Hydrocodone - Some words of wisdom..

[GMorris]

Over the years, I have been on and off of lots of different drugs. Opiates are my favorite, and hydrocodone has been especially easy and fairly cheap to obtain (at times!). I do experience bad back pain sometimes, but for the most part just like 'em. After having an almost endless supply for around a year and a half, my supply was pretty much gone. Oh, no! What to do when you're up to 10 7.5's a day and have NO CHOICE but to stop? I had a little more than thirty pills when the bad news came, so immediately I started weaning. In one week, I have gone from 10 a day to 0 a day, starting today. That's quite fast and fairly uncomfortable, too. I started by cutting the dose in half, suffered expected w/d symtoms for a couple of days. Once the body had adjusted to the "new dose", I kept cutting back as I could stand to. Four the next day..maybe two days, then only 3, etc. even getting down to taking halves toward the end. Woke up this morning and felt like ****. Still do, but not as bad as if I had not chosen the weaning route. It CAN be done, and CAN be done alone if necessary. I'll be feeling pretty good in about 3-4 days!

[oliver]

I HAVE TO TELL YOU THAT I KNOW EXACTLY HOW YOU FEEL TO A TEE!!!!I HAVE BEEN OFF AND ON LORTAB,LORCETT,TYLOX,ROXALOX,HYDROCODONE,VICODINE,EVEN DEMERAL BY THE PILL AND MANY ,MANY MORE. I DO HAVE CHRONIC PAIN AND THE ONLY REAL PAINRELIEF IS THESE DRUGS(UNFORTUNEATELY). I RECENTLY HAD SURGERY FOR A SPINAL CORD STIMULATOR FOR THE PAIN, NOW,,,,,, I HAVE TO STAY ON THE DRUGS BECAUSE THE STIMULATOR SEEMS TO HAVE A FEW KINKS TO WORK OUT AND THEN ONE OF THE INCISIONS ON MY BACK GOT INFECTED,  AND BUT OF COURSE MY DOCTOR IS GOING OUT OF TOWN FOR TWO WEEKS. NOW DOES THAT SUCK OR WHAT?  I HAVE BEEN ON THESE DRUGS FOR OVER 3 YRS ,OFF AND ON <MOSTLY ON, FOR THE LIKIN'EM >. I TOOK MYSELF OFF ONCE COLD TURKEY AND THAT WAS A BAAAAAAAD 2 WEEKS. I DID FIND OUT WHEN I WENT TO A SHRINK THAT THERE ARE SOME MEDS. AND SOME TYPE OF PATCH TO HELP YOU WITH THE DT'S.  I GIVE YOU CREDIT FOR GETTING OFF BY YOURSELF. I SAY THAT IT'S ALSO ALOT OF MIND CONTROL ON YOUR PART. IT JUST HAS TO CLICK IN YOUR HEAD THAT YOU ARE GOING TO DO THIS. I HAVE TO RESPECT YOU FOR YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENT, AND IN SAYING THAT I AM NOT LOOKING FOREWARD TO DOING THE DEED MYSELF AGAIN. REALLY I AM WORRIED AND SCARED SINCE THE SHRINK DECIDED THAT I AM DEPPRESED AND A MANIC DEPRESSIVE. I ALSO TAKE AN ANTIDEPRESSENT AND A DRUG ALONG THE SAME LINES AS LITHIUM (DEPAKOTE). SOUNDS WONDERFUL RIGHT? SO, KEEP ME IN MIND FOR THE NEXT FEW WEEKS AND REMEMBER YOUR NEVER ALONE,  THERE ARE LOTS OF US OUT THERE, WE NEVER WANTED IT TO HAPPEN, BUT FOR SOME REASON GOD DECIDED THAT THIS FEMALE WAS GOING TO HAVE SOME ROUGH TIMES. THANKS  G MORRIS.....

[GMorris]

Thankfully, it has been going well. I didn't really relapse so to speak, but found a kind friend who "loaned" me a few hydro 5's to help when it got really bad. Going from the high dosage to less than 1/4 in a week is still a pretty bad withdrawal. I have access to a few of the little ones, and sometimes if I get the bad headaches where I can't concentrate at work, I'll break down and take one. You have to consider that what I did was pretty tough, and I'm being VERY cautious not to overdo it. I believe by the time the holidays are over, I'll be completely free and clean. One day after the post, I was very sick, but I handled it and the next day I actually broke down and took one of the 5's. It helped, but by no means was it wonderful. Now I know I can do it, and never expected it to be as bad as it was!
Glad to know I'm not in this boat alone. Thanks to all.

[jen]

I have been taking hydrocodone for approx. 7 months and know I have to get off of them. I currently take two 10mg a day and hope to keep cutting down. any suggestions on how to cut down?

