Oxycontin withdrawal

[Oxyclean]

I have been tapering my amount of Oxycontin for about a month now. I am down to 10mg in the AM and 10mg in the PM. My doctor had me taking them three times a day before. I really feel the difference with the twice a day dose. He is having me cut down 10mg every week. I was fine until this week. Does anyone have any advice for me? I can not stand the weekness in my legs already and I am not finished tapering. I am really afraid of cutting down to once a day on Tuesday.....help!

[sharonver]

Good morning,

My first thought would be that your doctor may be detoxing you too fast.  I would explain to him your symptoms and ask if he could do it slower.  I know for me (different drug) the slower the better!!  It may prolong the detox awhile longer but at least the withdrawals will be a lot milder.

Sharon

[Chezz2]

Oxyclean,

You are currently at a level where you now need to switch to a short acting med, like percocet, lortab, or norco. Preferrable the hydrocodone, not the oxycodone which is in percocet. That will ease you through these last couple weeks of taper.
That is just my opinion. As well as personal experience. I have went through both. I founnd it easier to switch to hydrocodone when I was at a low enough dose of the oxcontin to ease the withdrawal systems.
Good luck, you are down to a fairly low level of opiates. These last few weeks will be easier if you switch to the shorter acting meds prior to getting off completely.
Good luck, you have come a long way.
The end of the road is near,
Chezz

[sharonver]

That is exactly what I am trying to do right now, that is why I am holding on 6mg until I can get a med that will help with the rest. The meth is very hard to withdraw from. And I know that I will need something to get through the last few mgs.

Sharon

[lisabet]

Hi chezz - glad to see you back posting. You've been in my thoughts and prayers. Hope you're doing well (or as well as can be expected).  You were one of the first posters who came to my aid when I was such a mess; I'll never forget that. Wish I could be some help to you, but when you lose someone you love, well, that's a biggie; nothing helps much except time. But know I'm thinking about you.  Love, Lisabet

[rainman]

I know I am jumping into the middle of a subject here but I am facing upcoming withdrawal and would like to get some advice also. I have been reading the posts on this site for a couple of months now and am amazed at the amount of caring and support that goes on. I will try to keep my story brief.

I lost my mom to cancer about 4 months ago. After she passed away I came across some of her pain medication that had not been disposed of. It was MS Contin and MSIR. Both morphine substances, one being slow release and one being quick. I should have thrown them away at the time but I kept them because I thought that they would help me "feel better" in dealing with the loss of my mom. When I took it for the first time it gave me that euphoric feeling that everything would be OK. At first I only took it three or four times a week and never thought about addiction. Eventually I had to increase the dosage to get the same feeling. What it has come down to is that over the last 6 weeks I have taken it almost daily in doses ranging from 50 to 100 mg. I have tried to skip days but I hated the withdrawal symptoms so I would use just enough to get me through the day. I do not need to take it around the clock. It is now 10:15 am and I feel fine. Yesterday I did not take any until 3:00 in the afternoon. I think I can make it through a day without it but I am sure it will be difficult. I am now down to my last few pills. I have several questions that maybe you could help me with. Are the withdrawal symptoms the worst in the first 2 or 3 days or does the worse come later? What can I expect? I do have Klonopin that I can take at night to help me sleep. Should I go see my doctor and "fess up" to what happened or will he not be able to help me because I took someone else's medication? If I stop cold turkey do I face severe health issues or just severe withdrawal symptoms? I guess my question is: could I die from withdrawal? I guess I need to know if I can do this on my own. I am ready to stop. That I am sure of. I am just scared of the W/D symptoms. I have a wife (and 2 small kids)but I do not want her to know what has happened. I guess it boils down to one question: Should I see my doctor or can I get through this on my own? I just want to do what is best for my health.

I am sorry for taking up your time but if you have any advice I would love to hear it. God Bless all of you! You provide a great service!

[sharonver]

How long have you been taking these meds?  If it has only been a few months the withdrawals shouldn't be too severe. If you have an understanding physician, I would seek help from him, the first few days will probably be the worse for you.  Having something to help you sleep is a plus, you are fortunate to have that.  Use thomas' recepie for detox and get plenty of support to help you through this, you can do it.

Sharon

[hippy]

welcome, the worst of the withdrawls is the 1st
6 days,runnu nose, cold sweats, the shits, body pain,
reatless leg at night, unable to sleep at night.
depression which can be severe, totlo lack of energy.
basicaly flu like symptoms week one, you are in no real danger
with the withdrawls, tho you may feel like death.
there is  a receipe of vitamins here at this fourm known as thomas receipe, im sure you have seen it if you have been reading
the last few months.
the shits in week one will deplete you of all nutreints in your body  ,this will make the withdrawls more painful, so
it is advised to take imodium (immodium)  in the 1st week.
having something to take to help you sleep in week one is
also advised , like valume or xanax, , klonipin.

L-trrosine 500 mg  8 a day week one ,4 aday weeks after.
you may want to ajust the l-tyrosine.
b-6 100mg 2 a day  ,take them in the morning with the l-tyrosinr.

a strong multy vitamine 1 a day
vitamine s   A.-- C   and E
calsium -magnisum
zinc
there are 3 or four other ingredents you wil have to look them up or somone will post them

you can start taking the ones i mentioned right away.

peace!!!!!!!

[hippy]

hot baths are also very very help full
day and night.

[rainman]

Thanks for your help! I have only been taking them for about 4 or 5 months. And actually, I have only been taking them daily for the last 6 weeks or so. Before that I was only taking 3 or 4 times a week. I appreciate any advice. Thank you and God Bless!

[Rex1]

Hey bro, feeling any better today - how's your knee?

Good thing it's not your toe - then we would have to call a Toe Truck! (Compliments of my 7 year old!)

Rex

[hippy]

i love the humor,
i have been resting for 2 days so , the knees feel
okay, but i can't rest forever.
back to the daily grind on monday at 5 am.
i have an appointment with the philadelphia eagles
ortho ,doctor to look at the right knee and see if there is a solution.
it is ice and rain here , that does not help.

peace ,
got to go out , be back in a few hours.
got to take my dad for his radation treatment.

