Hydrocodone Withdrawal Depression

[RandyHunt]

Hi -

I was taking 5 mg hydrocodone per day for a year and stopped 9 days ago.  It seems my body wanted more for the last month or so and was making me feel bad, nausea, stomach pain, no appetite and depression.  At first I didn't realize that was what was happening...  So, after I stopped, I got the classic wd symptoms, worst on days 3 and 4, and have now subsided.  The nausea, stomach pain, depression and loss of appetite are still with me though.

I'm taking Cymbalta now for 3 weeks for depression, it doesn't seem to help.  Does any body have any experience and advise?  Any idea how long until the depression stops?

Thanks,

[newchapter523]

I have been taking Wellbutrin since Day 1 of W/D. I had no appetite for the first week but then it came back. I used passion flower for anxiety that might be on it's way. It really helped. You can get it at vitamin world (i used the extract). The depression lasted deep for 30 days then more sporadic for 2 weeks but still there. It has really lifted in the past 2 weeks. I started acupuncture and diet 2 weeks ago so who knows maybe they helped too. But I feel SO MUCH BETTER.
I think at this point you still need to roll with the punches and stick it out. Your brain has not been producing endorphins but your amount of hydro per day was small. I was taking 40MG per day at the end. I ramped up from 20 MG in May of 2010 to 40MG in Feb 2011. So maybe your symptoms will diminish quicker.

[RandyHunt]

I get some breaks from the nausea, and depression.  Usually, it starts in the morning after I wake up and in the mid afternoon it breaks and lately I have an appetite at dinner time.  

I always too my hydro in the morning with my first cup of coffee.  Do you think my body was conditioned to expect the drug in the morning and provide it's stuff during the day?  And then wear off in the afternoon?

Thanks

[RandyHunt]

Thank you for your help!  I'm taking Nexium for for my stomach distress and it says not to take St Johns wort because it clears the Nexium from your system much faster.  Unfortunately, St Johns wort interacts with so many drugs.  I'm taking Cymbalta for depression - I'm still depressed...  Maybe it's working.... Maybe it woudl be a lot worse without it - don't know...

[RandyHunt]

Thanks for your advice and encouragement.  Did you have the nausea and no appetite with your depression too?   Mine started while I was still taking the hydro - so maybe it was causing it before and after I stopped?  How long after you stopped until your depression began to lift?  I'm on day 9 today.  Thank you.

[thankulord88]

WELCOME AND CONGRATS FOR WANTING TO GET CLEAN.. I just recently got off of subutex and had WD's for about 10-12 days i know hydro's are a little different though but about the same WD symptoms. So for the depression i would recommend (ST. johns wort or 5HTP) but not to be taken together you can find these at GNC. they are herbal supplements for sleep  get some melatonin and valerian root helps with insomnia and anxiety theses to you can find at GNC.take a muti-vitamin a day and drink lots of water get plenty of exercise that will really help it worked wounders for me. Good luck and God bless you. you can do this stay strong.  The Lord is good and he works wonders he will help see you through this he will only give you as much as you can handle and he will give you the strength to carry on (so lots of prayer is good too) im now 15 days sober and i feel great thank the lord :-D

[newchapter523]

Hi Randy,

Hang tough my friend this will pass. I am on day 57 and it gets MUCH better. The physical and mental stuff for me hung around for about 2 weeks. Then the mental hung around for another month. Depression and blues was awful. I felt out of touch with every day life and even my own family. BUT it got SO MUCH better 2 weeks ago.
I am now doing every day life things without thinking about pills for very long stretches and my depression has faded. I think it just takes time for your brain to reset and begin producing the natural chemistry you need. EXCERSISE is so important at your point. It releases natural enorphins also sex helps tremendously even if the high only lasts a little while. Good Luck and hang in there IT DOES get better