[jlove]

Jen the best way is what i did ,,, say if you were taking five a day and want to wean down,,,, You would take 5 three days then 4 three days and then 3 three days and so on . The hardest part is the one a day because you are so used to taking a pill that things will be alot different

[m spy]

I have been on hydro for about six weeks taking approx. five or six a day.  I was originally prescribed tylenol 3's for some neck pain due to a car wreck.  I was prescribed the vicodin for wisdom teeth surgery.  At times I did mix the two, mostly in the last two weeks. After the wisdom teeth surgery I was given the hydro ES and asked for a refill.  Suddenly I started getting violent headaches and then decided to throw the rest away.  I have been through about five days of hell, mostly consisting of sleepless nights and persistant headaches.   Somebody please give me some helpful hints as to a time frame and a way to nurse these headaches.  I cannot go to a doctor. I am in law enforcement.

what do you think?

m spy

[Mark]

mspy, could be you have something else going on causing headaches, ie problems with extraction site, or lingering neck pain.  I understand your dilema, I am a pharmacist.  I had a similar situation a few yrs ago. For about 1.5 months, I was in severe pain from surgery. Then, for about 1 month it wasn't so bad but was very uncomfortable.  I continued asking for refills and getting them.  I felt great on the pills, bad off of them.  I couldn't really go to the dr, I was afraid they would call the board or the dea or whatever. I realized I was just paranoid.  Its not illegal to experience what you have gone thru.  Thats why these medications are controlled.  But, the reality is, that you can get help from the dr and legally they are required to keep your visit confidential unless you sign a medical release.  So talk to your dr.  I am sure you will find that he/she has heard this scenario explained to him about a zillion times.  In the meantime, watch caffeine consumption, and watch any over the counter meds you use for headaches, ie ibuprofen etc.  You can get headaches from caffeine and rebound headaches from NSAID's.

[Anonymous]

I have been scouring libraries, the Internet etc. to find exactly (blow by blow) of what happens when you go through Loratab Detox at a clinic, compared to at home.  Do they grab your bottle of pills, make you quit cold turkey and lock you in a dark room for three days or have we made it out of the dark ages yet?  I have heard so many horror stories, that I do not know what to do.

I don't think I have the energy to quit at home because I have three small children to take care of.  And before I check myself into a clinic, I need to know what to expect.  Do they ease you off, or offer some sort of relief?  I am prone to panic attacks and don't know in what direction to go. Also, I would like to get some Referrals of Cinics specializing in painkiller addiction.

I am pretty sure I have depression, but am loathe to start another pill.  This is a very dark time in my life and I really need to be handled with kid gloves.

My husband is also addicted to painkillers and is very unsupportive to my Detox Clinic idea.  He thinks we can just buck up and it will all be over in three days. He also says that Social Services can take our children away, if they find out about us.  Is this true?  I am frightened and confused.

[Brian to anonymous]

No, social services is not going to find out.  Your husband is just using that as an excuse because he doesn't want to go inpatient.  Yes, they use medications to assist with the withdrawal.  Look in the yellow pages for programs, then call and ask what they use for narcotic detox.  The best is buprenorphine which will taper you down with very little in the way of withdrawal.  Also, if you advise them you have panic attacks, they may prescribe some valium, xanax or something similar.  If you suspect you have depression you should not be reluctant to have it treated.  It is likely to get worse after detox because there is always some post-detox depression even in people who don't have depression.  Furthermore, antidepressants aren't addictive so I'm not sure why you might resist.  Finally, I think you have EXACTLY the right idea about going inpatient.  It is much easier and is more likely to keep you clean because they will give you the tools to help you begin recovery.  Good luck.

[Me to anyone needing help!!!]

There is a book out called Prescription Drug Abuse: the hidden epidemic, by Rod Colvin, it is a pretty good book and it does have ALOT of info. on this subject.

[JellyJ]

hydrocodone has runined mylife..or is it my neck surgery 2+ years ago???I am sitting here right now having gone on my own detox which sucks so bad...when is the withdrawls going to get better?does anyone know why my legs and arms hurt? and what else can i look forward to and how do I make it...I want off so bad......signed....PLZ HELP

[FLaddict]

You posted on a thread from 7 years ago.. If you are looking for support or someone to talk to.. please post a new question or post on a thread that was started today. These old posts get overlooked my current members since they are so old.
Welcome to the site. Have you ever stopped taking them before?? How long has it been since your last pill??  This usually last about 5 days..

[BeenThereTookThat]

You can get off of them. I was up to 12-14 7.5/500 a day! I know this sounds nuts, but using your mind to commit helps. Set a date within a week and try it. Yes, taper off slowly. Nights will be uncomfortable and your arms and legs might hurt, so take a heating pad or some Ben Gay and put in on those areas. It helps! It's addresses a symptom towards curing yourself. The hardest part is being around people while you go through "the change." To most, feign a cold or flu.  But try to find one friend or loved one you can confide in to help you. And try a narcotics support toll free number you can call. Be anonymous but do it. You life is waiting for you to come back...:o)

[marcatj]

thank you for the great story!!!  and so glad to hear it..

btw - you posted this on a very old thread.. it may not get seen by many people...  if you want everyone to see it, it's always best to post a new thread.. (up on "Post A Question.")

so glad to hear your succes story!! :-)

warmly,
mj

[rgjones]

I have been taking loratabs for about 2 years.  First for a neck injury, then back pain.  I have been diog. with fibromyalga (fibromyalgia) (spelling???) I take 1 sometimes 2 a day of the 5's.  How do you know when you need them for the pain and when you are just addicted?

