Off Vicodin for 7 days

[bobh723]

I have been reading this forum for about 2 weeks, this is my first post-3 yrs ago I broke my hip/femur, I have been taking vicodin since then. I became very depressed and started taking Zoloft (antidipressant) and Ambien (sleep med)about 11 months after the accident.I now have hip arthritis. I have had a chroinc stomach ache starting 1.5 years ago.  I was also drinking about 3-4 glasses of wine every evening.  I never took more than 6 Vicodins in a day.Usually about 2 or 4.
Because of this stomache I decided to stop using everything.  The Alcohol two months ago, the antidepressants 2 months ago, Ambien 2 weeks ago, the vicodin 7 days ago. I'm still having a stomach ache, I have no energy to do anything, and am  very depressed. I am considering going back on the antidepressants, but I really want to be drug free.  Yesterday I bought 5HTP, took 2 100's yesterday and 2 today.  I know not to start taking the antidepressants with the 5HTP.  What should I do?  Thanks, Bob

[bobh723]

This is what I am hoping.  The pain came first, then the pain meds, then the Anti depressants, then the sleeping pills.  Now no meds.  I'm willing to go w/o them for as long as I can hoping that this will all go away soon.  My system is used to all of these meds for 3 years running. I realize that this will not go away in just a few weeks (but I wish it would) I really need my energy back for my family and work.  Thanks again- Bob

[badsneakers]

the pain is at a high right now due to the lack of pain med, that will get better...i promise...

[bobh723]

So far i'm lucky, I don't miss them or crave them.  Weeks before I decided to stop I had tapered down.  I was feeling so sick, I think from the W/D's.  If I took just one I would feel better for a while, then go back to being sick again.  I could not belive that I was physically addicted on only 4-6 per day.  When I decided to stop I was taking one per day, but I was totally sick.  My '08 Christmas was terrible. Friday Dec 26 was the last day of Vicodin.  I do not plan to take it again.  I do have chronic pain in my hip, but right now I'm just living with it.  I have went on walks, went to the gym, swam, but still do not feel too good, but have to say my head is clearing.  Thanks for the post- Bob

[badsneakers]

i agree then...nothing wrong if yo need them...the vics on the other hand...

[nurseone]

Sometimes just being off everything with some time you will see the pain subside. If it doesn't then I would talk to your doctor. Sometimes people get put on anti depressants because they are depressed but what is making them depressed is the Drugs! But there are times when there is a real need for anti depressants so if you need them  then take them.

[bobh723]

Thanks for the post!  what is a pm? sorry  -Bob

[scaredmom330]

I don't think there is anything wrong with taking antidepressants, your body needs them because of a chemical inbalance..I would go back on the antidepressants. you are making alot of changes at once. congrats on the wine and vicodins, wow that's great..be kind to yourself. stay with us, post and keep posting, let us know how you are doing. remember one day at a time....

[bobh723]

Thanks for everyone's response.
I did not think that Zoloft was bad, my wife did.  She states that over time it makes you more depressed.  My problem with Zoloft was having to take Ambien to sleep.  My psycharist did not have a problem with the long term ambien use, but my general MD did.  He stated that Ambien was not tested for long term use.  Thanks again, bob

[bobh723]

5-HTP is 5 hydroxy L tryptophan, a precursor to Serotonin.  It is supposed to help with depression

[bluespence]

Personally I don't think there is anything wrong with taking anti-depressants. I am on zoloft and have been for years. Depression is caused by a chemical imbalance so if meds help then why not take them. Even if you decide to get off of them at a later date, I don't think getting off of them while trying to detox from narcs is just too much change at one time. Give yourself a break, your human and your not perfect (just like the rest of us) take it oneday at a time and you will be okay! Good luck!!

[allaboutmary]

Energy can take a while to return. Keep up with your vitamins and try and get some exercise. I know it's hard but it will help. I bet in another week you will be feeling better. Not great but a lot better. If the depression continues, then I would go back on the antidepressants.   Hang in there and be patient with yourself.

[Madisonjsmom]

Welcome and congratulations on your journey. It is great that you were able to stop taking everything.  Give your body time to heal and your energy will come back, but it will take some time.  I sent you a pm~Again Congratulations!

[badsneakers]

what is htp?  sorry for the ignorance.