Oxycontin Withdrawels

Does anyone have any answers to how to better come off of Oxys? I am on my third day of tapering off from 120mg a day to today of 5 mg. I have no energy, and have read to take lots of vitamins, which do not seem to be helping. Its the New Year and was hoping to have this habit kicked. I've got three beautiful children who want their Mom back and I can hardly get out of bed.

[hellbent]

Maybe a better resolution would be to stick to the taper no matter what. You will be off them for sure this way.

I don't understand your taper schedule. Are you at 5mgs a day, or are you dropping 5mgs a day? Are you swallowing your doses? It is critical that you do swallow them. How long have you been on them?

I know you are low on energy, but take some time and let us know what is going on in more detail. FYI, I kicked a huge OC habit 8 months ago.

[jontyra]

I have been crushing/snorting them up for about 6 mths now.I've tried a few times before to get off of them with no success, but finacially I cannot continue to to buy them.They have ruined my life as far as living a normal life. As I am driving down the rode I look at other people and wonder how they can possibly leave their houses without a pill to keep them going. I have to get through this for my familys sake. I have tapered off from 120mg a day to 60mg a day for a week then to 40 mg a day for a week. This week I had 20mg on Monday and Tuesday 10mg Wednesday and 5mg today. I am now totally out. I have 1 and 1/2 meth that someone gave me if I needed them. So far I have not had to resort to those. I have been drinking tons of OJ and and taking  multiple vitamins. (Just curious if anyone has any info on anything else that I could be taking to bring my energy level up) At this point I am willing to try anything "over the counter" that may push this process along faster.

[hellbent]

The reason I stopped was financial too, I was going to be homeless at the rate I was buying them. Not the best reason perhaps, but it worked for me.

There was nothing OTC that worked for me at all... you are in a different league with these things, and all that other stuff is unlikely to help. It is also my experience that all the herbal remedies that people suggest for opiate withdrawals are useless and just made my stomach more upset then it already was. However, there are many here who would disagree.

You are going to need to go through what you need to go through. It is a worthy tradeoff for getting your life back. I stopped an 800mg per day OC habit 8 months ago, and I have a life today I never dared hope for back then.

[sonogirl]

hello,  i have tried to taper off of the oxys to no avail.  i am determined to get off of these meds though.  but it looks like it will be a detox of some sort.  you see i have to work full-time. when i tried tapering i would feel
so depressed and have no energy that i could not go to work..  the only way for me to do it is to go out on sick leave for a while and detox.
doing without meds or help at home is just too hard for me.  from what i
have read on the internet, rapid detox is the most humane way of detoxing.  it may not be perfect but it will get you through the most intense portion of the withdrawls.  i know it's expensive but if you can afford it--that my be the way to go.--type rapid detox on your internet search--and read about it.--take care

[jontyra]

I did  a search on rapid detox. There is place in Tarpon Springs FL. which is close to where I live. It did not list the cost of the program, I have sent them an E-Mail for that info. I am starting to get the Hibbi Jibbis, don't know if I can hold out much longer. Trying to get someone to watch my 3 year old. My boys are 11 and 13, they can pretty well take care of themselves. Told them that I must have a bug of some sort. Yea, I got a bug all right, worst than the flu bug.

[jontyra]

I saw in a post that Greg had a sponser, any info on what a sponser is, is that someone who may help with a detox program? Sorry to sound so ignorant, new to this and looking for answers?

[Thomas02]

You're going to be more than just tired in the coming days. From what you've said, you sound like you're really back in the 40mg per day comfort zone (if you're lucky), but have broken the cardinal rule of tapering: the lower the taper, the slower. You've done just the opposite, with punishing cuts in the last three days. I realize that you did so because your supply was limited. Getting enough of the stuff is one of the biggest challenges of tapering.

I don't want to alarm you, but I think you're about to feel a lot worse than you do now to the point where lack of energy is not your chief concern. Have you ever experienced opiate withdrawal? Based on your posts here, I'd suggest you not make any committments for the next 5 or 6 days. There is an amino acid that will help you regain your mental and physical energy level after acute withdrawal is over. But it will only increase your anxiety if you use it during acute withdrawal. If you like, I can send you a recipe for handling acute withdrawal and, once it's over, recovering your energy and relieving depression. Remember, you've basically gone from 40mg a day to cold turkey. This recipe will not let you hotwire yourself to skip the withdrawal process, but it will help you get through the experience. If interested, write me at ***@****.

Good luck.

Thomas

[Nod]

Have to agree with Thomas, the lower the slower rule on tapperring is vital.  While your better going off at 40mg than 120mg a day but your still gonna feel like ****.  If you are committed and you can get more I would suggest going back on your tapper schedule and keep reducing the dose - just swallow whole, not crush/snort. Or you can just tough it out. It will really stink and the next 5-6 days are gonna be bad, but it won't kill you, if you are committed you will make it.  
You'll be amazed at how life is without.  nod

[lifeisbetter]

Hi, I have been right where you are. I know exactly how you feel. I'm a mom to 3 kids and I was snorting 3 80mg. Oxy's for over a year and before that was taking up to 30 Vic's a day.  To answer your question a sponsor is someone from a 12 step program who loves drugs as much as you and I do but has learned how to live a good life without them.  Believe it or not it is true.  I also live in Florida and know of  a good addictionologist but he's on the east coast. I also would look at people and say how do they function? Why are they happy, are they really happy? They are all probably taking pills or drinking or coke, something...I thought it wasn't possible to live life without some sort of substance to help.  I forgot that I used to function perfectly well before I found the pills.  I got so heavy into my dependance on the pills that I continued to take them during my last pregnancy and purposely went cold turkey before a scheduled c-section so the baby wouldn't go into withdrawal. She did anyway but the nurses just thought she had gas. Of course I was on demerol after the section so I vaguely remember being concerned for her.  Now that I'm clean things come back to me and I feel like it was a bad dream. My daughter just turned four Dec. 26 and because God must have felt really sorry for me he has allowed her to be an incredible miracle in my life.
If I could I would come over to your house right now and take your 3 year old while you get help.  I can not emphasize enough to you that it only gets worse if you keep using. It also is almost impossible to take care of your family and detox at home.  Maybe if its done really slowly like the others said, but, I just couldn't ever do that. I was to enslaved to the drugs and I needed it like I needed air. I didn't stop because I wanted to, I stopped for my kids.  I would have lost them to HRS if I kept going.  It doesn't matter why you stop it only matters that you try. I stopped for my kids but somewhere along the line with the help of God, a twelve step program, and alot of soul searching I found out I was staying stopped for me. I never want to face that humiliation and helplessness again. The good news is Dec. 23 I got one year clean. Life is pretty good and I no longer wonder how others live without drugs. Actually I notice people who are on them.  Please please email me @ ***@****. I can't give you a magic cure but I can tell you what I did and do to stay clean.  I'll say a prayer for you.

