Aa
Trazodone for Opiate Withdrawal
I feel like a whiner after reading some of the posts here.
I am a chronic pot smoker of 30+ years (as well as abusing opiates with increasing frequency). As I get older, the detriment is outweighing the benefits. Pot is harder to find, poor quality or outrageously expensive. Unfortunately, I have turned to occasional heroin use as an alternative, going through cycles of use/withdrawal almost every few weeks. To combat the after effects I have been taking Vicodin (in the absence of having pot to smoke) for about two weeks steadily (max 8 5/500s, min 3 per day).
I need to break out of this cycle before I face more dire consequences. I'm already facing nausea, sweating, and other discomfort.
My questions are: Could lack of smoking be exacerbating my discomfort from the other drugs (i.e. should I find some pot, deal with the opiates, and work on the pot addiction later)?
I have heard of Trazodone prescribed for cocaine withdrawal. Is there any benefit in helping with opiates?
I'm really tired of drugs being the focus of my life, and would like to change while I still have some life left to enjoy, but after all these years, question my ability to do so. I am not at all religious, and don't like the idea of any of this 12 step ****.
It has helped a lot reading this board and seeing I'm not alone, but it hasn't got my foot out the door. Any advice would be appreciated. James
I am a chronic pot smoker of 30+ years (as well as abusing opiates with increasing frequency). As I get older, the detriment is outweighing the benefits. Pot is harder to find, poor quality or outrageously expensive. Unfortunately, I have turned to occasional heroin use as an alternative, going through cycles of use/withdrawal almost every few weeks. To combat the after effects I have been taking Vicodin (in the absence of having pot to smoke) for about two weeks steadily (max 8 5/500s, min 3 per day).
I need to break out of this cycle before I face more dire consequences. I'm already facing nausea, sweating, and other discomfort.
My questions are: Could lack of smoking be exacerbating my discomfort from the other drugs (i.e. should I find some pot, deal with the opiates, and work on the pot addiction later)?
I have heard of Trazodone prescribed for cocaine withdrawal. Is there any benefit in helping with opiates?
I'm really tired of drugs being the focus of my life, and would like to change while I still have some life left to enjoy, but after all these years, question my ability to do so. I am not at all religious, and don't like the idea of any of this 12 step ****.
It has helped a lot reading this board and seeing I'm not alone, but it hasn't got my foot out the door. Any advice would be appreciated. James
Don't know if you're male or female, but in rare cases, trazadone causes priapism which can only be relieved through surgery resulting in permanent impotence. Just thought I'd mention it ... check it out at www.rxlist.com
Thomas
Thomas
I am aware of the precautions with Trazodone. I currently take 50mg at night to help sleep (and to try and help with depression, but it doesn't seem to).
Like so many others here, I try to rationalize my problem by searching for ways to mitigate my upcoming discomfort before I stop taking opiates. I sit and count the remaining pills to determine when I have to start weaning (a point which I have probably passed already).
Fortunately, my problem is one of months, not years, and fear of things like Tylenol toxicity has somewhat limited my intake. Unfortunately, I have a low tolerance for discomfort, and have augmented the Vicodin with Heroin use (it is amazing how little it takes to make stopping after even a short period of time a grueling experience, but apparently not grueling enough to not repeat the process several times [a week on, and about that long recovering]).
So now I'm searching for the easiest way out.
One of my biggest worries is my stomach. I haven't thrown up in about twenty years, and can't stand the nausea and cramps I seem to be already experiencing. I have read what I assume is your 'recipe', and may try that, but need to know the best method of keeping my gut intact. Are any of the OTC aids for upset stomach (or prescription) helpful in these situations? I can deal with the sweating, insomnia, and flu-like symptoms for a few days, but please help me keep what little food I am able to consume down.
Thanks all. Even with limited posting, this forum has already been a great souce of support. Misery loves company, James (male)
Like so many others here, I try to rationalize my problem by searching for ways to mitigate my upcoming discomfort before I stop taking opiates. I sit and count the remaining pills to determine when I have to start weaning (a point which I have probably passed already).
Fortunately, my problem is one of months, not years, and fear of things like Tylenol toxicity has somewhat limited my intake. Unfortunately, I have a low tolerance for discomfort, and have augmented the Vicodin with Heroin use (it is amazing how little it takes to make stopping after even a short period of time a grueling experience, but apparently not grueling enough to not repeat the process several times [a week on, and about that long recovering]).
So now I'm searching for the easiest way out.