[diso]

Congrats on finding this site and admitting you have a problem.  I also stumbled across this site several months before I got clean.  The posts from people like Chezz really inspired me to detox of my 150mg a day habit of snorting my prescription for Oxycontin.  This site literally saved my life.  I have been clean now for 54 days now.  I still note improvements in my health and mood.  I'd say I am about back!!

To answer your question--No, you will not die from opiate withdrawal.  Unlike withdrawals from alchohol or benzos, opiate withdrawal is not dangerous.  You may, however, feel like you'd like to die.  But you can do it.  I was scared to death about detoxing.  My fear kept me using for several months after I had decided I wanted to quit.  Use the Thomas recipe given above.  Many will swear by it.

You are amongst friends.  There are many hear that have experienced exactly what you are about to go through.  Lean on this forum for support.  Your use, while high, was of a relatively short duration.  This cuts in your favor.  Best regards.

[Rex1]

Way to do...

Glad you are feeling better.

Rex

[diso]

Thanks for the note.  You do great things here that help newcomers and "oldtimers" alike.  Keep inspiring us!!  

Its funny.  Now that I am off the opiates, my mind has been craving about everything else--alchohol, pot, etc.  I never was really into any of these substances before.  I think I trying to trick myself into another addiction.  Have you experienced any of this?  Honestly, I don't feel a strong desire to use opiates anymore.  Probably, because they kicked my ass so bad that I have a genuine fear of them.  I know 12 step programs teach total sobriety.  So far so good for me, but I am bewildered by my cravings.

[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.

[Erika_Ann]

Teeitup- You really made me think twice. Why is it all I can think about is getting anthor pill in my body? Its horrible. I dont know what to do. I have had artritis and fibromyalgia for so long and need pain med once in awhile , but when I get it I take all of it as soon as possible. I take so many at a time. I hate that I have no self control at ALL. I havnt had any vicoden since yesterday at 4pm. And all I can think about is getting more. What really sucks too is I have no health insurance. Anyway, sorry to ramble Im just in tears. I wish this voice would leave my head. Im tired of all this...Thank you to everyone for being honest and makin me want to be honest with myself!
Sincerley,,,, Erika

[lifeisbetter]

I have the strangest cravings for things too at times.  I never liked to drink but sometimes I have urges to and I even think about doing coke or pot sometimes. All of which I never liked. The reason for the different cravings comes from our "primal" brain.  The part that tells us to eat, sleep, breathe and have sex. The part that says "I can have just one pill". The part of us that has been around the longest.
     As the human race has developed we start to use more and more of our "higher" brain, the intelligent part. The part that says "don't eat too much, don't smoke it'll kill you,use a rubber when you have sex and are you crazy? One pill? ha!"
     For addicts, the urge to use comes from the primal part and it tries to outsmart the higher brain. The freakiest part is that even though it tells you it just wants to drink it really wants the opiates. It takes the path of least resistance.  You are convinced you never want an opiate again, but pot? maybe.
The intelligent part of our brains is more fragile so once penetrated ie alcohol, pot etc. it's more likely to be overcome by the stronger core brain. Think about what happens when a person is in a coma, they may still breathe and the heart may still beat but no intelligent communication can be detected. So be careful still...that's why they say our disease is cunning, baffling and powerful. I am right there with you, I can't imagine taking another opiate either but then I wonder if thats my primal brain trying to trick me to.  So I just don't risk it, at least I haven't yet.

[lifeisbetter]

When you asked why is it all you can think about is taking a pill what did you come up with?  Most addicts take drugs to avoid pain even when they don't know thats what they're doing. I thought I was having a great time when I was taking the opiates, it felt wonderful! I just didn't realize that there are actually people out there that can feel like that without any mind/mood altering substance. I certainly never thought I could. You know what though? Sometimes I do feel really really good, like after a really good laugh, or holding my little girl as she falls asleep, or eating chocolate when I have PMS. lots of little things gratify my now, and then of course I have some really bad days too, but so far I've handled it. The same substance free people I was talking about also understand the words balance and moderation. "What's that and how do you do it?" I'm still working on that. Good luck to you.

[teeitup]

I know what you mean, I'm a chronic pain sufferer who likes a good buzz. Rememeber "use it" don't "abuse it". You can do it!

teeitup!

[Thomas02]

Chezz is che correct! Your doctor's idea of tapering is disturbingly ignorant and heavyhanded. Once you go to 10mg, you'll have one dose which will wear off after 8 hours or so, then 14 hours with nothing. It makes a lot more sense for you to switch to a short acting drug like hydrocodone in the form of Lortabs, Norco or Vicodin, and slowly taper off of those. At least with hydros, you can split the pills as needed while tapering. As I'm sure you know, you can't split the Oxy's without changing the way the medication is released. Sometimes, doctors institute a change in their patient's med use and wait to see if the patient complains. They often will change their orders if the patient is still committed to getting off the meds. Perhaps you can convince him that you want off the Oxy's, but can't handle such a drastic taper. Good luck.

Thomas

[Thomas02]

It doesn't sound like you've been doing this long enough for it to become a permanent problem. You have a chance to end it now. You're going to have to endure a few days of discomfort, but it should be over in less than a week. Considering you have a short-term habit (judging from the fact that you've been using your mom's supply), and the drug involved is good ole morphine, which has a predictable and manageable withdrawal syndrome, I suggest that you do it cold turkey by yourself. I also suggest not telling your doctor about this unless you have a health issue that will be made worse by withdrawal. It will radically change the way he treats you. If you want, write me at ***@**** and I will send you a recipe for opiate self detox. Hang onto the Klonopin! It's going to come in handy. Good luck.

Thomas

[lisabet]

Hey Rex - it's official after midnight - I did it! Only 4 hydros today!!  Didn't think I was ever gonna get past 5.  Physically, I'm fine - mentally, well, you know, still want more; hopefully, that will pass.  Will await your post patting me on the back...smile.  You are largely instrumental in my success. I celebrated tonight at Applebees with a HUGE platter of chicken fajitas along with a BIG slice of Hershey's chocolate cake (which I rarely indulge, but damn, it was good). Enjoyed every bite (which I halved with a girlfriend). It felt good to indulge in something I didn't have to feel guilty about!  Have a good weekend - hope you're feeling OK. Love/Thanks, Lisabet

[Rex1]

Way to go!

