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Late Allergies

by Scion, Jul 28, 2002 12:00AM
I suppose that by now I may know that it is true, but, outof curiosity (and, having neveer asked professionally before):

My wife (now 39) used to NEVER have any problems with alcohol intake and, she also was never, ever even remotley close to addiction or alcoholism, period.  She might have had a glass or two of wine (she hated beer and/or most harder liquor, although, she would occasionally accept some of the fruit based or oriented, flavorful, alcohol-laced beverages.

Then, there was simply a non-planned for but rather, an incidental wherein she had no occasion to ingest alcohol for some 2-3 years.  Later, at a Holiday Banquet, she asked for White wine.

We almost took her to the hospital!  Her throat "closed off," she became "hot" and flushed, i.e, she had a terrible reaction.

Since that wasa first time, she has twice (since) taken the slightest sip of Wine's (other brands, colors, etc.,) and the last time, ONE DRINL only caused the same reaction and included wrist, face, ankle, etc., swelling.

So (obvioiusly-duhhhh) she is allergic to Alcohol....or, is she?

My question then:  If she is allergic to it, why not from the beginning?  These reactions NEVER occured before those times aforementioned.  AND, I have heard of similar situations from others.....Actually, I suppose that after having come across your site, I am just taking advantage of an opportunity to gain some informing guidance and understanding.

THANKS
Scion
Member Comments (66)

by hippy, Jul 28, 2002 12:00AM
To: scion
hi there scion, my name is michael and i am a regular at this fourm, i have not seen any questions answered by the doctors for at least 4 or 5 months now.
there are a lot of informed people here, i would venture to say half the regulars are  nurse's.
my father is a member of aa for 37 years and sober during
his 37 years there.
I know that people do suffer allergic reactions to alcohol,
especialy wine. the allergic reaction to wine come from sulfites used as a preservative in wines.
i myself had never suffered from any allergys (allergies) untill i turnd 37
years old , the doctor told me that a lot of people don't suffer from allergys (allergies) untill there late thrities or early fourties.

the swelling of the throat is  an allergic reaction known as
ANAPHYLAXIS and it is  very serious and you should cll 911 and see a doctor about it asap.

there are internet sites on the subject , like
WINE,BEER OR ALCOHOL ALLERGY.

ALLERGIC REACTION TO ALCOHOL.

you can find them on metacrawler

hope all goes well
  peace!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by Lug, Jul 28, 2002 12:00AM
Hi everyone- I have a question that I hope I can get some help with.  I am stepping down from a 20-25 percocet a day addiction.  I have cut my intake to roughly half about ten/12 a day.  I was wondering how folks I am reading about who have had past addictions or maybe struggling thru one now have done it.  Did you go to detox or rehab or did you quit drugs on your own by weaning yourself off of them.  My family (the ones that know about my problem) tell me that I will not be able to do it on my own, that I will have to go to detox or do a outpatient deal.  I know there is a lot of help out there for addicts like myself but I am trying on my own and hope to succeed.  I am not afraid to ask for help but would like to do this as quickly and as quietly as possible.  Please respond.  I really like reading these posts.  I have only posted twice and I was responded to by a very nice person w/ some good advice.  Everone here seems so very concerned about the other folks that write.  Anyway thanks in advance and everyone have a good evening.  Sorry about the spelling- I am typing fast!

by fishman59, Jul 28, 2002 12:00AM
O.K. then since people are asking about allergies I have a question,if a person drank in there early to mid teens and subsequently ended up addicted to codeine in his later teens could the (my) persons body acquire a bad reaction to alcohol?
example--throwing up, serious headache, chills. not from alot,just one beer!

by GOD, Jul 28, 2002 12:00AM
To: lug
Hey there!

I hope this answer/opinion was fast enough for ya!

Regarding weaning or stepping down off a high dose of opiates:
I've done it both ways with my drug of choice, Ultram (acts on same opiate receptors)... VERY nasty drug, I may add. Anyway, I've been drug-free for a while now, and the only way I could achieve this was to cold-turkey it. The weaning down only prolonged the suffering for me, and as my little addictive personality would have it, if there were 2 pills to be taken, I'd take 4! In my opinion, it's best to suffer for the first 4-5 days, and REMEMBER the hell you went through so you aren't as tempted to pick up where you left off. (Easy for me to say now that I'm sober! If i'd had an unlimited supply, I'd have NEVER quit!)

Good luck in your search for answers... I'm sure you will hear MANY opinions, it's up to you to decide which one, if any, to pick!

Jess

by hippy, Jul 29, 2002 12:00AM
To: fishman
if a tree fall's in the woods
does it make any noise ,if knowone
is there to here it.


what was your question agian

by OxyDout, Jul 29, 2002 12:00AM
To: hippy
YES OF COURSE IT DOES, I hate that fkn question, hahaa, I hate having to really wonder about those things, but why wouldn't it?? it reminds me of my sophomore year in college,..... Mr. Garrett and "Theories in Reality" god I wanted to shoot that guy, all he did was question everything..... so anyway, my answer is yes, it has to make a noise.  

Fishman, I am completely confused....... do you mean you haven't drank since starting with the codeine? where you an alcoholic when starting to drink in the earlier years........ you have to be a little more clear so we can understand.  But in anycase Alcohol when mixed with any opiate can cause ALL OF THE ABOVE, it can make you dizzy, light headed, give you the shakes and worst of all, I have gotten some AWFUL headaches!!!

by hippy, Jul 29, 2002 12:00AM
To: hey gwh
how goes it,
i had to laugh to myself when i read fish's question because
it was hard to understand. i hope he post back with a simple way of putting it.

gwh last i read you were doing good , i hope tht is still the  case.
have a great day

by OxyDout, Jul 29, 2002 12:00AM
To: hippy
yea I was  a little lost when reading his question, but he was probably thinking 10 times faster then he could type, I know I do when I have a question I want to ask....  

