Lorcet gave me energy, then took my life away.....

I've been taking Lorcet 10/650 for 5 years for rheumatoid arthritis & 3 herniated disks in my neck from a car accident. although my dr has not increased my dosage, i've been taking more than i'm supposed to & continuously call in for refills with one excuse or another. I have insurance but since they only fill 1 script/month, if i'm lucky enough to get another, i take it to another pharmacy & pay cash. Can I get in trouble for this? The prescriptions ARE legitimate, made by my dr to me,I've never forged or submitted a false prescription, but I DO take more than what is prescribed; is that something punishable by law? My Dr's office just called & he wants to see me this Friday. My fear is that the police will be there to arrest me! Is this possible or am i being paranoid from the pills & withdrawals? I'm scared & I've tried so hard to stop!! Each time i fill a script i tell myself i will stay on track (4/day)but w/in a week i'm out again & panicking. I've even tried to have my husband hold them for me & give me 4/day, yet when he's not home i tear the house apart looking for where he's hid them & always find them.  He was very supportive at first but if he knew that i've gotten this out of control it will devastate him. So i've kept this dirty secret to myself & am hoping to work this out w/out family or friends finding out, too ashamed of what i've turned into. Please tell me if it's possible to just wean yourself off or what kind of side affects I would face if I went cold turkey (which is what i have to do since I have just 6 pills left from last wk) & what dangers I face

[Erika_Ann]

oH, my god I can totally relate with you 150%. I have arthritis as well and went through the exact same thing. with going through pills quickly and more than what was prescibed. And I used to go to other pharmacy's as well to pay cash. You will not get in trouble for this. But your doc probably wants to see you to explain to you the addiction and how much your going through i would gather. That is what my rheumatologist did with me. If you want to talk i can give you my email address just let me know okay.
I will be here for you!
Sincerely,.
Erika

[NEW ORLEANS LADY]

I can totally relate to your situation--As long as you have not forged a written rx or called in your own you should be fine.  I can understand your paranoia--I used to get rx from different docs using different pharmacies all the time worrying what would happen if they all found out about each other.  Thankfully they never did so far. If your doc confronts you about "taking too much pain medicine"  tell him/her that you have been concerned about that too and could a plan be put into place for you to get off of the pain meds. In the meantime look around the forum for the Thomas Recipe--it is a "cold turkey" detox plan that has worked for alot of people.  My prayers are with you--You WILL GET THROUGH THIS!

[FINISHED!!]

I sincerely doubt that any cops will be waiting for you. You have done nothing illegal to the best of my knowledge. If your doc is writing these scripts, then any problems to be faced would be by him. The likely reason for the visit would be because he's caught on to your use & would like to discuss the possibilty of addiction. My doctor did the same thing with me. The DEA may have also gotten ahold of him but that too is unlikely. I'd say that his nurse has seen the amount of meds prescribed & has risen a red flag. As far as what to expect for withdrawls...two words...THE FLU. It's pretty miserable but not dangerous. It'll last about 3 to 5 days & you'll start feeling better but not 100% for quite sometime. Good luck to you.

FINISHED!!

[momonhydros]

hello i also take lortabs for a herniated disk with sciatica, i also take more meds than im suppost too. your not going to get in trouble with the law for taking to many. with your doctor though he may stop writing your scripts, ive been reading this forum for along time and dont post to often, but we all have been or are in the same boat. some have taken more than i have i have only gotten up to taking about 6 a day, but always run out of my script early and then get them off the street. which is more illegal than what you do. you can try to taper but its very diffcult thats what ive been trying to do but havent succeeded,youll recieve many posts for your questions which can be answered better than i. good luck to you if you would like to talk my email is ***@****

[sabian]

Don't sweat the small stuff, like most addicts like myself do.  First, it is not a crime to take more medication than prescribed.  Unless you have used some type of forgery, e.g., calling in scripts or writing scripts, you don't have to worry about the law being on your ass.  Hopefully, your physician will not "cut you off", from your meds.  If you are sincere about quitting, which I think you are, you may want to actually come clean with your physician.  Some are pretty cool about honesty when it comes to addiction.  The worst case scenario would be that he does cut you off and you have to go it alone.  I have quit cold turkey many times, and I have also weaned myself off, with the help of someone else.  I can't wean myself off; I always cheat.  Good luck to you, and try to stay focused on your recovery.  Hey PERCS, if you are readng this post, tell me what's happening in your life?  I'm still clean, only by GOD'S GRACE.  Those oxy's are caling, but I haven't answered yet!SABIAN!!

