Hydrocodone Withdrawal...

[Bungee7]

Everybody,



Thursday will be my last day of taking hyrdocodone(hopefully for ever). I am going to detox at home for five days. I am very nervous and scared. I have support and everything else all of you say I will need (ie. Thomas reciepe, valium,vitamins etc..). Yet I am still scared, first I don't know if I can do it and am afarid of relapse, and second and this may sound weird...but after 14 months of using these pills I honestly can't remember how my body used to feel...for me these pills are "normal" feeling. I don't know what to expect(how do non pill users feel? I don't know I guess I just need some reassurance, becuase I think i'll be freaking out when it comes time to do it! Any thoughts or personal experiences would be helpful for me to read. Thanks,





-Anthony

[lifeisbetter]

Anthony, When I was taking 2 Vicodan a day it didn't feel any worse emotionally than I did when I was taking 40. Either way it was a big problem  because I couldn't stop. Try not to gauge yourself and how you are "supposed" to feel against other people's problems and how they're supposed to feel. Nobody lives inside Anthony but you. Nobody can begin to know what it is that made you start on a path of self destruction. The pills you take are only a symptom of whats bothering you inside. When you get through the detox part, which I don't think will be half as bad as you've imagined, you should find someone to help you understand what it is your afraid of... or angry at... or you've been hurt by...Most of us have a reason for wanting to only feel good all the time or at best just feel numb. You are so young sweety, get help now, you have your whole life to live as you choose to live it. If you get through this and stay clean you will have an enormous amount of insight that most people don't get for many more years and some never. That can be a huge advantage, you know? I know its scary but you'll be alright. I promise.



Nod, I didn't take my first drug until I was 30 and now I'm 37 so for 30 years I lived like the so called "normal people" for five I lived as if I was dead and now I live in recovery. I honestly never want to be "normal" again. The addiction is a nightmare from hell I would not wish on anyone but,there are some advantages. Because of my past:

1. I can fit in with any group of our so called "society" personally, I much prefer the homeless guy over he Yacht club crew that I grew up with. Actually, there is a group to which I could never belong, those that judge others religion, sexuality or color. You know the passage "whomever is without sin cast the first stone" I don't understand how people can be so cruel.

2. I have become more forgiving and much more humble.

3. I don't worry so much anymore, someone else is in control.

4. I enjoy the most unusual things now. Like Coppertone self tanning mouse! I felt so great when I learned that it really works, I work 50 hours a week but I have a tan!

5. I know a scammer or liar when I see one...It takes one to know one right? I lived a life of scamming and lying also.

6. the list goes on, but most importantly, I've learned that there is more to life than I thought and that I have a creator who loves me no matter what.

So as horrible as the addiction is when your in it, Life is much better when you can finally be real and be free.

[lisabet]

Thank you for the most inspiring post!  It was what I needed to hear right at this moment. Please keep posting - this is the kind of post that inspires us to try to do better.  I've been struggling with my tapering for the past week; your post gave me the "kick in the pants" I need. God bless your heart. This is one post that I'll print and save, and I really mean that. Love/Peace, Lisabet

[unpilled1]

Anthony- I don't know if you read my posts from a day or so ago, but I'm here to let you know that you will be fine - mind you, withdrawal is NO picnic - but it's tolerable & do-able. We're all here for you. I'm clean from hydro's for 10 days, after a weaning/tapering down & didn't have the severe w/d'l symptoms I'd had in the past - but I was damn miserable & counted hours for many days before I started counting days. You need to take this forum to heart and read EVERY word... I'm saying to make it damn clear to yourself (and your addicted brain) that you CAN NOT TAKE PILLS not one, not ever - or you have to go through this all over again & the next detox is harder & much longer. I have relapsed several times and thus, detox'd several times - it always sucks & always will & it gets worse each time. I failed to take that one fact to heart & inevitably drugged again. Keep going to NA meetings - even if its just to hear how f****d up everybody else has gotten with the narcotics - it will impress upon you that using is a dead end street-- you either end up dead or in prison - that's it!(bummer). I didn't start posting here until a could put sentences together through my foggy brain - but I've done the w/d'l thing just over a week ago - and I made it through :) Now I just have to NOT take pills, learn how to enjoy life as it is, and mend some relationships that I damaged while in the depths of my addiction/using. OK... that's it for now. I DID use this forum to get me through my detox - sat and read each word and prepared myself as you have - and I adore all these folks for caring about each other (& for me too).

Anthony, post your email address for me if you'd like to correspond about these things more.

[J. E. W.]

It is not fun but you can do it! Im on my 4th day at home. Without any valium only vits. and some robaxin which I dont think is helping! Ithink the worst part is I feel like a 100lb. weight is on my shoulders all day and night! And I just got rid of a tention headache. You feel like you have a super flu or something! If I can do it anyone can!!!!!!! Plus you have everyone here to help!!!!!  GOOD LUCK!!!!!                                 J.E.W.

[Nod]

I have no idea how much hydro you were on daily or if you have tapperred at all - so hard to really help you with what to expect.  If this is your first WD's it will be like the super flu like j.e.w. said.  



Just had to comment on your "what normal people feel like."  There are times when I am around a lot of people, like at a mall, and I look around and say how do all those people do it?  How do they feel to be "free."  Guess it's just my way of having self pity and feeling sorry for myself.  



Anyway, I'm tapperring which is only way I can do it anymore.  It's hard but it does work to minimize the WD's.  Just gets harder and harder every time.  Hopefully, will stay off this time but with each relapse I lose a little more of me.



Best of luck.  It will stink but since it's your first WD you'll do just fine.  Take lots and lots of hot showers.  When your done, let the hot water heat make more and get back in!  NOD

[Bungee7]

to answer your question. I have tappered. I'm down to about 1-3 pills a day. That has been for the past few weeks. Before that I had mini-WD, I would stop for a few days, or only take 1 a day....I did that since November. Before that I was taking 3-5 a day everyday since August, and before that from December 2001-August 2002 I was taking anywhere between 6 and 12 pills a day. So I don't know what my wd symptoms will be like, because I have had at least some hydrocodone in my body for the last 13-14 months. I'm guessing it will be bad but not as bad as somebody taking 8+ pills a day for years.

I have even tried talking myself out of detoxing by thinking "hey most people here have been taking massive ammounts of pills, mine is just a small problem". But I guess when it comes to addiction it's true what they say addiction is addiction, and there is no "small" problem? Besides, i'd say 50-70% of my problem is mental--like most people I assume...so no matter how much I have been taking the mental/psycological part is the worst, and I will probably have to deal with that part of my addiction forever or a long time at least(does that sound logical to you)? So I know I really do need help and so I will be detoxing this weekend. If anybody has any advice or words of wisdom I would appreciate it! Thanks again,



-Anthony

[J. E. W.]

You are right addictin is addiction no matter how many you take or what. Your very lucky in the fact that you can taper down first! I could not. If I have them I take them whenever I feel the need. I cannot control my intake. You should be alright if your down that low. This is my 3rd shot at it and Im still here!!!! You just have to realize youcannot take them anymore. It sounds like you have. After you detox dont even take ONE!!!!! I found out the hard way cause one leads to two two to three  and so on!!!!!!!!!!!! Its not fun but through the aches and pains we realize what this drug does to our bodies.  And hopefully wont do it again!!!!!!!                     J.E.W.

[hyjack]

You were absolutely right when you said it's psychological.



From what I've read and seen here, you are one of the lucky addicts that have been able to taper yourself.  Pat yourself on the back for that one accomplishment that the majority of addicts cannot do.



One of my best friends was able to do the same thing as you are.  She tapered from 10 per day to none, dropping one pill/day every week.  That was her doctor's recommended tapering schedule which worked very well for her.



Since you've come this far with your tapering, can you finish it?  I understand if you are just fed up and want to get it over with.



You will have some withdrawal symptoms, the worst probably being the restless legs and fatigue, shaking and aches.  Basically flu like symptoms.  Don't ever underestimate the power of a hot bath during w/ds.  When I was in full w/ds, that was the one thing I remember that helped me beyond words.  I literally stayed in that tub all night one evening.  When the water would get warm, I would let a little out and refill it with super hot water.  Thomas' recipe should help you, too.  



Just remember, no one has ever died from detoxing, you may feel like it, but in your case, I think you will have VERY MILD symptoms.



Keep us posted!

[Nod]

With 3 a day even at 30mg (10mg hydro) you will feel like **** but be fine in a few days with some discomfort.  To make it easier think of us who have gone 200mg a day to 0.  Not saying anything is a easy but you are well off than most.  You'll make it just fine Bungee7, key here is once you get clean stay that way.  Most here have been in your shoes and went back to more and more.  I respect your honesty and desire to put it behind you. You sound like someone on the right path.  Best wishes and here's to no more nodding. Nod

[theGolden1]

I haven't seen hide nor hair of him ....

[Rex1]

Thomas either.



Good to see you though...



Rex

[Elvis27]

I hope things go well for you this weekend.  Make sure you post while you are going through this so we can hear how you are doing and reassure you that things will be fine.  This situation we all have to live with sucks, but if we keep talking about it we can get better and stay that way.  That is how I look at it.  I found this site the other day and I am on it all the time now reading comments, etc.  I need this site and you people to deal with this.  I am on a tapering schedule with Vicodin and MS Contin and I hope I can get down to zero soon. I am praying for you Anthony.  



Elvis

[FINISHED!!]

Bad news. I broke my left ankle & right wrist yesterday while riding my motocross track. Looks like I'm going to need surgery on the ankle. While in the hospital, they shot me full of demerol (sp) & wrote me out a script for lorecet 10. I took 1 this morning & man it makes me loopy. The good news is that my tolerance is down to where it was in the beginning. Its been about 3 hours since I took the pill & I still feel fairly painless. No worries on my part of relapse bacause I HAVE taken a Vicodin ES pill or two here & there & have had a bottle of them since my detox...mostly untouched. This is why I chose cold turkey. The memories are still branded in my brain. I'll know today after seeing my ortho doc if surgery is needed. Between this & my gut, I think my strength is being put to the test...I'm getting an A!!!



Rex,

  How you feeling these days...emotionally. I HOPE & PRAY that the darker days are ever fading with every tick of the clock. I know that GOD will reward your faith & strength very soon with the happiness that you deserve. God bless you rex & everbody here with the strength we ALL need in these times.



FINISHED!!

[FINISHED!!]

Is demoral (sp) an opiate? While in the hospital yesterday afternoon, I was given 125 mg of this drug. First 75 mg then 15 minutes later, another 50 mg. The reason I ask is because I have a bit of a hangover effect going right now. I'll tell ya though, it KILLED ALL PAIN!!! Made me feel REALLY loopy & actually thought I'd throw up when I got home. Passed out instead. I was told they mix this stuff with an anti-nausea medicine in the needle but I was SO drugged up I had a hard time talking. My girlfriend thought it was VERY funny. Couldn't walk. Giggled a bit & fell down in the front yard. I know when I got the numerous endoscopies for my ulcers, they used demoral & something else to put me out but I never felt poopy afterwards. What exactly is demoral made from? Kinda curious since they told me I can go back if needed to get another shot if the oral meds don't work as well. So far they are. Loracet 10 mg. Seems VERY strong to me. Even after an addiction to Vicodin ES of 20 to 30 pills a day. I'm over 150 days "clean" so my tolerance is probably WAY down. I'm pretty sure that loracet is the same as Vicodin...isn't it? Any info would be greatly appreciated.



Thanks,

FINISHED!!

[suzieneedshelp]

Yes demoral is strong opiate.  I love it!  125 is a lot.  that is how much they used to give me.  But th e typical dose is 25 mg ina shot.  How did u get so lucky.  J/K!  