Your closer then ever. Could you go CT right now, then? Just a thought, just a thought!

It can all be over in a week' time if you want...

You are doing great and will feel great too. I would say today I am nearly back to normal, as in before the pills even started. But tommorrow could bring more pain - we'll see.

Every day gets better once you are off completely.

Rex

[lisabet]

I knew I could count on you to say "way to go"...as for the CT- well, probably shouldn't push it (You KNOW I'm a "wuss")...smile.  But you know, I think I'm seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.  I know you're in pain, bro - you're such a cheerleader (again, I mean that as a compliment)..that it's easy to forget you're fighting your own battle.  You're such a good soul; God, it shines through all your posts - I really hope you can find a way through your pain. I've tried your stretching exercises, usually in the shower, with the hot water hitting my muscles...I think it really helps with the tenseness, brought on mainly, through the WD's. You are such a blessing to me; I read all of your posts. Your portrayal of the cold, hard facts along with a huge dose of compassion is what all of us users need--love, non-judgemental but factual comments, and lots of understanding. Love/Regards, Lisabet

[teeitup]

You two are up way to late! Good job lisabet, how's the bach rex?

teeitup!

[lisabet]

Hey Tee - How's it going?  Hope you're doing OK. Yeah, I know I'm up late (Eastern Std. Time). It's 2:35 am. I'm a night owl, what can I say?....smile.  Getting ready for bed now. Thanks for the pat on the back.  I'm feeling really good about myself, right now. (knock on wood)...smile.  Have a great weekend. Love, Lisabet

[very afraid]

Hi everyone I really need to talk to anyone who will listen. I am a female in my 30's, I am a mother and wife and an addict. My drug is lortab 10. I take about 12-14 pills each day. (2 pills every 3 hours, that I am awake) I would really like to get off somedays anyway. The pills are a crutch I know. I can't imagine ever feeling normal without the pills. I feel I need them to function. I worry about my liver. I don't want to die. About the only time I seriously think about getting clean is when I am about to run out. Sometimes I have a hard time keeping my supply. This forum is very helpful it makes me see I am not the only one. I know there is no easy way to withdraw but does anyone have any info to share that may make it a little easier? Could I die if I detox at home? There really is nowhere I can get help with this because financially I can't afford treatment, and where I live the places set up for people with no health insurance and no money are very bad places. Does anyone have any suggestions?

I am not increasing my dosage. I have been taking the same dosage for about 2 years. Sometimes I think I have some withdrawal symptoms in between doses. Is this bad. I heard the more times you go through withdrawal the worse it gets, then does that mean that I am going through some withdrawal everyday and it is going to be worse on me because I have not increased my dosage and have allowed my body to go through withdrawal many times. I hope someone out there has some answers that will help me understand.

P.S. I don't mean to whine I know I got myself into this situation but getting out is so hard. I wonder if I ever will. also even before this I was addicted to narcotic cough medicine for about 5 years even though I didn't realize it at first. thanks to all for listening and good luck.

[lifeisbetter]

Hi! I'm a mom too and I'm glad your here. It takes alot to write about this stuff.  It means you admit you have a problem and that is half the battle. My suggestion is to call 411 for your local NA hotline and tell them you think you might be an addict and what should you do. You could also call your local hospitals that have a detox and maybe an outpatient treatment center, (unless you have care for your kids then I would look for inpatient) then ask for their charity care or pastoral care department, you might be surprised at the help they offer. I went to a well known hospial in South Miami and pastoral care paid for everything. My church, has a charity care program also, so maybe you could call one where you live. Does your husband know? If not, tell him.  You are exactly where I was once and believe me it only gets worse if you continue to hide from this. You will be amazed how many people are going through the exact same thing as you are.  Seems to me there are alot of mom's hooked on the pills. I was one of them. Have 3 young kids who by only the grace of God have survived a mother who's a drug addict.  I got my one year medallion, Dec. 23, I never thought I could be off the pils one week much less one year, so it can be done. read my post below to Joyntra as well as her recent trials you'll probably get alot out of the stories. Keep posting, someone will usually answer. Just keep in mind we are addicts and can get a little "moody" sometimes so don't take anything to personally here ok? We are mostly all about loving each other through this.

[Recopiateaddict]

Okay people here’s the deal.... All of you are talking about this Thomas Recipe, which I'm sure helps the withdrawals and cravings, but the truth is if you really want to get off this ****, this is how you do it.  Suck it up and quit taking opiates for say 3-7 days.  Find out what the half-life of the drug you are on (from a pharmacist) and times it by 5.  This is usually how long it takes opiates to clear your body.  Then, GET ON REVIA or AKA NALTREXONE!!!  Trust me this is an opiate antagonist and it will totally take away all withdrawals and cravings, along with not allowing you to get high off the opiate of your choice!  Take this med for up to 6-9 months and it will give your opiate receptors (endorphins) a chance to heal. Then, it's like magic you are no longer addicted!  I have been on Revia for 2 months and I had to stop b/c I had to take a minor opiate for shingles (Wygesic) and I have been off my Revia for a week now and no withdrawals or cravings.  Of course I took the Wygesic as prescribed and DID NOT abuse it!   Tomorrow, I can get back on my Revia b/c I have not taken any opiates in the past 72 hours.  WARNING!!!!:  YOU MUST ALLOW YOUR BODY TO CLEAR OF ALL OPIATES BEFORE TAKING REVIA AKA NALTREXONE, OR YOU WILL GO THROUGH MAJOR WITHDRAWALS AND POSSIBLY FACE DEATH!!!  The fact is if you really want to get off this ****, then forget the ohh I feel sorry for myself, please help me.  Grab it by the balls and stick it out for say 3-7 days (depending on the drug and intake) and let the opiates clear your system and GET ON REVIA!  The drug has been on the market for 25 years and there are no side affects or withdrawals when you decide to quit.  All I know is the drug saved my life, b/c I was up to about 35 Lortab 10 and 35 Valium a night and I stuck it out for 7 days without the drug (which was pure hell) and got on the Revia, but it SAVED MY LIFE!!!  If you have any questions, please post a comment and I will be happy to answer them!  I know a lot about addiction and this miracle life saving drug, Riva.  Just a reminder.... DO NOT SUPSITUTE THIS DRUG FOR A GENERIC FORM.  You can get it from Dupont Pharmaceutical company.  Just let me know and I will give you their information and they will give you FULL detail of how and when to use this drug.  God bless and best of luck to all the addicts out there!  If you are serious about getting sober all it take is WILL POWER and PRAYER through those grueling 3-7 days and you can get your life back!  One last thing, if you are on Methadone you are in a total different playing field!   Methadone takes 1-2 months to clear a humans system, so this is not for you!  My best advice to those that are in Methadone is to try a Rapid Detox Program AKA Nuro- Regulation.  You can find a lot of info about this at www.opiates.com.

