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439522 tn?1214951189

Need Help/Support and Information

Hello, all!  I've read many of the posts and they have led me to reconsider using my hydrocodone.  I have minor back pain, and have been taking it for about 15 months.  I take 7.5mg 5 times per day.

Today is day 1 of quitting cold turkey.  I don't have pills left to taper, and I just want to get off it.  Most of the time I take it because it prevents any pain...including headaches and any other aches.  Sometimes, to improve my mood and make me more social.

I take 10mg of Lexapro a day for anxiety.  The Lexapro is great, but it prevents the highs and lows, so to speak.  The hydrocodone allowed me to have happy times.

I have taken the day off of work and can take off work through the rest of the week.  My last pill was at 7pm last night.  So, it's only been about 16 hours but I'm already having diaherria and cramps.  My back also hurts.  

I have Xanax to use for anxiety...should I take those at night to sleep?  My legs are kind of restless right now and I have a feeling tonight is not going to be great.

Any advice?  What days will be the worst?
26 Responses
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401095 tn?1351391770
you sound like you are doing geat...considering...keep posting
Helpful - 0
439522 tn?1214951189
Oops, hit return.

Brad, a friend of mine says that the RLS can last for weeks...is that true?
Helpful - 0
439522 tn?1214951189
Thanks!  They seem to happen several hours after I actually go to bed...I go to bed at 11pm, and then at 2am or 3am they act up.  Will the bath still help that long after?  Maybe I should sleep in the bathtub...lol.

Brad
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390416 tn?1275185087
try HOT baths for the rls..it really does help...right before bed!!
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439522 tn?1214951189
Just wanted to give you all an update...love the support!  No hyrdo since Monday PM.  Last night just had RLS even with the xanax to help (1 .5mg pill).  Tonight I will take 1/2 of a .5mg xanax to help taper, and then be off the xanax.  Again, I'm not a xanax junkie...just trying to get of hydro.

I do feel SO much better than days 1-3.  Things are clearer...I turned up the radio and jammed to work today, had great meetings.  Slight headache, but I've been taking tylenol for that.

Also, something else happened last night.  I had GREAT sex with my wife!  In fact, I've been taking cialis because I thought my Lexapro was causing more problems than the usual delayed orgasm.  However, I'm convinced that the hydrocodone was killing my sex drive and causing issues.  Is that true?  Do Narcotics do that?

Talk about motivation to quit...hey I've been married 20 years...and I felt about 18 last night!

The RLS woke me up about 2am-3am for an hour, but I was groggy and just moved around a bunch in bed.  I even got an elbow in the back from my wife (my how she forgets about the fun we had earlier).....lol.  Just trying to give you guys a little humor, too.

It's been really great talking to you all and I'll keep  putting updates on here.  I'm also convinced that the multivitamin and the bananas have been helping big time.  

I am going to see a Dr. next week to get a second opinion on my back and leg problems.  I think my current Dr. just doses and kicks you out....an addicts dream...lol.
Helpful - 0
417564 tn?1287982827
This was my last day at the methadone clinic.  My fiance and I dosed @7mg.and are going ct from there.  We have been awaiting this day for months!

The caffeine can make RLS alot worse.  Steven suffers with that more than I do.  We have been detoxing for quiet some time and are surprised we have beenable to keep our wd symptoms at bay thus far.  The 3 most important things we have found
1. NaturalCalm & CalMag - It is amazing.  They could just about name their price & we would try our best to still get it!  We were skeptical about this, but it has proved to be priceless.
2. B12 injection - Detoxing takes time, much more than we even realize.  Some symptoms such as fatigue can continue to linger for months.  This is great for energy.  (And, my mother had an allergic reaction resulting in a horrible rash and I was able to help her out too!)
3. All of those in the forum....absolutely priceless
We also do some energy work and are herbalists...so we prefer herbal remedies to any others.  Not all herbs are safe...so always be sure what it is you have.  For sleep/rest we use melatonin (remember it only works in a dark room, further explained in journal), kava kava, lemon balm and valerian.  Those work very well rather than using a benzo.
For some I know that works, but others might have to explore other options if they had a problem with those in the past.
Sounds like you have just about got this done.  That is awesome.  
We are anxious to see how the weekend goes...not too sure what to expect during this enlightenment but are glad to have you on the journey.
peace
Helpful - 0
352798 tn?1399298154
Sounds good. Try 'Natural Calm' with calcium. It will help with the RLS. Start off slow, because magnesium causes runs too, but calcium causes constipation so the two cancel each other to a point. W/Ds can linger for days, but usually are controllable.
Hydros are not as strong as other opiates and 1 1/2 years is not a really long time. You should be about over the physical. Now set your mind against the mental battle. It hangs around forever.
Helpful - 0
439522 tn?1214951189
Thought I'd give you an update...and bring some others up to speed.  I used 7.5mg of hydrocodone 5 times a day.  This last weekend, I went down to two a day and took one on Monday (3rd of March).