One of my biggest worries is my stomach. I haven't thrown up in about twenty years, and can't stand the nausea and cramps I seem to be already experiencing. I have read what I assume is your 'recipe', and may try that, but need to know the best method of keeping my gut intact. Are any of the OTC aids for upset stomach (or prescription) helpful in these situations? I can deal with the sweating, insomnia, and flu-like symptoms for a few days, but please help me keep what little food I am able to consume down.
Thanks all. Even with limited posting, this forum has already been a great souce of support. Misery loves company, James (male)
your answer, my friend, is blowin in the wind! Pot is the best anti-nausea drug on the planet. Get yourself some Chips A' Hoy, a gallon of milk, take a big ole gnarly bong hit and enjoy! Pot works beautifully with the recipe. It will help you rest, ease the muscle aches and won't interfere or potentiate any of the other recipe ingrediants. So get with it and start token!
Thomas
Thomas
Trazadone is basically used in place of benzos for people detoxing. It is also an anti depressant, so it helps in that way. Many docs do not want to introduce another addicting drug into the fold. I have seen here where it was suggested to someone to try klonopin and trazodone, which is absurd and rather dangerous. It is one or the other. Trazadone has sexual side effects for many......the biggest for men being not being able to ejaculate. I have personally experienced this, so needless to say, the trazodone went down the toilet. I don't feel comfortable with something having such a profound effect on me.
I'm sorry I had to post here. I'm new to this and I'm not really sure how to do this... I've been reading your posts and they have been very informative and have helped me to understand what my husband is going through a little better. He is currently in rehab (I dropped him off today). He has relapsed about 6-7 time in the last year. He is not able to stay clean for more than 4 days (Percoset) and I am concerned that this round will have the same results. I have been looking for The Thomas recipe and have not been able to find it. Can someone please post it again or let me know where I can find it.
Thank you all for sharing your experiences, it has actually been very comforting to me. I must sleep! It has been a long week.
Thank you all for sharing your experiences, it has actually been very comforting to me. I must sleep! It has been a long week.
THOMAS RECIPE
Please remember Thomas is not a Dr and one should always check with your DR before attempting a detox on your own.
If you can't take time off to detox, I recommend you follow a taper regimen using your drug of choice or suitable alternate -- the slower the taper, the better.
For the Recipe, You'll need:
1. Valium (or another benzodiazepine such as Klonopin, Librium, Ativan or Xanax). Of these, Valium and Klonopin are best suited for tapering since they come in tablet form. Librium is also an excellent detox benzo, but comes in capsules, making it hard to taper the dose. Ativan or Xanax should only be used if you can't get one of the others.
2. Imodium (over the counter, any drug or grocery store).
3. L-Tyrosine (500 mg caps) from the health food store.
4. Strong wide-spectrum mineral supplement with at least 100% RDA of Zinc, Phosphorus, Copper and Magnesium.
5. Vitamin B6 caps.
6. Access to hot baths or a Jacuzzi (or hot showers if that's all that's available).
How to use the recipe:
Begin your detox with regular doses of Valium (or alternate benzo). Start with a dose high enough to produce sleep. Before you use any benzo, make sure you're aware of how often it can be safely taken. Different benzos have different dosing schedules. Taper your Valium dosage down after each day. The goal is to get through day 4, after which the worst WD symptoms will subside. You shouldn't need the Valium after day 4 or 5.
During detox, hit the hot bath or Jacuzzi as often as you need to for muscle aches. Don't underestimate the effectiveness of hot soaks. Spend the entire time, if necessary, in a hot bath. This simple method will alleviate what is for many the worst opiate WD symptom.
Use the Imodium aggressively to stop the runs. Take as much as you need, as often as you need it. Don't take it, however, if you don't need it.
At the end of the fourth day, you should be waking up from the Valium and experiencing the beginnings of the opiate WD malaise. Upon rising (empty stomach), take the L-Tyrosine. Try 2000 mgs, and scale up or down, depending on how you feel. You can take up to 4,000 mgs. Take the L-Tyrosine with B6 to help absorption. Wait about one hour before eating breakfast. The L-Tyrosine will give you a surge of physical and mental energy that will help counteract the malaise. You may continue to take it each morning for as long as it helps. If you find it gives you the "coffee jitters," consider lowering the dosage or discontinuing it altogether. Occasionally, L-Tyrosine can cause the runs. Unlike the runs from opiate WD, however, this effect of L-Tyrosine is mild and normally does not return after the first hour. Lowering the dosage may help.
With breakfast, take the mineral supplement.