[jontyra]

After the night from hell. I gave in to 1 hydro today. Someone offered me 3 20mgs of Oxys, but I declined. Yeh for me! I too live in North East Florida. My daughter is with a friend of mine for a couple of days. I have a persciption for 1mg of clonidine, have not had it filled yet. I have read where that would help. I drank 2 gallons of OJ yesterday and lots of vitamins. Legs are just jumping, and still no energy. I am looking outside thinking that I should take a walk, maybe it would push this **** out of my system faster. I did get info on the Rapid detox today, They want, hope you are sitting down. $7,000 for the program. Well I just keep telling myself that I will persevere. I have to do this for my kids and myself. I think back to when I loved to go white water rafting, horseback riding, camping etc. Now I just stay inside, going out to get groceries, and those damn pills. Tired of chasing them down. Thanks for the posts....They are keeping me going..

[lisabet]

Welcome to the forum and congratulations on your recovery. It would be really helpful for a lot of us on the forum if you could tell us all about your recovery, and most important how you manage to STAY clean.  I think that is the big worry for many of us, how the heck to stay that way once we get there. Again - congrats - you did it - I'm so happy for you.  Love/Peace, Lisabet

[percsnomas]

You sound determined Jontyra......keep reminding yourself thru this hard w/d'ing period, that their kids want their Mom back.
I'm certain the clonidine would dramatically help you thru some of the hardest w/d's. Remember this hard physical withdrawalling period is finite in time; with each shitty day that passes, that is one less shitty one you will have to go thru!!!

I came off a pretty hefty Oxycodone habit of 4-5 years myself, and now am in my 5th month off percs.....and loving it.
My wife has told her doctor, that she has her old husband back; which of course in turn means my two lit'l ones have their daddy back.
Great job on passing up the Oxy!!!
All the activities that you USED TO ENJOY, will become activities that you ARE ENJOYING again.
STAY STRONG

Percs No More

[lifeisbetter]

Don't beat yourself up for the hydro.  If you were in a detox center they would be giving you more than that.  If you can make it without any more that would be great.  If you feel like you can't take it do you have anybody that can hold a few Hydro's for you? Only because if you get too desperate you'll give up and go get the OC's. The worst of the withdrawel is the absolutely bone wrenching depression that follows. fatigue and thoughts that life will never ever get better. It's only a matter of weeks and you'll physically feel better. Right now it seems like forever, but some day, when your clean you'll realize how much time you wasted just being afraid of the withdrawel! You can get through this millions of people have done it. You are not alone in this. The leg thing is a killer, it felt like bugs were biting my bones.  My Dr. prescribed Quinine Sulfate and it worked for me.  It's actually an antimalarial drug. Take lots of hot baths. I was so weak when I detoxed it was torture to wait for the tub to fill, so I would just get in and out all night until it was cold, then I'd only have to suffer once instead of four times while I waited for the hot water. The orange juice is good and yes, if you can muster up a walk, do it. Your body stopped making its natural pain killers when you got hooked and exercise speeds up the bodies ability to produce its own endorphins again. Be careful with the clonidine though.  Did you get it from a Dr.? I'm asking because it can severely lower your blood pressure.  It definately helps but I could'nt take it every time as prescribed because my pressure would drop and I would pass out. Fun Fun Fun.  How far are you from Boca? Thats where my Dr. is. He does outpatient rapid detox and only costs around $450.00.  He saved my life. My home email is ***@****. Keep going you are gonna make it.  Has anyone told you that your worth it? Do you believe that? Ask yourself what it is you were staying numb for.  I got so isolated at the end I wouldn't even answer the phone, unless of course I was waiting for my dealer. It's amazing how much better I would feel just knowing they were available and relief was insight.  What a joke. I thought it was relief, now I see it was just another dose of agony. Find out what it is you hate about yourself so much that you want to punish yourself for. You can't be all bad you know, most addicts are creative intelligent people did you know that? It's true.

[jontyra]

The script that I have for Clonidine is actually for my son. He is on adderall (adderrall) during the day and the Doc gave him the script for 1mg of clonidine to help him sleep at night if needed. He has not needed it so far. I actually went for a walk, after of course taking 2 BC powders and another Hydro. That is it for today. I did get the Thomas receipe, will need to have a few things picked up. I stayed in bed the majority of the day. Trying to stretch occationally and taking the hot bathes. They do seem to help. I will see how tonight goes. Hope I am still living tomorrow...Thanks for all the encouragment...

[lisabet]

Oops - meant to address my above post to lifeisbetter above her recovery; I posted to jontyra, who is struggling as I am. Just wanted to clarify this, as would love to hear lifeisbetter's insights on recovery.  To jontyra, hang in there, sweetie.  Love, Lisabet

[saveyourself]

I have read your posts over the weeks.  I came of of 400mgs oxys, biting them in quarters for thr instant release.  Plus, 10 to 12 percs a day for 14 months, the highest and heaviest in the last 8 months.

I got 36 days opiate free, using the thomas recipe, it helped.  I stopped the clonidine yesterday, was taking 1 a day, no valium for two weeks,  I am taking 1 mgs klonopin 3 x a day.  I am down to two a day amd want to stop by tomorrow.  I have got 2 left.

I am going to NA  and PT, the pain is minimal.  Here is my question, Sleep attern is 2 or 3 hr. up for 2 hrs,sleep 1 hr.  I am working out and walking a mile everyday.  But I am so tired and fatigue, can snap and jack up my wife for the stupidest stuff and constant brain fog.  Shes in recovery and is dealing with it. I feel worse now than a week ago.  When did you start feeling strenghth and vitality?  This reminds me so much of meth withdrawls I went through in 88 CT at 120 mgs CT.  It was 6 months before I felt better. Is this what I can expect?

