Getting off Oxycontin without withdrawals

[AlexandriaGeorgiades]

I have spent a yeasr cutting back the oxycontin a doctor precribed after I shattered my ankle. I alsi have arthritis, fibromyalgia, a damaged spine and degenerastive bone disease so I am in genuine pain 24 hours a day. The doctor cut 50mgs at once the first time around and I ended up in the hospital with hypoxia and serotonin poisoning. He has been cutting them down by 5mgs every two months..I can habdle that but have to take nausea meds. I am now on only 90mgs a day and I am terrified of him cutting down even more come early January. The withdrawals lastsed for 5 months and it was a living hell.  I never got high on this medicine; all it did was take the edge off the pain, but I hate this medicine..it seems to have brought on severe depression even though I am on Cymbalta for depression. Does anyone know a way to get off the oxycontin completely without the withdrawals?

[Livenbfree]

I am also a chronic pain sufferer with similar pain as you have and my doctor did a taper from Vicodin, and switched me to Tramadol 50mg after a few days taking the Tramadol I bailed out I went C/T. I am controlling my pain with over the counter meds, I was on Vicodin for 6 years to long.  Vicodin stopped working for me, I also had an on again off again love for H I've decided to stop seeing my doctor and I haven't gotten high on H. It's doable to quit you know it takes lots of will power, it can be done or going into rehab to detox works for some ppl. Hang in there you will be fine.

[Sonrissa]

Hi there, and welcome to the forum. Why is your doctor tapering you off of your pain meds? How will you be addressing your pain issues in the future?

To answer your question, it sounds like you have been taking the OxyContin for a long time.  Unfortunately, there really is no way to quit and avoid any withdrawals. The best way for you, is to taper off slowly with your doctors assistance. You will still have withdrawals, but they should be less severe. If you are having major issues with the taper amount, then talk to your doctor and see if your taper plan can be adjusted or some medications can be prescribed to help you get through it.

Take care, I wish you the best. Keep posting. This is a great place for advice and support.

[IBKleen]

Hi, I am so glad you started your own post.

From the beginning of time people have been trying to avoid withdrawal but to no avail. I tried so many times in the 43 years I used. What you can do is minimalism it and the taper you are on sounds like a good one. I am happy to see you are doing this under supervision. Stick with it. Are you feeling anything as you drop?