[SOSI]

HELP!! I KNOW I WAS HOOKED WHEN I RAN OUT BEFORE MY REFILL AND HAD TO GO 2 NIGHTS!! I WAS GOING CRAZY!! I COULDNT BELIEVE IT. IT WAS LIKE I HAD RESTLESS LEG SYNDROME ALL OVER MY BODY ALL NIGHT LONG AND STILL HAD BACK PAIN. NOW THAT I HAD MY REFILL I HAVE STARTED TO CUT BACK BUT I DONT KNOW WHAT TO DO ABOUT THE PAIN. I HAVE HAD HOT FLASHES TOO!!!!I IS DEPRESSION AND WITHDRAWN FROM PEOPLE,PART OF THE SIDE EFFECTS.  I JUST WANT TO BE ALONE. WOW!!! I DIDNT THINK I WAS ADDICTED. TELL ME IN BABY STEPS WHAT TO EXPECT AND WHAT TO TAKE TO COUNTER IT. I HEAR ITS BAD FOR YOUR SYSTEM TO GO COLD TURKEY. HELP,PLEASE!!!!!  I HAVE BEEN ON 10/325 FOR 5YEARS

[Angeleyez28]

No, nobody will find out (dea, social services, etc)-I went into rehab last year (I was forced to) & was withdrawing from Lortabs-they completely cut me off c/t, but kept me on me Xanax-it was sooo hard!! However, I am at the end of day 4 & it's much easier 2 do it at home WITH support from family & friends. It's gonna b very hard 2 do this w/out support from your husband. Will he be there for u if u do it at home? The ONLY reason I've gotten this far is bcuz of my very supportive fiancee-he's been taking care of me & my 3 yr. old son completely! I haven't gotten out of bed in 3 days-until 2day!

[momwhosseenitall]

go back and "post a new question"  you can even "copy" and paste in a new thread and you'll get alot more help and comments.  In the meantime, if you're getting off on your own, search (thomas recipe) and if you've already gotten thru the bad withdrawls (first 3-4days) maybe you can use some of the amino acids and vitamins in the recipe to start feeling better again.    If you choose the rehab/inpatient route, dont be afraid to call different places and just ask them: price, amount of time, will they use replacement drugs, will you get counseling, and exactly what takes place.  good luck, pray for God's help.           You can do anything that you put your mind to!!

[worried878]

I cut back from 6-8 10 mg lortabs daily for 2 years to 1 today in 10 days...16 hours now without...just real tired but doing ok

[bnormal]

I've read all these posts and empathize with you all.
Due to a life of rough work, a car accident, lower back pain, a broken ankle that was not set years ago, etc, I began loving hydro's a long time ago and today I enjoy them too much; actually they are an awesome antidepressant too
But I have also quit several times and it downright sucks for a few days. I truly wish there were a drug to alleviate those symptoms but weaning is probably the best way. However when your body is accustomed to them, it does not want anything to do with your desire to quit.
Does anyone have a good suggestion of a drug to alleviate the w/d symptoms well?

[Greatgreebo]

Welcome to the forum. The original post date on this thread is over 8.5 years ago-these people are not here anymore. Go to the top of this page and hit the green 'post question' button. Start your own thread so you can get your questions answered without them getting tossed into the archives because you are posting to an old thread.
Good luck
Greatgreebo

[jake206]

best is to cut down on quantity over a period of a week or two. you have to want to do it. after down to 0 its very hard for a few days but after that improves daily. feel fine in a couple weeks and happy to have accomplished your goal.

[GoingToMakeIt]

Try to check the dates on the posts you answer. This one started in 1999

[uuxmaal]

I (ab)use hydrocodone; after a surgery 2 years ago, where my surgeon gave me a goodly number of 10/325s (I keep my acetaminaphen use low to protect my liver), I found that Vicodin ... makes me happy.

A friend sells me his. I take 15mgs 3 times a day on the emptiest stomach I can and it makes me warm all over.

Is this good? No. Sometimes it backfires; instead of well-being I get angry and depressed, I'm sure it's a seratonin thing.

I know that one must taper off; I know that the Oxycodone family (Percocets, Oxycontin) are a much higher class of opiates and I'm steering clear of them. But I must wonder where this is taking me, and just how stupid I'm being.

My therapist knows I do this. She's kept the tut-tutting to a minimum but is clearly concerned. I've decided to share this information with my psychiatrist who prescribes anti-depressants to me--I only check in with him quarterly, and as an MD I bet he can tell me what my options are, what the danger is, or just plain scare the sh** out of me.