[oxic]

Don't answer the call brother!!! (OC's, that is)

I'm real happy to read you're doing well!!

I'm doing great myself; and after you asked, i realized that today is 7 months CLEAN.  I honestly rarely think about percs, except to think how much I NEVER WANT TO GO BACK ON THEM!!!
And my buddy is doing much better, with both kidney and liver function returning(no more dialysis required)........


Take Care, and stay in touch(if you like)

percs

[nicety911]

WOW! I can not express the appreciation I feel for all your support, thoughts & prayers!! THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!! It makes such a huge difference to know there are people out there that know what I'm going through and are here to help! I am finally able to admit that I have a problem and need to face it. I have decided to talk to my husband tonite, after the kids (2 boys, 13 & 11 yrs) have gone to bed. I owe him at least that much... no matter if he gets angry, calls me an addict, or is hurt because of my continued deceit... whatever the case, i'll just have to face that as well. I know that by my coming clean and asking him for help, I can convey my seriousness in overcoming my addiction and he will fully support me. Just as you guys have all done!! I would absolutely love to keep in touch by email and will with everyone that posts it or emails me at ***@****, but if you don't mind, i'll have to do it tomorrow. It's been a pretty hard day and the w/d symptoms are really getting to me. I havent been able to eat anything without forcing it down and have major sweats, chills, etc as I'm sure you all know. so i'll close for now, but look forward to tomorrow and the days ahead. I also want you all to know that i am here for you too if you need me!!

[msunderstood]

Listen this mite be the best thing for you b4 you get completely out of control. No you did not do anything techniquely wrong but if your Dr has been made aware of yr scripts being filled to soon, he mite stop writing for you, tell him to help you get off of them.  Dont let him get away with prescribing you that many pain killers for that amount of time without helping to wean you off. Its no wonder we all get addicted.  The best thing that can happen to you is that you stop b4 you cant, and then you go to the next level, you will start writing your own, calling in your own, you will go from one dr to the next.  I know bec I did. I had more operations, and things wrong with me, I had cancer, ya, di. ya. di. ya. I was given. more pain. meds. enuf to lite off the 4th of july fire works in New York harbor, and i wasnt going to get addicted???  My dr. said, your taking too many pain pills, im not giving you any more, so I got really sick, went to another dr. and so on.  here it is yrs and yrs and yrs  later and I am now detoxing off of methadone, to get unaddicted from painkillers, It has been a nightmare from hell, and if  It helps to scare you from going any further into this horrible addiction  and mind controlling disease, then you wont be mad that I wrote this to you, you will thank me for it , I write this to you from my heart to try to stop anyone from going thru this nightmare... I wish you well.

[mystere]

I usually post from work and my nickname is New Orleans Lady--I did't realize I could use my same nickname for my home computer--I hope I haven't confused anyone--Now for the problem at hand--I have made it 5 days post hydrocodone and the obsession about obtaining a refill has totally consumed my thoughts today--I know now that getting clean is the easy part--staying clean is the hard part--For some reason I was spared my usual plethera of withdrawal symptoms--they were actually very mild and I even continued to work--I think the wellbutrin had a lot to do with it--I guess I just need to vent about the cravings and the insanity of it all--With all the time, effort, and planning put into obtaining those pills, I lament that all that energy could have been put to a more productive use--Thanks for listening to me whine--At least I won't pick up today!  Peace and prayers to everyone--this forum is my lifeline!