[FrankVaio]

Mentor took the words right out of my mouth. There is no easy way to quit oxy's. I've been taking oxy's for five years never missing a day. But once I decided enough is enough I went cold turkey. Just as mentor said "MAN UP". The 5 day's of suffering will be worth it to have your life back. You can't live your whole life doing drugs, You either have to quit someday or die from them there are no other choices.
I've been off them for only 4 day's and already feeling better.
I started going to NA mettings and it really helps to know your not alone.
Things they say that stuck in my head was "ONE IS TO MANY AND A THOUSAND IS NOT ENOUGH" How true is that.
"WE DIDN'T GET ADDICTED IN ONE DAY SO ITS FOOLISH TO THINK WE CAN BE UNADDICTED IN ONE DAY"

So my advice to everyone is go to a NA meeting and just sit an listen. You don't have to do it alone there is help out there you just have to make up your mind you want it.

4 day's of hell is better then a life time.

[vikequeen]

I was all set on tues to do a 2 day detox at a well known clinic in my area until I found out that I had to buy my own buprenex and would need at least 400.00 Ins would pay for my treatment but not the detox med. Now back to square one. Life sucks!

[Rex1]

Yo T. The back is doing a little better, day by day.

I am stretching, the way I should have been doing all along, plus the recipe and lots of water.

Of course being off of work has helped ;-). How about you, how are hnaging in there?

Rex

[rainman]

Thanks for the advice. Monday I start cold turkey and I am confident I can do it! I will keep you all posted. It is funny how opiates work. It is not the "buzz" that has kept me addicted but the fear of the withdrawals. I have a question about MS Contin someone may be able to answer. I know the Contin means it is slow release. When you crush it does it immediately go into your system and also does it go out of your system faster? Just curious. Good luck to all of you looking for help. This site has some very knowledgeable and caring people. They should all be proud of the support they give. Wish me luck. God Bless to all!

[lifeisbetter]

After being clean a year I look back at my withdrawel and its like a blip on a page. A miniscule moment in time that I was so afraid of. It's the fear that takes up alot more of that imaginary page. I also was scared to death to quit,if I had only known what a small price it was to pay in the grand scheme of things.

Do you know how brave you are? I ask my 5 year old son this question quite often when he is about to do something scary, like getting a shot or starting his first day of kindergarden. When your scared to do something but you do it anyway, that is what it means to be brave. So do it anyway.

I was wondering though, is it the withdrawel your really afraid of or could it be the fear of having to face life with out your mom? When my dad died I went numb for awhile too by drinking a few glasses of wine (this was pre drugs) but I did get through that time the same way as I do today. One day at a time.

Yes, if you crush the MSContin it becomes immediate release. It also leaves the system faster. I wouldn't do it though, there is some risk of overdose because you get alot higher dose than your used to.

If you start to waiver about the decision you've made, think about what your mom would have wanted for your life. The good news it that when you do go through with detoxing you'll have a guardian angel up there holding your hand and rooting you on. Good luck and God Bless.

[rainman]

Thank you so much for the support! You are right. I think some of my fears do come from facing life without my mom. I had a very special relationship with her and I miss her everyday. But there is no waivering in my decision. I am almost out of the meds and I am not the type to look to buy drugs "on the street." Tomorrow starts a new chapter in my life and I know my mom will be right there helping me make sure things go right. Thank you again for your blessings and I will keep you posted. God Bless!

[standingby]

Hi everyone, I am new here, though I've been reading this forum for a couple of weeks.  I need your support though and hope for some advice.  My boyfriend of two and a half years is addicted to Oxycontin's. He takes all mgs., whatever he can get, (20's, 40's, 60's and 80's).  He has been on them for about 3 or 4 months now.  Alot more heavily than he had me believe for a while.  He got hooked snorting them for pleasure.  I also tried them a couple of times but always got very ill (vomiting) Thank god my body said "no way" or else I'd probably be where he is.  Anyway, yesterday he took his last pill around 5:00 p.m., he is going to try to detox by himself for the next 5 or 6 days.  (His boss and best friend said either that or find a new job and best friend).  Well I need to know what to expect.  We don't have access to any scripts to get us through so I need over the counter help.  And what should I expect as far as how sick he will get?  I'm probably just as scared as he is about this withdrawal.  He lives with me and has no where else to go.  Please help.  Thank you.

[rainman]

Maybe I can help a little. I am now in day 3 of cold turkey from MS Contin (morphine). I am not doing too bad other than the really bad leg cramps. My thigh muscles are killing me! I do have some Darvocet and Vicodin which helps a little bit with the pain. My first day I dealt with diahrea but I took Immodium AD right away to stop the process. I keep hoping each day will get a little better but that is a lot to ask in day #3. Hang in there as things will get better. I have a question for all of you out there. I have developed a pretty bad cold and cough. I thought that I read a post somewhere on this site to not take cough syrup with Dextra Methoraphan (sp?)because it may enhance the feeling of some drugs. Is that correct? If a take a Vic with cough syrup I don't want to end up out cold. Thanks for any info. God Bless.