Yes, I'm doing very well, I have been sober for about 37 days, I think.... I'm not exactly sure because I try not to keep track, I think keeping track keeps me thinking about drugs....... But anyway, I'm as clean as a whistle and I am loving life.  I have paid off my dept, both drug related and school related, I have a new car, well its used, but its a '99' Audi A4, its fully loaded, so nice!! and MOST IMPORTANTLY I'm starting to research Engagement Rings!! I have been with my girlfriend for a little over 2 and a half years, its a great situation, I would be an idiot to screw this up.   I'm only 22, I don't plan on actually getting engaged until christmas of next year, so I will be 24 years old.  I could go on but this is not the place.  So to answer your question, I'm doing great and the drugs are seeming more and more like a bad nightmare I had.  The biggest thing that is keeping me sober is $$$$$ I'm starting to realize I make a good amount of money and when I don't spend it on drugs, I have a lot in my pocket!! Also, everyday, I get more feeling back mentaly, do you know what I mean, everyday I laugh more, I get excited about things, I become more interested in work, but the most noticeable is the laughing, honestly, I don't think I laughed, and I mean truely laughed more then twice in the last year, the drugs rip you off from real life and true emotion, it sucks.......  how are you doing?

GWH

by hippy, Jul 29, 2002 12:00AM
To: fishman
fishman , i think most teens drink, then agian most people's heath is very good as a teen.
then you said as a teen you were addicted to codeine .
then later in years you suffered an allergic reaction to alcohol
i do not think one has anything to do with the other.

allergic reactions to alcohol can happen to anyone at anytime
in life, people who are alergic (allergic) to alcohol have a lack of a certian enzyme that matabolizes alcohol it known as
acetaldehyde-dehydrogenase.

by ultragirl, Jul 29, 2002 12:00AM
I need help - I took my last Ultram on Saturday - I feel so bad that I'm tempted to go to the er.  I just had a shower hoping that would help but I'm so shaky and feel so slugish. How much should I take before I have someone intervene?

by OxyDout, Jul 29, 2002 12:00AM
To: ultragirl
you don't have to have anyone intravene, but if you want to then by all means you do what you feel will help, it may be much easier if you have someone help you through it, nobody should have to go through this all alone, you know? but the shakes, sweats, aches etc will last for about 4 days or so, then they will get better and better each day, do you have anyone to talk to about this?

by ~whyme~, Jul 29, 2002 12:00AM
To: Ultragirl
I went thru the same **** with Ultram in January. Please hang in there..I will NEVER forget the hell I went thru! I was taking up to 20 a day, and the WDs lasted about 3 weeks for me. Pure hell for sure. But I have to say the worst was over after about 7 days..and the restless legs lasted the longest for me. Since quitting I have never even craved those little bastards ( now vicodin is another story). Just wanted to let you know that I am pulling for you..I definately know exactly how you feel. Finally quitting that **** was the best thing I ever did.

by hippy, Jul 29, 2002 12:00AM
To: gwh and ultra girl
gwh ,great to hear your doing and feeling great.
keep up the good work.as fer as myself things are great too ,
been clean for 4 months today, ive benn going to na meetings.
me and my wife just bought a new home last friday. the view out the back of the new house is like a post card , trees and a creek. i took the day off today my first day off from work
in 3 months. other than the rageing heat and humidty it's a
great day. iknow what you mean about laughing , it's a wonderful
thing. someting i did not do for a few years.
stay clean and talk to later.peace!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ultra girl i went through some rough times with the with drawls
from the ultrams also. i hope you tapered down a little bit.
instead of going from a large dosage to none.
the receipe here on the fourm really helps with the withdrawls.
500 mgs of l-tyrosine 8 a day week one then to 4 a day the weeks
after that. they realy hepl with the with drawls.
along with the rest of thr receipe.
good luck and keep posting, you will be alright  tho you don't feel like it. it does pass.
peace!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!michael

by OxyDout, Jul 29, 2002 12:00AM
To: hippy
you just described my dream house..... I'm outside of Boston so I won't have that house anywhere near here.  I have a co-worker who just built a house in New Hampshire. Its perched up on a little hill and over looks a beautiful stream and landscape.  Its a fishermans dream........... I don't really like to fish, but thats ok........ so CONGRATS ON BEING SOBER and especially buying a new house! Where abouts is this new house? General geography would be detail enough.  

Its great having money, I'm going to Marthas Vineyard next weekend with my girlfriend, we are going to get a place near nantucket, and then take the ferry over the next morning, maybe rent a couple of bikes and just relax on the beach somewhere.........


well once again, congrats!

GWH

by OxyDout, Jul 29, 2002 12:00AM
To: Everyone FOR A GOOD LAUGH
Just for a quick laugh I want you all to picture this, and this is a true story.  A few months back, when I was trying to get clean, actually about 7 or 8 months back I was desperate and I couldn't win.  I would try to cut back by buying 5 oc80's and then cutting them all into 4 pieces each ( I know, I wasn't that bright) and I would end up taking 160mg of them that day....... So finally I bought an 80 thinking that if I had one in my possession it would make it easier to keep calm and go through withdrawal knowing I could take it whenever I wanted.  Well, on that very first night, I kept turning on the light, grabbing the 80, and preparing the 80 to crush it............ I just couldn't do it, so what did I do, well talk about embarrassing.  My brother walked into my room at 2:37am to see what the hell was going on............ What he saw was frightening.  Imagine walking into your brothers room to see him pointing his finger in anger and hate and "talking ****" to a green little pill that had been taped onto the wall as if it were being held captive........god the **** we do.