I have good hours after sleep, but man this is the longest WD I have had in 20 yrs. Any answers about your experiance sure would be appreciated.  Could you answer soon.  
Thanks,
Greg

[1st24]

Hi Jontyra, I can surely relate to what you are going through.  I was taking oxy's, 80-120 mg.'s a day, plus 20-40 mg.'s of norco ( heavy dose of vicodin).  Now I'm completely over the oxy's.  Hate them.  Tey are really downers.  Made me suicidal, withdrawn, etc.  I'm trying to taper off the norco's, down to 3-4 a day.  I, myself, am finding that smoking grass is really helping.  I can do this without fear of addiction to it, I'm always around it and never crave it.  But it is helping control my knee and back pain, and also the craving for more pills.  It also helps with my sense of humor and reminds me of the good in myself.  One thing I've come to really believe is that the pills are evil drugs, and steal the real inner you.  They are soul-snatchers.  Grass is different, at least for me.  I actually remember my self when I smoke, and find I'm only taking the norcos when I'm in real pain, not abusing them.  I'm not advocating substituting one drug for another, but grass is really like a medicinal herb in my case, and I'm using it with that intent.  Whatever works.  I hope you can stick it out.  Another thing that helps me is Valerian capsules.  I take them throughout the day, and 2 at night with 1 cap of 1HTP, a supplement.  The hot baths really do work for the restless leg syndrome, besides making you relax all over and also kill some time.  Using this forum is the best.  You know there are people who, even though they are suffering too, really care about you, and want to help you succeed.  Stay in there, Jontyra, good luck.

[saveyourself]

Hey Brother,
Man ,i wished I was feeling as good as you . you are doing great. I am still opiate free. At least you made me feel better with your experiance , strength and message about wife and kids.

As for me, what a rough day, read my post C 16. went to a funeral of a friend from NA, got in to a motorcycle accident. Died clean with 11 years.  Left behind a wife and 3 young kids.  Went to a meeting, called my sponsor and now off to bed.

For me, I am just taking it and some times just barely making it a day a time. I would love to take a few of the oxy makers and under a doctors care, stick them in a room and have or make them take 1 80mg am and 1 80 mg pm along with perc325/10 every 4 hours for breakout pain for a month. Then see how the 5 th week goes for them.  Oxys are for terminal patients in my humble opinion or they are competing for the mexican black tar market.

Happy new year to you and yours and thanks for everything.
Strength and Honor
Greg

[saveyourself]

Hey Brother,
Thanks for the reponse.  I had a good day today. Went to 2 NA meetings, stopped the klonopin, which I was using as prescribed by a book educated addictionoligist.  I just recently found out it is like valium.  Now I know why I was so fatigued. I am turning the corner I think. I will know when I get 3 good days in a row.  I will keep you informed.

Thanks for your help.
Greg

[melanieoxy]

i'm sitting here reading this for the FIRST time and ic can't believe there are actually other people out there going thru what i've been going thru; i'm only on day 3, involuntarily as my connection is out....  my energy level is nonexsistant, and my muscles are KILLING me.  i've only been taking 40 mg a day maximum, sometimes alot less and i'm getting these withdrawl (withdrawal) symtoms (symptoms)?  my boyfriend suggested that was the cause but i didn't believe it.  i don't think i'm ready to stop until i can take a week off work and get some other sort of meds. to take along with them it's too hard.

[jontyra]

Someone emailed me a recipe, I have not used some of the things on the recipe, have to get them picked up. You can email me at ***@**** if you want me to send to you. Tell your boyfriend that everyones body chemistry is different, some people can probably get off Oxys with no problem(?), while others have a harder time. By reading some of the info in this forum, you get a few suggestion on what to do. I know there is a light at the end of the tunnel. This nightmare has to end. I am a pretty strong person, if others can do it I can too. Even though you probably feel like just putting yourself out of misery. Believe me, I feel like just getting a gun, stand in front of a train anything to just take the pain away. But of course that is not an option for me I want to see my kids grow up with their MOM back to normal..Just hang in there..It has got to get better. PEACE...

[Mentor]

First! You have to want to be clean...I mean want it! Not poor poor poor me a drink..or shouda,chouda,woulda..:)

I been on every narcotic a doctor can prescribe..I'm not about war stories....my last run...was ummmm hummm....320 mgs - 380 mgs
a day...eating Ultram 4-8 @ a time...Prococets 10 mgs and Oxy IR 5mgs like candy..Put it this way...I would chew 2-3 80 mgs of oxycotin @ a time then flush them down with hot tea...I would take anywhere between 50 mgs - 80 mgs between my on oxycotin..yumm..yumm fun...and this is with the Ultram...Before I decided instead of feeling mentally, spritually dead..I would live with my chronic pain...I'm on day 8th of my detox...and I haven't slept in almost 5 days now..but know I can see what I was..and forgot the person I used to be!

It's going to hurt *wrong word* theres no magic cure....our body and brain chimistry is dilvering us a bill...and its time to PAY UP!
Like in the Movie Training DAY...when Denzel say's "KING KONG don't have **** on me"! *Man UP*
Step up to the plate...cause its either us or the drugs...period. If you can get through the first 5 days then your almost over the hump.
I did this all out-patient with an addictionologist...There cheap and if you can get your pain meds you can pay for a consult there cheap.
All he gave me was all the basic stuff you read about...I'm not going to post the dosages and times...I'm not a doctor.
The main med was CLONODINE or are used primarily to drop the blood pressure of a detoxing addict, thus technically relieving the addict of some anxiety & physical pain. Trazadone..it makes u yawn..but didn't work for me this time around.

Goodluck and God Bless,
If you want it bad enough then you can do anything you want to.

Mentor.

[melanieoxy]

thanks for the advice, i guess i was sounding a bit sorry for myself huh?  i'm going to contact my dr. about the clonodine; i won't lie, i picked eight 10mgs. up toady as i told myself i would wean slowly off them but i know i'm full of sh#t.  hopefully the clonodine will help as i am very high energy and these last 3 days have been horrible; house is a wreck etc.
have any of you experienced a SOUR body odor with you cold sweats? is that part of detoxing?  i'm a massage therapist and sweat alot at work but i'm NEVER as funk-y-fied as a was last night at work.  
also, have any of you tried anit-depressants to go along with your stopping the pills?  i was thinking if i got some, along with the clonodine, took a week off work and prepared for the worst, i could do it. thanks again for your comments, much appreciated!