I am still in detox at home.  Nausea, vomiting STILL.  Runs, only 4 hours sleep last night.  When will it end?   Today is day 6 for me.  I realy think this is a remnant of my stadol withdrawal too cuz they were same family of drugs.



aT NIGHT I GET SO WANTING OF OPIATES.  iT IS HARD.  bUT YESTERDAY WAS MY B'DAY SO I WENT OUT.  yEAH RIGHT...  aTE ABOUT 3 OF THE  9 SHRIMP.  1/2 POTATOE WENT DOWN OK.  ooOpps did not mean to yell but i dont have energy to fix that.  Then back up this morning after no sleep to vomit.  This is supposed to be my year.. the year of suzie but i have to admit my b'day was the worst in hx.  But ill get more gifts Thurs at my family party with my daughter whos b'day is also this week.  It s not the gifts i mean anyway that make a b'day special. Its the familly and friends and feeling like you are on a road to somewhere with loved ones beside you.

  

I am so sick of being sick.  Headache too today.  Luckily i have only had headaches about 3 of the six days.  Headaches are my pain btw.    

Ok i am going to lie back down.  I am exhausted.  thank for your prayers.

Suzie

[Rex1]

Man, what a tough run you are on my friend. How do you do it, on a jump or on a turn?



Keep a close eye on those opiates- OK? I know you feel like you cna resist them, so that's good.



Keep yourself confortable, but take the low end of the dosage.



I'll be praying for you...



Also email me anytime @ ***@****



Rex

[Rex1]

Are you on no opiates at all for 6 days? Way to go. The clouds will break anytime now. Hope that your stomach is improving, and that you will feel better soon.



I will be praying for you...





Rex

[FINISHED!!]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! Don't worry suz...the year is still VERY young & you have started it out the right way. THIS WILL BE YOUR YEAR!! Just think...you're almost there!!! Day 6 & still no relief? That REALLY SUCKS!!! What are you detoxing from? Sounds like one of those nasty little long-lasting devils. I am praying for you & for your year to start coming around. At least when it does, you'll be clear-headed enough to REALLY enjoy it. Send your regards to your daughter as well for her birthday.



As far as the demoral...it was quite a feeling. It was the highest I'd ever been. Of course the only drugs I've ever consumed in GREAT quantities has been Vicodin ES, Somas & a bad 6 months or so about 12 years ago of methamphedamine...well besides beer of course. It was the thing to do when I was younger to take 4 or 5 somas with a full can of beer shotgun style. It'd feel like you drank a 12 pack. It was cheap & there were no hang-overs. Stupid kid was I. I've never even really got into smoking weed. I'd occasionally take a hit or two as a kid but I don't like sleeping enough to want to do it full-time. Haven't even seen pot since I was about 17 or 18...I'm 29 now. Anyways...hopefully the loracet 10's will hold the pain back enough for me to pass on the offer of another shot or two. I have an EXTREMELY high pain threshold but a broken ankle & wrist at the same time hurts pretty bad. I've got an inflatable cast on my ankle/ shin & that REALLY puts some pressure on things. The ankle is broken in 3 places & there's a couple of floating chips so I'm pretty sure surgery will be scheduled soon after seeing my ortho doc today...hopefully just arthroscopic though. Anyways...I'll be here at my home "office" for the morning so I'll be checking in on all of you & I'll let you know what the doc says.



FINISHED!!

[FINISHED!!]

Good morning my friend!

Jump of course. I've got a track at my mom's house in the Chino Hills, CA. area that was built by Rich Winkler. He designs & builds all of the AMA Supercross tracks so it's pretty gnarly. In turn 3 of my track, you have about 10 feet or so before hitting a 75 foot triple so you have to be on the gas to clear it. My bike bogged about a quater of the way up the face of the jump & I came up a bike length short, casing the bike & being shot over the bars. I did some cartwheels & tumbled a bit but didn't feel the pain until I tried to get my bike. The REAL trip is that I've NEVER had a "crash" on my own track after having & riding it for 8 years. Of course I've dumped my bike in a corner a time or two & swapped around the whoops & stepped off of my bike but nothing like this.



As far as the opiates...I am not fooling myself in anyway. I know that I'm an addict. I know that the potential is DEFINATLY there for relapse but I am confident in my strength, memories of detox & my newly re-found faith in God. He will keep me strong during this time as will all of you.



Thanks,

FINISHED!!

[suzieneedshelp]

Wow man.  You really got it bad!  But yes demoral is an awesome high!  You feel the rush in seconds given injection.  Whoosh!  

I will pray that your breaks heal well and u can continue playin soon!  I would be very careful of getting more demoral.  It may set you on some seeking binge or sumfin.  Dont need to mes up that serotonin again and get all your brain chemistry going wacko making you think differently.  Do u attend AA or NA?

I was reading my big book last night.  It is an awesome text!  

Suzie

[FINISHED!!]

Thank you for your prayers & concerns. I SINCERELY doubt I'll be going back for anymore Demoral. As good as it felt at the time, it was soon replaced by the nausea, spins...then sleep. If I get to the point where I was at yesterday though, I might need to. I was shaking uncontrollably & sweating like a dog. That was pain like I hadn't felt since shattering my pelvis a few years ago.



As far as NA or AA...I chose not to go this route. I think they're great for some & not so great for others. I am now an active part of my church & get & give support here at this forum. If there was a group that specialized in prescription drug abuse, I'd probably jump all over that but my experience is very limited in other areas of narcotics. I love it here & feel that I can better contribute my knowledge, (however limited) support & concerns with you folks.



Again...HAPPY BIRTHDAY & THANK YOU!!!



FINISHED!!

[suzieneedshelp]

Can u e-mail mee plz?

Thx,

Suzie

***@****

***anyone feel free to e-mail me any time...

[FINISHED!!]

You've got mail...



FINISHED!!

[suzieneedshelp]

Forgot to answer your quesiton.  I am detoxing from stadol nasal spray and ultram.  Same family of drugs.  10 year habit no breaks! Never wihtdrawn before now.

Thx,

Suz

[FINISHED!!]

This will probably just drive you & all others detoxing from ultram but over the years I've gathered about 240 pills of this stuff but I never liked it much...thankfully. It sounds WAY harder to get away from than the Vicodin. I don't even know why I kept getting them filled but when your sponsers are flipping the bill, I figured, "why not...maybe someday I'll need them." Think I'll go flush those little devils down the toilet.



Again, I'm praying for you Suzie. I just recently found my way back to God & Church & man my prayer list is SO long but it feels GREAT. The other members of my Church are very excited that I'm going into this full speed ahead.



FINISHED!!

[earlygrayce]

hey everyone. i was on about 12-14 vicodin a day as well as an occasional 2-4 klonopin for about 4 months during a recent relapse. then i tried ultram. it seemed to eliminate the withdrawal symptoms during the times when i had no vicodin 2-3 days at a time/ several times over those months. however, i soon began taking it regularly, and quite a bit of it as well. i recently detoxed from all of those drugs basically cold trukey, but i detoxed from the ultram first (up to 1,000 mg's a day) while still on the 12 - 14 vicodin. i thought that i would be o.k. considering ultram, while addictive is supposedly non-narcotic etc... boy was i wrong. detoxing from the ultram, even while still on heavy doses of vicodin, was once of the worst experiences of my life. avoid any drug at all costs, but don't let dr.'s fool you into thinking that ultram or ultracet is not addictive. especially if you are an addict and scared of withdrawals as we all are, ultram wa the worst for me, and as i said i was still on vicodin at the time. but just as a side note, many people experience withdrawal different from others, so my experience may be unique, but i just thought i would let everyone know. stay strong and it can be done. just ask HELLBENT. that guy's story will make everyone feel as if their situation isn't so bad.

[FINISHED!!]

Suzie...You've got mail...again. Thank you Suzie...You're GREAT!!!



Everyone,

  An important note here. This forum is FULL of caring, sincere & dedicated people...like you didn't know that already. Anyways, point is this; Suzie has just shown me her true colors & I gotta tell ya...They're BEAUTIFUL. I can't type enough appreciation for this board & the members here like Suzieneedshelp, Rex1, Teeitup, MrsRat, Goldie...Heck!!! ALL OF YOU!!! Suzie went out of her way to brighten my otherwise miserable day. I feel like she has true love for her work here & everbody should stop reading now & give her a round of applause. Rex1 has shown me so much support over the last month & more importantly, pointed me back to the path of God. Thank you Rex!!! Teeitup has also shown tremendous support & sincerity. Thank you Tee!!! Goldie possibly saved me from a ton of un-needed pain & suffering with her advice regarding my ulcers. Thank you Goldie!!! MrsRat showed a TON of patience with me a few weeks back & clarified a lot for me. She helped me to realize how some things being said can be misconstrued. She did so with caring advice. Thank you MrsRat!!!

I'm not purposely leaving anybody out but I'd be here for a week thanking all of you. EVERY member here, new & old are so important in mine & others continuing recovery. I only HOPE & PRAY that I too can be that for some of you. So in short...



TO ALL OF THE MEMBERS HERE...THANK YOU!!!

EVERYBODY...GIVE YOURSELVES A HUGE ROUND OF APPLAUSE. I CAN THINK OF NO OTHERS MORE DESERVING!!!



FINISHED!!

[teeitup]

Sorry to hear about the crash, be strong! I'll be thiinking of you!



teeitup!

[saveyourself]

Hang in their girl, I am amazed you can even socialize.  It was 10 days before I could even think of going out into the world.  My wife and kids were even tough to be around, even though they knew I was coming off all this medication.  So, they just gave hugs, love and left me alone.  Thank God for this board and you people.



Rex1 is right, you are coming around the home stretch.  Just don't pick up an opiate no matter what and soon you will be on the road to recovery. God Bless You Girl!!



rex1, how are you, man. For me each day getting better and better.  Take care my friend.

Strength and Honor

Greg

[suzieneedshelp]

WEll Finnished dear heart.  You are too kind.  I just tell it how it is.  Thanks you for the kind words.  Peace to your soul!

Save..Thank you for your kind words a s well.  this place is awesome for sure.  Reaching out to others is wut staying clean is all about.

Keep posting everyone and tell us your deep painful truths.  We are not her to judge only to listen and offer wut we can to help!

Suzie hugs ya!

[Thomas03]

bungee, since you're already down to 3 or so Vics a day, your withdrawal should be no worse than a bad flu. The full text of the recipe addresses all the major symptoms and the Valium is there at the beginning to just keep you calm and help with muscle aches. Use all the tools in the recipe by the specified schedule and you'll be fine.



Everyone, thanks for asking about me. I'm fine. Just busy with the ole job search.



Thomas

[hippy]

always nice

see you posting.

good luck on the job

situation.

peace!!!!!!!!!!hippy

[Rex1]

Thomas,



Hey bud, been missing you, but take care of yourself and good luck on the job search.



Hippee,Greg,



Thanks for the advice on the headaches. I think I have come to the conclusion that I am an excedrin junkee too! Let's list the things that are being slowly removed from my body



alcohol - 1996

Coffee - 2001

Diet Coke - 2002

Whoppers with Cheese - 2002

Vicodin - 2002-2203

Ibuprofren - 2003

Excedrin - 2003



Geez, isn't there anything left that I can take that is downright bad for me?



I think when I finish this transformation, I am going to metamorphisize into a blade of grass!



Rex

[lisabet]

Damn - buddy - no Whoppers, coffee OR soda?  You've gotta have a guilty pleasure, somewhere?  Come on - come clean!!! You've gotta have something - ding-dongs? nachos? really bad Mariah Carey movies? Trashy novels?  Come on - spill it!...smile  Love/peace, Lisabet  :)

[lisabet]

Glad to see you post today. Just having you here gives me comfort!  Missed ya, Lisabet

[DubeMechanic]

You might want to stock up on sports shakes and powerbars or something along those lines. you need to eat during this. I grabbed paper plates and cups as i didnt feel like doing dishes when I was in WD. Use valium to sleep through the worst of it. try to get ahead on laundy if you can, you wont have much energy and probably no real appitite.