GWH

by OxyDout, Jul 29, 2002 12:00AM
Ok, last post, but I have been doing research on L-tyrosine, and from what I gather its best to take it with vitamins, specifically Zinc Magnesium and B6.  I know for the zinc and Magnesium I can just take a multi vitamin, but now my question is, do I have to buy B6 by itself?? can someone please answer this because I'm going to the store right after work and I want to get started on this, I just took 2 500mg L-tyrosine, I figure I would double the dose for the first day...... old habits die hard.

by fishman59, Jul 29, 2002 12:00AM
To: Everyone/Hippy
o.k. I will try to slow down my brain a bit. I used to be a moderately heavy drinker in my early teens. When I became addicted to codeine at 16 years of age and drank (I don't know if the 2 are related) and drank I got (would get) violently ill. so my question is this:Does codeine do something to your body chemistry to change how your body reacts to other substances?

by OxyDout, Jul 29, 2002 12:00AM
To: fisherman
WITHOUT A DOUBT, YES!!! I don't know the biology behind it, but when you mix any opiate with alcohol you can have awful feelings. There were times when I mixed wine and hydro and got so sick, my hands would get clamy, I would turn white as a ghost, my eyes would get blood shot and I would throw up almost everytime I mixed the two, well until I got "smarter" and knew how much to take with wine.......... There were other nights when I didn't have any pills so I would drink a 12 pack ( I was in college) and then somehow I would find something... So after a 12 pack, I would pop a bunch of pills and wouldn't you know I would throw up all night..........  So yes, there is definitely a bad interaction between the 2 substances.

GWH

by tex3, Jul 29, 2002 12:00AM
To: lug, ultra, gwh
Hi everyone. Lug, welcome and please know that you CAN do this, you CAN get through it, we've all done it or are doing it. I know it's hard and the cravings will be hell, even if right now you think you'll never crave these suckers. When that happens you have to think of something else, get busy, suck it up and get through until they pass, which they do.
As for doing rehab or other options, if you can taper, that's probably a good thing. I couldn't do it and agree that it seems to prolong the agony. I went cold turkey each time. BUT, if you can taper down first and then quit cold, it might make the WD a bit easier. I did it inpatient and at home. I actually did better at home, because I was really ready to quit. I've gone without anything because I ran out, and had nothing to "mute" the WD. That was hell and I did it many times. Easiest for me was doing an at-home detox using a cocktail of meds to mute the WD. Some disagree, because one of the meds is a benzo. But I did fine and only took these for a week at the most. I posted the info on another thread; look for the comment to Chuck.

Ultra, if you feel that bad, you might go to an ER or call a doctor. You're suffering hell, I know, and I really don't think that's necessary. Get help. Just remember how awful you do feel and never let yourself get back to this. Ultram is a bad drug, in my opinion. Not safe at all. I had a seizure while only taking 6-9/day.

GWH and everyone else: I think the l-tyrosone works best with those vitamins. You'll find it in some combinations. I've taken both straight L-tyrosone, 1000 mgs, and something called "non-acetyl L-tyrosone", which is 300 mgs. The non-acetyl works tons better, hands down. I understand it is supposed to absorb much better in this form. I just bought some more, in a combination called "Mega Mind." It has the non-acetyl L-tyr, lots of vits, plus a bunch of other stuff. I took two (says take 1-4) and can actually feel it work. It's great.

Hope everyone is doing okay. I'm still fighting the dragon but am at 4 months on August 1!
tracy

by ladysopranoinjersey, Jul 29, 2002 12:00AM
To: Everyone - almost got busted
Hi everyone, I think I have finally hit "rock bottom".  My usage has finally started to get me in trouble, just this last weekend I almost threw my whole life away by trying to obtain 60 vic's by a phony script.  Luckily, someone intervened and pointed me in the right direction.  He gave me some drug brochures that really opened my eyes up to what I am doing to myself.  I think if I continue on my path of self destruction I will eventually die, especially with the enourmous amounts of pain pills in my system.  It takes so many to even get a little buzz nowdays, its not worth all the money and time spent trying to get them.  I feel so ashamed of myself today.  My wonderful husband who has been so supportive in the past is even coming to the end of his rope with me!  I know that he is worried and just doesnt understand how to help me at this point.  Even I don't know how to help myself - I don't know how to stop taking my pills, I rarely go more than 7 or 8 hours without them and find all sorts of ways to get them if I come close to running out.   ANYONE OUT THERE THAT CAN HELP ME?  I need all the advice I can get right now.  I have gone through w/d's before and know what to expect I just don't have the strength to stop.  Please help me. I am hanging here by a thread today.   Lady S.

by mrmichael67, Jul 29, 2002 12:00AM
To: ladysoprano
Do you have any pain issues at all?  If you do, maybe you can get a hold of something long lasting that will keep you for awhile.  This way, the hectic pace will slow down and you can focus on what you need to do with yourself.  I remember all too well being on the fast release stuff like percs or vics.  It was a daily job to keep supplied.  It occupies all of your time.  If you can't get on something long lasting, then you are just going to have to stop.  Either taper or cold turkey.  Eventually, you are going to get in trouble.  The odds are stacked up against you right now.  You don't want any trouble.  I am sorry I don't have more detailed advice, but there really are only a couple of options.  You can work your way out of it, I know you can!