As soon as you can force yourself to, get some mild exercise such as walking, cycling, swimming, etc. This will be hard at first, but will make you feel considerably better.
My MIL continues to take Tyrosine and B-6 (clean 3 months), as it has also kept her depression to a minimum.
Hope this helps.
Take Care
Please remember Thomas is not a Dr and one should always check with your DR before attempting a detox on your own.
If you can't take time off to detox, I recommend you follow a taper regimen using your drug of choice or suitable alternate -- the slower the taper, the better.
For the Recipe, You'll need:
1. Valium (or another benzodiazepine such as Klonopin, Librium, Ativan or Xanax). Of these, Valium and Klonopin are best suited for tapering since they come in tablet form. Librium is also an excellent detox benzo, but comes in capsules, making it hard to taper the dose. Ativan or Xanax should only be used if you can't get one of the others.
2. Imodium (over the counter, any drug or grocery store).
3. L-Tyrosine (500 mg caps) from the health food store.
4. Strong wide-spectrum mineral supplement with at least 100% RDA of Zinc, Phosphorus, Copper and Magnesium.
5. Vitamin B6 caps.
6. Access to hot baths or a Jacuzzi (or hot showers if that's all that's available).
How to use the recipe:
Begin your detox with regular doses of Valium (or alternate benzo). Start with a dose high enough to produce sleep. Before you use any benzo, make sure you're aware of how often it can be safely taken. Different benzos have different dosing schedules. Taper your Valium dosage down after each day. The goal is to get through day 4, after which the worst WD symptoms will subside. You shouldn't need the Valium after day 4 or 5.
During detox, hit the hot bath or Jacuzzi as often as you need to for muscle aches. Don't underestimate the effectiveness of hot soaks. Spend the entire time, if necessary, in a hot bath. This simple method will alleviate what is for many the worst opiate WD symptom.
Use the Imodium aggressively to stop the runs. Take as much as you need, as often as you need it. Don't take it, however, if you don't need it.
At the end of the fourth day, you should be waking up from the Valium and experiencing the beginnings of the opiate WD malaise. Upon rising (empty stomach), take the L-Tyrosine. Try 2000 mgs, and scale up or down, depending on how you feel. You can take up to 4,000 mgs. Take the L-Tyrosine with B6 to help absorption. Wait about one hour before eating breakfast. The L-Tyrosine will give you a surge of physical and mental energy that will help counteract the malaise. You may continue to take it each morning for as long as it helps. If you find it gives you the "coffee jitters," consider lowering the dosage or discontinuing it altogether. Occasionally, L-Tyrosine can cause the runs. Unlike the runs from opiate WD, however, this effect of L-Tyrosine is mild and normally does not return after the first hour. Lowering the dosage may help.
With breakfast, take the mineral supplement.
As soon as you can force yourself to, get some mild exercise such as walking, cycling, swimming, etc. This will be hard at first, but will make you feel considerably better.
My MIL continues to take Tyrosine and B-6 (clean 3 months), as it has also kept her depression to a minimum.
Hope this helps.
Take Care
i know it is a good idea to get off the vikes asap
the longer your on them the more you do and the harder
it is to detox off them.
i have no experence with pot, i smoked everyday for 13 years
and stoped smoking it 20 years ago when i was 23 , i was a union painter and i would wind up painting the same wall like 5 or 6 times when i smoked. so i stoped.
the receipe helped me a lot when i got off the vikes
this time last year.
peace!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
hippy
the longer your on them the more you do and the harder
it is to detox off them.
i have no experence with pot, i smoked everyday for 13 years
and stoped smoking it 20 years ago when i was 23 , i was a union painter and i would wind up painting the same wall like 5 or 6 times when i smoked. so i stoped.
the receipe helped me a lot when i got off the vikes
this time last year.
peace!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
hippy
Hi there,
Welcome to the forum! I am in the same vote as you, my husband is also addicted to percs, but also codiene. Anyways, just thought i would let you know that i am hear....if you want to talk. My husband went into rehab as well, he has been out for over a month now. The first day he went in i remember well, ahhhhh i can do whatever i want and not have to worry about him! What a great feeling it was. Anyways, keep us posted. And if you have any questions please ask.
Catherine
Welcome to the forum! I am in the same vote as you, my husband is also addicted to percs, but also codiene. Anyways, just thought i would let you know that i am hear....if you want to talk. My husband went into rehab as well, he has been out for over a month now. The first day he went in i remember well, ahhhhh i can do whatever i want and not have to worry about him! What a great feeling it was. Anyways, keep us posted. And if you have any questions please ask.