Youve done very well, with your taper your WD should be mild compared to some here. Dont expect all thise symptoms listed.. I did not get the runs or sweats, just aches and lethergy and not much sleep till i got some klonopine (thats helps.. about the sames as valiums) and I was on a sizable morphine habit I quit cold ct. The worst was over in 4-5 days. Yours should hopefully be less with the taper youve followed (congrates on that! most of us addicts cant do that). Tapering is MUCH better than CT so you should be OK.



Soon as you feel up to it (a few days at most with your low doses) eat everything in site. Ime still eating like a hourse and this is day 12. Im about back to normal.. just a little tired here and there.



Avoid caffiene, it will give you the speed "coffee jitters," they suck worst in my humble opinion.



Everyone is different, so dont expect the worst. You may be pleasently surprised how mild they are.



Go for it!



We're all praying for you! Keep up posted as to your condition, we are here to help.



Sorry I haveny been around much, Ive been catching up on housework and work. heh my house was a stye from my WDs, time to clean up :)



Day 12 and feeling great!



DM

[theGolden1]

Rex ... You will be happy to know I am officially tapering from the devil called "ultram". This is all your fault(smile) for challenging everyone here. Today is the 15th and after obsessing about drugs and addiction since Thanksgiving, I cut back the ultram. I'm not using anything else. Once a week, on Sunday after church, I lower my dose. I went from 4 to 3 over the last 10 days. I am dosing differently. I take 2 1/2 in the morning and 1/2 six hours later. So far I am ok ... my sleep is not as good. I use ambien, but it's not working as well. As far as your headaches ..... try using Vicks and inhaling steam. Best natural remedy. Let me tell you ..... most of the population has "seasonal affective disorder" the winter blues, so you would have this anyway. It's not withdrawal. I promise you will feel better in the spring. More sunshine. I guess we will all have good days and bad days .... that's life. Stay kool .... Goldie



Suzie ... I'm following your detox. You are a brave person. I am a devout coward. Could these symptoms be from something else? The last time I tried to cut down, I also had an infection, so it was twice as bad. This time I'm feeling better in general. I think 10 days is the magic number with ultram .... please let everyone know when you feel some relief .... I'm so scared. I am tapering "ever so slowly" ... I know with God's help, I will prevail ... all my best, Goldie

[suzieneedshelp]

No i dont think i have anything elsse.  I have gotten e-mails from those who have experienced same.  My nausea is worse than most but i am esp sensitive to that.  I vomited every day i was prego after 2 months (kinda backwards from most)!  Geez!

I am better ty.  Still sick this a.m. but have not vomited now since then.  Bad flu symptoms.  A lot of flem (phlegm).  Coughing.  Gagging.  Cant sleep.  But wut is a few days if it means freedom!!!!1

Power....regained in our lives!

Peace!

See ya!

Suzie

[suzieneedshelp]

Cool man!  Congratulations!  You are doing awesome!

Suzie hugs ya!

[DubeMechanic]

If its me youre refering to (there are two "mechanics" here, myself [Dube] and Bodymechanic), thanks! If not , Im jealous ;)  heh just kidding..



Youre almost out of the woods. Congrats! Keep us posted on how it goes.



Welcome to The Other Side! Its nice here, trust me :)



Im praying for you (as are others here).



Day 15 and feeling fine.



God Bless

DM

[sharonver]

Happy Birthday Suzie!!!



You didn't tell me last nite when we were IM 'ing!! My birthday was the day after New Years. So we are both Capricorns.  Hope you are feeling much much better today! I am so proud of you,6 days and counting...



Sharon

[Esmith28]

OK I have been taking Lorcet10 for about a year or more...lately I was taking 2 1/2 at a time and sometimes anopther half an hour later...so about 10-12  a day for about a month and a half...now he gave me Ultram ...firt of all I dont know how anyone can get addicted to them...they bite...LOL they dont give me anything good :) so not understanding getting addicted...but ok...anyway now I am starting to feel effects of no lorcet...yikes have not had any in two days...had some cough syrup with hydrocodone yest...but out of that too...so I guess if they dont refil the lorcet I am going to start with drwl...not a good time to be doing it..I need to taper off...I cant work and take care of my kids going through that kind of withdrawl...probably just justifying getting more...ugh this bites....thanks for listening

Elizabeth

[teeitup]

Nows is a good time as any to cut back. I used every excuse to myself in the world not to, but is there ever a good time? I understand not going cold turkey I could'nt either. Do you have pain or did you start for recreation? Make yourself a schedule on cutting back and stick to it. No time like the present to suck it up and try. Good luck!



teeitup!

[J. E. W.]

If youve already gone 2 days you might as well keep going. that liquid is nasty thats when you know you have a big problem when your looking for anything to keep you going. plus your here so please save yourself and go for it. If you can taper but if your like me dont have anything around cause youll never stop...Good Luck and let us know if we can help..                      J.E.W.

[Esmith28]

I do have pain...I have a buldging disc and a herniated dics in L4 and L5 in my back the pain has begun to radiat down my leg....some days my 7 year old has to help me with my shoes...but I have gotten such a high tolerence now is why I have to take so maany at a time...also who am I kidding I do happen to like them...the liquid was for a legit cold...but your right there is no time like the present...This is my  plan...I am going for an epideral soon (waiting for them to call with appt)I am going to tell my doctor I am addicted and need to come off...and see what he says..then I am going to do it while the epideral is working  so no pain to deal with...I think this is why he put me on Ultram...to get me off Hyd but It sounds like those withdrawls are worse...so not going that route...

[Esmith28]

I forgot to say thank you for your post and support...I know God sent me here and I am so very grateful...God Bless you all!!

Elizabeth

[J. E. W.]

Good luck with your drs. appt. Ithink once you tell the DR. youll feel alot better to and that helps. Hopefully he understands and can help you get off of those devils. Maybe with the epidural an          d know pain you can do ut easier. Were all hear even just for encouragement! You can do it!!!!!                      J.E.W.

[suzieneedshelp]

It is very admirable and honorable to tell your Dr.  I want u to consider this though...I know those who have legitimate pain as you do and once you get "addict" in your medical record it is very difficult if not impossible to get pain meds.  So think long and hard about that confession.  I am sorry to rain on yur parade.  Just trying to give you all the sides of the decision.  

Peace!

Suzie

[Esmith28]

OK I got a call from my doctors office...who has done their homework...said I have broken pain medicine "contract" that I had gotten pain med from my reg doctor...and a muscal relaxer from another...whatever...my reg doctor gave me that for earache...I wasnt getting med from back doct at that time..then the muscle relaxer I got from my cousin (who is a doctor) because I had TMJ, so I have no idea how she got all this info except maybe the pharmacies have given info...and she did call my reg doctor...so no more meds...I am so pissed,so of course I am thinking screw all of you...this is what I dont understand...I know someone who used to see 4 doctors and none of them were the wiser to it...what up with that? UGHHHHHHH I am flippin out...

[Esmith28]

OK I got a call from my doctors office...who has done their homework...said I have broken pain medicine "contract" that I had gotten pain med from my reg doctor...and a muscal relaxer from another...whatever...my reg doctor gave me that for earache...I wasnt getting med from back doct at that time..then the muscle relaxer I got from my cousin (who is a doctor) because I had TMJ, so I have no idea how she got all this info except maybe the pharmacies have given info...and she did call my reg doctor...so no more meds...I am so pissed,so of course I am thinking screw all of you...this is what I dont understand...I know someone who used to see 4 doctors and none of them were the wiser to it...what up with that? UGHHHHHHH I am flippin out...

[J. E. W.]

Persciption drug abuse has become such a big rage that I think everyone is looked at. And when you start DR. hopping they all check you out. This has been my experience in the past.  even when I would go to different E.R.s they would pull up my records from a year back!!! So I decided I needed to change myself. These pills will eventually lead to death. But you have to be readyto do it. No one can help until you decide your heading down a path of destruction and you did it to yourself. At least thats how I was!!! Im on day 7. And I feel pretty damn good and proud at the moment..... If I can do it anyone can. It has a lot to do with your mind too.    Take care and God be with you...           J.E.W.

[Esmith28]

Wanna Stop...I am in it right there with ya...I am cold turkey and it isnt by choice but I have been wanting to quit for quite some time. Good luck to you, you can do it...we are all here together...thanks for the encouragement all!!

[J. E. W.]

Eventually the cravings do slow down to a degree.Im not craving to much and Im only on day 7. When I do get one I tell myself NO you will be right back where you started at.. I go for awalk, read abook, take a hot bath, or get on here and start reading where weve all come from and how far weve made it!!!!! I sometimes reread all the different horrible stories of where we came from so I dont forget just how bad it was.... Im feeling pretty good at this point in my life journey..Hope I helped some. Maybe I ramble to much. But it feels good to be able to talk to people who understand what your going through!!!! If I can help Im always here..  J.E.W.

[wannastop]

Hello all, I'm in day 2, and it's rough.  I've been on vicodine for years, for different medical problems. But it got to the point I thought I couldn't live without them, but what I want to know is when do you stop craving it to the point of almost going mad???  I tapered down from about 10 to 20 a day to 3 to 4,  I think that that made it easier for me with the wd.  But it was time to stop totally and I did, I was so sick of worring about where and when I could get more, thats all I thought about.  But I have a great husband and I know I will do this because I want my life back!!!!  Just so you guys know, I found this site by accident, I think God willed me here, because I already feel better knowing that there are people out there that understand how hard this is and there is support.  So a huge THANKS to all of you!!  



Thanks,

wannastop

[Esmith28]

YOur awesome and have helped me soooooo much. Your right it will get better, and we will get through it...I am still at the point I am racking my brain how to get more but I dont think that will happen given what happen today. God works even when we dont ask him to...if you asked me two days ago if I was getting ready to quit I would have told you HELL NO..I am not ready quite yet, but I am close...then I went to the doctor...he gave me that other no good stuff...cant think of it right now...(brazin isnt in tip top shape...then I asked for more of lorcet and they investigated...I wasnt doctor shopping...it just happens that my other dr had given me some for earache and then again for sore throat...so God intervened...and here I sit...day three...I was wrong about how many I was taking a day I think it was around 8 on the bad days...5 on a good day..and if I think about it , it hasnt been as bad as it could be...I wonder if since I was on them for almost two years maybe it takes longer for withrawl to happen? I had loose stools yesterday and tingly skin today..and I am just at a freak out mode more than anything, so I guess God is doing for me what I couldnt do for myself. I think I am going to go to a twelve step meeting tonight...back in there...after many years of being out...funny how God nudges huh? God bless you all....

[Esmith28]

YOur awesome and have helped me soooooo much. Your right it will get better, and we will get through it...I am still at the point I am racking my brain how to get more but I dont think that will happen given what happen today. God works even when we dont ask him to...if you asked me two days ago if I was getting ready to quit I would have told you HELL NO..I am not ready quite yet, but I am close...then I went to the doctor...he gave me that other no good stuff...cant think of it right now...(brazin isnt in tip top shape...then I asked for more of lorcet and they investigated...I wasnt doctor shopping...it just happens that my other dr had given me some for earache and then again for sore throat...so God intervened...and here I sit...day three...I was wrong about how many I was taking a day I think it was around 8 on the bad days...5 on a good day..and if I think about it , it hasnt been as bad as it could be...I wonder if since I was on them for almost two years maybe it takes longer for withrawl to happen? I had loose stools yesterday and tingly skin today..and I am just at a freak out mode more than anything, so I guess God is doing for me what I couldnt do for myself. I think I am going to go to a twelve step meeting tonight...back in there...after many years of being out...funny how God nudges huh? God bless you all....

[suzieneedshelp]

Wow both of you!  Scarey story smith.  SEe i get realy nervous when dealing with the medical profession. this country is not on our side... those with chronic pain or addiciton.  One way or another it comes to haunt us.  

WAnnastop.. you can do it!  WE will all be here for you!  Do you have the Thomas recipe?

Suzie

[J. E. W.]

hang in there babe.  It does sound like the Lord is watching over you. Did you make it to the meeting? If so, how did it go? Im still feeling good. So hopefully Im through the worst of the wds.. I know this will be a life long battle. But we CAN DO IT!!!! Take care, and God Bless!!!!               J.E.W.