by hippy, Jul 29, 2002 12:00AM
To: gwh / fishman
yo gwh the new house is in warrington pa. a couple miles from the willow grove air base. we were looking for a 4 bedromm single in a quiet area away from any main roads , we wanted a basment , and a detached garrage. we were looking for the last 3 months and the houseing market has gone through the roof around here, we got really lucky. the house went for sale and we bougt it an hour later .
as far as the b-6 i take it bye it self 2 100 mgs with the receipe in the morning. the reason i take it the morning is some vitamine have a tendency to keep me awake at night , and i
can'y have that , i definitely need to be able to sleep.
gatoraide keeps me up at nite if i drink in the late afternoon.

fish man  codine alway made me sick by itself, let alone mixing it with acohol.
mixing any drugs with acohol is always  playing with fire.the codine upsets your stomich , that why it makes people sick

i think it has to do with the levels of acid in our stomich
wine is very acidic people with acid reflux get really sick from codine or wine.
im sure other people know more about it then i do.

peace  and have a good night!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

by alexandra_r, Jul 29, 2002 12:00AM
To: Allergies
I can only speak from my own experience, but I have developed allergies in the last few years that I never had before.  When I asked my Dr. about this, she told me that a person can become allergic any time during her/his life.  It could be, also, that this person may have a psychological reaction to how sick they once were and now becomes sick at the slightest bit of alcohol.  However, my advice is to ask a Dr. about it.

by alexandra_r, Jul 29, 2002 12:00AM
To: Everyone/Mixing Alcohol and Opiates
I was reading the posts on mixing alcohol and opiates.  Please do not ever do this.  My husband died in 1991 from a mixture of alcohol and heroin.  I walked in my house on a sunny morning in May to find him blue on the floor.  He was DOA on arrival to the emergency room and the Dr. told me that the amount of heroin he had in his system would probably not have overdosed him, but since he had a few drinks in his system, it quadrupled the effect of the heroin.  The experience of walking in to find my husband dead was the single most devastating experience I have had in my life.  It took me a long time to get over him--with lots of self-blame and guilt thrown in.  

Mixing substances kills--please do yourself and everyone who loves you a favor by _never_ mixing.  

by hellbent, Jul 29, 2002 12:00AM
To: Benzos Too!

I am not sure if there is anything more dangerous than drinking on benzos. Especially on medium to large doses, You can blackout and just go away, forever. Beware.

by mrmichael67, Jul 29, 2002 12:00AM
To: fishman/all
I concur about the benzos and alcohol.  I know most people are aware of tylenol being toxic to the liver in higher doses.  If you are drinking and eating percocets or vicodins, it is almost suicidal to some.  When tylenol is mixed with alcohol, the effects of the tylenol go up exponentially.  The same with booze and valium, or other benzos.  Valium is actually the solid form of alcohol.  And, if you have a margarita and a valium, it is like having four valiums.  Also, they are chemically the same.

by hippy, Jul 29, 2002 12:00AM
my brother died from  amixing of drugs and alcohol,
he was 35 and he was drinking a little beer and taking some
xanax,he ahd gotten away with that many times , but the
last time he did it he had just won a law suit from
workman comp and had a few thousand dollars in his pocket and he went back to hang with his highschool buddies they were all 35 and most of them were herion junkies and they spiked his beer with some herion and he fell asleep on the couch at the apt of one of his old freind ,they took his money and went out to cop
and he never woke up , they found him 7am the next morning.
when they got back.
idi not find out the truth untill about a year later when the guilt of one of the person's there could not live with the guilt.
that person was the best man at my second wedding.

i told him to forget about and that it was not his fault
my brother had a date with death .he had been totoly clean for 12 years in na . but a nasty divorce sent him back to the drugs.
with him getting a settlement of over a hundred thousand dollars
was was going to kill one way or another.

i did not know  that xanax and herion was a deadly mix unill
i saw it on sixty minutes one sunday night.

well he only got to spend 2o thousand of the money ,
i put the rest in a trust fund for my neice who is now 12
and talks about every day.

peace

by alexandra_r, Jul 29, 2002 12:00AM
To: Hippy/Everyone
Michael, I'm sorry about your brother--my husband always said that he was going to live hard, die young and leave a good looking corpse.  He managed to accomplish that, but not much else in his short life.  

Although my husband's death was the one closest to me, I know of others who have died using a mixture of alcohol and drugs.  I was at a party one night and a girl was passed out on the floor--the party was raging but she was out cold.  Everyone partied around her (including myself), until someone finally realized a couple of hours later that she hadn't moved and--well, she didn't look too good.  She had taken valium and was drinking on top of it.  She was dead and no one could revive her.  I didn't really know her, but I thought about that girl many times after that.  

Just another story to bring home the importance of not mixing drugs and booze.

by ultragirl, Jul 30, 2002 12:00AM
To: Jess
You hit on the head - when I told the dr and husband I did not want to take anymore at all, they said tapering was the best route but I know what you mean-I have a supply and could just get one more to feel better then I'm back to where I started BUT I'm going to do what they say.  I've had two today already and it's not as bad as yesterday but I just wish I could get my mind off this mess.  I'm sooooo emotional.  Were you?  When do you think I'll fell "normal" again by tapering off?  The good news is that I don't ever what any type of narcotic in my system again.  I want to think that I'm stronger than the effects of narcotic highs.  Thanks, Jess, you've been an angel on my shoulder.

by GOD, Jul 30, 2002 12:00AM
To: Ultragirl
Hmmmmm. Normal?