[Esmith28]

I could have writte the same feelings descibing me. I have been on lorcet 10 for 3 or 4 years. It has gottn really bad since the smmer but the worst since ovember. I used o be able to take just one, and sometimes only once a day sometimes two. A bottle lasted me two weeks.But then it really helped to take one and a half, then two then all day...then one day my doctors office called and said "You have broken our mdicine contract, you have gotten medicine from another doctor, and that is against our policy and we will no longr give you pain meds. If you decide you want to go though the surgery with us we will care for your post op needs but then we wont see you anymore"
I was blown away...the doctor they are talking aboutis my reg doctor who reccomended me to them, and he had given me meds for my EARACHE, and I had called them for my back pain (which the other doc was treating me for) I had neve gotten meds from both at same time but had called hen I ran out and tat is where I screwed it all up. Tha i the first time I went throguh withdrawl (withdrawal). It was HORRIBLE mentally. I had cravings lie I have never imagined I would. I tor the house apart looking for "lst pills" I was on the computer trying to find out how to get some ect. I tried nother doc, andit all keeps bringing me to th same place..I am addicted nd I have to get it under control. But I dont want to YET..I want one more prescript (yea right) s right now I am one and a hlafdays off pills...we will see what happens. I am with you and we all understand and can help. I found this place the day after I got the call...and it has been the best thing forme. AA really helps too. I cant say enough goo things abut that....
Blessings to all
Elizbet

[Esmith28]

Elizabeth, left that h off lol

[nicety911]

That's exactly what happened to me!! I started losing control this past summer, thats when i went to my husband and asked him to help by holding my pills, but whenever he wasn't home, i'd tear the house apart too looking for them and I always did! As soon as I'd get my script, i'd make like a squirrel saving for winter and would stash 1,2or3 at a time all over my room, hoping i'd "forget" about some, then when i'd run out (of course, it made me go thru them faster, knowing i had a stash somewhere) i'd go on a freaked out "treasure hunt"!! every once in a while i'll come across one while cleaning up and OH, MY GOD! The happiness that would come over me, i'd jump up and down like i'd won the lotto or something and i actually went so far as to KISS my little long lost friend... i felt so PATHETIC!! That's when i realized i have to get myself out of this situation. I have the most wonderful, loving husband and 2 beautiful sons that I have to get better for... it hurts me more than anything when i'm not able to function when i run out and i hate the way i act towards them...i get so nasty & they do not deserve that! I have been on this forum since yesterday morning and can tell you that i have gathered so much strength and my resolve to quit from all the wonderful people here that are willing to help and share their stories/experiences! I hope to soon be able to give back to others what i've gained and want to be able to count the # of days clean like so many others. I have 2 pills left and am trying so hard to fight not to take them.... but these W/Ds are making me CRAAAAAZY!!! I tried to eat today but took one bite and it turned my stomach so i spit it out, have been going thru the hot flash/sweats/chills and have been wandering around the house like a zombie, unable to sit still for one minute before i wanna jump out of my skin! I know what you are going thru right now and if u wanna talk more, email me at ***@****. I don't wanna take up so much space here, but hope everyone understands!!

[nicety911]

I was in such a fog last night when i posted, i didn't thank you for easing my fears of breaking the law, i could not BREATHE from the thought! I also appreciate all your encouragement to break free from this and took all your strength & kind words to my heart. I woke up this morning w/the cold sweats & nausea. I'm starting to panic, not looking forward to what's ahead, but know i'll have to just take it one day at a time. I had 3 pills left so i took one hoping to calm my system down a bit, but for an instant wanted to pop all 3 in my mouth and get that one last high!! God help me, the things that are going through my mind! These pills have taken over my mind and are making me CRAAAAZY!!

Erika_Ann: I would love to talk more, please email me at ***@****.
Momonhydros: I will email you soon also
New Orleans Lady: thanx for your post, I will definitely take your advice on how to speak to my doc, my appt is tomorrow @3pm
Finished!! & Sabian: I also appreciate your experiences that you've shared to let me know I, too, can get thru this. The FLU, huh? Thanx for putting it in that way, it makes it sound a little easier, since we've all had the flu and got through it!!I'm glad to hear that you guys are still clean... keep up the good work! Like Percs said, "Don't answer the call, SABIAN!!" You have come so far!!
Msunderstood: How could I be mad for your trying to help?! I'm sincerely grateful to you for sharing your story!! You are right, this is the best thing for me because I already feel out of control! The thoughts HAVE crossed my mind to begin doing things illegally, but i really don't want to go there!! I am so sorry to hear the nightmare you are going thru! Please know that your words HAVE helped greatly and i will take them to heart as well!!