[wannastop]

Thanks a ton!!  It was nice to have something to come back to to read!!  Starting day 3 I really don't feel to bad, except that I am craving the high, I want that fix, but I am keeping busy and reminding myself that I DON'T want to go through all that again any time soon or ever for that matter!!  The scary part is that I have serious back pain.  It gets to the point that I can't even walk some days.  I finally got smart and changed drs. my old dr. just shoved drugs in me and let me go, my new dr. is wonderful, he cares!! He sent me to specialists etc and now they talk of surgery, I am not to hip on that idea especially now, but I'm at the point that the problem was let go for so long that that may be the only help at this point. Anyway I do not have the Thomas recipe but I would like it.  Thanks again you guys, I know now I can do this!!!





Wannastop

[wannastop]

Good luck to you also!!!  This road sucks but I think with the support here and family and friends we can do it!! I'm here with you!!  Hang tough!!!





Wannastop

[Esmith28]

I did go to a GREAT meeting and got so much love and support and I felt great afterward..I have only thought of how to get more about three times since I woke today...(woke at 11am it is now 1)but it is ok...I am still not having physical withdrawls really...what up with that?? My back is bothering me too...broke down and took an ultram , but think I am going to throw them away, since I heard so much hell about those withdrawls...and hell they give you NO high :)  Wondering if my doctor has messed me up forever...I dont think they can do that...it wasnt like I was getting the same meds from several docs at same time, I guess they just dont allow you seeing anyone else...I dont know what to do about my back...I am just white knuckling it...Blessings to you all

[rodewc]

That is a helluva story. I don't see how it can be illegal to get meds from 2 docs? For example, I recently had gum surgery and was written/filled a scrip for Vicodin; yet, I also had a previous ongoing scrip w/ refills for the same med (hydrocodone) from anothher doc, an internist. Had I not filled the scrip from the oral surgeon, then the meds from the internist would not have been enough for both ailments. Your story strikes me as odd and also frightens me. I have been thinking for some time, while also visiting this forum for a few months, that I will detox myself come a summer operation on my foot to free the pain and also a vacation from work then. I don't know if I am addicted, but feel if I have to wonder.. then I must be. It certainly (vico) takes the pain away, but I enjoy the high as well. I admire the strengths of the many here who have done so well.

[Esmith28]

The problem was that three years ago when I started with back doc I signed a contract (which I had forgotten) that I would not get meds from any other doc...she (I assume) called my insurance and found this out...I guess in that same contract I said that they could do that...also the kicker that pisses me off is that my internist nurses shouldnt have talked to her about my condition or medical records...I will be raising hell about that!! But again I think it was god intervening and doing for me what I wasnt able to do for myself. My porobalem for the last hour is I am having a craving so bad it isnt even funny..I cant concentrate on anything or get anything done...and in all actuality I have a doctor I could even call at home who would help me through this...and she would call some in...but I am trying so hard to refrain...God help me!! I just got to keep trucking on...I have to babysit two kids at 5 today..a 2 year old and a young baby...just what I need to be doing right now huh...ugh

[J. E. W.]

Good luck on the babies... I dont think I could of handled that. Maybe they will help keep your mind off the pills and aches. Try reading,or make IMEAN MAKE yourself go for small walks and breath in the fresh air. It sounds hard at this point but it does help alot.. Take care and God Bless.....                     J.E.W.

[suzieneedshelp]

No one understands wut u r goin thru craving like i do.. cuz right now that is me.  I keep thinking about my stadol.. yes i called it that.." my stadol" as if it had some intrinsic personality or sumfin! Yeah the personality to make me dull!    

WEll now i have a bad headache and it really scares me cuz i took imitrex and no it did not work.. took the max for 24 hours.  I used to get these bad ones that wouldnt go away and finaly had to get knocked out wiht demoral so i coudl sleep.  Cuz no way u can sleep with this mknife in yur head.  And then i was hopsitalised 4 x's with incontractibel headahce.  Once my bp was super low...like 50 over sumfin.  WEll i am gonna go lie down with my ice bag on my head. I am on day 8 now of my detox.  

Peace!

Suzie

[Esmith28]

I am sorry your having such pain suzie!! We all have to hang in there...for eachother....for ourselves or whatever...we just have to do it...god bless

[J. E. W.]

How you doing today? Hope your haning in there. Just remember to take it one day or even one hour at a time! {Sometimes even one min.} It will get better with each day, I promise you this my friend. Im on day 8 for my third detox. I know Im going to make it this time. We have to remember even when we realy do need these pills our minds want to abuse them. So dont even take one unless you have someone to dole them out!!! Good Luck!!!And hope you feel better soon. Try to get a short walk in and breath some fresh air it helps..   God Bless!!                   J.E.W.

[Esmith28]

UGHHHH How my back hurts in the morning, that is the hardest part..waking up with pain which starts my wqhole thought process....dont  want to take ultram...

[minime]

I'm sorry you are hurting.  Did you know that opiate addicts have the lowest threshold for pain?  Once you abuse these meds for a long period of time your body forgets how to measure pain and you will feel the smallest about of discomfort.  My doctor tells me that opiate addicst are the biggest crybabies when it comes to pain.  I can believe that because I'm living proof of it.  I think we just have to suck it up until our brains heal.  The only other alternativ3e is to start the vicious cycle of popping pills again and that is just not an alternative right?



Feel better!

[wannastop]

Hang in there!!! Just keep busy or take a hot bath, that does wonders for me!!  You can get through it!!  At 1:30 it'll be 4 days for me and I feel pretty good. Just a little of the yucks left, but it's getting better.  Be strong and remember you can do this!!!!!!!!!!!



Wannastop

[Esmith28]

Thank you for the encouragement...ok for the hydro it has been 5 or 6 days the days are a blur since one day I had the cough syrup...so I think it is about 6 for no pill...the hardest part is going to be when my husband gets his meds filled...he had his foot run over by a lawn mower when he was a boy...he has constant pain and takes percocet 10 s. So I am scared my hell will start over when that happens because all I will think about is that he has some...he wont ever stop so that is not an option.So I guess I will cross that bridge when is  comes....GOD HELP ME...yall are my saviors right now...thank you soooo much!!

[suzieneedshelp]

WEll if i were u i would definitley have your hubby hide those pills!  I mean realy hide em where u wont find them in a frantic search.  If i had access to them i would take em!  A few times in my detox here i have franticaly searched everywhere for stadol bottles.  The temptation is too strong and it calls out to you in your mind constantly if they are accessible.  So.. you are correct to be concerned.  

Peace!

Suzie

[Esmith28]

Believe me hubby keeps them close to his person at all times...If I tell him not to offer or give he wont...but I could never get enough from him to withstand an addiction to his...so if he gave me one every once in a while it wouldnt be a problem...a probelm will be if I get them filled for myself again...I am feeling great this afternoon craving gonbe..feeling strong and somewaht back to normal!!! Thank YOU GOD!!!!

[Esmith28]

Had to come back on and say I am really feeling good about not taking meds...yest I was MAD today I am proud!! I could have never done this with out this forum and my sister in law..who knows what I am going trough and we are in the same boat...she had to do it once and she has been my person to talk to on the phone when I was freakin... anyway we are doing it and we are going to make it!!!

[Esmith28]

Ha dto come on and let youknow how I woke today...PISSED!!!!!!!!

I was in so much pain and had to tell myt little girl she needed to wait a little while for mommy to get up and around...and that set me off...I called both my back Doctors office (who treated me like a street addict) and left her a message saying I NEVER tried to get medicine from two doctors I dont appreciate you treatting me that way...I would never let yall do my surgery because you have the WORST bedside manner and the personalities of wet socks...I got myslef through bad withdrawl with no help from you and I will be getting my own epideral set up...so dont call to find out how I did because I dont need your help, you have done plenty!! Then I called my internal med doctor (who referred me to this A$$ and told them I didnt appreciate being treated like some doctor shopper and I didnt appreciate them talking to any doctor without talking to me first, that they KNOW I have legit pain and I went through hell coming off cold turkey and I am probably gooing to have to quit one of my jobs because I cant do it in pain (I care for two toddlers). I told the nurse I LOVED my doctor but I feel very uncompfortable and I KNOW he would never have treated me this way and would have come to ME...and I dont know when I would feel comfortable coming back, but that I thought he was the best around and it really hurt my feelings he didnt check things out with me....

It felt really good to let them have it. (Like they care)..but it mademe feel better...now I can face this day and be OK...God bless you all!!!!!! YOu have been my saviors!!!!!!! On day 7 I bvelieve!!!!!!!

[J. E. W.]

Good for you.. Maybe they will realize that you need help with your painmanagement.If you have come this far maybe there is a non addictive med. they can give you. If not your going to have to try to use for pain not the high. Other wise youll have to start all over with the wds.  I dont understand why this world solves all pain with these addictive drugs anyway. There has got to be other things out there. But everytime we get hurt they hand us some pills and say it will get better in a few days or so. Then we start the cycle all over again. Ill be praying for you and your daughter..   God Bless Both of You...         J.E.W.

[percsnomas]

Sorry to read you are having so much pain, and that you were treated poorly!!



I have to say though that I take offense to the term "street addict"; as though "they" deserve mistreatment.

Addiction is addiction.  I don't care if you are a wall street lawyer or a troll under a bridge.......we are all people fighting the same terrible illness; just maybe at varying degrees.

[Esmith28]

I just meant I wasnt lying stealing or dr hopping and I had legit pain...wrong term no disrespect meant...I would expect that if I were doing something wrong!!

[Esmith28]

A very dear friend always sends me this scripture when I am having a hrd time...thought it might help you all my new buddies...



Romans 5:3-5 More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit which has been given to us.



Peace...

Elizabeth

[Rex1]

I know what you mean about those attitudes. Its as if you are a dealer.



Good luck with your detox...



Rex

[ScaredJudy]

Oh geez.......I have gotten myself waaaaay into this stuff again (only worse this time - although it isn't a combination of this plus barbiturates like last time - 11 years ago).

I had 9 years clean and felt great after going to my 3rd attempt at detox from Percocet, Chloral Hydrate, and Ativan back then.  It took literally months to get over and get my natural endorphins working again.

Then I got gall stones.........finally had orthoscopic surgery to remove that bad gall bladder.......didn't have a problem at this time just taking the few Percocet I was given and all was well.  I had the orthoscopic surgery to remove my gall bladder and all was well.  Then my other half decided to move back home to British Columbia and, of course, we attended the same doc we had previously been going to for about 20 years.  I was fine for a while but I ended up having major big toe problems (Hallux Rigidis and scar tissue in and around the great toe) and can't take any sort of aspirin-based or anti-inflammatory products due to bleeding ulcers in the past.  I would have been fine if some major emotional stuff hadn't started happening.  I had bought myself a house with a "test" amount of my inheritence from my father.  The promise from my other half was that he would pay all the other bills...and I would pay the mortgage and that sort of thing.  What does he do?  Quits work (due, he says to a bad back".  Now my cards are racked (due to living expenses) and I had to sell the first place and buy a condo (this is all in the past 2 1/2 years).  Needless to say, my physical pain started getting worse due to stress factors in my life and I started taking those darned Percocets again.  At first it was just a couple a day..........of course that doesn't last long.  Then my doc was concerned about the amount of Tylenol I was taking.......so he changed me to something I hadn't heard of before...."Supeudol 10 mg".  I should have looked it up, but didn't.  This was just the ticket for forgetting all my problems caused from him not working, etc.  (yes he takes Tylenol #4 (no, not 3) by the handful.  I hate codeine so that part isn't a problem for me.  But the stupid Supeudol is!!  The doc says he will give me a prescription *if I want" so that I can only go to the drugstore and get my proper daily allotment on a daily basis to try to get me down on how many I've ended up taking.  This is so so soooooooooo hard to do right now with all the nightmare going on with him not working.  We never used to argue (I hate fighting)......but I find I'm just so fed up with all this stuff that he has caused when it should have been an exciting time for me in my life.  The last two Christmas's I haven't even been excited and I'm a total Christmas person.  I have absolutely no joy left in my life.  Just worrying about how in the heck I'm going to get through this month and still keep my home.  He refuses to go even to welfare (because that is "below" him).  So all the responsibility is on my shoulders .....as usual!!  He never used to be like that....for 14 years he worked hard.  I'm in my early 50's and shouldn't be having this happen to me......I should be travelling and enjoying life.  I have a lot of resentment toward him now.  I have never felt that way about him before.  He just is oblivious to the fact that I cannot do this on my own!!!!  