When you ask "When do you think I will feel normal again?"

I've got to say, that if you're anything like me, I've never felt "Normal" in my whole life, unless I was abusing something. I guess the thing you can look forward to is that once the drug has been totally out of your system for about a month, you can start to have days where you don't even think about popping a pill, (or taking a drink for that matter)...

Once you get "Out of yourself"; a problem that most people with aditions have, you can start taking time to focus outside yourself on family matters, or an interesting hobby, or even volenteer work. It's amazing how just getting out of yourself will help you in the long run. You will get up on a monday morning and think to yourself, "Holy ****! I didn't even think of an ULTRAM all weekend... I'm really succeeding at this!" --Don't get me wrong; it takes time, but it will happen!

Once again,
Goo luck--

Your fellow Tramadol freak, _Jess_

by alexandra_r, Jul 30, 2002 12:00AM
To: Ultra Girl
Hi, Your post about what you went through at the HMO really got to me--I think I understand how you feel.   I just hate that a drug has me under its power--that it takes as much of my time and energy that it does.  The amount of vicodin that I am taking is not that large (and it's getting smaller), but it still is something that I think about ("ok, I had a 1/2 a pill 3 hours ago, but I should wait another 2 hours before taking another 1/2 a pill. . . ") And what we put ourselves through to get drugs!  Just incredible.  I'm really glad that you posted about Ultram because I have seriously thought about switching to that for pain because it was presented to me as being non-addictive (which sure doesn't appear to be the case). Good luck with your taper.  I'm going to the beach this weekend and cold-turkeying off my low dose.  It shouldn't be that bad, but I'm a real baby with w/drawal.

by koalabear, Jul 30, 2002 12:00AM
To: Tex3
Your knowledge impresses the hell out of me.

Would you be kind enough to put your recipe (talking about the l-tyrosine, etc.) down so that i can go get these.

Friday I am telling my doc that I want OFF this duragesic patch I've been taking.  I don't know what he'll do or what to expect, except I do know that w/d's are no fun.  I can't stand that feeling.

I know I will need help, and I know I can taper, or whatever, just don't want the w/d's.  I can't handle that at all.  

I am worried about the pain, as well, but don't know what to expect going from the patch back to pills, and then tapering.  Anyone know?

Thanks very much.

by tex3, Jul 30, 2002 12:00AM
To: koala, ladysoprano
Hi Koala. You've probably posted it but I must have missed - are you suffering chronic pain, and from what? That can be a real killer for us addicts. It's easy to say just stay away from pills, but when you're hurting - and hurting, and hurting, and it just won't go away, who wouldn't reach for something? Unfortunately you either have to learn to deal responsibly with the pills (and I think this can be done) or learn to live with the pain. But you might have to suffer a lot, as you already have, before you realize you can't take the pills for a high; if you want any relief, you'll have to do it the doc's way. Anyway what I take, and it might not be exactly what's in the recipe, is a supplement called "Mega Mind" by Source Natural. It contains the N-Acetyl L-Tyrosone (which I think is the best, but that's just me), plus some mega vitamins (C, B-6 and 12, Iron, Magnesium, and many more). You take this 1-4 times a day, preferably between meals. At this point I only take one, maybe two at the most. I also bought some 5-HTP, which is hydroxytriptophan (a precursor to serotonin, which is instrumental in that feeling of well-being). My forumla also contains valerian, niacin and more B-6. Vitamin B-6 really does help with mood. I'm not a big believer in natural supplements, as I always preferred giving myself whatever chemicals I could find. But these really have worked for me. Especially the L-Tyr. I hesitate to say more about brands or anything here, but email me if you want to talk about it. My address is ***@****. And good luck. You can do this! Hang in there...

by tex3, Jul 30, 2002 12:00AM
To: Alexandra
Alexandra, I can't imagine the pain you must have gone through, losing your husband in that way, when you were probably struggling through your own addiction at the time on top of it all. I can only say it must have been part of what turned you into the strong person you are now, always willing to help others. Just wanted to offer my sympathy and say you've been amazing.
tracy

by Witchywoman, Jul 30, 2002 12:00AM
To: gwh
gwh you can take the b6 either alone or in a multi. Either is fine. You really need the b6 though, as it is what makes the raw substances that are going to become neurotransmiters actually turn into neurotransmitters.

good luck,
WW

ps  I've had good luck with 5htp and SAM-e too

by SmokethisVette, Jul 30, 2002 12:00AM
To: ladysopranoinjersey
Hey hey there everyone...

by SmokethisVette, Jul 30, 2002 12:00AM
To: ladysopranoinjersey
Hey hey there everyone...

by SmokethisVette, Jul 30, 2002 12:00AM
To: ladysopranoinjersey
Hey hey there everyone...

by SmokethisVette, Jul 30, 2002 12:00AM
To: ladysopranoinjersey
Hey hey there everyone...