Tuesday was my first "clean" day.  RLS BIG time, runs.  I got some great advice from people on here...and have done the following which has seemed to really help...maybe it can help you at some point.

Day1:  Major RLS at night, took multivitamin, ate two bananas and ate large fries (full of potassium).  Took Pepto bismal for stomach and runs...worked well.  Tried to move around even though I was in pain.  I found that keeping busy and hot showers were the best.  Just sitting and watching TV made me think too much.  Took 3 .5mg xanax to sleep and get past the RLS.

Day2:  Major RLS, runs  Ate a good meal, multivitamin, ate two bananas, large fries and drank hot drinks (coffee, capiccino) and took a LONG hot shower.  Felt pretty bad.  Took Immodium AD.  Took two .5mg xanax to get past RLS at night...RLS not as bad, but still there.  

Day3:  Felt MUCH better this morning for some reason.  Haven't taken Immodium, but have drank coffee and took a long hot shower.  Went to work today and overall feel MUCH better than day 1.  Am concerned tha it is just temporary, and the W/D's will come back with a vengence...however,  I do know that I wasn't on as much as some people, so I'm hoping it won't come back bad.  Plan on taking 1 .5mg xanax tonight to combat any RLS.  Tomorrow night I will do .25 xanax (half a pill) and then stop the xanax.

Any thoughts or comments?  I've also been on Lexapro for anxiety for four months...it's worked great and I'm wondering if that is helping me through the W/D by not letting me have the bad anxiety.  Should I worry about w/d's coming again soon?  Or, do you think my dosage I was taking every day was low enough that my W/D's are close to being over?  This is the first time I've taken it...but I took the 7.5mg (4-5 a day) for about 15 months.  I've never taken it before and never gone through W/D...it's my first time.

Thoughts?
Helpful - 0
417564 tn?1287982827
Please take a look at my journal.  There are certain things that make this bearable, I just want to pass along some wonderful info given to me by a nurse at a detox facility.  My fiance and I are using this now and within 5 minutes of drinking it, our wd symptoms subside.
We are detoxing from methadone, tomorrow is our last dose @7mg.  We go ct from there.  It requires a certain amount of determination to kick these opiates...but we can do it.
This forum is priceless, the support and compassion is overwhelming at times.  Everyone is great, please post often as it helps very much,
Best of luck, once again, for physical, mental and emotional wd symptoms...check out naturalcalm & B12 together.  Makes an amazing difference in overall feeling and energy level.
Right now, I feel better than I have in years,..at the end of a methadone detox!  The worst may lie ahead but so does the best!
Helpful - 0
439522 tn?1214951189
Thank you for the comments!  Trying to kick the hydrocodone is tough...I've NEVER had to take that much xanax to sleep...the RLS is the WORST part of it...feels like you have to move your legs all the time, and jerking...
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
If you need inspiration, read thru the support I have gotten the last 2 days on here.  Absolutely unbelieveable.  This group is fantatic and is giving me the strength and hope to do what needs to be done.  Please stay and let us help you!  You'll be in my prayers.
Helpful - 0
439522 tn?1214951189
I've been taking Immodium AD...worked VERY well, a strong daily multivitamin and also lots of bananas and french fries (potaotoes are much higher in potassium)...so i'm hoping it will also work.
Helpful - 0
439522 tn?1214951189
Last night was ROUGH...RLS was intense...went to bed about 1am after 3 .5mg xanax (not very strong, but they work).  Hope tonight is better.  I'm rethinking maybe tapering down instead of just quitting cold turkey.  Today I feel better...I seem to have the worst s symptoms at night.  This is day 2 for me.
Helpful - 0
352798 tn?1399298154
I did fine with even taking 1/2, although I also took flexeril (muscle relaxer). after about 3 days, melatonin worked great for sleeping.
Helpful - 0
439522 tn?1214951189
Thanks!  Yes, I've never really used Xanax for fun...I really don't like it that much and not sure why people do.  I figured I'll take it for three night in a row and that is it, to help through the RLS...I've had the RLS before when I've run out for a day (before it was time to refill).  The RLS and diaherria are the worst so far.  I'm watching a movie to keep my mind off of things right now...lol.
Helpful - 0
352798 tn?1399298154
Xanax worked to help me sleep those first few days. Be careful and use it wisely. It is a bear to get off of. You can do this!
Helpful - 0
439522 tn?1214951189
Thanks for the advice....I hope I can make it through okay.
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439522 tn?1214951189
Thanks for taking the time to let me know you've been through this!  I also have four kids, and it means a lot to me.
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439522 tn?1214951189
Thank you very much for the quick responses!  It means a lot to me.  I have the Xanax because I use it some nights to sleep when I have a really nerve racking meeting the next day...the Lexapro has gotten rid of all the anxiety, but sometimes before a big meeting I can't sleep.  I take no more than than 10 a month...usually 10 over 45 days.  My doctor will prescribe me 10 a month and I just take it to sleep...I really don't get any "high" off it or really enjoy it.  It just allows me to sleep on those days where the anxiety/panic is way up.  I'm still on the Lexapro and not quitting that.  Interesting, the Dr. is actually more concerned with xanax usage than the hydrocodone.  Not sure why....but I've heard the xanax can be way addictive.  For me, it's never been a drug of choice, so to speak.