[kilo]

Hey girl - Just a side note of interest...just got my Saints Season Tickets in. Would you believe they move us to Section 146. I was shocked! Can't believe we got such great seats this year. Oh well. Hey do you go to Saint's games...I know, either you love them or hate them. My wife is from LA. and she grew up a diehard Saint's fan, back in those days of paperbags over your head and they were reffered to us the 'Aint's.

First of all...CONGRATS on day 5. I know all to well how hard this struggle can be. Please be careful, once you start feeling better, then your mind starts talking you into "Hey just one won't hurt, you deserve it after all those w/d's...blah blah blah. Don't buy it, don't listen to that part of your mind. Got a great website that talks about cravings and urges, and some useful ways to get over them. I know the first 30 or so so days after the withdrawals is the toughest time when it comes to urges. One time I was clean 27 days, and I took 2 vikes one night for pain, and 3 vikes the next morning. By that evening I was back into full withdrawal. You know I paid this website the $14.95 to ask a question, and my question was "when does your drug tolerance return to normal after using Vicodin for 2 years?"
Well 4 physician's or specialists answered me back in about 6 hours, and most of them agree that it takes between 3-5 months for your tolerance is back to pre-opiate days. You know the good 'ol days when we could take just 1 or 2 vikes and that's all it took.
Well hell, my point is don't pick up again. Even if your 30 or 60 days clean, because your tolerance is still so high that you won't even get that "buzz" your chasing.
Oh yeah, the name of the website is  www.habitsmart.com
Good info about how to arm yourself and defend yourself against those urges and cravings. There are good links to other good sites as well.
OK 'Nawlins Girl...take care and be good to yourself. No ****...you should really be proud of yourself. Go out and buy yourself something special (no you can't have a Vicodin ha, ha). You are winning this battle and in no time you will have won the war!
Peace to you.

P.S. Isn't this weather great? !

Kilo

[mystere]

Hello Southern Brother--And yes we are diehard Saints Fans with season tickets--Who says addicts aren't masochists?--Just kidding-You just get tired of saying "wait until next year"-Next year has really never come--Sort of like when we say I'll quit taking hydrocodone after my next bottle of pills--I can't tell you how many times I've repeated that statement in my head--It's true--every day seems to be getting better!  I love reading your posts--It has been one thing that has kept me on tract!  Thanks again I'll post again soon--or E-mail me at ***@****
Peace and prayers--mystere AKA New Orleans Lady

[citygal25]

Well as is sit here and read everyone's entries. I think oh my god this is me!I have not had a pill in 3 days life has been hell. Im not having such bad withdrawls as i was yesterday & before but i just cant seem to find the energy needed to get my life on track. I have a wonderful family & husband that i was so worried i was going to lose when i told him but i was wrong he has been ther every step of the way. And as for my doctor he has also been great. He prescribed me some anxiety pills that have helped tremendously. If i could only get a good nights sleep. I had to put my life and my familys life on hold for this. But i will get through it. I do not need anymore painpills even though i have a refill i can pick up anytime i do not want to get back in to the worrying about where am i going to get the next one at when it is too soon to fill my script again. I just want to lead a normal life like everyone else. I have a great husband and 3 great kids that love & adore me. I just hope someone else might read this and get some strength to quit cold turkey like i did. Yeah it was hard as hell but it gets easier every day. I DO NOT NEED THEM ANYMORE!!! Thanks for the great site . I hope my life gets better now and yours also

[wantoffmeth]

I just want to tell everyone that has had such a hard time with their drug of choice and withdrawn and gotten off of it, give yourself a HUGE pat on the back.  I'm on MMT program and its the worst mistake i ever made with my life.  I slowly tapering,(and barely living financially), but like the saying goes If I only knew then what I know now, I'd be in a much better place............Another thing I need to learn to do is not think about the past so much, and all the bad mistakes, decisions and judgments I made.   And like my counselor says, I need to get out and meet people and do something rather than hiding in my house like a paranoid little rat.  I thought Detox under Anesthesia would be the best thing, but now after thinking about it, maybe I need to go through some major withdrawals to straighten my ass out so I don't keep making the same mistakes over and over.  I love being able to come to this site/forum.  All of you are kindred spirits, all in your own way..... PEACE.  And before I think about myself for one more moment, it's time to say a prayer for bravest people.  The people that are fighting to keep this country a free one.  Not that I agree with war and death, but at least we can say a prayer for them since they are already involved with what's going on over there. May Peace, Love and Happiness always be with us through our struggle to be free and happy.