[standingby]

Actually, this is going on day two for my BF and he seemed to be doing ok this morning - he was doing really well last night - he did get some Vicodins for the pain but he did say that he has jonesed worse than this when he's missed a pill before and he was saying that this isn't right that he doesn't feel that bad.  So what I want to know is will it not be as bad as everything we have heard?  Do some people go thru it worse than others?  He claims he only did about 60 mg a day (I think it was more).  And if he only did that much for about three months can the withdrawal be less?  Any help you guys can give me is appreciated.  I just want to know what to expect when I go home after work tonight (at that time it will be about 53 hours since his last pill which was half a 40).  Thank you.

[percsnomas]

Welcome.
I'm glad you vomitted, as this post would likely be directed at both of you had you not.

People definately have varying degrees of physical and mental withdrawals; but from what you have written, I would say your BF is likely to start feeling pretty shitty very soon(if he has in fact taken/snorted his last dose)
I'm not sure if he exclusively snorts, but typically Oxycontin, being longer acting, takes longer to get out of the system.

I would highly recommend picking up the OTC portions of the Thomas recipe to help him thru this( as you intimated Rx is not available).  Several people I know (I believe Saveyourself on this forum included) have felt surprisingly well initially coming off OxyContin, only to hit "the wall" hard around a week or so out.


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 hope things go well for your BF and you.

Percs

[dunkindonut]

I have been snortin OC's for about 6 months. Recently i was snorting up to about 80mgs/day and realized that was just doin more and more every month. So, I just went cold turkey about 5 days ago and am feeling a lot better. I still cannot sleep and i keep fooling around with the thermostat. I had diaherra for a the first 2 days but that has now gone away. I have the urge to go out right now and get when but i have gone this far without it i cannot turn back. I believe it is more mental than anything to get off these things and the rewards of doin it are to great to go back to using. This evil drug has gotten to my wallet and loved ones. I want those things back but first i must get straight. Each day the withdrawls get less but not that much. I heard it is 5-10 days of this until you fell better and the depression will last for a few weeks. I think it will be well worth it in the long run.

[lifeisbetter]

Wow cold turkey? I know where your at and believe me I'm impressed. Keep fighting your doing great! You are right each day will slowly get better. Your on the good side of the detox, you don't have to dread feeling worse. Try to exercise a little if you can. Ask your Dr. for Quinine for the legs (worked for me).

[standingby]

Thank you for the recipe, everyone seemed to be talking about it but I couln't find it posted.  I will definately see what I can get.  As for my BF, he wasn't that bad last night.  He is getting the leg cramps and he's not sleeping at night.  And he says he has no energy. And today is day three and from what I heard, today should be the day that the s**t hits the fan, so to speak.  I told him that if he doesn't feel that bad then he should try to get up and take a shower.  He's been on the couch for three days now and that is probably not helping his leg cramps. His buddy thinks he's still doing them but I can usually see a difference in him from when he is and when he isn't.  I don't think he is, I just think the Vicodins are helping him.  Well, hopefully he recovers enough by Monday cuz he has to go back to work.  Oh, and yes he only snorted them. I just have to say that this site has been a blessing to me.  Just to have some idea about what to expect and to know that if he gets through it I can have my old boyfriend back.  I miss him.  Thank you for your help. And I will keep you posted as to his progress.

[rainman]

My story is up a little further in these postings. I just thought that I would give everyone an update. I am now in day #5 of cold turkey W/D from MD Contin (morphine). I think I am doing OK. I never really got diarhea (diarrhea) as I took Immodium AD at the first signs of it. The worst part for me has been the leg cramps. Last night I took a hot bath and then put Icy Hot on my thighs. At first it burned like my legs were on fire but eventually it helped. I also have those times during the day where my body just gets hot and prickly but those seem to pass quickly if I take a short walk or just move around some.The other major symptom I am having is the restlessness (sp?) in my sleep. I do have Klonopin which helps at night but I am still waking up several times a night with body aches and have a hard time getting back to sleep. Also, I hate the friggin' constant yawning. I keep thinking each day I will feel radically better but that is not really the case. I am getting better but it is coming in smaller increments than I had hoped. I do have some Darvocet to take during the day to help with the aches. Right now what I look forward to each day are what I call my "windows of normalcy." It is those times during the day when I actually feel OK and close to normal. I hope in the next few days I get more and more "windows." I am taking the vitamins listed in the Thomas recipe also. Also a note to "Standingby"-you are one great girlfriend. I hope your boyfriend knows who lucky he is to have you. Keep the faith! I have a beautiful wife and two wonderful kids (4 and 22 months). My wife has no idea that I am going through this or that I ever had a habit in the first place. I want to keep it that way. I would never want to disappoint my family. I will just continue to take it day by day. Thanks for all the support from everyone and I will check back in later. God Bless!

[standingby]

Hi everybody!!  I hope everyone is doing well.  And for those of you still going at it cold turkey, keep it up.  I am now watching my BF go through day 5. He woke up Saturday and felt great.  He ran around doing some errands and came home and still felt like a million bucks.  He thought he made it through.  And then yesterday he felt like s**t again and was all depressed.  He couldn't understand how he could feel great on Sat. and so bad on Sun.  He had the anxiety attacks, really bad leg cramps to where he almost couldn't walk, no energy, and he was so upset he started crying.  Is this normal?  To feel great on day 4 and back to **** on day 5?  The worst of it is that it brings him back down, like depressed, and that's when I start to worry that he'll go back to it.  He felt so bad last night that he drove to a friends house to pick up some meds to make him feel better, and he can't stand the cold and it was freezing last night.  He got something with Morphine in them, I'm not sure what.  Well, today he has to go back to work.  I hope this is one of the good days!!!  If anyone can give me some clarity on why he feels good, then terrible, that I can explain to him to give him some hope I would appreciate it.  Hope to hear from someone soon. And once again, thanks for all your help.