by SmokethisVette, Jul 30, 2002 12:00AM
To: ladysopranoinjersey
Hey hey there everyone...
I especially wanted to say something to LADYSOPRANO...I am a 25 yr old female...oh I'll make this simple as I can...(LOL)..I have been addicted to hydro's for 2 yrs now and have gone threw the WD's at LEAST 20 times...I know I know, how silly right? WRONG...you think that after all those times I would quit, but due to a medical issue, I can keep getting 90 tabs a month.  The thing is to LADYSOPRANO, I have been in her shoes!! Just 2 months ago, I forged a script and not only at one pharmacy but 2, yeah 2.  The thing is my work found out and fired me 2 weeks after I had tried this stupid stupid thing. I am a very pretty girl, and I almost threw away my career, (I am in school to be a nurse), anywho...neither of the pharmacies did anything!!! WOW you say, tell me about it!! On the other hand my work fired me and told me the legal department is looking in on my case. Now ? to all....It has been over 2 months since they told me they were "looking in" at the situation, and NOTHING has happened so far. The ? is does anyone think they are going to do anything? I am FULLY aware that I have a problem, I have admitted it to my boyfriend, and told him what I did, and I am now almost 2 weeks clean.  That  doesn't stop me from calling the doc on Monday to get more meds...I have so many issues I need to vent and I could write and write, BUT I am new to this board, or any board infact, and I am scared.  Why does a stupid little pill ruin and control our lives??? Any feedback to this would be extemely helpful, for YOU guys (on this board) know what I am going threw, not anyone else I know!! I appreciate if you read ALL of this and hope for the best for myself and mostly for ALL of you!! I was especially touched by GWH..his story is so real to me, cause he is 22 and I am around that age...thanks everyone...and LADYSOPRANO I would like to talk to you, about the script thing...GOD BLESS to all  of this, hopefully I can see the light out of this HELL...
Christine

by fishman59, Jul 30, 2002 12:00AM
No worries,if I even smell a beer I throw-up. Its been 20 some odd years since I drank (I can't believe I'm proud of that) My foster father was a raging alcoholic that beat up on women and threw me out of a second story window while I was still in a cast from my hip to ankle. That could explain my intolerance to alcohol or maybe it is the mix with codeine? Regardless of why,I was just curious. My main concern is with my (already tapered) 500-600mg.per day codeine habit I generally rarely ever think about the loser that attempted to "raise me proper" I have my own ideas on how to treat human beings and they don't involve any type of abuse!!

by fishman59, Jul 30, 2002 12:00AM
Sorry I forgot to add; The best of luck to all of you!!!May you all live long and prosper...

by 1fortheroad, Jul 30, 2002 12:00AM
To: gwh
i'm so glad to hear you are doing so well. do you know what kind of ring your gf wants?  that would be a good place to start your research...everyone's taste's vary so much, and she will be wearing it for a mighty long time.  i was happy when my husband asked me to come looking with him...

i remember your saying a long time ago that you were going to wait until you were in a really good financial position - i think most people never feel they are completely ready (financially) for marriage, kids etc - i think that getting ahead together helps build a more solid relationship.  if the struggling doesn't push you toward divorce, it makes the relationship stronger...haha

anyway, we just bought a new house too - in andover - great town, yard etc.  it is perfect for us, and we had outgrown the one we're in - we'll be moving at the end of aug.

again - congrats on your success - i know you can continue to beat it...you sound happy:)

by OxyDout, Jul 30, 2002 12:00AM
To: groovy
Andover is beautiful!! good for you. And I agree with being financially stable, I talked to a co-worker yesterday, I told him I wanted to be "financially stable", he just laughed and said, "your gonna be a lonely guy for a long time if you wait to be financially stable"............

My girlfriend got very excited when I told her I wanted to take her to look at rings....  My parents even got excited!!! They love my girlfriend.  My mother is an incredible real estate agent and is going for her brokers license so that when the time comes, she can sell me a house......

Anyway, thank you for your post, and you sound much happier as well.  Then again, why shouldn't you, you just bought a house in a gorgeous town.  Good Luck and don't worry about taking 1 amp a day, REMEMBER, you have a reason to take it, its not addiction anymore, its taking care of yourself.......

GWH

by ultragirl, Jul 30, 2002 12:00AM
Thanks to all who responded yesterday.  Here's what I did- called my wonderful hmo (ha) and told them what I was feeling and needed to see a doctor.  they told me i was having w/d's (oh really) and told me to go to the e.r., which I did, at 1pm and returned home @7pm with, no less, a 90#script for ultram.  The dr. that finally saw me told me it is never best to cold turkey but to let your system un-wind and get used to the lesser doses.  I told him I just wanted the **** out of my system and he kind of looked at me funny and said "why did you put it there to begin with?"  ya know, i had to think and realized i had no pain just wanted to get high becasue I felt personable, able to work better, etc. etc.  I opened up to my husband, thankfully, he's a doll but did lie as to the amount of ultrams I was taking per day - instead of telling him/dr I had climbed to 40 on Friday, I just said I was taking about 8 per day - the long and the short of it is I AM going to taper but my husband is monitoring my pills - do you think taking 4 per day will help?  You know, answering my own question, it's going to have to - anything will be better than what I went through Sunday and most of yesterday!!
Now, let's talk about healthcare......the pits!!!
I'm going to beat this ultram addiction, move on with my life and wake up and truly grow up.  I'm 47 years of age for goodness sake - my party days were in the 70's.  I want to be me again.....the old fun me.
Thanks for letting me vent.  Right now I'm crying uncontrollably as I write this but we all can and will beat are demons.

by GOD, Jul 30, 2002 12:00AM
To: Ultragirl
Wow.... I KNOW what you are going through! It is a HARD, long battle, but it CAN be done. For some people, ULTRAM is the worst addiction in regards to physical and especially MENTAL withdrawls. I was doing the same amounts as you mentioned: 30-50 per day. I found that after tapering down to 8-12 per day, that a cold turkey was the only thing that worked after that. I just could NOT take 1 or 2 pills twice a day! What was the point? it only got my mind and body thinking, "Oh, yeah... give me some more, some MORE! Hey, where's the rest?"

once you can really only take 8-10 per day, the cold turkey from that amount is much better.

Good luck with the ****!