Catherine
Your funny. You made me laugh. I agree with you 100%.... I needed that today. So "Thanks"! I always enjoy your words of wisdom!!! :)
Luv-Erika
Luv-Erika
RECOVERY: I'm starting to think much of my discomfort (specifically nausea) is coming from more than reducing my hydro intake. I stopped at the pharmacy and picked up some Emitrol (OTC anti nausea). Is anyone familiar with it? Does it help at all? Trying to keep my fluid intake up, but can't eat a thing. Lost about 15lbs. in the last few days (maybe I could write a diet book).
POSTING: There seems to be a narrowing window when you can post a question here. Seems like around mid morning. Even though there is nothing for today, the limit seems to have been reached. Am I noticing a greater occurence of pop-up ads, too?
THOUGHT for the DAY: I feel like I've been given the keys to heaven and hell. I've worn out the first key and can't get a replacement until I use the second. Hopefully, when I get through hell this time, I'll have the smarts not to repeat the cycle again.
Does anyone know of any support groups that don't rely on a 12 step program? I'm one of those cynical agnostics that wouldn't be able to deal with NA. I'm in Eastern PA.
Hope all of you are hanging in there and can still see the light at the end of the tunnel.
James
POSTING: There seems to be a narrowing window when you can post a question here. Seems like around mid morning. Even though there is nothing for today, the limit seems to have been reached. Am I noticing a greater occurence of pop-up ads, too?
THOUGHT for the DAY: I feel like I've been given the keys to heaven and hell. I've worn out the first key and can't get a replacement until I use the second. Hopefully, when I get through hell this time, I'll have the smarts not to repeat the cycle again.
Does anyone know of any support groups that don't rely on a 12 step program? I'm one of those cynical agnostics that wouldn't be able to deal with NA. I'm in Eastern PA.
Hope all of you are hanging in there and can still see the light at the end of the tunnel.
James
Please post and let me know how you all are doing on your fiorinal addictions and tapering programs. Miss all of you and the support we all gave each other constantly. This is really hard not having to be able to post and knowing that someone will need help and not be able to reach out and get it, depresses me. I seem to be doing OK, but I have my moments since last week and have taken a few. But not like before by any means. Please post and keep in touch. Love, Kat
I am still here Kat. I can't believe how hard it has been to post to this forum.
I really miss reading the daily messages. I do think we all need each other's support and I'm sure there are new people who are lurking out there too.
Let's keep trying to post as often as we can.
Take Care
Golden Slipper
I really miss reading the daily messages. I do think we all need each other's support and I'm sure there are new people who are lurking out there too.
Let's keep trying to post as often as we can.
Take Care
Golden Slipper
have you heard anything new on our friend finished!!? i keep him in my prayers as well as the rest of my fellow addicts. i know you don't know me but i have kept up with your story for several months just reading before i got "fogless" enough to post. i hope your headaches are a thing of the past. i have had migrains for years. thats partly what started me on that downhill slide.
anyway, we would all like to hear how finished is doing.
you are such a sweet lady....god bless you for your selflessness.
strength and serenity
maddawg
anyway, we would all like to hear how finished is doing.
you are such a sweet lady....god bless you for your selflessness.
strength and serenity
maddawg
did you happen to ask the pharmacist for an OTC anti-nausea drug? Promethazine (phenergan) is a good anti-nausea drug but it's Rx. The only OTC drugs I know of are for motion sickness. I'm not certain, but I don't believe WD nausea is related to "sea sickness." Too bad you can't get some pot. That would cure a multitude of "sins." For what it's worth, I've been a hydrocodone addict for 31 years. Needless to say, I've withdrawn from hydro hundreds of times, in many cases from 50 to 100 Vicodins per day. I never experienced the slightest nausea, even when I withdrew cold turkey in jail. Nausea is usually associated with the administration of narcotics, rather than the cessation. That is not to discount your experience. It's possible that an anti-anxiety drug such as Valium might calm your nerves and ease your nausea at the same time. Good luck.
Thomas
Thomas
What is Trazodone?
Has anyone here ever fully recovered from Opiate dependance?? (or know anyone who has?)
I don't think it's possible. I think I screwed up for life.
Has anyone here ever fully recovered from Opiate dependance?? (or know anyone who has?)
I don't think it's possible. I think I screwed up for life.
Hey freezing!!!
Trazadone is an antidepressant; in the class of MAO inhibitors.
In lower doses(ie. 50 mg), it has reasonable sedative qualities. I've been on and off it over the last year; initially to calm me down after my mother passed away unexpectedly(and very good friend murdered); and more recently, after my percocet detox....August 19th last pill, as sleep was almost impossible for several weeks.