[percsnomas]

Yes, lots of what you describe is normal and common with oxy. withdrawal; crying, mood swings, depression, etc.....that's why the Thomas Recipe is used. And it can last for a while yet(not to scare you....just the reality)
I have a question for you.  I know that your BF's boss wants him off the pills, and I know you want him off, but DOES YOUR BF WANT OFF????
Just a question, cause we could talk about what to do till we are blue in the face; but if he doesn't want off, our efforts are more than likely futile. Is he still taking vikes?? How much morphine did he get??

[straightjacket]

tell your bf to hang in there walking really helps the leg cramps and hot baths swimming if posible its hard to get going but you will feel better im going cold turky day 5 this is not my first time i lost count oxys was my drug it really plays a mind game on you just when you staet feeling good you crash but it passes it just takes time .

[standingby]

Hi guys.  Well, we hit a really big wall the other night - my BF always sleeps on the couch and I sleep in our bed cuz we are not compatable sleepers (snoring, moving etc...) and he came in the BR at 3 am and was crying, and shaking, and said that he was standing in the closet with the gun pointed at his head cuz he was freaking out and earlier that night he was fine.  He scared me to death.  I had him lie down with me and I rubbed his back and had him take deep breaths cuz he was practically hyper ventalating and tried to get him to calm down - he couldn't tell me what hurt or what was wrong - he was just freaking out.  And today at noon is exactly one week since he did his last pill. The ups and downs are what are going to kill him.  He gets so happy when he feels good and says he's so glad he kicked it, then something like what happened the other night happens and he gets so depressed about life and everything.  God, how long is this going to last? I've never seen him like how he was the other night. I was so scared for him.  I know he would never take his own life but for him to talk like that the next thing he would do was start using again.  He's out of the Vicodin's cuz his friend who was holding them for him did them all and I don't know what the morphine pill was.  Now he's taking my Buspar's for the anxiety.  They seem to help a little but I don't have many of those left for him.  I do have to be honest with everyone though - he did drink and do some skiing(if ya know what I mean)Friday night.  He was kinda jonsing and I figured going back to his old drug of choice was better than nothing.  Of course I'm no help when it comes to that cuz that is definately my drug of choice - the big difference is it is only emotionally addictive, not physically.  And he fell asleep when he was coming down off the coke so that was good.  So did I screw up by letting him party on something else - it didn't make him want oxy's.  So what should I expect from here on?  Hopefully it gets a little better.  And to answer your question - yes he really does want to get off the pills and get his life back.  Thanks to everyone here, of course, and to everyone who's getting clean - hang in there!!!

[spokanimal]

I have suffered the rath of opiates more than once, eat lots of vitamins and keep your mind pre occupied with somthing other than your craving. Each time you relapse it becomes easier and easier to become addicted again, once you stop DONT DO IT AGAIN!

[J. E. W.]

Amen to above post!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[jimmyleggz]

Hi, I have been oxy free for three days, I would like to know if any chronic back pain (multiple surgeries)sufferers have kicked it and found alternatives to the oxy without all the dreradful **** that comes with it.

[oxic]

Hey Jimmy, good job on kicking the oxy!!!
I've had a couple back surgeries, with the most recent a year ago.
Was completely controlled by percs for over 4-5 years.
I got off last August, so it will be 5 mths on Sunday.
Yes i live with pain, and no I can't think of anything that worlks quite like opiates; but they just sucked everything else out of me.

I do all the stretches recommended by the Canadian back institute(thats where i live), all the anti-inflamms, and regular exercise...Plus dips in my hot tub nightly.

Wish I could give you some magic, but there really isn't any.

Percs No More

my back pain was the absolute worst during my withdrawals which lasted about a week +.

[lifeisbetter]

Are you ok? I just read your post for the first time. Please get the gun out of the house. For his safety and yours. Also, as addicts we tend to have whats called "magical thing". Thats when we think to ourselves "oh something really bad is going to happen now because I did something I shouldn't have or I wished something mean about so and so".  We even think we can be responsible for someone elses actions and not only that we think we can fix them. If you are really honest with yourself you'll know what I mean. I think its a control thing. I just don't want you to think in any way shape or form that you said or did anything to make him relapse or God forbid something more devastating. Keep this thought with you at all times while your going through this with your bf. "I did not put the glass to his mouth or the blow up his nose. You simply can not take his actions as a grown man on yourself. What you can do is maybe take a look at yourself and your involvement with your drug of choice. The red flag for me is that you did the drug while he was just starting the detox. Even though his recovery is not your responsibility it may be something to consider. I say this because it reminds me of me when my husband would try to quit smoking pot. I was too afraid that he would be such a jerk to my children and me if/when he quit that I would tell him not to stop! How horrible is that? Please take care and let us know how you both are doing. No matter what get the gun out of the house.
!

[lifeisbetter]

Hey girl if your out there I've been thinking about you. You know your always welcome here.

[jimmyleggz]

Thanks man, day four and it's better than the last
still have a weird fog in my head when I get stressed out at work, but that's improving I think?? I Hope... I have a good
support group of family, and friends. After a couple weeks I will get back to the Physical Therapy regiment that I was into
prior to getting lazy and letting the stupid f####'n little
pill take me into it's Easy way back to Work and Life. A short term leg up.
    The Doc's don't tell you about how hard it is to stop
                      when you say It's
     time! now! because your sick of saying to yourself,
     WHAT THE F### DID I JUST SAY ??     WHAT AM I DOING!
          EVERYDAY IS JUST BLENDING INTO THE NEXT !!!
                       I'm done with it
                         Thanks to all
                           Jack K

[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]

Hang in there brother!!!

Did you pick up the ingedients of the Thomas Recipe??
It can be a huge help getting thru that brain-fog. You won't need the valium now that you are finishing day 4, but all the rest of the ingedients, I'd get.

Percs

[lifeisbetter]

Hi there,They gave me clonidine with Ativan if detox. i came off 320 mg of Oc's a day. Just be sure your not confusing Clonidine with Klonpin. Klonopine is a benzo just like valium you don't want to take to of the same meds. Good luck!
PS post up top, break threads, its ok people get busy and sometimes don't have time to read down here ok?