[lifeisbetter]

Hey girl, are you hanging in there?

Lisabet, I will definately share how I stay clean but I'm at work. I'll post a little later.

[hellbent]

Hey, sorry to get back to you so late.

I can only tell you my experience. I won't sugar coat it. But remember that I was taking twice the OC you were, and 5 times the klonopin, and stopped the OC cold after 21 day methadone and stopped the Klonopin completely C/T. So, whatever I went through should not be as bad for you.

I didn't sleep at all for 24 days (maybe 6-8 hours total). Things began to turn then. I could catch 1-3 restless hours. After a month, I could sleep from midnight to 4:30 am, if I was lucky. I probably averaged 2-5 hours until I had maybe two months clean. I took nothing at all, not even Benadryl, to "aid" my sleep - I had taken enough pills and was determined to get my natural sleep patterns back as much as possible.

The first 6 months were 4-6 hours of sleep, but it was nice popping up at 4-5am and not being sleepy as I had a new job I had to get to anyway. Recently, after almost 8 months, things have turned again for the better. I can get 7 hours, and can fall back asleep if I want to.

My first month, I literally could hardly move. The weakness was horrible. Plus, I looked like an lsd test subject: giant pupils, white tongue, constant diahrehhea, I smelled...it was so bad. After about a month, I forced myself to get out. I began attending meetings, began working out at the gym, dabbling in sports again. Slowly, strength and confidence returned. Very hard work at first, but I was so desperate and I knew that if I didn't put in the work up fron to rebuild my body, my mind, and my soul, I was a gonner. Couldn't sit around my house watching TV anymore, at all. Had to build a completely different life, be up and out, getting real with other addicts, getting stronger, being a part of life. Health has returned fully, as far as I can tell. Brain is still not what it was, but it's always getting better. I can drop off to sleep easily at night.

I can't believe how much has changed since April of last year. I sat alone for a while new years eve just in awe and gratitude at what's happened to me in 8 months. From hopeless OC addict, nearly dead, to where I am today.

Anyway, try some of the suggestions I gave you. Get a solid support group, excercise your mind and body, and push through to the other side. It's darkest before the dawn.


  

[melanieoxy]

thanks for responding, i'm really tripping out that i'm going to have to go thru this, as i never really thought i had a problem til this week when i ran out.  did you go on the 21 day meth program to get off the oxys?  will they do that?  did the meth help?

[hellbent]

Yes, they gave me meth for OXY detox. I think they would for anyone. However, you still need to bite the bullet and go through some hell, and by getting on methadone, you run the risk of the clinic convincing you to stay on it, or you convincing yourself. Everyone I know who is on methadone maintenance doesn't have much of a life at all, and I know a few. Many are hope-to-die junkies, taking pills and meth or heroin and meth simultaneously, though some clinics do test to see that you aren't abusing both. Bottom line is that methadone is harder to kick, once you have been on it for a while, than any pharmaceutical opiate...

Did it help me? I think it did, but it's hard to know how much, as I have nothing to compare it to. I know that when I got off methadone, and was withdrawing, I didn't have the worst symptoms people talk about: stomach cramps, restless leg.

If you have a few days clean, I strongly suggest you try and stick it out. How much were you taking for how long?

[jontyra]

Woke up at 4:30 sweating like crazy, legs feel like lead and tight. Walked aroung a bit and stretched, Rolling the rest of the night. If it weren't for the pain all over, this would not be so bad. Phone ringing and do not even want to talk. I am going to have someone pick up some of the items today on the Thomas's Receipe hopefully that will give me more energy. No Oxys for 3 days now, did take 2 hydros yesterday and one this morning. I keep looking at pictures of the kids to give me the encouragement to keep going. This is one New Years resolution I have to keep. Feel like crying, maybe this is the depression part of the withdrawels. My beautiful daughter is coming home today, she is 3 and a little angel. She has the softest sweet voice. I can hear her now, asking tons of questions and going to tell me that she will take care of me. Bringing me pieces of her tea set telling me that I need to eat to get better. Anyway, so much for the rambling on. Gonna take a hot bath and try to go for a walk this morning. Everyone have a Happy,Prosperous and Drug free New Year! I know I am a few days late. Better late than Never...PEACE BE WITH YOU ALL!!

[jontyra]

Ok! I couldn't take it anymore. I got 1 40mg Oxy. split it into 1/8's, I've done 1/2 of the 40 today. It was my excuse to cleanup my house, run to store to pick up some of the items on the Thomas's recipe and some Boost. Now I'm ready for the weekend. I am hoping that the other 1/2 of the Oxy will rot on my dresser. (fingers crossed) I was feeling so bad. The house was in shambles. I was going nuts. Oh well, no more excuses. I will be feeling like **** tomorrow. Peace to everyone....

[WifeofAddict]

Hi,
Thanks for sharing your story.  I too am dealing with someone else who is addicted, my husband (to codiene).  He is better now.  He has been sober for 1 month 7 days today.  He went through terrible withdrawals.  Nothing one can easily hide that is for sure.  He went into rehab for 21 days and is getting out on Tuesday, so i haven't seen many of the changes in his personality, of which i am sure to soon see.  Anyways, my point is that i too am seeing this addiction from the onlookers point of view....if that sounds right?  I would be interested in knowing what you mean by your sister in law "acting completely different?"  Also, when she got out of the hospital...did she come clean about her habit....and if so...did she show any plans of stopping for herself?  Also, how long has it been since she got out of the hospital....until this Christmas day thing happened?  Because it could be one of two things.....from what i have learned here. 1. She is still on them....and 2. She is going through withdrawal....or sorry 3. From what i have learned...persons who are addicted...have to kinda learn how it is to live a normal life...without the pills.  They feel the "normal" we feel when they take the pills.....so in other words, they don't feel right when they are off them....which can be scary, depressing, frustrating.  So that could be it.  Christmas is a big day....and perhaps it was hard for her to get through....without the pills.  Anyways, would be interested in learning more info. about the situation.  As i am sure others on this forum would to.  
Thanks again,
Catherine :)

[hellbent]

Your sleep patterns may become worse after stopping the klono. That stuff is absolutely a sleep aid, and stopping it abruptly can really keep you up, and cause other symptoms, depending on how long you have been on it. Hopefully you haven't been on it very long, but do be prepared to maybe take a couple steps back in a day or two when it's all the way out of your body. Again, I hope to hell I am wrong, and hope you can get away from it without any pain.