I better run to the store to buy some things before I feel like I can't.  Thanks for the support...I'll check back here from time to time...it means a lot that I have people I can talk through while I go through this.  Those that havne't been there don't understand...
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Congrats...you are not on a very high dosage as most, but still will have w/'ds
this is what i did.
I did all my bills, did all laudry, cleaned house, did a hugh grocery shop, got all the things i would need during detox.....
Days 3 to 5 were the worst for me...My worst was RLS....Take many hot baths..
The energy will be very low, try to fight it and move, laying in bed to me makes it worst..
REad and post as much as you can...
We are here for you
r2r
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429209 tn?1224166589
I took Vic 10 about 10 a day and just quit CT, it wasn't fun and I did feel horrible. Days 2-4 were the worst for me concerning the physical WD now the mental issues are setting I am on day 6 in about in hour and I am feeling physicaly fine  from the WD all better, I have my doubts with feeling depressed and my mind saying oh you know you wanna a pill go ahead just think of how good you would feel, but I am just staying strong and am determined to beat this! Definately check out the Thomas recipe it really works, I still have lethargy and RLS still gets me at night but I know all that will soon pass aswell! Best of luck too you
Helpful - 0
401786 tn?1309152034
I think you're making a wise decision here.  I've said to a few people who were afraid that posting their "horror" stories that I thought besides helping some who're going through it, it may truly show what can happen and discourage others from continuing to use.  In my opinion, you'll be happier off than on.  GoingToMakeIt's right about the Immodium, just keep up with the dosing.  It will pass.  So will all the other s/s of w/d.  That being said, it is no fun, and can be wicked for some.  I have personal and professional experience with Xanax (alprazolam), and I know there are lots of mixed opinions about it's use.  Just be careful if you do use it that you do not become dependent or addicted to it.  You mention that you "have" it.  Is it something that is currently being prescribed for you, or is it some old stuff you just have around?  I think we're all different, and if you need to take something, then you need to do it.  Just be sure is all.  I did take it for some of my w/d towards the end, and do not need it now.  It can work for some, not work for others, or just replace one addiction/dependence for another.  It can be taken safely, you just need to consider your personality and track record for these types of meds. beforehand.

Best "drug" of choice for me, has been this site.

With Support,

Jacqui
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
It has been a VERY long time since I placed a post out here, but I feel your pain most likely because I walked in those shoes of having a ruptured L4-L5 disc and used vicoprophen 7.5 up to six times a day.  Also been through Lexapro and then Celexa.  I had no problem getting rid of Lexapro or Celexa.  But I wish I could say the same for the vico- but I am living proof that you CAN withdraw c/t and that I did it while working every single day, not missing a day of work and coming home to a house with 4 children.  No rest for me here- although I CAN tell you that the LAUNDRY piled up for over a week and my dinners might have consisted of ramen noodle soup and maybe a roast if I could muster up the energy.  My biggest problem was the energy level.  And to be honest with you from MY perspective- although it has been MONTHS for me, I still suffer with a lack of energy- and I just KNOW if I took some of these peoples advice on exercising I wouldn't be as bad off- but some days it just took everything I had to get out of bed....so good luck- I wish you the best and I hope you stick with it.  For me, days 3-5 were the absolute worst, but then I was fine.  I hope this helps you.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
not my drug of choice, but would like to say , welcome and glad you are here!! these people willhelp you thru it all detox, w/d's , you name it. i can offer support, say thanx for being here with us, and many prayers...
Helpful - 0
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