Oxycontin withdrawals.

I took my last oxycontins on Friday.  I was taking about 8 tablets a day, 80 mg each.  Yesterday I started having diahreah and today is the same.  My stomach is upset and I have absolutely no energy.  My head is fuzzy and I can't think clearly.   Can anyone tell me what to expect and when it will get better?  I'm really frightened.  Thank you, Babs

[GA Guy]

You're in the middle of full blown withdrawals. With your large habit, it should last 5-7 days. Most say that days 3-5 are the worst, but everyone is different. Some things that may help..Clonidine (A BP med that helps with WD's..need a docs prescription), a benzo for the RLS and sleep issues, and search here for the Thomas Recipe. It has a lot of information. Hang in there!!!

[oneway]

to be honest you probably won't feel back to normal for 30 or 60 days when your doing that many 80s.  i was injecting 20 80mgs a day.  I went ct for almost 2 months and didnt even feel close to normal.  Good luck you are headed for pure hell but if you make it your life will be so much better but you already know that.

[wickedwanderer]

stay strong and push through the crappy withdrawals!!!!!!  just try to rest and try to eat crackers or something...

i agree w/ oneway on this. it'll take a while to feel "normal" again, but stick with it.  it's going to be much better for you in the long run!!  do family and friends know what you're dealing with?  having someone supporting you will help.

good luck!!!

[Carebear215]

I am going thru the same thing, the worst night for me was friday night I took only half a percocet friday am.
Thought for sure would just die. I haven't been able to eat, my heart feels like its bruised and haven't slept much.
Funny how time flies at times but times like this it drags on.
Take care and keep posting here this is a great group of people.
Sonya

[BlondeBabs]

It is great to see you all come out and offer support and knowledge.

[BlondeBabs]

I forgot to say that I have never felt this horrible in my life.  It has to get better.  I am not a strong person but I will just have to tough it out.  Is there anything I can take to give me energy?
Thanks, Babs

[oneway]

everyone always says tyrosine but i think the lack energy and the foggy head are the last things to go,

[Yoda99]

Hi dear.  My name is Yoda (Linda) and I haven't posted in a while because I've been away on vacation.  I kicked a huge oxy habit in February and have been clean for over four months.  I don't want to scare you, but the withdrawals were wicked.  I stayed in bed for an entire week.  I could not even drive until about the 8th day because I was so weak.  I survived off of ice cold Slimfast Optima (chocolate royale), ice cold chocolate milk and later on ice cream.  Even though you probably have no appetite and will probably experience some vomiting too, try to put something into your stomach.  You need fuel for energy.  Hang in there and if you have any questions, please feel free to call on me.  
Good luck to you,
Yoda
(clean over 4 months c/t from oxycontin)

[GA Guy]

I used Red Bull occasionally, or an energy drink with Ginseng. Try one, it may help.

[Carebear215]

Me either I wish the feeling I have around my heart would stop it really bothers me. At times I want to sleep but then I can't sleep for long and then I get hot then cold.
hope you find something to help you blondebabs.
Keep us posted.
Sonya

[GA Guy]

Also, some people sweat by the sublingual B complex vitamins. They have told me that the pills are worthless. Get either sublingual (under the tongue) dissolveable tablets or liquid.

[BlondeBabs]

Thank you everyone for offering advice.  Yoda you sound like you have been here a while.  I do have a question.  Why doesn't the immodium stop the diahreah?  I have taken so much immodium that it would normally stop me up for a month.  Is there anything else that will stop the diahreah?  Thank you, Babs

[bdoon]

Want aren't you folks detoxing on a suboxone or methadone program....the amount of oxy youse are taking is worst than heroin. I am detoxing from 250 mgs a day oxy  and even with the bupe it is rough....youse have got to be crazy going it alone. There are detox programs out there. I was provided all the oxy I wanted by a physician but I never abused it cause it caused me mental problems. They had to give me mental meds to be able to tolerate the oxy. I still went from 25 mgs a day to 250 mgs a day within 6 mos and I hated the ****.