That's killer that you are going to meetings. I never would have made it without them, and working the steps as well.

[lifeisbetter]

Ok you can stop kicking yourself now. Stop that! Do you have any idea how well your actually doing? I had detoxed at home sooo many times that I finally had to go to a detox and then rehab to get off and stay off the OC's. I had no way to get more so it was kind of a safety net to keep me away long enough to feel hope again. Plus alot of therapy to find the reasons I was numbing myself...(being molested as a little girl had alot to do with it.) Anyway, they detoxed me with first 40 then 20 then 10 mgs of Oxycontin every 6 then 8 then 12 hours.  A few times during the first few days I was even given oxyIR for the acute part of the withdrawel. So, do not use the fact that you took half the pill as an excuse to say "screw it", if you do go back to them, you'll really be saying "screw me". It's not going to get better if you give up and go back. Just get through it now.  Remember when you said you look at people and wonder how they can do things without a pill? Your gonna find out really soon if you just get through this now.

What actually happened to make you stop anyway? I know you said it was financial but that didn't stop me for long. I got creative and sold potporri balls to hang in your car. I would walk around Publix or Wall-Mart parking lots with my then 20 month old daughter. I basically begged and people felt sorry for my daughter. I told people we lived in a shelter and I was doing this to buy groceries.  Nice huh? I went from a well educated RN with lots of friends and a nice house to exploiting my daughter for drugs. Lost the house,my friends, let the nursing liscense expire, and worst of all, I lost my desire to be a good mother. The intentions were always there...as long as I got my pills first. Don't let it get any more out of control than it has ok? It's a long road back to becoming a "normal" person again. Besides if you do go back out there it will suck anyway because you'll know you have a problem and you couldn't fix it. You'll end up snorting more pills just to cover up that reality. Stick with it, your getting there.  Have you read Rex1 or hellbents posts? Go back through some older threads. They just went through it and look at them now, how many people have they helped? All because they didn't give up. Personally, I know they had some help from God because I don't think any addict is strong enough to beat this alone. Your doing fine sweety, just keep telling yourself "this is only temporary" It has a finite end.  Imagine having a terminal illness and feeling like you do, that thought should help your hoplessness. Keep posting and keep doing what your doing. Your in my prayers.

[help4mysister]

Hi to all and Happy New Year Year!
Just needed to write to hopefully get help for my sister in law. Any corespondence will be appreciated.
To start my story, my sister-in-law has been using oxycontin for a couple years now, not sure of the actual duration or how much she was really using. She has a decent job, she works for the state childcare system and her husband is retired military who has a job at the air force base. They have 2 teen to adult kids. Her mother also lives with them.
Everyone basically knew but thought that "she has her own life and has it under control.
Well, the week of Thanksgiving, we got a call that she Overdosed on what they say was Oxycontin and Methadone. She basically was barely alive. Was in the hospital for a couple days and sent home, seemingly ok. A week later she went out for her birthday one night, and the next morning she acted totally different. Her brother (my husband) and I went over there Christmas day and she seems like a person who is totally lost (mentally). Is this any kind of indication of withdrawal? Can it be that mentally decapitating? Her mom and husband and kids(that she lives with) are in a state of denial and in my opinion, are telling the true stories to the doctors with i think is hampering her recovery. Im sorry to go on and on, just wish i knew how to help my husbands sister.
Take Care

[help4mysister]

Added to above:
As far as we know, she went off the oxycontin cold turkey after the overdose, but is not the same person anymore.  Any help would be greatly appreciated because no one knows what to do.
Thank you,

[Rex1]

SHe will likely be in a world of hurt for a little while. Depending on how long she was on the Oxy, she may feel that her life is over.

This too shall pass, and in all likelihood, she will come back to being herself or maybe even better than before.

Support her anyway you can. She is probably dealing with a lot of pain right now, so if you can take some workload off of her, it will greatly help.

Rex

[jontyra]

I just got out of bed to read this, 11:45. Kids are drinking koolaid and cookies in front of TV. (can't stand that) Thanks "lifeisbetter" you are keeping my hopes up. I drank a cup of coffee, yep, that's it so far today. I still have 1/2 of oxy, someone gave me 4 meth, have not really used them that much, almost afraid to. Going to take the the B-6 and the L-Tyrosine. 2000 mgs seems too much for me so going to take the 2 500 mgs (1000 mgs) of the L-Tyrosine. Ok, Now I am going for the vitamin ride. Lets see how well this Thomas's Recipe works. Got everything but the Valium. Can't find anyone with any. Does that sound awful.  I can't just go to a Doc to get these Meds. I have to get them off the streets.
LifeisBetter: Like you I had a great job at AT&T for 13 years, beautiful home, nice cars, nice husband, nice friends, family and neighbors. Now I do not have a job, been living off of unemployement and child support since May 1, 2002. Last unemployment check was Dec 28th. Live a rental home, car ready to be repo'd, get food from "food banks".
I went from living the good life to living in HELL! I am totally sick of it. I want a JOB, friends, nice house, car (Again). This has got to be awful for the kids. GOTTA DO IT!

[Rex1]

Sorry to hear about your troubles.

All I can add is that things happen for a reason in God's universe. You may want to look around a little as you start back on the road to recovery. You may be at this point for a reason. Not sure. But pray and put trust in God.

Let us know how you are doing!

Rex

[jontyra]

Used the Thomas recipe today, seemed to work as far as a little energy, stayed in bed all day. Did get up a few times to stretch and eat. I did not take any of the meths, will only resort to if I totally feel that I need them. All I want is to get my energy back. I did search on Monster for a job. Nothing really avail in my field. Looked at my 1/2 of Oxy, it was so tempting. Just feel like why bother, 1/2 is not going to do anything for me right now. Kids are with my X. Thank Goodness, would feel awful that I could not do anything for them. Well going to take a couple of sleep aids and hopefully wake up in the morning and have more energy. Maybe even try to go outside. Thanks to everyone for the support. I really am keeping a positive attitude and am determined to do this.  Peace to everyone!

