of your 70 degree weather, while it go's down
to the 20's tonight , and i have to be up at 5 am.

peace!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[veryconcerned]

Wow...you guys really took off from where I left you. Anyway, I started this and wanted to get back to my sweet witchywoman and hellbent,, and later Rex who were so much help and support on Friday. It is Sunday evening and I have been off Oxycontin since Wednesday.

It is an experience that should keep anyone off drugs. You can also be sure I will want to ask the Doctor some serious questions before I ever take any future prescriptions.

I'm still very cold and extremely lethargic but the heebeejebbies have pretty much left me. Right now it feels like a miserable cold....and it might be. I tried the Clonodine patch Friday till this morning and through it out. Just made me weaker.

Well I wanted to thank you and will keep in touch. I don't have the desire to use, so I guess I've been blessed in that sense. But there is no question that God sent me to this web site. Perhaps New Years will be a totally New Year with my new knees and clear head to go with it. GHod bless you all for your help.

[veryconcerned]

Day 6 and I feel like a cloud has been lifted from me. No jitters...no sweats...no cold shakes. I feel foolish sharing this when I read the hell that many of you are going through in addiction. However, perhaps if the Docs had continued prescibing the Oxycontin, and but for the grace of God, I would have kept taking it. Neither surgeon nor physician had any clue as to how to Detox me. Thanks to all of you, I was able realize I could do it on my own and it wouldn't take forever. Thanks Witchwoman, Thanks Hellbent, and Thanks Rex, also.

[hellbent]

You are welcome. And it's damn nice to see someone get clean for a change. Now heal up and go live your life.

[Rex1]

Hey, please post this near the top tonight or tommorrow - it will be of tremendous help for some of our newer members, many of which are really struggling right now.

They need this ray of hope!

Happy for you..

Rex

[veryconcerned]

The forum is full and will not let me post any new topics. However, I will share this once they have more room. I guess I was very fortunate to get in last week. Thanks again and have a very Happy New Year....and of course, God bless you and all.

[Rex1]

You don't have to post it as a question, just post it inside the top thread as a comment.

Rex

[Raven100]

this is like a support group for me. im beginning with quitting alcohol, it has been only 11 days but its a start.   the oxy is for my back from a car accident  where my 3rd and 4th vertebrae was broke.  i thank God i wasnt paralyzed.  i've been taking them for at least 10 years, its the only thing that helps my pain but is addicting, i know that. im taking one day at a time  cuz ya never know   what each day will bring.                   anyway i wanted to share a poem i wrote and am looking to get it published.                                                                                                                        Here I sit on the beach,
My pills are out of reach.
as God as my teach,
I mustnot fall in to defeat.
Tommorrow's another day
To watch the sun's rays,
And making sure to pray.
Never givein to crave,
Instead be brave,
And God will save.
It's beginning to get dark
But I'm still in God's light.
Always another day of fright,
But remember the light.
Days to come will be bright!

[Mentor]

First! You have to want to be clean...I mean want it! Not poor poor poor me a drink..or shouda,chouda,woulda..:)

I been on every narcotic a doctor can prescribe..I'm not about war stories....my last run...was ummmm hummm....320 mgs - 380 mgs
a day...eating Ultram 4-8 @ a time...Prococets 10 mgs and Oxy IR 5mgs like candy..Put it this way...I would chew 2-3 80 mgs of oxycotin @ a time then flush them down with hot tea...I would take anywhere between 50 mgs - 80 mgs between my on oxycotin..yumm..yumm fun...and this is with the Ultram...Before I decided instead of feeling mentally, spritually dead..I would live with my chronic pain...I'm on day 8th of my detox...and I haven't slept in almost 5 days now..but know I can see what I was..and forgot the person I used to be!

It's going to hurt *wrong word* theres no magic cure....our body and brain chimistry is dilvering us a bill...and its time to PAY UP!
Like in the Movie Training DAY...when Denzel say's "KING KONG don't have **** on me"! *Man UP*
Step up to the plate...cause its either us or the drugs...period. If you can get through the first 5 days then your almost over the hump.
I did this all out-patient with an addictionologist...There cheap and if you can get your pain meds you can pay for a consult there cheap.
All he gave me was all the basic stuff you read about...I'm not going to post the dosages and times...I'm not a doctor.
The main med was CLONODINE or are used primarily to drop the blood pressure of a detoxing addict, thus technically relieving the addict of some anxiety & physical pain. Trazadone..it makes u yawn..but didn't work for me this time around.