[Yoda99]

In my case, I did not plan my quit and I didn't even realize there was anything like suboxone available and never thought about asking for help.  I ate up all my pills in two weeks, 180 eighty mg tablets (a 30 day supply from the dr. for pain from injuries sustained in a head-on collison 3 yrs ago).  I have an addictive personality and usually abuse any and everything.  I just suffered through the withdrawals and since I had survived such hell, I didn't want to go back to the oxys.  I would rather be in pain and use alternative methods for pain control than have my life controlled by the oxys again.  If I had to do it over again (which I won't), I would plan it and at least know what was available to me.  So I advise anyone planning to stop cold turkey from those "devil pills" to plan and seek help.  
Take care,
Yoda

[Yoda99]

I don't know what to tell you about the diahreah.  It will go away eventually but it takes a while.  Just keep taking the immodium and try not to eat a lot of solid food.  But do drink something for energy like I suggested.  Hang in there girl.  You'll make it and you'll be so glad you did.
Yoda

[GA Guy]

Your doctor prescribed 6-80mg oxycontin for you daily?

[Yoda99]

Yes that is correct.  I broke almost every bone in my body, my broken ribs punctured one lung, I have so much metal in me I can set off the metal detector at the courthouse, and I have unbearable pain in my legs and back.  Nothing helped the pain after I was released from the hospital.  So we tried oxycontin and it worked great!  Of course you build up a tolerance to it, so my dose was increased over the months.  I will try to find my story and post it for you.
Take care,
Yoda

[Yoda99]

Yoda99
36 years old
FL  

06/30/07
All  Hello, my name is Yoda and I'm an addict!  However the good news is that I am 4 months clean now from the huge Oxycontin ER habit that I had.  I became addicted to the oxys when I was put on them for serious injuries received in a bad car accident; it will be 3 years this 4th of July.  I broke both legs, one ankle, my back, my tailbone, my ribs which punctured and collapsed a lung; I have so many rods and pins in me I can set off the metal detector at the courthouse.  I feel fortunate that I lived, but even after many surgeries and the broken bones healed, I still have nerve damage and another condition, spondylosis (spelling) in my back. That's an inherited condition and just means that my spine is slowly wearing away.  After I left the hospital, the doctor tried several different pain killers and none really gave me the relief I was seeking.  But, aha, we tried Oxycontin ER tabs and they really helped. And I took them as prescribed. Then my tolerance built up so the dosage was increased over time, finally up to six 80 mg tabs a day. I have a huge tolerance for just about anything and a very addictive personality.  But anyway it got to where the 6 a day really didn't do the job, and I would feel better if I took 9 a day, then 12 a day, and on a binge I would take 16 a day.  The last time I went thru 180 of those lovely 80 mg oxys in about 2 weeks and couldn't get the script filled for 2 more weeks.  So I figured it was time to give them up.  I was tired of being controlled by the oxys.  My whole life revolved around them.  Well needless to say I had wicked withdrawals, and I did it cold turkey and without any drugs to help me.   If I had to do it over again, I would've planned it and been more prepared.  But I think giving up the oxys was the best thing I ever did in my life.  I got my life back and even though I have pain every single day and sometimes it's almost unbearable, I'd rather have the pain than be in a haze.  I know I will have to work at my sobriety the rest of my life; once an addict always an addict.  But I know I can do it,  and I can never, ever again take Oxycontins, not even one or I'll ruin what I've worked so hard to achieve.  And anyone else out there struggling with the dilemma of quitting or being afraid of withdrawals, just know that it is so worth it.  I am free again, free to enjoy my life, my time with my children and friends.  I don't have to base what I can do and where I can go depending on if I have pills or not.  So this is my story and I hope it inspires someone to take that step, or to not give up.  It really is wonderful to be free.
Love,
Yoda  

[GA Guy]

I have heard of people taking multiple times that amount, but never heard of a doc prescribing that amount. I'm not saying at all that you didn't need the meds. I was just shocked that a doc prescribed that amount. I was an oxy addict, too. I took 100-150mg of that drug daily. I know all about the tolerance and what that drug can do to you. I was a crusher myself. Impatient as many addicts are. I am very impressed with your recovery. I know it was difficult. You're giving a lot of people here inspiration. God bless and I'm praying for your continued strength!!

[notmenow!]