[lisabet]

Hey, sweetie - just read your post.  Please don't be so hard on yourself; relaspes are so common to all of us.  Just get up in the morning with the intentions of doing better. The important thing is, you realize you need to get off this stuff, and you're TRYING!!!  That is truly the first step.  No need to make excuses - the miserable truth is that you're (gasp)...human!...smile.  Have a good weekend. Love/Peace, Lisabet

[lifeisbetter]

Well look at that, you made it through another day! I'm so proud of you! Except for the beating yourself up part. Stop it again! Your kids will be just fine in a rented house with less toys as long as their mom is fine, and you are working on that right now. Your Taking care of you so you can take care of them.

If you're reading this when you're first getting up, I know how you're feeling. That was the worst part of the day for me...how do I get out of this bed without a pill to get me up and going? Then, if I do get up, how am I gonna get through this whole day, week, month etc. Right now, just take the day in little chunks of time. Just think about what your supposed to do next, even if its just to get up wash your face and drag yourself onto the couch. Just do the next right thing.

It may help if you prayed a little and it doesn't matter to whom or what, just say "help me". Then try to think of one thing to be grateful for. It can't be an easy one either, like your kids or being alive, of course your grateful for that stuff. I mean something to be grateful that you can feel right now. I remember feeling grateful for being able to finally be strong enough to make my kids homemade meatballs, I mean thats what a "real mom" does right? They say a grateful addict never relapses. It's hard, but I try to get grateful when I'm having a "psycho kid moment". Did I tell you that my kids are 3, 5 and 7 girl, boy, girl? With that combination there is always some commotion that eventually ends up with an "I'm telling!" followed by a gut wrenching, ear piercing "mooooommmm!!!" You see that? I just thought of something you can be grateful for right now...you only have 1 three year old and the other 2 are, like you said, basically independant. So there, tell yourself Kent did it with three little psycho's, I can do it with just my one little angel. (Kent is my name by the way and no my parents didn't want a boy because I am adopted and they asked for a girl. It's just a family name and probably why I became a drug addict :0) Teasing... although, it was pretty bad before I got boobs, people sometimes thought I was a little boy!)ok, did you just laugh a little? a smile at least? Wait until your off this stuff completely, you'll laugh so much more when your clean. So keep going one more day girl,you can do this. I don't know what it is about you but your post seemed to have jumped off the screen when I read it, now I'm really thinking and praying for you alot.

[jontyra]

Ha! That is funny, At least you got boobs, I have 3 brothers, I was the only girl, and was total tomboy, Still in a training bra and 41 yrs old. That's sad, Why even bother to wear a bra, right! I played football, wrestling, basketball, swimming, tennis and baseball/softball. Now I can't even pick up a tennis ball. It is 11:30 and just getting out of bed. I do feel better, just my back hurts really bad and legs do not want to move, It is freezing cold today, so much for trying to get outside. Just want to stay in bed all day. I am still following the recipe. I just hope to get more energy like real soon. I do not know how much longer I can hold out. Your advise is great. I will take this one day at a time, do a whole lot of praying and keep my fingers crossed. I still have 1/2 oxy on my dresser. Maybe I will stay strong enough to have it framed. You know how people have their first dollar framed after opening a new business. I will frame this 1/2 oxy and call it "The Pill that owned me" It really did, I had to have it to breathe, function, go outside, just to try to live life itself. I fealt without it I would die. But I didn't. I am still hanging on. Peace to all!

[teeitup]

good job on cutting back, you sound like a strong lady. Get active make a plan and stick to it. you'll be fine!

teeitup!

[lifeisbetter]

Are you hanging in there? You're going through the hard part now but its almost over. Please don't give up. Life really is better without the pills. I promise. :0)

[melanieoxy]

how is the detox going?  what day are you on?  i have 7 ambien sleeping pills and 7 valium, i'm planning on taking my last oxy on thursday holy **** TOMORROW..... took the weekend off work so i'll have fri. thru tuesday off.  from your experience should i take more time off?  how are you doing?  at what point is it the worst for you, day 2,3, ??  i keep telling my boyfriend 'maybe i should wait til the kids aren't around to do this' or 'i can't take off work we need the money' but he knows i'm stalling. he's going to be here to massage my back and is taking my keys.  i sisn't realize my body was addicted to them until i ran out last week; i almost wish i hadn't found out yet, ignorance certainly was bliss.  let me know how you're doing.  -- anyone else with any extra advice as to supplies to have please respond...  i can't find the thomas's recipe but i am already downing o.j. and am picking up a multi-vitamen tomorrow.

[really afraid]

Wow, I am really afraid.  Just yesterday I thought I had the flu.  I really didn't have any reason not to think that b/c everyone around school is getting sick.  I had the runs for 2 days and every bone in my body hurt.  Then I filled my perscription for Oxy and all my symptoms went away.  That is when I found this site.  Now I'm really scared.  I was perscribed Oxy's for pain and have been on 40 mg for about 6 monthes.  I've never imigined that I could get addicted  - I knew the power of them, but I thought that as long as my body still had ligimate pain, I wouldn't get the addiction.  Now that I know, I need to get off them.  The script I just filled is for half - 20 mg.  Is this what tapering is?  How long should I take 20mg - or should I just stop cold turkey.  This would be hard, I'm a mom of 2 little ones and I work full-time.  I can't really afford to take any time off.  There isn't a person around here that I could tell this too that would understand. There is no-one in my family that is  / or has ever been addicted to anything, so I don't think they will understand.  I'm feeling very alone. I need to get off these.  Please help me.

[oxic]

Hi again, it's percs here(oxic is my home handle).
So today is your first day at 20mgs right?

I would stay at this doseage for about five or so days, until your body stabilizes.  Now you probably know that oxycontin is time released/long acting, so if you have a doctor that will work with you(which it sounds like you do), i would try to switch to a faster acting med, like percocet 5mg or if you want a lit'l less strong med, vicoden.

I'm just suggesting this to try and "let you down" easier.
There are several ways to get off these; and the really good news is you are at a relatively low doseage. You could even cold turkey at this level, but why suffer unnecessarily.....especially with lit'l ones to tend to.

Also there is a recipe that one of "veterans" has formulated, that has helped a ton of people. It is really terrific for the lethargy and general brain-fog you will probably experience once you are off. THOMAS RECIPE

If you can't take time off to detox, I recommend you follow a taper regimen using your drug of choice or suitable alternate -- the slower the taper, the better.