Goodluck and God Bless,
If you want it bad enough then you can do anything you want to.

Mentor.

[Mentor]

First! You have to want to be clean...I mean want it! Not poor poor poor me a drink..or shouda,chouda,woulda..:)

I been on every narcotic a doctor can prescribe..I'm not about war stories....my last run...was ummmm hummm....320 mgs - 380 mgs
a day...eating Ultram 4-8 @ a time...Prococets 10 mgs and Oxy IR 5mgs like candy..Put it this way...I would chew 2-3 80 mgs of oxycotin @ a time then flush them down with hot tea...I would take anywhere between 50 mgs - 80 mgs between my on oxycotin..yumm..yumm fun...and this is with the Ultram...Before I decided instead of feeling mentally, spritually dead..I would live with my chronic pain...I'm on day 8th of my detox...and I haven't slept in almost 5 days now..but know I can see what I was..and forgot the person I used to be!

It's going to hurt *wrong word* theres no magic cure....our body and brain chimistry is dilvering us a bill...and its time to PAY UP!
Like in the Movie Training DAY...when Denzel say's "KING KONG don't have **** on me"! *Man UP*
Step up to the plate...cause its either us or the drugs...period. If you can get through the first 5 days then your almost over the hump.
I did this all out-patient with an addictionologist...There cheap and if you can get your pain meds you can pay for a consult there cheap.
All he gave me was all the basic stuff you read about...I'm not going to post the dosages and times...I'm not a doctor.
The main med was CLONODINE or are used primarily to drop the blood pressure of a detoxing addict, thus technically relieving the addict of some anxiety & physical pain. Trazadone..it makes u yawn..but didn't work for me this time around.

Goodluck and God Bless,
If you want it bad enough then you can do anything you want to.

Mentor.

[sumeria]

I was up to 120mg a day of oxycontin. I cut it to 20mgs a day abruptly. I went through a week of depression and feeling like I had a horrible flu.

I could not kick the 20mgs a day.

I finally went to the doc and he prescribed 10mg of oxycontin twice a day for the first week with 300mg of Wellbutrin, 10mg once a day for the second week, then stop altogether. I kept a chart and actually spaced out the 10mg dosages, 12 hours the first day, 13 hours the 2nd, 14 hours the third, 16 hours the 4th 10mg dose, etc. After the 4-5th day I was not waiting until it was time to take the dose. I am at 26 hours now and hope to be free relatively painlessly soon. I hope this helps.

[Corsair]

I had always heard a lot of bad press about Oxycontin, but was only exposed to its addictive nature after a motorcycle accident left me laid up in the hospital with six broken ribs and a broken clavicle.

I must preface this rather long treatise by saying that I have never had an “addictive personality,” as they say. The strongest medication I had ever imbibed at any one time was 800mg of Advil. I tried marijuana exactly once--and hated every second of the way I felt on that particular substance. Because of the motorcycle and its demand that I maintain control of all of my faculties, I rarely drink, if at all.

It started in the hospital with the IV pain medication Dilaudid. Wow. I had never felt better in my entire life after they dropped that stuff into my line. I remember asking for that drug every eight hours, like clockwork, and those who’s care I was in were happy to oblige, as it kept me sleeping--and quiet.

Four days later, I was switched over to Oxycontin just before I was moved to a rehabilitation hospital, and this is when I experienced the first serious withdrawal symptoms I had ever experienced in my life, and the worst part of all was that I had no idea that I was even experiencing a withdrawal. Due to an oversight, my prescriptions weren’t sent over to the new hospital, and I subsequently went 24 hours without any kind of pain medication at all. It was unreal. I couldn’t get comfortable. No matter what the temperature, I was sweating and freezing at the same time. I was also totally panicked. Of course in hindsight, I realize that these are classic opiate withdrawal symptoms; had I known, I would probably have been able to deal with them better. When I got my very first dose of Oxycontin the following day, it was accompanied by an Oxy IR 5mg capsule. I took them both, and felt like a new man almost instantly.

For a month after my release from the hospital, I had been on some kind of opiate-based pain medication. First it was Oxy IR 5mg in 4-hour doses, then Oxycodone, then finally, on January 23rd, I was prescribed Oxycontin 20mg at 12-hour doses. At first, the Oxy worked great. Little tiny pills that I didn’t have to try to choke down (unlike the Oxycodone), and every twelve hours, I’d take another one. Fantastic. No pain, no nothing. I’ve never had chronic pain, but there are fewer injuries that hurt worse than broken ribs.