Back to the Supeudol 10 mg.  I'm now up to about 13 per day..........omg.....yikes .....that like taking 26 percocets (so I find out).  I never took that many years ago when I was abusing them and that withdrawal was hell..........I hate to this what this is going to be like and still having to worry about keeping my 1400 sq ft condo.  

Sorry folks.........first time on here........I don't know what the heck to do.  I'm just ranting at this point.  Basically, "Thinking Out Loud".  Thanks for listening.

Judy  

[Anand1953]

Read your post, seems your biggest problem is hubby. You are probably going to have some sort of an addiction for the rest of your life as long as your personal life is so tumulteous. The only time you feel "good" is when you are using pills.Get rid of the bum and get off of the pills and you may be find everything you are looking for, at the very least peace and contentment. I myself am addicted to hydrocodone, I have a very understanding Doc who gave me way too many, not her fault all mine. A few days ago I took my last one then flushed the rest, needless to say I feel lousy. The worst part is I can't even stay in bed and be miserable and feel sorry for myself. I am responsible for another individual who has to have his trach/lungs suctioned every few hours, not to mention feeding by a stomach tube, bathing etc. The reason for my decision to stop taking the pills is that I've been promising the guys to start doing road trips next year. I know as long as I am on these pills I'm not going to go anywhere. Anyway Judy I apologize if I came on too strongly about your situation. See you.

[Frank 3]

Why does this Forum jump from 2003 to 2007?  This is my first posting.  Given that jump of four years I hope there are still some people here!  Until I get some idea of what is going on here I'll keep this short.  I think I am a hydrocodone addict.  Interested in withdrawal symptoms for my level of use.

[SAMMY12]

I HAVE BEEN TAKING HYDOS FOR FIVE YEARS. I HAVE STOPPED TWICE. I TAKE ANYWHERE FROM 4 TO 5 A DAY. TODAY I ONLY TOOK TWO, BUT TOMORROW IAM QUITING COLD.I JUST WANT SUPPORT BECAUSE I KNOW WHAT IAM GETTING READY TO TAKE ON AND AFTER THIS TIME THATS IT. I WANT A NORMAL LIFE.

[Kendle]

Guy's, I can tell yall that I am on my day 4 of my freedom of Hydrocodone.  I was taking 5 a day minimum and 8 max for about 2 years.  Don't be scared to do this.  I am sitting here at day 4 and realizing that I am going to be free again.  That I can do this.  Fight through day 2 and 3.  You can do it.  By day four I am already getting my appetite back and feeling more like normal.  What worked for me is taking clonidine after I had weened down from 8 to a .5 pill a day of hydrocodone and then went cold turkey(I did this weening in 4 days) and just took clonidine and my nexium and imodium (immodium).  The worst part for me was day 3 at about 36 hours.  Believe me when I say this, it did get rough but I prayed alot and promised God that if he got me through this that he had my promise I would never do another pill again.  Trust me, I won't.  All I can say is don't give up, you WILL live through it.  Everyone does. On the brighter side, I am sitting here euphoric watching TV and realizing that I have been reborn.  I am having feelings that I haven't had in years, I am smelling things and sensing things I haven't in forever.  I know I am not through this completely but I do now realize that I am going to be OK.  Yall will too.  DON'T GIVE IN!  BE STRONG!

[Kendle]

Things that worked for me.  1.  Don't lay around all the time, try and stay busy and keep how you feel off your mind.  2.  Hot showers, definitely helped and I got that idea on this site.  3.  The clonidine did wonders but don't abuse it too much.  Try and stay at 3 a day of .1mg and only for the days you need it.  It is blood pressure medicine and it needs to be weened also.  4. Immodium for the runs.  5.  Try and eat as much as possible(this is very difficult but by day 4 I had my appetite back).  6.  Lot's of prayers and remember, I can do this,  it won't kill me.  You will live to tell your story.         I will say a prayer for all of yall.

[Disillusioned]

How would Clonidine work? It's a fast acting, short living blood pressure medicine. I've heard of using Klonipin for symptoms [an anti-anxiety], but not Clonidine. Just curious...

[Frank 3]

I have been taking hydrocodone for about two years.  Began taking it for headaches.  I have two prescriptions, one for 5/500 and the other 7.5/500.  I seldom take the latter as it feels too strong sometimes and often gives me a headache!  I generally took one 5/500 tablet per day during that two years, but sometimes two in one day (i.e. 24 hour period).  I  have begun to have some very disturbing depressions and one anxiety attack two nights ago.  I figure that I am addicted to hydro and want to get off!

I am seeking some help from "kindred spirits" who have more info on the withdrawal process than I have (which is none).  From what I've read my usage has not been as great as many who have gotten into trouble with this drug.  So I am hoping that my withdrawal will also not be as great as others.  Right now I am "tapering off", by taking a dose of one-half of a hydro. 5/500 tablet.  I am trying to extend the time between doses.  I began yesterday and managed to go for 12 hours before needing a half tablet.  Today I managed 16 hours.  But when I do decide to take a dose it is because of some stomach jitters and light-headedness.

I am very curious about how my "habit" strikes you all.  Thanks, Frank

[Kendle]

It was prescribed by my Dr. for me to get off these pills.  When I looked it up it said it was also used for Alcohol abuse and codeine abuse.  It worked real well for me.

[Stephen-is-sick]

This is my third day without vicodin.  Last night was the worst.  I hip surgery in 2005 and becaome addicted, then stopped and with through withdrawal.  In May 2007 had a bad accident and became addicted to vicodin all over again, this withdrawal is worst than the first time.  I remember the last time I quit I was so happy when the withdrawal symptoms stopped.  I look forward to a normal life,  well day day four is coming, I hope the symptoms diminish.
Yea why does the forum jump from 2003  to  2007?

[FLaddict]

This post is from the archives. If you would like help from current members of the forum then please either post a question within a new thread or post a new question of the main page..

[Disillusioned]

I was just curious...Do you know what role it plays in treating "withdrawals"? I know some of the side effects of Clonidine [including drowsiness], but I wonder how this would help to treat withdrawals. Thanks for responding to my initial question!

[Kendle]

It helped my symptoms quite well but I think I probably over did it a little.  You feel so much better with it and then day 3 I really weened alot off the clonidine and it hit me pretty hard.(my worst day)  I'm on day 6 now and off everything except my normal HBP medicine.  I still am having real bad night sweats and I am tired but Dear Lord am I glad the withdrawels are over.

[hangnon]

I have been taking Hydro 10 APAP 650 for 2 yrs. 2 to 5 a day. I have pain in my kidneys? Dark urine for months. I am constantly worried I am screwing my body up. I have so much going on, a new baby in ICU, a 2yr old, a wife recovering from c section, my final internship for college. Stopping would cause everything to collapse around with me, but how long can I go without problems. I know i am under the limit 3000 to 4000mg of APAP but over time....i wonder. I get chest pains on my left side. I also take Enalipril, propanol, and vistiril. Cold Turkey makes me aggresive (aggressive) and helpless. What now. Any advice on how to deal...what to do. Real world advice. Thanks.

[FLaddict]

You may want to repost this as a new question. the original poster made this post in 2003.. Alot of these "old posts" get overlooked by current members.. That is why people wondered above why it jumped to 2007.  These posts used to be closed until recently when the site started updating the software..
I would say based on your symptoms you need a medically supervised detox. even if its outpatient with a drug like Suboxone and clonidine Personally with the symptoms I would go inpatient to be monitored.  Dark urine and kidney pain is not something to take lightly.. even if its caused by something other than the pills.. for your new baby's sake I would get some help..
That 3000-4000 is a generall rule of thumb...  some people cannot tolerate that much.. our bodies are all different.. Not to mention the time you have been taking them.. that adds up.

[hangnon]

Thanks for the advice. I have always thought these symptoms were related because I knew from the begining i was abusing the Lortab. I also use Copenhagen smokeless tobacco, especially while i am using. the more pills...the more snuff. I went to the doc some time back. One doc gave me Remron? and bispuron. the other gave me trazodone. the trazodone seems to help going through wd. i was taking 200mg or 400mg. But it knocks you out. And past attempts to wd have resulted in nights of constant tossing and turning and all my joints aching like crazy. Added with zero motivation to do anything and you pretty much become a grumpy zombie who worries all the time and doesn't feel like himself. I will definatly look into the meds u advised.

Today, I took 2 this morining, 1 an hour later and anotherabout 3 oclock. my chest is hurting mainly center left. I feel like i have water on my heart or something. I think I  will go in for a physical tomorrow and inquire about the 2 meds. I thought the chest pain might just be anxiety, but it doesn't go away lately, even when I've had a pill.

I just thought I would share some personal symptoms and wonder if anyone experiences similar.

Thanks and take care.

[spazzosrr]

I have been reading all of your comments for months while still taking mass amounts of hydro, knowing that I have to quit but I do have legitimate back pain. But at this point I am addicted. I get a huge lot from my doc. But am taking more than I need all throughout the day. I am currently out. And can not get more for two weeks. I think it is time but what do i do? I do not have the option of jusy checking out for weeks. My job will not allow that. Neither will my family. can anyone give some advice?

[Mississippi05]

This is the second time I have done this.  All I can tell you is it will be hard, but don't make the same mistake I did and start again if you really do decide to stop.  The second time is harder.  I started taking the pills after hurricane Katrina and I had just had a baby and then 6 months later had gallbladder surgery.  I was in a foreign place because I lost my home and my husband had to work graveyard shift.  The pills made the nights at home alone with the 2 kids I have bearable after what we went through.  I would have never imagined I would have gotten addicted.  But I have been unable to function without them.  Although I am now determined to find the "me" I once knew.

Take Care, Mississippi

[aloneinkentucky]

I am on day 2 of no lortab. Kinda tired and achy anything that would help?

[tomuch]

I have been on hydro for 4 years and oxy for 3 of the 4. I tapered off after haveing back surgery but found out I was still in alot of pain. I am down to 2 tabs of hydro a day and will be going for "Suboxone" detox on the 10th. I had 8 bad disc in my back and had to go on chronic meds (oxy) because my home burned down and I could not have the surgery. After the surgery I came off the oxy and have been on hydro 10/325 for 9 months. According to the doctor I have to go 24 hours without taking anything, valium or anything like it. I don't think it will be to hard but would like to know if anyone else has gone threw this treatment? By the way, at my worse I was going through 250 to 300 10/325 plus 80 oxy at 180mg per month and still running out. Now I am down to 2 10/325 till Monday.

[shawdy30]

i have only been taken a few lortabs aday for about 2 mths and i am not taking just one for the next 4 days....  do you think i will be bad and do you think my xanax will help with withdrawl?????

[crashing]

i used to run a business.  for two years it was great.  for the last year, it tanked, but i still tried to keep it afloat.  i was broke trying to pick up the pieces.  my girlfriend dumped me, everything i own was stolen in a robbery, my business failed, a close friend died, and i was then betrayed in a huge way by another long-time friend.  i started stealing vicodin from a family member who doesn't seem to notice...or maybe he does, but doesn't say anything.  i've been on again, off again with it for 4 years.  mostly on, i'm sorry to say.  my sister is an addict in jail now.  i don't want to be next.  i wish i could figure out what i'm trying to hide from.  i'm sitting here, drinking my fifth beer in a row...knowing i am out of pills, feeling like a ******* weak, worthless, pathetic loser...crying, but refusing to steal or buy any more pills...reading all this **** written by people who are maybe worse off than me.  and all i can think to do is take a shower, or shave my head.  i read that hot showers help.  if shaving my head makes a difference, i'll be sure to let you all know.