Jess

by OxyDout, Jul 31, 2002 12:00AM
To: smokethisvette
Whats up?

Sounds like you have a lot going on.  Well I have never forged a script because I was too scared plus I didn't have access to any Rx slips, I have changed the script before, which is the same thing.  Either way, you can get busted for that, and I wouldn't jump the gun with your work saying they are looking into it....... They maybe looking into it, there is a lot that people have to deal with and you might be on one of those lists.  I'm not trying to discourage you I'm just telling you to keep your eyes open, you know? The queston is, do you REALLY want to quit?????

GWH

by ladysopranoinjersey, Jul 31, 2002 12:00AM
To: smokethisvette
Hey there smokethisvette (christine?), Just logged on this morning and saw your messages.  I always end up altering my scripts by putting extra refills or adding more to the quantity.  Dumb as hell to do something like this I know. As you can see from my earlier post, before I got to the pharmacy a friend of mine intervened, god bless his soul - He talked to me for awhile and gave me some drug brochures to read.  I feel really ashamed of myself to have gotten this far in my addiction to actually think that I need to start passing off altered scripts!  Today I am desperately trying to talk myself into quitting once and for all.  I know that I can do it, its just hard as hell to let go.  email me at ***@**** if you want to talk more.   Stay strong today!  Lady S.

by ladysopranoinjersey, Jul 31, 2002 12:00AM
To: smokethisvette
Hey there smokethisvette (christine?), Just logged on this morning and saw your messages.  I always end up altering my scripts by putting extra refills or adding more to the quantity.  Dumb as hell to do something like this I know. As you can see from my earlier post, before I got to the pharmacy a friend of mine intervened, god bless his soul - He talked to me for awhile and gave me some drug brochures to read.  I feel really ashamed of myself to have gotten this far in my addiction to actually think that I need to start passing off altered scripts!  Today I am desperately trying to talk myself into quitting once and for all.  I know that I can do it, its just hard as hell to let go.  email me at ***@**** if you want to talk more.   Stay strong today!  Lady S.

by chuckc, Jul 31, 2002 12:00AM
To: jessearpy
Hello,

I have been reading about some of your experience with Ultram withdrawal and it does not sound too pleasant.  I have been taking around 15 - 20 tabs a day for over a year and have tried to stop several times on my own - only to make a day or maybe day and a half and feel so depressed and messed up that I chose to just go right back on them.  I have heard people say that tapering down is easier (if you can do that) and an addict of my type may not be able to do this - I have been abusing alcohol and drugs so long.  I have been without the alcohol for 2 years, but now it is this ****.  If I do go cold turkey, should I check into a hospital or something?

by GOD, Jul 31, 2002 12:00AM
To: ChuckC
Hey, Chuck...

I was ALSO a big time boozer before the Ultram got me! Drop one addiction for another, Right? It reallydoes suck when you think about it! Anyway, I think the best route is to wean yourself down to about 8-10 50Mg tablets per day, then after that, go cold-turkey.  I only say this because it was the ONLY thing that worked for me.

You simply "Plan" to have the "Flu"--(because that's about what this Ultram detox feels like.... Well, I won't lie, it's a lot worse, but others will definitely think you've got the flu.)

You just have to let yourself run out of Ultram, and plan to take a Friday-Monday off from work. The first 4 days are definitely the worst physically. Once you've got the majority of the physical symptoms done with or under control, the rest is depression and emotional issues. They WILL get better over time, so don't give up!

Just struggle through those first 3-4 days, and it's easier each day after that major hump....

Good luck to you,
Jess

by SmokethisVette, Jul 31, 2002 12:00AM
To: GWH
Hey there,
Well yes I want to quit, but I did just have surgery to my shoulder, making it harder to say yes for real!! If you know what I mean, but I know as soon as the pain I feel, the true pain I feel in my shoulder from the incisions goes away, VICODIN....YOU ARE HISTORY. Actually I just got back from registering for school, as I said I am in for nursing, and I just bought my books and I am taking 2 hard classes...looking forward to this!!! NOT...JK The school thing, which I have been in for 3 and a half yrs now, keeps me on my toes..unfortunately, I study bettr with the F***ing pills, so I have to DO this WITHOUT them, I know I can, at least I am willing to try it!! You encourage me soooo much when you say life is SO much better being sober. The funny thing is I can't freaking remember the last time, like you said, I laughed for real, or even FELT a REAL emotion. It has been for the past 2 yrs nothing, and I repeat NOTHING but FAKE. Under a euphoria that is SOOOO NOT worth it! I look up to you, I didn't think life was better without, but everyday now I am realizing this more and more, thanks to you!!! Life WILL be better...I have almost 3 weeks behind me of being sober, but Monday is soon approaching and guess what? The devil, the devil is calling...on his cell phone of course!! Heheheheheheheeee.....seriously, I thank you GWH for your strength and courage to get throught this HELL...I will be looking froward to hearing from you!! Good luck with your girl, you and I are in the same boat....being that we have 2 great people supporting us, I am not sure if your girl knows about your prob??? Curious though??? My BF does know, but doesn't have a clue as to what I am going through though....he is supportive though, as supportive as he can be!! I will hope to hear from ya...Laters....
Christine

by alexandra_r, Jul 31, 2002 12:00AM
To: SmokeThisVette
Hey Christine,  I hate to break it to you but you can do school and still be on the pills.  I finished my Ph.D. last November and had been taking vicodin for about 6 - 7 months before that.  So, it's good that you are going to school, but don't think that will keep you clean because it really won't.  And since I finished my Ph.D., I'm still taking the vics, got a great job at a fantastic university and on it goes.  I just don't want you kidding yourself.  Addiction doesn't care how pretty, smart or rich you are.  It'll take you by the toes and shake your world till there's nothing left.  It's an equal opportunity destroyer.

by OxyDout, Aug 01, 2002 12:00AM
To: SMOKETHISVETTE
"laters" are you from somewhere near Boston? just had to ask because of the lingo.....haha, anyway, I have to tell you, that post just made my day.  Ever since I have started coming here, I did it to help myself and then to help others, but I never realize that I'm actually helping,you know?  So when I read posts like yours, well, Its very moving to know that I have influenced others to head in the right direction.  You seem very motivated, trust me, you can do this!!! if you want it, its as good as done.