Kat

[Thomas03]

I like the way you write, Kat. I don't suppose you could elaborate a bit ...

Thomas

[hippy]

HEY THOMAS , how have you been.
nice to see your post.
just wanted to say hey.
hope all is well.

peqace!!!!!!!!!!!!!!hippy

[sedativist]

I think you are on the right track.  A lot of suffering can go a long way.  Took me 4 years to get off methadone.  However, the good news is I will definitely think twice about doing it again.  It wasn't all bad, but it's important to go slowly on the downside of the detox.  Good luck.  Peace.

[BLUE501]

Welcome! You are correct, you have found the right place. There are many people here with much knowledge and support. Please let us know how much you have been taking per day. Are you in the middle of detoxing right know or is this something you are looking to do in the future. I hope you keep posting and getting the support we all need.


Be safe
linda

[outlaw32443]

Hello all,

        I am new to this forum as well as being new to taking prescription drugs. My wife suffered a back injury about 3 years ago and was prescribed Ultram as well as Lorcet. She has been taking these medications for well over 3 years now. Well, early on when she started taking these meds, I had a motorcycle injury and had broke my foot, I then started taking a few of her pain killers. It did not stop there. I have been taking Ultram for about 2 years (which is what I started taking when I had broke my foot). Now, to top it off I am taking both the Ultram and the Lorcet. I used to be an alchoholic and I have been alchohol free for 3 years with no desire to drink at all. Now I am addicted to drugs. So, I have went from one extreme to another. I have read the post here and see that there are others fighting to get off prescribed medications and I don't feel so alone now. I have also went through my wife hiding her meds from me only to tear the house apart trying to find them. I have ran out of these medications here recently and it has been terrible. I end up with the shakes, chills, night sweats.... I know that I must start fighting to end this addiction and I think I have found a place that will help me do that. Right here in this forum.


Mike

[mrmichael67]

How much of what are you currently taking in the pain killer category?  I might be able to give you some food for thought.

[Always A Soldier]

I could not get to the correct thread for my question and to hear comments.  I am a retired combat war veteran, and by the way I am a woman NOT that that makes a difference.
   As a result of being wounded in combat by a missile.  I have been on a myraid of pain killers for the past 12 years, I am also on Xanax which is not a problem.
     I recently went to my doctor and asked to be placed on a pain management program.  I was consumming strong pain killers like candy.  My doctor wants to place me on either oxycotin or metadone.  My concern is it appears these drugs are stronger than what I am use to taking, how will this help me, that is being placed on stronger pain killer? I do have chronic pain which is very evident by x-ray, mri and ct, so my dr knows the severe pain is there.  I would apreciate and comments.  Thank you.
PROUD TO HAVE SERVED!

[Always A Soldier]

Thank you Michael for your response.  I am currently taking up to 6 100 mg of Darvocet and up to4 (can't remember the mg) of Percocet.  I get 120 Darvocets a month with unlimited refils these last me two weeks. Like I said my dr. is going to put me on oxycontin or methodone, what do you think about this type of drug therapy.  Thank you.
PROUD TO HAVE SERVED!
Sierra

[Thomas03]

I'm sure Mr Michael will reply soon, and he knows a lot about OxyContin and methadone. My two cents: Oxy is the same pain drug (oxycodone) as your percocets, only it is time release and contains no tylenol. Time release pain meds are more effective for chronic pain because they maintain constant pain relief instead of the ups and downs of drugs like Darvocet and Percocet. Plus, you're ingesting A LOT of tylenol in the process of taking Darvocets and Percs. I imagine your doctor wants to give your liver a break as well as give you better pain relief.

Thomas

[mrmichael67]

That was Darvocet and Percocet, not Vicodin.  The reason I wanted to know how much you were taking is because I have seen the same question come out of a person using 40 percs a day.  They say they don't want to go on anything "stronger" when they are already there.  But, you are on therapeutic doses.  Putting you on a drug like Oxycontin is good because you get continuous pain relief around the clock.  Actually, total intake can be reduced in some cases when a switch to long acting opioids is undertaken.  Your drug levels will level out better.  You won't get the "peaks and valleys" that you get with fast release opioids.  I don't particularly agree with methadone for you.  I think you should stay put with the types of opioids you take.  Like Thomas said, Oxycontin is basically percocet without the tylenol.  Even though Darvon is related to methadone, being on it isn't in the same neighborhood as being on methadone.  Also, breakthrough meds in the form of fast acting opioids (oxy ir, msir, even percocets (10mg) would be good) can be used for any episodes.  I am sorry it took so long to get back to you.  I really am sorry.