For the Recipe, You'll need:

1. Valium (or another benzodiazepine such as Klonopin, Librium, Ativan or Xanax). Of these, Valium and Klonopin are best suited for tapering since they come in tablet form. Librium is also an excellent detox benzo, but comes in capsules, making it hard to taper the dose. Ativan or Xanax should only be used if you can't get one of the others.

2. Imodium (immodium) (over the counter, any drug or grocery store).

3. L-Tyrosine (500 mg caps) from the health food store.

4. Strong wide-spectrum mineral supplement with at least 100% RDA of Zinc, Phosphorus, Copper and Magnesium.

5. Vitamin B6 caps.

6. Access to hot baths or a Jacuzzi (or hot showers if that's all that's available).

How to use the recipe:

Begin your detox with regular doses of Valium (or alternate benzo). Start with a dose high enough to produce sleep. Before you use any benzo, make sure you're aware of how often it can be safely taken. Different benzos have different dosing schedules. Taper your Valium dosage down after each day. The goal is to get through day 4, after which the worst WD symptoms will subside. You shouldn't need the Valium after day 4 or 5.

During detox, hit the hot bath or Jacuzzi as often as you need to for muscle aches. Don't underestimate the effectiveness of hot soaks. Spend the entire time, if necessary, in a hot bath. This simple method will alleviate what is for many the worst opiate WD symptom.

Use the Imodium (immodium) aggressively to stop the runs. Take as much as you need, as often as you need it. Don't take it, however, if you don't need it.

At the end of the fourth day, you should be waking up from the Valium and experiencing the beginnings of the opiate WD malaise. Upon rising (empty stomach), take the L-Tyrosine. Try 2000 mgs, and scale up or down, depending on how you feel. You can take up to 4,000 mgs. Take the L-Tyrosine with B6 to help absorption. Wait about one hour before eating breakfast. The L-Tyrosine will give you a surge of physical and mental energy that will help counteract the malaise. You may continue to take it each morning for as long as it helps. If you find it gives you the "coffee jitters," consider lowering the dosage or discontinuing it altogether. Occasionally, L-Tyrosine can cause the runs. Unlike the runs from opiate WD, however, this effect of L-Tyrosine is mild and normally does not return after the first hour. Lowering the dosage may help.

With breakfast, take the mineral supplement.

As soon as you can force yourself to, get some mild exercise such as walking, cycling, swimming, etc. This will be hard at first, but will make you feel considerably better.

I can assure you, we all have that paralyzing fear at times, but I want you to know, the fear is USUALLY worse than the actual experience.

Any questions, post away.

percs

[percsnomas]

.....or, that you were taking 8 5mg oxycodone's/day???
And now you cut back to 4 pills??

[really afraid]

I'm new at this, so I'm sure I'm not explaining this right.  I was taking one pill, 40mg, for about 6mos, I asked my doc to cut me down to 20mg, just b/c I thought I could - not b/c I thought I was addicted.  please advise.

[percsnomas]

Hey Welcome Aboard!!
YOU ARE NOT ALONE!!!

So were you doing 40mg oxycontin?; and if so 1 tab/day???
And you got a new script for 20mg oxy???
Just clarify a lit'l......it's late in the day, and i'm probably just not reading well.

[really afraid]

I've been thinking all day.  You are right.  The longer I stay on the meds, the longer my body will continue to need them and not heal on it's own.  I will call my doc on Monday about getting the percs.  I will continue to read all that is on this forum, b/c I've have learned a ton in just two short days.
The way I look at it, a lot of other people are living w/ pain worse than mine (probely you for one) - & they are finding ways to manage it.  I'm pretty stubborn, so if I put my mind to something, I usually can do it.  I need to continue to learn all the facts.  I will stay in touch when I hear back from my doc.
Please look for my post in a few days.  You have been a true blessing.
Thankz...... Ra

[oxic]

Morning.
Most of the Thomas Recipe is "natural", so no problem not wanting to do the valium; but the rest of the ingredients and directions I would follow.

The L-Tyrosine is a naturally occuring amino acid, that actually is very similar to our body's own painkiller, dopamine.
Remember, while you have been injesting the synthetic pain killers, your body has essentially stopped producing its own painkillers; so the Tyrosine in combo with vit. B-6(for absorption) can be a huge benefit.
I swear by it!!!!

As far as the pain meds, coming off oxycontin is more painful and dragged out than regular oxycodone or hydrocodone; that's why i wanted you to see about switching.
If you told your doc., you needed some (ie 5mg percocet) breakthrough meds for really bad pain days, he probably wouldn't bat an eye.
Then we could taper you down with those; like 4-5/day for a few days, then 3/day for a few, etc. all the way down to zero, and get you going on the L-Tyrosine/B-6, and you should dramatically have reduced the w/d's.
The back pain part I know all to well(L5-S1 surgeries), but you really have to be honest with yourself about this one. Your tolerance will continue to build, and you will require more and more, ultimately sucking everything you have out of you.
Millions and millions of people live with terrible pain and without narcotics. I will not try to convince you one way or the other, I can only pass on my experience....

Percs

[really afraid]

Thanks so much for the post.  I'm some what relieved to hear that my case is on the milder side.  Thank you for the recipe, but I think I need to do this cold turkey.  I've never taken a valium in my life & I'm afraid too start now.  This script that the doc just wrote me is for about 90 pills, would it be better to switch to 10mg oxy then to a 5mg then nothing?  I am afraid of how I will manage my back pain w/out pain meds.  The really wierd thing is that all this time, I've been working, taking care of the house / kids - I really didn't think there was anything wrong.  If I didn't run out of the pills and go thru 2 days of hell - that magically went away after I took the oxy, I would still be in the dark.  Right now, I exercise faithfully 3 days a week to help manage the back pain, so I'm not sure what will happen when I stop all together.  I have a good doc, but I'm afraid to call him after he just wrote this big script for me and tell him I need another w/ a lesser dosage.  I guess I don't want him to know.  
What does the L-Tyrosine do for you?  If I go down to 5mg, will I still need to go thru al this?
You have been so helpful, thank you, Oxic.