[comingback]

Hello I am new to this site. I have been reading  your posts now for two days. I have taken lortab 7.5 and 10,s for the past seven years after a cancer diagnosis. That went into remission however, I continued getting 120 tabs from the doc everymonth which wassnt near enough being that I take atleast 10 per day. So I got them however I could. Now I am turning 31 next month and decided to take my life back and live it for me and not the drug. So I tried tapering and honestly I was lying to myself trying to do that. Now Im going cold turkey its been 48 hours I have experienced fatigue and my legs wont stop moving when I try to sleep and thats been it so tell me has the real bad stuff I have read about just not started yet. This edgy feeling is bad enough when does it start to go away?

[[e-mail]]

I am lets just say a medical professional of 17 years.  I have been addicted to Lotab I think for nearly two years, at first, probably the first year it gave me "energy", as well as very little relief of back pain at prescribed doses.  I got a gastrointestinal virus last Wed. and decided Thurs am around 5 am would be my last dose.  Its been 48 hours.  Yes, I don't feel the best I have ever felt.  I was up to 15 Lortab 10/500 per day.  PUT THE PILLS DOWN.  Its not that bad.  Yes you will be sick, but not as sick as a bad virus.  Just try to suck  it up.  You will need a good 4 days.  Immodium for diahrrea, phenergan for nausea if you can get it and ibuprofen for pain, and an antianxiety to calm you down.  You will be ok.  I have to go to work tomarrow on hour 72.  Wish me luck and if you are a spiritual person pray for God to take away the pain.

[Crossed_Field]

Newbie disease in addition to hydrocodone wds!  Found your forum and wanted to letya know how helpful I am finding this info.  Call me a wimp, but I couldn't do it alone.  Not even close.  6 - 8 pills/day (at the worst of it) of the 10/325 variety x 5 years.  I asked God for help and the next day  I was in the hospital.  I thank Him for having great insurance.  I was placed on something called a "Darvon taper" - which was not really a taper, it was whatever the nurse at the station felt like putting in the cup.  Sometimes 1 tab, sometimes 2 ... but that's another story.  I read with interest about the Thomas Recipe and valium (or even clonipin ) - but it's a fat chance my PCM would prescribe a benzodiazapine to a known addict ... so I didn't ask.  This is week three since my last narcotic dose and I am still so run-down I can't stand myself.  I thank God I have a supportive family, because I am worthless to them right now.  My point is, I'm wondering how long this is going to last, and secondly - my hat and heart goes to you all for doing the withdrawal on your own.  You folks are incredibly strong!

[lifegetsbetter]

In 2002 I started to have real bad headaches and then came the Hydrocodone.  We started out at 5/750 for a while, being when needed to 7.5/500 four to six times a day for three to four years.  That was one doctor, another doctor had given me a script for just 10 pills every now and then between the other refills, which he did not know I was getting. The doctors finally sent me to a numerologist and the headaches got under control, I went through the withdrawals, but it was nothing like abruptly quitting xanax without your doctor’s help, which was the worse.

Back on August 21, 2007, I just had a lumbar fusion, of my lower back (s1 and l5). Now I have four screws, two metal bars, and spacers in my disk space and they took some of my bone marrow out of my hip and placed on top of it all to fuse together. Even being three months later I am in agonizing pains at times.  After the surgery the Morphine, Lortabs and Norco 10/325 did not help.  When released from the hospital I would go through 60 pills 10/325 within five to six days, sometimes sooner.  Then the doctor gave me Valium about four weeks later, those did not work and it was like candy to me.  My recent refills were this week; he will give them as long as I call.  I went to pain management and they gave me oxycodone and those did not seem to even work.  As I sit here I haven’t had one pill within 24 hrs and it’s hard.  See I want off them, but I want something to take the pain away, which the 10/325 doesn’t even touch, the pain.  I am only 35, tomorrow is my birthday and I want to eventually get my life back, be me, and take control again.  I am blessed with a great support group with a caring boss, co-workers, family, friends and especially a great loving partner.  Now its not when I want a pill, he ask do you want it or do you need it?  That’s when I think.  So here it is 24 hrs later no pill.  We are all going to make it if we stick to our goals.  We just have to fight with faith and not weaver.  

[IBKleen]

Hello!

Great post! Unfortunately, this thread was started 7 years ago, and it will go back to archives fast. there is a good chance that no one will see it.

Go to the top of this page, hit the post a questio button and re-post what you did here. that will start your own question. there are many good helpful people here who are just like you.

Hope to see you out in the forum.

[Alex444]

Very new (3 months on it) to Vicodin and was wondering if what I was feeling was withdrawl.  I found this site and am sure I am experiencing withdrawl when i wake up in the AM until I take a pill.  I am taking about 6 a day.  I have about 50 left. I don't want to get to where I see many of you in these posts but the flu-like symptoms in the AM are miserable.  Am I better to just stop outright or taper the remaining pills?  Alex

[uvlvrebel]

if you don't "want to get to where we are"... you might wanna stop now.  vicoden is orig meant to be a short-term fix for pain.  you might wanna post this to a new thread so you'll get more responses...this is a really old post. good luck!
_rebel

[sherm22]

i was addited to hydrocone for about 2 years taking at least 5-6 10 325 mg a day, it just made me feel like i was on top of the world, but after leaving home going to school in another state i had to go threw withdraw, cold turkey, i felt like i had been posined i couldnt sleep or eat it was very hard for me to do anything but where i was at i had to get up at a certain time and do things i didnt want to to. I struggled but me being stong willed i got threw it, about a month in a half later i started feeling normal again. and i felt free again, but i still also craved the drug i new i will be an adict all my life, but i felt like i could overcome it and told myself i would never do it again. but were i was i was about to go home for christmas and summer break every year, and the first time i went back home from being clean for 6 months i started taking again which i shouldnt have, because when i came back i had to go threw withdraw again, and then i did the same thing next holiday, and now this is the third time for me going home and doing what i told myself i wouldnt do, this is my third day without anything having the usually syptoms (symptoms) i have had before. I always tell myself that i wont do it again after being clean each time for 6 months, is their any hope for me?

[mccain08]

Is this blog going?  How are you doing?  I am starting a 7 day taper down after 6 months of using 6-10 10/325s a day.  I took 6 today, and plan on 4 tomorrow, etc.  I can sure tell that I am withdrawling - weight on my head and shoulders, crying, etc.  I have ativan and wine which is helping I think but I must get this done immediately.  Any insight, anybody?

[GoingToMakeIt]

This is an old Post. Start a new one. We would love to chat.

[helpformom7]

Hi, I've had a problem with opiates (mostly lortab) for the last 2 years. it all started after I was in a car accident and prescribed pills. Plus I hung out with people that knew how to get them and used them and gave them to me and eventually I made my own connections for buying them myself. It was too easy. I found out I was pregnant and I quit. Wasn't hard at all. Stayed clean for 2 months.  But then I went to the dentist 4 months ago and was prescribed 50 pills for an extraction. They told me pills were relativeely safe during pregnancy. And back to the pills I went. I have not went over 48 hours without something for the last 4 months. My dosage has been 15mg a day for the most part sometimes I have taken up to 50 mg in a day but not often. I have decided to quit once and for all. My baby is due in a month and I feel horrible for what I've been doing. I know it can't be good for baby....especially going through withdrawal. I've went without for 2 days and it has been awful so far. Is withdrawal bad on the baby too?

[whiff]

I just called my doctor for yet another refill.  I feel like I'm spiraling out of control.  I constantly justify taking hydrocodone because it is the only thing that has helped the back pain I have endured for years.  I refused narcotics from every doctor for the last 13 years until my back pain severely worsened after pregannacy.  I was in physical therapy for 8 months which did nothing.  I was then prescriped Naproxen which didn't work.  I have "thrown out my back" about 4 times in the last year and literally get paralyzed.  This is when I gave in to the hydrocodone because I was in so much pain.  Back in June, I had about 2 weeks that I took it and ended up handing the pills over to my husband to hold them for me because I was taking them when I didn't need to.  I had a little withdrawal but nothing horrible.  Then after I stopped the physical therapy, my doctor prescribed another bottle in October and since then, I've been taking about 1-3 pills per day.  I am at the point where when I do stop, the w/d is too bad and I can't do it.   I have a two year old and my energy level depletes, I can't sleep and I get extremely anxious.  I seriously felt like just a few pills per day would not lead to a problem but the physical addiction is what is keeping me tied to them.  I usually go until I start to feel some w/d symptoms and just pop another one.  And then at night, to relax, I sometimes take 2.  It actually gives me energy to get the laundry done, mop the floors, etc....

I've had some traumatic events in the past 2 years and now I feel like I found something that helps me escape from the physical and mental pain.  I've been taking the pills every day for 3 months and I can't afford to leave my son without a mother or with a drug addict as a mother.  I make myself sick right now but I can't stop.  This has made me appreciate all the people who I judged for so long because now I am one of them.  

I just wanted to share my story.  Although I got a refill, I took steps today to hopefully end this.  I am seeing a shrink tomorrow and will probably go on some anti-depressants so I am going to have to stop the hydros.  I also just scheduled an appointment with my orthopaedic surgeon next week to let him know I am having a problem with dependancy and see if there's anything he can do to help.  This has to stop soon.  

Do any of you know if doctors are aware of this Thomas Recipe?  I'm still trying to find out exactly what it is but I know it involves Valium and I would need a prescription.  Just curious the reaction I might get from my doc if I suggest that.  

Thanks for your time.
Scared Mommy

[VicUser]

I have been suffering from back and leg pain for a long time and stopped taking 3 (5/500) vicodin a day on the 30th of Nov after 7 years of use. Some days are better than others as far as the pain goes and I have been receiving acupuncture treatments, which has helped. I too received no relief from Naproxen or any other pain reliever, physical therapy and epidural cortisone didn't help either. Last night I tried going to a medical massage therapist and today feel better than I have in a long time with or without drugs.

Please don’t judge yourself too harshly, I know that the relief you get from vicodin is much better than the pain. However, I also share the desire to be drug free. I have read and experienced the anxiousness and the sleeplessness, it only last a few days for me. I, like others noticed an increase in back pain for a couple weeks as my body wanted the effects of the drug. My prayers are with you as you struggle with the pain, from your back problems, and the desire to quit using vicodin. You can do it and there are many kind people on this forum that will give you the support you need overcoming the addition part. I have made it my goal to find some type of, non drug, pain relief so that I can live a “normal life� and will report in occasionally about what I find.

[whiff]

Thank you so much for your advice and your kind words.  I really appreciate it.  Before I started using the pills regularly, I was planning on some sort of pain management plan, like accupuncture or seeing a chiropracter (yikes!) and I even looked into hypnosis.  Unfortunately my financial situation has recently changed (my husband and I separated) and I found myself unable to afford those options.  And of course my new family situation doesn't help with my addiction.  I will look into the medical massage therapist idea though!  

I am looking forward to talking to my doctor about it next week.  I am also thinking about talking to a family member as well.  I have every other weekend "off" with my son so maybe I could take a Friday off of work and just have 3 days to feel like **** and go from there.  Do you have any idea how long the w/d symptoms last?  

Thanks again for your response.

[VicUser]

I think the first three days were the worst, mostly because of not sleeping well. I had a bit of diarrea (diarrhea), but not too bad. I still battle with low energy, but that may just be me I work 12 hour days and when I get home I don't want to do much. I am looking foward to Springtime when I can take the dogs for a walk every day, that should help.

[toxictome]

Welcome to this forum. You should repost this as a new question. This is on an old thread and people may not respond. Maybe your Dr. can help you w/ a taper plan(decreasing the amt of the drug every 2-3 days) or you can  go ct(cold turkey). Print out the Thomas recipe and see what your dr. thinks. Please repost...you will get many more responses on a new post.