My girlfriend does know, I was very reluctant to tell her, but thanks to a good friend on this forum, GROOVY, I was talked into doing the right thing.  And as usual my girlfriend was very understanding, but she made sure to tell me that if she felt I wasn't trying to quit then she was out the door!! she knows how hard it was, she just wanted to make sure that I was really making an effort.  She is the reason I'm sober, I hated lying to her, I hated wasting money on drugs rather then saving for a ring, I just hated my life and I hated myself.  

So keep up the good work, your gonna get through this, I promise you, you will......  Thanks again, and I will be here for you whenever you need to talk.  

GWH

by SmokethisVette, Aug 01, 2002 12:00AM
To: GWH
Hey hey there buddy...
Actually I am from Chicago....I guess the slang is called GHETTO...lol....lol....anywho, you have touched my heart with everything you said...not many people out there actually know what the word compassion is!!! You know? I am glad you now can help others...and what makes it better for me is I have someone who is very close in age to talk to!! Thanks...oh  by the way if you'd like to...I would like to know your name if that's ok....you can email me at ***@**** don't want anything from you except a shoulder to cry...if you know what I mean...lol.  It took me a while to actually break down and admit I had a problem to anyone, it actually happened a year ago exactly..it was summertime.  I told my boyfriend that I think I am addicted to Vicodin...and we tallked to each other for an hour in his truck before we went into the party. We had just arrived at a party that night when I decided to drop the bomb.  I didn't mean to do it then and there, it just kinda came out you know? Well regardless...he doesn't to this day actually know know what I am going through!! I wish he could, but he isn't so that leaves me pretty much alone when it comes to talkin' about it. So GWH I am glad you are there along with hippy and alexandra and koala...you guys are great and I am thankful for that!! I will keep posting, just so you know you been warned (hehehehehe)....ok ok enough with humoring myself...ta ta for now...OH yeah...laters...LOL
Christine

by mrmichael67, Aug 01, 2002 12:00AM
I'm from Jersey and we say 'later'.  I am only 34, so I don't feel exactly over the hill yet.

by SmokethisVette, Aug 01, 2002 12:00AM
To: MrMichael
You are soooo silly....34 huh? I am soon behind ya babe...you are quite young in my book...Laters
Christine

by OxyDout, Aug 02, 2002 12:00AM
To: mrmichael
the phrase was "laterS" with an S, so don't worry your not over the hill, I think everyone uses "later" haha, but seriously, 34 is still young, just watch out when you hit 35, I might not be able to talk to you anymore...... just kidding, hope all is well.

GWH

by mrmichael67, Aug 02, 2002 12:00AM
Don't worry, you will be there before you know it.  Treasure the time you have now, because it will be gone in the blink of an eye!  I remember graduating high school like it was yesterday.  Laters?  Must be a new england thing....never even heard it on tv or movies or anything.  I seriously thought it was a typo.

by SmokethisVette, Aug 03, 2002 12:00AM
To: MrMichael...GWH
Laters is just my chicago slang meaning goodbye...that's all....oh yeah mrmichael, once you turn 35....uh oh, watch out...us 20somethings won't be able to talk to you anymore 'cause you'll be TOO old for us....JK JK JK...LOL....we are just joshin'....ok I will go now...until then...laters
Christine (hahahahaha)

by GOD, Aug 03, 2002 12:00AM
To: SmokethisVette
hey Yous:

I don't knows whats wrongs with the way yous says laters.. that's hows we's all talks ins Nebraskas!

Jess(s)

by GOD, Aug 03, 2002 12:00AM
To: mrmichael67
Assuming that the "67" at the end of your handle is your birth year, would it also be a correct assumption that your birthday is August 18th, 1967?

And if the above birthdate is accurate; when you were born at Mercy hospital, Did your mother know a nurse named Betty?

Just curious....

JesseSarpy69

by mrmichael67, Aug 03, 2002 12:00AM
To: Jesse
Sorry, October 4th, 1967.  Different hospital.

by GOD, Aug 03, 2002 12:00AM
To: MrMichael67
Sorry... I figured that I had about a 1/100 chance of guessing your correct b-day. So, I figured that if I guessed correctly, I'd go play the lottery! Oh well, I'll save the dollar for some coffee...

Jess

by mrmichael67, Aug 04, 2002 12:00AM
To: Jesse
Can I ask how you came up with your guess?

by chuckc, Aug 05, 2002 12:00AM
To: jessearpy
Thanks for that info and encouragement.  I go back to the doctor tonight and am going to explain to him what I want to do - your plan sounds like a good one to try.  Like you say, there is not a real easy way to do this and I will trust you on the cold turkey after I get down to 8 - 10 pills - I know I would not be able to wean all the way off anyway because I would just get to feeling so shitty that I would go right back up on the dose.  Anyway, thanks again for sharing your experience, hope, and strength with me and I will keep you posted as to how it is going.

Regards


Chuck
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