[WonDream]

Ok this is my first time in one of these things, so please bear with me.  My wife and I have been taking oxycontin the past year or so and it has gotten to the point of a 120-150 mg a day habit of snorting each.  It has taken over our lives and has us fighting over money.  We have finally come to a point where there is no money for the next 3 weeks and the time has come  where there is nothing left to pawn or sell to keep this going any longer.  I have been wanting to quit for some time now but my wife is harder to convince.    It has been 24 hours since I have had anything and that was a Lortab 10, the day before I had some lines and a tab.  I am feeling the brunt of it now and knowing there is no relief for me and the fact that I don't have the support of my wife to want to join me to quit is making it hard for me, especially when she is guilting me into finding anyway to get more, and not wanting to support my choice to quit.  We have been together all our lives, since we were 13 and now we have been married for so long and have wonderful kids together who excel in manners and academically as well.  Our habit has been well hidden from our kids and they know nothing of it.  I want to quit for them and for myself, but it is hard for me when I don't have the support of my wife there with me.  She is a great wife, don't get me wrong, she works full-time to support us and I am a full-time Mr. Mom.  Something we agreed upon a long time before the Oxy habit began.  We have four kids and the time has come.  But what I am wondering is how to overcome the feeling of dread and fear mixed in with the shaking all night long.  I don't know what to do, I feel so lost and alone, help.....................

[OpiateFree]

Hello..  My name is Ryan and I am a opiate addict. I never though that i would ever hear myself say that, but deep down inside I know its true. It is taking alot of self-will to post this comment, and truly I just want to live a normal healthy life without opiates. I became addicted to opiates through recreational use, and slowly I began to take more and more, untill I never knew when "enough was enough."  The opiate I always turn to are percocet,  it doesnt matter the strength. It just seems my mind will let me take enough to feel good. I had gotten up to about 35 percocet a day, at my highest self medicating dose. I have not though however touched a percocet in about 2 days, but that doesnt mean there is a second that I do not think of them. The only thing I have taken which I am happy to say are 2 Vic 10's, yesterday around 10 Am... And them 2 this morning at 10 Am.  I am ready to free myself of this ugly addiction, and get my life back on track to the life that I once had. I knew this bored existed moths ago,  but I was never ready to free myself, and now I am. This bored will be my moral support and unconditional love, that I need at the most desperate times of measure. I will post everyday, maybe a few times a day, as i feel this is a tool in which i can further free myself. I had been using for over a year, every sing day, and now im down to 4 Vics in 2 days..... And officailly quit today....I feel the worst is gone since I havent had a percocet in 2 and a half days. Thanks everyone who reply and listen, it truly means the world.  Ryan..... Ps... I do have valium to help me through the rough patches as i am prescribed them, for severe anxiety attacks.

[wantlifeback]

Hello, I am currently going through an Oxycontin withdrawal myself and found this website.  I am so grateful for all encouragement from everyone that has posted on the site, I am going to use that to get me through this.  The stupid part is I was already addicted to Percs years back (doctor prescribed) for RA.  10 a day habit but doc cut me off cold turkey no warning.  That was the worst week of my life, but when it was over I got my life back. I was grateful to have a son at that time as suicide was on my mind.  I didn't eat or sleep for a week and lived in the washroom....it was rough. Because of all the RA meds I ended up with disk problems in my back and couldn't stand the pain. a friend gave me an oxy and it helped so stupid me I went to the same doctor and asked for oxy...that was over 3 years ago..I was as high as 200 mg per day just using as a pill(never crushed or snorted) I liked these better as they did not give me a high like the percs.  I didn't understand why people got a high from them.  Well B4 Christmas I decided I wanted to taper down and get my life back.  It is now Sept and I down to 40-50mg per day.  It has been a rough road but now my doc says that's it....no more.  I am trying acupucture and 3 treatments 170.00 later I do not feel much different.  I still have about 40 ea 10mgs left but I am going to try taking only 20 mg per day on the weekend.  My message to all is life if so much better when you are off the drugs.  Keep your faith and remember the words above from lifeisbetter on 1/05/03 talking about being clean for a year.  WE CAN DO IT...keep your mind focused on the big picture and imagine yourself 6 months from now when you have your life back!!!!!!  It will be all worth it.  I am going to try the Thomas Receipe, I will keep you posted. I am on your side....you can do it!!!

[Jackie Lee]

I have been using Oxy 80mg 4x's a day for almost 10 years.  They stopped working a long time ago but I can't stand the withdrawal.  The muscle spasms and horrible pain.  How long does the worst of it last?  The first day is like death..what does the second day have in store?  If you guys can do it so can I..I hope.  I just want to know I'm not alone

[lumberjack]

well im almost through the worst i think . Been pill free for about three days,well cants say pill free got three vics yesterday by pill free i mean ocy's ,ive thought of hooking up today but reading these messages helped alot!i had it in my mind i would just get one 80 use little bit every day !but who am i %^$#^* kiding ill snort the whole damn thing by tonight im sure of it!!ive been wanting to quit for a long time,ive lied to my loved ones put myself in debt and just really aint been myself for a about 3 years now since my daughter pasted away .i turned to opiates at first for pain then for pleasure when i found oxy's it was the end for the person i once knew!the hardest thing was living to diff lives the addict ,and the family man a battle i no longer want to live!ok back to my withdarwl been sleep free for past cpl days .have not been sick does that come latter ??i hope not im going to do it noo matter what so like one message said MAN UP!!!!!!