[electguy]

I am trying to come off a 5 yr hydro habit.  i am trying tapering but dont know how that will go.  I have tried methadone with no success.  I like those just as much as the hydro.  I am really nervous about this. I know I need to quit but the WDs are so hard.  Thinking about taking a week off work and going cold turkey.  I have stopped a few times and relapsed.  Does any know of anything to ease the mental part of the WDs.  

[coldturkey]

L-Tyrosine is a vitamin that u can find at GNC store. It helps with the withdrawels, but u gotta take on an empty stomache. Up to 4000mg if needed

[bmc1976]

You need to start your own thread. At the top of the page click on "post a question". Doing this will dedicate a thread to you. You will get so many more answers. Sometimes if you post to a older thread they will get overlooked. Welcome to the forum. You will get so much advice and support here. There are some wonderful people here always willing to help!
Brian

[LH72315]

Let me tell you, I feel your pain. I don't know how many you were taking, but I just came off over a year taking 20-25 Loratab 10/500 a day. I hit bottom and knew if I didn't get help i would be dead. Luckily my fiance and my boss/best friend helped me. I checked myself into a rehab center and it was the best thing i have ever done. it has been 6 days and I am feeling more and more like me again everyday. I do not remember the detox drugs they gave me, but they worked wonders. When i got out after 4 days, I was given Trazodone to help me sleep and relax, and Metacarbonol to the back spasms/pain. Both work. I don't have the desire to take any nor do i want to. I keep an empty bottle sitting on my desk to remind me of the hell i went thru. You are not alone, it is a sickness, that you can beat and get your life back.

I have 16 weeks of Outpatient Treatment to go thru, which i am definately looking forward to. If i can help just one person it will be worth it. If anyone wants to talk or needs advice, feel free to contact me here and i can get your number and call, or email.......

Lastly, I have also found that vitamin B-12......L-Lysine.....Melatonin also work wonders for energy and a good nights sleep. No one is alone in the war or getting clean, we are all soldiers and we will win the war.

[Flutterby111]

Are you new here?  Welcome!  This is an old post, You should copy what you wrote and where it says post question, click then paste in the body.....withdrawls off of opiates are hell.  We've all been there, or are trying to get there, or something....are addicted to something.  Plenty of support on the forum....again, welcome.

[Kitten1234]

I've been reading some of the posts and they are a HUGE help.  Thank you to everyone that's sharing.

I've been taking the minimum dose of Lortab for 6 month's (as prescribed) now and I realized a few days ago that I didn't feel like "me" anymore.  I felt less care and concern for those around me.  

The bottle always says "may cause drowsiness" but the opposite has been true for me.  It gives me much more energy than I've had in many years.

I decided to quit taking these Thursday, March 20.  I'm not having any cravings for the drug that I've read some of you mention.  However, I am having the following "symptoms" and I was wondering if anyone could tell me which of these could be related to withdrawal symptoms:

Bladder Infection - been taking antibiotics 3 days for this.
Constant Fever - 99.7 and up
Severe Fatigue - I haven't been able to do anything.
Allergy symptoms (runny nose, runny eyes) - it's allergy season here.
Sleepiness - I'm sleeping around 14 hrs. per day.
Aches - especially in my upper chest ribs and calves.

Fortunately, no irritability or drug cravings.  Thank God.

I trust my doctor and he prescribed this medication with the intent for me to take it for 6 month's to treat inflamed ribs.  If these are the withdrawal symptoms, I wish he would have given me a option....

I will be praying for all of you.

Faye

[rillom]

i've been taking hydrocodone for three years, after a really bad wreck i was prescribed 4-5 10's a day. after many sugerys (spell) im still taking them, half way through to know i got to where i was taking 10-12 10's a day but when i ran out i never got any of the withdrawals that you all speak of. no sickness or flu symptoms. just the pain of the metal and plastic in my legs. im sorry to hear that its getting you like that but i havent experienced any of this, but.......... i am interested. if you wouldnt mind please describe in detail the symptoms your getting from kickin the drug.

[flmagi]

This original post is very old, you'd be better to start a new thread. You'll get alot more responses.

[sagitarius64111]

I've been withdrawling since trying to taper over the weekend.  For the last five-six months i have been some kind of opiate regularly.  The last month however i had a dentist and a physician giving me alot of Lortab 7.5s and 10s.  I also found some OC40s and messed with those for awhile.  
On Sunday Apr 6, 2008 I took my last lortab I took half in the morning and the other half that night...I could feel it coming much before however.  This is the worst I have ever felt in my life.  My life has changed quite drastically with the wife and what not.  When it rains- it pours, at least for me when it comes to this withdrawl.  I wish I could put life on hold so detoxing would not be as stressful, but this is only day 2 and I have some support with the family and some friends.
I never had it this bad, but I have also been well supplied for longer than I can really remember.
I have all the classic withdrawl symptoms.  Hot showers do work, there is no doubt.  A lot of ibuprofen, a little benadryl, some tylenol and all kinds of vitamins is my plan and I suppose is helping so far.  I hope I'm over the hump, yesterday was much worse.  The pain was simply unbearable to the point I felt I could do NOTHING, but I was at work somehow and still went to class.
The only surprise really has been the strength of the pain is only additional to the emotional pain I suppose I've been treating myself for  years now.  Wish me luck, I never want to feel this way again and I hope I don't forget how hard this was.
-Shawn  

[CAM813]

My name is CAM and I have taking hydro's for about 4 months,  It has made me not drink as much but I can't seem to kick the habit.  I've got every reason in the world to quit because due some good luck, my financial situation is great although my marriage is not.  Does anyone have similar problems while taking with their energy level, sex drive, and all else that has to factor in a relationship??  Never had an addiction problem like this.  I am 41and usually take 3-5 NORCO 10's during the day, starting at 6am then move over to xanax at night to sleep.  My xanax is another issue.  Been taking that for 8 years but only 1mg a night.

[sagitarius64111]

Hi CAM, I suppose you will have to make the decision to quit if you have a steady supplier.  I would first brake off the supplier then tryto taper a little, then quit.  I wouldn't quit the Xanax though, you don't want to be withdrawling from both, but watch the drinking.   I had my last Lortab on Sunday, while already withdrawling because I was trying to taper down.  But on Monday I was ready to shoot myself. Tuesday a bit better but I found a 1mg Xanax around 8pm while going through old meds. It made life much better for the rest of the night with about four beers and some benadryl.  Maybe too much depressants.  A friend said I was snoring really loud and my breathing was really depressed.  I did get some good sleep though.  Today I've been much better.  Better mood and I feel a lot better.
As for you, I guess you'll have another battle with the xanax.  Getting off those is not fun either, but no where near as bad as I felt for about 2 1/2 days.  You'll be VERY achy.  I recommend talking to your doctor about some clonidine and get some ibuprofen. Take alot of hot showers and baths, because it is the only thing that took away the bitter bone chills.  I'm not going to lie, it going to suck but it maybe a bit better for you since at least you'll have the xanax left.  You can do it, I felt I couldn't but as I got better I realized alot of it was about your attitude towards quitting.  Good luck
-Shawn

[fsport]

thats so right, cut the supplier.  Hi everyone i am new to this site so if i am not doing this right im sorry. I am a 46 yo male. med proff. I have been off and on hydros for the past 4yrs. It started with an ankle inj so my suppliers where Drs and pain centers. I have had 4 surgers on my ankle in the past 2 yrs. the last 2 i was a pt at a pain center, MISTAKE. Dont get me wrong they are some good pain centers but they would give me just about what i ssk for. i was taking 4-6 10/500s a day. i ran out time to time but never for more than 2 days at a time. As i sit here i am pill free for the past10 days, each day gets better and better. What i am saying i had to drop myself as a pt (ON MY OWN) I almost had to argue with them to do it. If you are hanging out with folks that has hydros stop.. I am still not sleeping well but it will come in time. I liked what one person stated about how well they felt after a month and a half later, My ankle is about a 2 on a pain scale now, i was telling the pain center it was a 8 or more each time. Our bodies can handle more pain than we think. The stories i have read here today helped me i hope mine helped someone. Remember BY HIS STPIPES WE AER HEALED,  Pray for me as i will for you all.   GOD BLESS

[babygirl167]

I figured i had a problem, I knew i had a problem when I couldn't sleep without them, I'm trying to kick this on my own and it's so hard...  I have been taking them about 8 months now.  I have a little bit of help from my best-friend who is a recovering alcoholic but nobody else knows.  I really do not have anyone who understands how I feel.  And when I get upset I just want to deal with it by popping a pill or 2 or 3.  

My boyfriend has decided that I was necessary to tell everyone in his family,  even his 19 year old son who lives with us.  

Is this what I get for being so bad?  I have noone to talk to, I feel so alone.  I don't even want to live sometimes.  I wish I had lied and stashed a bottle away for times like this.  

It's been about 5 days now, I can't go to rehab, I will not see my kids there and I don't want them coming to see me at some facility.  Last nite I wanted to drive into town and go find some more pills.  I feel like i am hanging by one finger.  I feel like i have been not only exposed but that everyone is laughing at me

baby

[fireguy9]

I need some help. 4 years ago I did a sleep study and was diagnosed with restless leg syndrome and periodic limb movement disorder. The doc first tried the dopamine agonists, requup, mirapex, sinemet. All of these produced are-bound effect that made me think I was going crazy. Turns out I had plenty of dopamine in my system and if I kept taking them I was well on my way to becoming a schyitzophrenic. That would be bad. Next we tried the opiates. 1 or 2 norco at bed time did the trick. I used to move 40 times and hour, now I don' move at all. It's been 4 years now of 2 norco before bed. Am I am addict? If I need it for a medical purpose that increases my quality of life, am I an addict. I dont know what to do. One one hand I feel almost slimey every time I go to the pharmacy. But on the other hand I take 2 a  day andsolves my medical problem.. Help me please!!! I am confused...

[beakman]

I have been taking 4 hydro's 10/325 a day and it helps alot for my osteo arthritis pain. The meds should last me a month but I run out quicker because a certain household member (wife) takes some for her back. This is were my problem starts because I run out before I can call the doctor for more so I start going through withdrawal symptoms early and it stinks. I explained this to her but she doesn't care. For me this is the only thing that seems to help me. I have tried ibuprofin but does not really work. I see a rumatologist and tried severla different drugs bu nothing. I don't abuse the drugs that are prescribed to me but is frustrating when I am forced to go through WD because of my inconsiderate wife.

Please help!

[kate1310]

I have been addicted to hydrocodone usually 10/500's but will take vicodin, lortab whatever.  I have severe headaches and hip pain and have been given this pill since I was 19 but hardly ever took it Thank goodness.  They started getting worse after a pregnancy and so I started taking them if I had 10/500's I would take probably 15 a day.  I would take them as soon as I woke up in the morning, 3 of them.  Of course this is all to feel "normal"  I ran our and also had decided that I have to stop.  I stopped one other tiime and felt great why I started it again I don't know except that I had to have another surgery.  i went to church yesterday and they had you write on a piece of paper what you are suffering with and to drop it in front of the cross and then they shredded them.  I think that is God telling me it's time to let it go.  So far I've been in the bathroom a couple times, legs ache and of course yawning.  Can someone post Thomas's receipe so maybe these next 3 days aren't as bad.  No one knows that I have this addiction so I don't want to tell them I am going thru withdrawals.
Thanks and I have read everyone of your posts!

[Sprumfod]

I Have been taking 1-2 10/500 Hydros per day for 9 months......I am hooked and going to try and kick this sh*t.  After reading these posts......I cant imagine taking upwards of 10 to 15 of these pills a day.  My withdrawal symptoms will surely be crappy, but I cant imaging the withdrawal of those taking large amounts of Hydro.  I wish everyone well.  Wish me luck.  