I've been very happy with it.(and I'll add with no sexual side effects)
So, depending what you mean by fully recovered, I'd say overall, my life has returned to what is was prior to my 3-4-5 year perc run. For the last year, I was bouncing between 12-20/day(perc 5mg), and alternating dilaudid(hydromorphone 4 mg); plus oxycontin 10 mg. I used both recreationally and for two back surgeries.
And I can say, initially after I got clean, I thought I'd never feel great again, but as weeks turned to months, everything returned to normal....and I wasn't just living life by going through the motions.
So you can say you know someone who has stayed in recovery from opiates, and living life again.
I wish you well!!!!! and have to believe there is hope for you also.
Percs No More
Trazadone is an antidepressant; in the class of MAO inhibitors.
In lower doses(ie. 50 mg), it has reasonable sedative qualities. I've been on and off it over the last year; initially to calm me down after my mother passed away unexpectedly(and very good friend murdered); and more recently, after my percocet detox....August 19th last pill, as sleep was almost impossible for several weeks.
I've been very happy with it.(and I'll add with no sexual side effects)
So, depending what you mean by fully recovered, I'd say overall, my life has returned to what is was prior to my 3-4-5 year perc run. For the last year, I was bouncing between 12-20/day(perc 5mg), and alternating dilaudid(hydromorphone 4 mg); plus oxycontin 10 mg. I used both recreationally and for two back surgeries.
And I can say, initially after I got clean, I thought I'd never feel great again, but as weeks turned to months, everything returned to normal....and I wasn't just living life by going through the motions.
So you can say you know someone who has stayed in recovery from opiates, and living life again.
I wish you well!!!!! and have to believe there is hope for you also.
Percs No More
Hi, I'm new to this board. I read it quite often though. I am an opiate addict, clean for a few months, but for the past 2 I have been taking everything I can get my hands on. I feel like I am in it's clutches all over again, and don't know how to function without it. This past week I have been taking lower doses though, trying to ween, about 3-4 Vicodins a day, give or take. I feel VERY depressed when I don't have any painkillers in me, and I also have a history of major depression/cutting. I am going to see a therapist soon, and hopefully get this thing in check.
But in the meantime, I just wanted to say *HI* to everyone, and I'm so greatful for this board and all of you and cannot wait to be a part of it. : )
But in the meantime, I just wanted to say *HI* to everyone, and I'm so greatful for this board and all of you and cannot wait to be a part of it. : )
Happy Valentines Day everyone! I am 18 days clean now and feel great. I have no cravings just a little anxiety. I am so happy I swallowed my pride and went in patient. Love to all Badd
Ty for your kind words. I just try to give back a portion of wut i get. As for my headahces they are bettr now cuz i got a script for sumfin.
Finnnihsed is now home an d doing great. Of course he is in lots of pina but he is just glad to be alive! He actaully stopped breathing twice!
Peace to you and e-mail me anytime if ya like at
***@****
Suzie
Finnnihsed is now home an d doing great. Of course he is in lots of pina but he is just glad to be alive! He actaully stopped breathing twice!
Peace to you and e-mail me anytime if ya like at
***@****
Suzie
Thanks for the feedback. Glad you guys are going well, really. Hopefully I will be too someday.
Baddgirl, what and how long was your habbit? I'm coming off hydrocodone, heroin, methadone, oxycontin, & fentanyl (in that order). I hope to taper with buprenorphine from the fentanyl. Any other real material insights/experiences are appreciated. -freezing
Baddgirl, what and how long was your habbit? I'm coming off hydrocodone, heroin, methadone, oxycontin, & fentanyl (in that order). I hope to taper with buprenorphine from the fentanyl. Any other real material insights/experiences are appreciated. -freezing
Freeze, this time around was 18 mos. I had 5 yrs clean time. Its easier to get off drugs than to stay off, granted its been 18 days but life is no picnic. Anxiety is still real bad, I know I will not use but life is not grand this time around. Its very hard. I am going to NA once per week. I guess its not enuff. I know one pill will send me back so I take it a minute at atime, I am no big NA junkie either, sparks do not fly when I go. I don't know all the answers. I guess you can say I am unhappily clean
I forgot to mention some people are able to take trazadone without any side effects at all. But, many do have them. It is an excellent alternative to benzos, but it does have strong side effects for many. Fifty mg is a relatively small dose and that should be stressed.....that getting away with the smallest possible dose is preferred.
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