[bsills]

Sometimes, especially with chronic pain, withdrawing from pain meds altogether can actually reduce the amount of pain you feel.  Much pain is psychological, as we all know.  But also the endorphins in your brain can kick in a little differerently, especially if you do end up with protracted withdrawals.  Try going off all pain meds, and then, if truly necessary, only go back to a much smaller amount of a different opiate if possible, as Vics are way too addictive for you.

[VETTE101]

This forum seems pretty good! I have taken lortab 10's for awile after a teste surgey> i dont need them anymore but continue to take them...(2) a day. when i run out it is very hard to deal with life.. I have even tried just quitting and all you people in here are correct. its the hardest thing i have ever had to do! I was in the Infantry in the army airborne div. and this is harder! I can sympathize with everybody! My Q is what can i do to feel better with out detox and these pain meds...Right know i take them to get that buzz...but when i quit my whole body hurts so bad it is hard to face life...The meds give me so much energy and focus that when i dont take them i dont feel like doing anything..so what can i do?  I can go 4 or 5 days without but i dont want to go without i know i have to make up my mind to quit but if i dont, what do i do? Im sure that there is some long term damage i could be doing to my body. i dont want to trade ahcohol to releave the hurting...any help for me?

[Thomas03]

Airborne infranty? Welcome. We have a vettezr1 here who, I think, was also in the airborne infantry. What regiment were you in? Did you see any action?

Thomas

[bsills]

It's hard to step down with your opiate "of choice".  First wean yourself to a level where you are not getting a buzz, and then switch to a differently structured Opiate and taper on that.  Just be careful as you can be that you are not trading one drug for the other.  Benzos and Clonidine can also be very helpful in getting off of Vicodan.

Of course, you actually have to really want to stop doing Junk.

[vettezr1]

Dude that's kind of creepy I never told you I was in the military? Anyway welcome vette101 lots of very cool people here they have been very helpfull. I have found two very distinct kinds of problems here, Chronic pain and addiction problems.
I don't understand the addiction but have felt the wrath of Narc WD and it sucked. I am having a lot of problems trying to find other options for back pain, docs really want to fuse my spine again but I am scared shitless of the pain pills, I don't ever want to get that sick again. One thing worth mentioning.
I was being rather stubborn about tapering off meds and went CT.
Do not do this, it was just my big ego that had to prove I could take the pain, it was not needed and I could have possibly died.
Its not the best time to find out you have a bad heart. I do not and was very lucky my blood pressure stayed at 190/140 for 3 days until it went back to normal Docs told me if I wasn't such an ******* they could have safely tapered me off with a lot less risk and discomfort. Hey thomas isn't bssill that chick that was fighting with you a few weeks back? Does anyone hear from Grapler?

[Thomas03]

I think I confused you with someone else on the forum who was military but got lucky anyway. Usually when I'm wrong I stay wrong.

Thomas

[theGolden1]

yes .... there is something called "shiatsu massage" ... do a search on the net and start reading about the neuromuscular benefits of massage. It is an effective pain and stress reliever.
The hot bath is second to none,  but I am presently exploring the massage. It has to be done every day on a regular basis in order to stimulate the immune system and be affective. I may be putting the cart before the horse, but we can use these other techniques (moist heat and massage) while we are cutting down the narcotics and continue after we are drug free ... Goldie

[stacy11]

My husband and I were both taking Lorcets for over a year....going to several drs.  getting scripts.  I was taking at least 10 a day.  I stopped taking them Friday....and feel like dying!  The worst part of withdrawals are over, but I CAN NOT sleep at all.  I have probably slept a total of 6 hrs in the past 3 days.  I want to take just one to just get some sleep, but I know that is the worse thing I could do.  I do not want to go through what I've got through in the past 3 days ever again!!  If anyone has any advice about helping me get some sleep I would really appreciate it!  Thanks alot!