[melanieoxy]

as i posted last week, i began my detox from oxy's taking my last two 10 mgs. on thursday morning.  i had valium to help with the aches, i took ALOT of EPSOM SALT BATHS - 2 full cups, drank alot of o.j. and took syberian ginsing for energy and feel great, besides a few tears from out of no-where and a few bitchy outbursts but really i'm always like that.

what i don't understand, is that i posted, does anyone have any additional info i could use for the detox, and NO ONE wrote back, also wrote i didn't know the thommas's recipe and could find it.  i think you need to want to do this and you will, as far as this site, i think it has more to do with feeling osrry for yourselves than being positive; i ran 2 miles yesterday and haven't run in 2 years.  quit whining and just ******* do it; as for this site, i will not return; and thanks for the NO advice, assholes.

[percsnomas]

WHOOAA, hold on.....I'm sorry you didn't get the responses you deserve. Please don't go anywhere.( I certainly understand your anger)
I try to respond to as many people as possible, as do others here; and believe me, many many times I/we give advice/support and don't get another response;;;BUT I/we try not to take it personally!!!  Coming off pills is a ***** period, and with our self esteem and ego soooo fragile, its real easy to get hurt feelings or angry.

Do you know how many times I've copied and pasted the Thomas Recipe for people????

Again, evryone who posts here matters, and with 10's of new people coming here every few days, it is impossible to "catch" everyone.

THIS PLACE CAN BE OF REAL BENEFIT TO YOU IN YOUR STAYING IN RECOVERY; so I hope you stick around!!

Percs

[percsnomas]

I just reread this thread, and in fact Jontyra responded to you on Jan.3rd, saying someone(Thomas...who formulated the Detox Recipe) emailed her the recipe, and if you wanted it, to email her.....

When I was coming off percs last August, I posted my story; which included 5 deaths(just two of which were mybest friend...MOM, and my best buddy murdered), 2 back surgeries, etc; and I only received 1(ONE) response.  I was crushed at first but I just hung in, and as time passed more and more people responded, and helped me out.

Now, on Sunday, it will be 5 months off percs.

ps...this is the 1 year anniversary of the worst day of my life, with my mother passing away(from a blood clot that resulted from a skating injury)

[percsnomas]

....here is the Thomas Recipe, just in case.....


THOMAS RECIPE

If you can't take time off to detox, I recommend you follow a taper regimen using your drug of choice or suitable alternate -- the slower the taper, the better.

For the Recipe, You'll need:

1. Valium (or another benzodiazepine such as Klonopin, Librium, Ativan or Xanax). Of these, Valium and Klonopin are best suited for tapering since they come in tablet form. Librium is also an excellent detox benzo, but comes in capsules, making it hard to taper the dose. Ativan or Xanax should only be used if you can't get one of the others.

2. Imodium (immodium) (over the counter, any drug or grocery store).

3. L-Tyrosine (500 mg caps) from the health food store.

4. Strong wide-spectrum mineral supplement with at least 100% RDA of Zinc, Phosphorus, Copper and Magnesium.

5. Vitamin B6 caps.

6. Access to hot baths or a Jacuzzi (or hot showers if that's all that's available).

How to use the recipe:

Begin your detox with regular doses of Valium (or alternate benzo). Start with a dose high enough to produce sleep. Before you use any benzo, make sure you're aware of how often it can be safely taken. Different benzos have different dosing schedules. Taper your Valium dosage down after each day. The goal is to get through day 4, after which the worst WD symptoms will subside. You shouldn't need the Valium after day 4 or 5.

During detox, hit the hot bath or Jacuzzi as often as you need to for muscle aches. Don't underestimate the effectiveness of hot soaks. Spend the entire time, if necessary, in a hot bath. This simple method will alleviate what is for many the worst opiate WD symptom.

Use the Imodium (immodium) aggressively to stop the runs. Take as much as you need, as often as you need it. Don't take it, however, if you don't need it.

At the end of the fourth day, you should be waking up from the Valium and experiencing the beginnings of the opiate WD malaise. Upon rising (empty stomach), take the L-Tyrosine. Try 2000 mgs, and scale up or down, depending on how you feel. You can take up to 4,000 mgs. Take the L-Tyrosine with B6 to help absorption. Wait about one hour before eating breakfast. The L-Tyrosine will give you a surge of physical and mental energy that will help counteract the malaise. You may continue to take it each morning for as long as it helps. If you find it gives you the "coffee jitters," consider lowering the dosage or discontinuing it altogether. Occasionally, L-Tyrosine can cause the runs. Unlike the runs from opiate WD, however, this effect of L-Tyrosine is mild and normally does not return after the first hour. Lowering the dosage may help.

With breakfast, take the mineral supplement.

As soon as you can force yourself to, get some mild exercise such as walking, cycling, swimming, etc. This will be hard at first, but will make you feel considerably better.

[J. E. W.]

I too havent had alot of responses. But it does take awhile for everyone to read through these threads.  Please dont get discouraged. I read through about every hour or so. I took a week off from work to go through ct wds. For me it helps to just read through all of the threads. Also remember we are all feeling down and like a train wreck from all the poison were trying to get out of our systems... Sometimes I feel good and othertimes I dont think Im going to make it. Im in day 6.. Coming off vics percs duragesic patchs 50mg.  or whatever I could get just to feel normal.. So I thought it was normal. I guess I should say to function...  Ive read to that if you post up hirer more people will see your ????? and youll get more responses. They said not everyone reads all the way down.. Im here if you need me.        Good Luck  J.E.W.

[Tractorshaft]

Hi All,

Does anyone know if clonodine can be used with the "Thomas" recipe along with Valium. Basically are there any dangers involved in mixing the Clonodine and Valium? Planning to kick a 100mg Oxy (snort) habit next weekend. I have ran out before for a couple of days and basically just sweated and felt like I had the flu. I wish I had known about this post sooner for all the helpful information and moral support. I have all the ingredients in the Thomas recipe as of tonight. Just going to use up the last of my perc's before the weekend. God bless you all. Thanks.

Jerry

[oxic]

My MIL was detoxed off coke, vikes and xanax with valium and clonidine together.

Before the clonidine was administered every time, her blood pressure had to be high enough to receive a dose.
She was so relieved with the clonidine, she would smoke a cigarette, just to make sure her BP would be at a level to get another dose.
REMEMBER, this was under medical supervision, but they were both given together.


Percs