R. D.
Upstate NY

[brlvr]

Wow, where to begin.  I came to find out about hydrocodone thru a couple surgeries in 2001 and 2004.  Those scripts ran out, of course, not really allowing me to become an addict.  In fall of 2004 I began to acquire 2-3 sources of hydrocodone.  Started taking about 3 a day, running out sometimes but it wasn't a big deal.  Of course, began to take more over time.  Since March 2008 I've been taking 8-12 a day, and usually the stronger ones (7.5/750 rather than 5/500), and never really running out ever.  Well, I ran out of them a few days ago, can't really get more for a while.  The emotional/mental withdrawal for me is worse than the physical (just some chills and sneezing)... am wondering what life was like before I started all this, esp since popping the pills really seems to help my typically low self esteem, propensity for depression, and lack of motivation.  It was a rough weekend and this next week is going to be no better.  Quitting cold turkey after taking so much for so long is a horrendous *****.

[crucified_doll]

i am 27 years old and ive been doing drugs since i was 14 i started with smoking pot... by the time i was 16 i had lost 35lbs from doing meth and numerous other drugs. ive been addicted to almost everything.... to get off meth i got hooked on xanex for a year to get off xanex i drank heavily for a year i stopped drinking daily and started smoking pot again with some form of Rx everyday and whiskey on weekends... well after a couple years of that i moved on to using a needle oxycontin was my first shot then on to heroin and using cocain when i couldnt get either of those... so then i started selling drugs to support my habbit and i got busted so i stoped shooting up... it was hard just to beat the needle but i did... so there i was back to just sniffing 160 mg of oxycontin daily while going to court for a class c felony....after a few months of court the oxy's werent available so i compensated with smoking crack daily......on my day of final sentencing (i got 3 years probation) i bought a pregnancy test.... .......positive....  me homeless,jobless, broke, felon, no baby daddy, i wanted an abortion so i ...... kept smoking crack..... well.... a couple months into my pregnancy i ran into my first love, so what if he was the first person to give me acid.... he was a nice guy.... i found out he had been sober for over a year ok... it was on..... i stoped useing everything it was hard but i did it.. we hooked up.... we had a beautiful 100% healthy daughter Leanna born 8-18-07. so after i had her i was prescribed several scripts of percocet and lorcet and didnt abuse them at all sometimes even doing less than prescribed... then when i got to the last pill him and i both crushed it up and did it..... and now here i am almost a year after doing that "last pill" im hooked again.... oxys... yes a couple needles... 3-20 of whatever milligram hydrocodone i can find/afford daily..... and im broke again..... i havent had anything in the past couple days and i cant sleep.... RLS!!!!!!!! im at the point where "i just need one more"... i look at my beautiful daughter and ask myself what now?..........

i need some back up

[SUGAR5]

i think i'm addited to lower tabs does anyone know how i can get off them

[Stephen-is-sick]

I went cold turkey August 2007.  Was taking hydrocodone for over two years.  It is now November 2008.  I did find myself taking advil pm to enable me to sleep.

Anywho I know find myself craving hydo again.  I still have 30 or so pills.  But the last few days have been hard.  Ain't sure what has brought up the craving .  After all it has been over a year since I quit.  Well that's it for now.

[TrayCee]

this thread is a year old.  You'll get a much better response by just starting a new one

[Coe455]

I'm in my fourth day of withdrawal from hydrocodone, and it's really been miserable, but I know soon I'll be okay.  I'm a recovering alcoholic (26 years sober), and I think I knew what was happening to me with the hydrocodone, but I just couldn't stop.  Withdrawal has been much, much worse than from alcohol.  I was taking 6-8 (3.5/325 tabs a day for three years for leftover shingles pain, so I can't expect a speedy withdrawal in such a short time.  Thanks to all of you for your testimonials... they have been a big help to me.

Coe Linn
Brownwood, Texas

[envyeyes]

i have had my own personal experience with the pain killers. lorecet/loretab/vicodine & ect. i use to be the type of person, "not" to take anything at all, not even Tylenol for a head ache. until i was in a car accident, that led to 7 disc total, down my spine. 2 in my neck causing major migraine head aches everyday and 5 in my lower back, with the last disc bulged out, off to the left & tore like a piece of paper, causing burning and shooting pain down my leg as well as my back locking up from time to time, nearly taking my breath away. i was on the lorecet for 1 year & 4 months and i decided to stop! the day after christmas 2007,  i woke up and i was determined not to touch another one, for the fact that i could feel my body becoming self dependent on the lorecet. and that was scary, because i've known too many people over the years with addictions! i did not want to become them! i was bent and determined to learn to deal with the pain. so 12/26/07 was my start date, from there it was pure HELL for the next 5-6 days! i just did manage to recuperate in time for "new years". but, during that week i was sick! i had the sweats, shakes, nausea, running out of both ends, and i couldn't eat & when i did it was very little. my whole body ached. i tossed and turned in my sleep, no "over the counter" sleep meds. helped me. my body, such as fingers/hands, arms & legs would draw up from the withdraws, it was horrible! but, by the grace of God, i survived it! it felt good to be "me again"! these pills are like an evil spirit that takes a hold of you, before you know it and when you come to realize it, it's like fighting a battle to release yourself! but, be strong, fight your demons, put them to rest and free yourself, enjoy being you, rather than suffering in slavery of addiction. unfortunately, i relapsed after almost a year of being clean, due to me not being able to bare the pain of my injuries, they have worsened of time. and it mentally bothers me day to day, knowing that i depend on pain killers to help me function and be active with my kids and family, no wanting to disappoint them in that. but i know i have to fight my war for freedom all over again, and i will beat it again, but this time forever. i've done it once, i'll do it again! i'm scared as hell, but i tell myself, "it's only for a week". i will beat it! if i can, i know you can! good luck to any of you fighting to set yourself free, again. keep your faith, be strong & remember, "it's only "a storm", it will pass, & you will see the sun again!"    

[bb69]

Suboxone works miracles for withdrawel!!  You do not have to suffer.  It's a little addicting, but the withdrawel is nothing like coming off narcotics and your Dr. will wean you off.  I was on high doses of oxy and morphine for 8 years and the first time I took a 8mg of suboxone it was great, never took another pain med again.  I've been on the sub for 1 and 1/2 years and some days I go without taking it and I'm fine.  It really does work.

[renee1972]

how long is the typical withdrawal for percocet? i heard 4 or 5 days................ i take 4 10/325 after an injury. lacerations on arm, cut tendons, nerves, artery big mess, lots of pain but ready to stop taking this its not good and i know my body is addicted its been 8 months.......................... ready to stop any suggestions for withdrawals..i have a small boy so i have to be able to care for him.......................

[timmyg]

Has anyone used Suboxone for ust a week and then quit? And How the H#%$ Did you go the reccommeneded 48 hours pill free before starting the suboxone? I cant imagine that.  I was taking 12 10/500's a day and now down to 6 or less (some days 3).  I feel withdrawals after 5 or 6 hours. 48 hours cold turkey seems unbearable. THANKS FOR YOUR HELP

[TMGal]

Hi All,
I am new here, off Vicodin for 3 1/2 days. So far I have had no cravings for the drug, just withdrawal. I took 30-50mg/day for 3 years and went off cold turkey using Ativan (which does no good since I have always had that) Benedryl, Tylenol and cough medicine.

I am stopping the Benedryl because I htink it is giving me a nervous aftereffect, has anyone had that?

They tylenol helps with the fever and aches a little, but not much.

What is the cough medicine supposed to do for me? I have the runs SOOO bad and was wondering, can anyone tell me how ling the runs last? I am allergic to Immodium.

Also, can anyone tell me what the cough med is supposed to do?

Lastly, is there anything OTC for the anxiety and if not, how long does that last? I wake up every day with electricity goign thru my body.

Thanks to anyone and you all are so brave, I envy you!

TMGal

[SoMovingOn]

Hi,
I am also new to this but last night I took to many norco's and got really sick so i found this website and read some great testamonials.

For anxiety i am going to use xanex I get .5mg and break them in half it really helps with sleep. I had surgery about 4years ago and got hooked on Vicodin I had no idea what i was getting myself into- its just what the doc told me to take. I have had two other minor surgerys since then and didnt even really need to take the pain killers but of coarse the doc gave me more when I asked for them.

its been 4years since my surgerys and have tried to stop taking the pills many many times I can rarely get them from my doc anymore so the hard part is that my husband has tones of Norcos so started taking those. earlier this week i told my self i was going to stop and i had a bad night the other night a took a few- which happneds pretty much all the time. my husband doesnt know but i have to take like 3pills just to feel anything oh and on the weekends its like every 3 hours.

So, i am fed up with my uncontrolable addiction- this has to be it.. i took all the pills that i took from him and put them back and left my self just a coulple halfs to taper off- he knows that i take them just not how much so i told him today to not give me any and im stopping for good this time- im so mentally over it. I have teens and a full time job i just cant handle it anymore and i really dont have any family that understands i have told them and they act like its no big deal- it actually runny my life, when, how and where im gonna get my freakin pills its rediculous!

im surprised to see that onone has written you back like i said i just found this site last night. right now i feel very confident with not taking anything after tommorrow. im going to confide in a good friend cuz i need someone to talk to but im so embarrasing i haven talk to her yet.. she dos massage therapy so i think that will help with the pain and getting rid of all the toxins. As for the runs you asked about i think it may take a couple weeks to get back to normal i would make sure that you eat good food and dont east stuff that may run right through idk.. i think it just takes a few weeks to actually start feeling better and getting your body back to normal. Just like someone else had read i so dont know what normal is anymore- i dont remember what my life was like when i had never taken a pill. within this 4years span of mine i went without taking anything for about 3-4 weeks then thought i can just take ONE no big deal, well dont do it, one leads to two leads to another its a no end cycle and alot of bullsh*t in between. im a good person with a good family and friends.. no one knows about my addiction but my husband i told him to get ride of the pills cuz i will go crazy searching for them like some freak just cuz i know he has them.

Well good luck with your recovery- cold turkey is the worst for me, i've tried it. tapering off is helpfull tomorrow i will take another half then im done im gonna deal with the pain and etc... all next week. the hard part is the mental part- its all in our heads. some of the questions that you asked i didnt know. not sure about the benedyl but i know that tylenol works pretty good for fever pain and even sleep. Im going for Tylenol, 7-up, crackers, Tums! and hoping for the best. Good luck and write back if you need someone to talk to.
Peace out!

From: Moving On

[LongerDays]

How are you doing?  I'm now on my fifth day of withdrawal and I know the worst is over, but I have zero energy and feel like a zombie most of the day. I'm hoping to hear from you that you're feeling much better than you did on May 25 when you posted, since it's been 11 days. That would be very encouraging.

Good Luck

LongerDays

[naomikym]

Ok I got a small problem. I went to the ER  5 days ago, and they gave me Lortab 5's. I broke them in half (dont want the drowsiness), anyways, I took a half every 2-3 hrs (sometimes 4 or more hours if I was asleep). SO for taking them this period of time, could I be addicted? I stopped them today, and have 2 full ones left. I dont want to be addicted to them, and I am scared. I am already addicted to Xanax, for REALLY bad anxiety attacks. Please I need to know if I am addicted to these now!!!!

[ang17]

Just wanting to know if anyone can advise me in what I should do for my husband that is addicted to hydrocodone and has been for more than a year. He has made the step of saying he has a problem to me and his family but seems too ashamed to get professional help. He has gotten to the point of getting physically sick and he has said he has to stop. He has lost his job and we are on the verge of loosing our home. He is not himself anymore and me and our children are very worried.

[gedian]

hello im kicking these damn things to for a year and a half ive been taking hydro i am taking about 20 a day or at least four at a time three to four tes a day. geese its hard its been one day this is my first day i have no valuim or anything i rock in my bed to try to keep the aching controled or take hot showers. is there anything els ei can do with ot taking any perscription drugs to help the pain will flu medicine work im so misrable itried a few times lasted one day and got more im so serious now i cant beleive what ive become everything revolve around thes pills


thanks gedian