Then, a few weeks later, I started reading all the bad press associated with this medicine, about all the lives it has destroyed and all the unpleasantness it has caused. I decided then that I really didn’t want to be on Oxycontin after all, and whatever residual pain there was I would simply deal with until it went away on its own. So I stopped taking the drug, just like that.

That was a BIG mistake. The next morning when I woke up I felt like I was coming down with a cold. By lunchtime I had the cold sweats and flu-like symptoms, and for some reason I couldn’t stop yawning. I had lunch with my friends and was sick for the rest of the afternoon. I simply chocked it up to bad eats and went home, only to spend the next hour in front of my toilet heaving my guts out. The next day was scarcely better. Sweats, shaking, freezing cold, and terrible anxiety plagued me until noon. I was now beginning to suspect that the Oxycontin may be playing a part here, but it wasn't until I talked to my doctor that I knew for sure, and he told me to go home and immediately take a pill. When I did, all was right with the world again. Now, it is important to remember that these miserable withdrawal symptoms came after only two weeks on a twice-daily 20mg dose of the drug.

Three days later my father, after learning exactly what I had been stricken with, went ballistic. Having had experience with drug abusers, and after learning what I had been on for the last two weeks, immediately drove over to my house and seized my remaining pills. He did leave me another one to take--in a baggie, with a date and time on it--but scheduled it only for the next morning, not in twelve hours as the scheduled doses recommended. In all honesty, I was a bit put out by this; after all, I’m a grown man of thirty-one and knew I could wean myself off of this drug, slowly, like the doctor suggested. But, like it or not, I resigned myself to the fact that I was not going to get another pill for the next twenty-four hours. However, I had already begun taking then in twenty-four hour intervals starting the day I spoke to my doctor, and I knew it wouldn’t be so bad.

I woke up the following morning feeling alright, so I decided to wait until that afternoon to take the pill in the baggie. I carefully wrapped it up and put it in my pocket and proceeded with my day. Around lunchtime, I started feeling anxious, and started to get the cold flashes again. But I was busy; there was work to do, and I couldn’t stop and give in to these symptoms. When I got un-busy, I was feeling particularly bad. I sat down at my desk, and took out the baggie.

I sat and stared at the baggie for many minutes. I even took the pill out of the baggie. I weighed the pros and cons of introducing this medication into my system again as I sat, staring, at the little pink pill. I didn’t feel nearly as bad as I had felt the other day. Should I try to stop now? Maybe, I reasoned, I’ll take it in another six hours. We’ll see what happens by then.

That was yesterday.

I still haven’t taken the pill, and it is still wrapped up in its little baggie, in my back pocket, because by late that afternoon, the worst of the symptoms had subsided, and I had simply elected to delay taking that dose until later. And later. And later. I could barely sleep last night, but I didn’t take that dose. I occupied myself in other ways, but I did not succumb to the little pink pill.

I woke up exhausted this morning, but largely symptom-free. I now think back about the last two weeks uneasily. I had no idea that I was taking such a potently addictive substance until I got on the Internet and started doing my research. Unfortunately, what little information is available on kicking the Oxycontin habit is few and far-between--and is aimed mostly toward those who patently abuse the substance, rather than those who use it for legitimate medical purposes.

I’m very close to telling my father to flush the rest of the pills down the toilet. Frankly, I don’t know why I haven’t done so already; I know when I do, he will be only too happy to oblige. I’m still somewhat sensitive to temperature changes--and pretty queasy--and exhausted--but I’m already familiar with these symptoms and I know that they are as ephemeral as my injuries are. At least the crippling anxiety that plagued me when I tried to go "cold turkey" before is gone now. I am now on no prescription pain medication. Or any pain medication, for that matter, except for the odd Advil. I think I’ve knitted up to the point where I don’t need them.

I really don’t know how to feel about the fact that I was actually addicted to something, and after taking such a small dose of it for such a short period of time. Worse yet, I really don’t know how I feel about being prescribed a drug without being given any information whatsoever about it. In my opinion, a doctor’s should do more than simply say "here, take this," and then send you on your merry way. I will certainly know better next time to ask more questions, and pay close attention to the answers.