[wannabsober]

To anyone!!!
~I was on 10-20 10/325 perocet for 2  years on an off, i just did a 6 day darvon taper and then after 5 days on 2 darvon left w/ nothing i statrted cold turkey dt and today is day 5 and the migraine in my kneck area was sooo bad i took two norcos tonight, am i going to have to start the detox all over again? or, will i be ok tomorrow and pick up were i left off??, after 10 days I'm still having bad migraines, which is what was so discouraging and i couldn't bear the migraine pain any more so i took the last two i had in my hidden stash. how much longer should i expect??, thanks
PINK~

[benny0915]

i have three herniated discs with a bone spur and a torn labrum shoulder but i do not want to be on oxy anymore and went from 40mg 3 times a day to 40 and 20 and then 20 once a day and now 10mg once a day and yesterday was my last day ...i am so afraid of withdrawals because i have a three year old 12year old 13 year old and 18 and 20 year old..i am in alot of pain but this medication was not something i wanted long term...please help me and tell me if i experience withdrawals what to do....i heard xanax, immodium, and L tyrosine for muscle weakness  i would really appreciate any helpful feedback regarding what to do for withdrawals

[oxysufferer]

Right now I am in my 5th day of withdrawals. It all started innocently. I hurt my back in 1998 but was only prescribed Tylenol 3. They did nothing for the pain. a year later I had a ruptured appendix and spent 3 weeks in the hospital with a serious infection. During that time I was on morphine and then percocet. I must of went through withdrawals because after the meds were stopped I was shaking,sweating, and having convulsions. I just thought it was part of the infection. I recovered completely got healthy and went on with my life except for  I lost my job and was now on disability. 40 years old and on disability bad move. a year later my doctor moved so I had to find another. I still had back pain during that time but nothing I couldn't handle it was just a bother at times when it flared up, but I was happy and productive. I found a new doctor and described my pain with him, he prescribed percocet. That was the beginning of where I am today. the first one I took I felt great! I would take one and lay down on the sofa waiting for it to work. When it did I felt bliss and well being. Soon taking one was not enough. I started taking more and more. When I told my doctor that they werent working any more he prescribed oxycontin! I went home, took one and I was feeling great again. He prescribed 3 x 20 mgs a day. For the next year they were enough. But again they no longer gave me the high I so much wanted. I went to my doc and told him I was in serious pain and needed more. Reluctantly he prescribed 2x 20mg 3 x day. One day I said to him can I get 3 x40mg pills instead of 2 20's. He did soon it became 2x40mg's 3 x a day. by then it was 2006. I was sleeping all day. My son would leave for school at 7 am and when he got home at 3 pm I was still in bed. waking only to take my pills. I was crushing them, snorting them chewing them. I started to get depressed so my doc prescribed effexor. This made me feel really out of it! A while latter I stopped the effexor because the way they made me feel. I had no sex drive, Nothing I was numb. a shell of a human being. The effexor withdrawals made my head fells like electric shocks in my head. I got more and more depressed. I started to cut down on my oxys too, For a few months I was getting my regular script but accumulating them. I basically stayed in bed for the next three years. getting up only to do the things that I had to. and in order to get out I had to take extra (the ones I had accumulated). I was a real mess. I knew I had to do something so I started weening my self off the oxys. I got down to 20 mgs three times a day. right were I started. Except I was still up all night and sleeping all day and was very depressed especially in the evenings. I even tried suboxone. I felt great for a while but started missing my dose. when I ran out I didn't like the idea of taking suboxone because its like trading on drug for another it is an opiate just like oxys so I returned to taking oxys and was right back in bed again. This brings me to June of 2009. I had enough of wasting my life. I started forcing my self up at 10 am daily and I finally weened myself to taking 4 x 10mgs a day. I went through some minor withdrawals but got through them. On Monday night I watched intervention on A&E. The girl was going through the exact things I was. She was a mess. After her detox and rehab she was a normal productive person.I said to myself I can do it too! I cant afford rehab so I have to do it myself. Tuesday morning I woke up and didn't take a pill. I thought I was ready . By noon I started to shake and sweat. Here it was, the first sign of withdrawal. I thought well it started so why not go through with it. For the last 5 days I have been going through hell! I haven't slept for more then 10 minutes at a time. I suddenly wake up sweating with a very rapid heart beat. My legs are freezing like they're frost bit. and my whole body feels like electrical impulses. I cant get comfortable. I am going out of my mind, but I refuse to take another pill! I have come this far how much longer can it last? Last night was the worst, up all night and every time I doses off I suddenly wake up. When I get up I feel like I am going to pass out. I almost did. I hit my head on the wall. I am so dizzy. I have a rotten taste in my mouth. I am sneezing all the time, shaking sweating, diarrhea,  I took Imodium (immodium) now I am constipated. I would rather have the diarrhea! No appetite. I have lost 10 lbs I look like ****! My sense of smell is so strong the smell in my nose makes me sick. I am scarred I will have a heart attack. I can fell my blood pressure soar and my heart race. When will this end?
The only hope I have is that for a few moments I feel not too bad. It doesn't last long but it gives me hope and my depression isn't has bad. I think its working, but right now I feel so sick! Right at this moment my whole body is throbbing. I will post daily with updates. I pray tomorrow I feel better.

[Kevin_Bacon]

If you can find a dr. who knows about opiates, see him/her immediately.

[oxysufferer]

Thank you for the advice.
Its day 6. Last night I was able to get a few hours sleep. though I the pain in my legs was very bad. I did some research and found this is normal. the pills had made my nerve cells go dormant and the tingling and electric impulses are the nerves regenerating. Walking helps. but I am very weak. I think the worst is over, but I know I still have a long way to go.

[Ali1226172]

I am weening off oxycontin as well.... I cut my doses down and felt a little pain as you described.  So I switched to suboxone!! It is working so far with cravings and no pain at all! However, you are going to withdraw from those as well.....honestly the withdrawal is coming whether you wait a month of another year or just tackle it today!! It will probably be less intese with the tappering and only last a week!! GOOD LUCK!! Your already in the process of stopping so just stick with the plan and perhaps you can ask your doc for a low does of suboxone when you finish!!

[oxysufferer]

I moved to
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Addiction-Substance-Abuse/Oxycontin-cured-my-depression-and-ruined-my-life/show/1015292
It is more up yo date.
Yes, you will go through withdrawals if you stop taking suboxone. It is an opiate just like methedone and oxycontin. It is just longer lasting so you don't get the high and lows It gives you a steady stream of dope for 24 hrs. oxys last only about 6 hrs at most.
I don't recommend you do what I did. If I had to do it over again I would go to a detox facility. There if any thing goes wrong they have the meds and professionals to get you through it. A few times I got so scarred, my blood pressure rose so high and my heart was beating way to fast. I could have had a heart attack. Luckily my heart is strong. At least get a full medical if you do try to do it yourself.
good luck and go to the other thread it is current.