I am shocked that your doctor didnt order medication management for you. That would be a licensed provider with the state who comes by and gives you your daily supply of meds. This would  have been covered by your no-fault ins or even your health ins co as i am sure you have exhausted your med pay under auto. I was also under pain management for a similar accident. and of coarse i took oxy 40 mgs 3 times daily and 8 norco 10 mg tablets for break thru pain. During my 2 years of pain management i was subject to random urines, as required by the dea to prevent diversion. As we all know what oxys are worth on the street. Well as you may already quessed i got a dirty urine. They found morphine in my system. By this time i had all the surgurey i needed and really didnt know if i needed the oxys or not. The doctors by this time are aware you are addicted or dependant on opiates to function. I am not talking about getting high anymore I mean to function as a member of society. As it turns out my pain dr had just recvd her license to prescribe suboxone. So she gave me a choice get a new dr or try the suboxone. I went with the suboxone. and I cant tell you what a miracle I experienced. She wrote for 8mgs subs every 6 hours. And I felt absolutely no withdrawl (withdrawal) symtoms (symptoms) at all. But whats even better is that it has naltrexone in it which keeps you from getting high if you tried, But you all should check out the official web site @ suboxone.com. it will help you locate a physician that is approved to prescribe this medication. I wont lie its not cheap but my health insurance pays for it which is $755.00 per month for 120 tablets. With this medication I will step down slowly without going into a detox or a daily methadone clinic. This is done in the comfort of my home. Another plus is that the medication is a schedule III. Which means the Dr can give you refills as mine does. And it can be called into a pharmacy if need be. So I refuse to suffer no, notme!

[manonfire]

Did I ever tell you how much I admire you!? You are the cat's pajamas woman, and it takes a lot to get my respect. If you are having Oxy trouble, I can think of no better resource than Linda (yoda), She is truly an inspiration to us all. She deserves a lot more credit than she gets around here sometimes. I, for one, owe her a lot. She puts up with my nuttiness, and still comes back for more. What a friend I have in her. Much love Linda!

nutbag,

Manonfire

[Yoda99]

I'm sorry but I'm confused.  Are you suggesting that I ask my dr. to give me suboxone even though I will have been clean from the oxycontins for five months on July 26th?  
Thanks,
Yoda

[fishmeal]

yes on the credit for Yoda!

Hi this is pre-written for new people… hope this helps:

It’s good to come clean with your doc concerning your desire to get off.  Ask him to prescribe clonidine, (not klonopin), and ativan.  These will help with sleep, RLS and anxiety.  These are best to try before formal detox and drugs like Suboxone.  I had to do formal detox because I tried everything else, including alcohol to get off and nothing worked for me.  Keep in mind that when you try… make it a good one!  Have some time off of work if you can… maybe a four day weekend or more.  Make the last day of work without any drugs, because the first day is usually the easiest.  Try your best to get clean and stay clean because the other methods require more potent drugs and you have to come off of those.  I am still on Suboxone and am a little worried about that… It does work well but the jury is out on, “At what Cost.”  I also learned while in detox, that the mind can psychosomatically create pain to “get’ the drug.  Another was that healing while using opiates greatly diminishes.  I would have sores on my hands that would take way too long to heal.
Best
Fish
I have to say this from the bottom of my heart,  Please do not keep playing around with these drugs they are very powerful ….. kinda like heroin in a pill and just as hard to get off once you attain the, "addicted" status.

[BlondeBabs]

Hello again.  My sister gave me some valium and I was wondering how long valium stayed in your system?  Thank you very much, Babs

[FLaddict]

I hope that is not what he is saying... you are the last person that needs Sub...

[FLaddict]

Yes you would become addicted to it and it does Not help pain that well for everyone who takes it..That is why is not commonly used for pain anymore.. It didn't really help people that much. I don't think it would be worth the risk of becoming dependent on it.. It does carry a level of dependence just like other pain meds.. the only difference is Sub does not get you "high" or have any euphoria due to the ceiling effect.
I would keep looking for non-narcotic ways to manage your pain.. I would hate for someone like you who has worked so hard to get here to go backwards..

[Yoda99]

But he has made me curious.  Since I experience really bad pain on a daily basis, would suboxone help my pain or would I also become addicted to that?  Girl, I am comfused.

[Yoda99]

Can't spell either.

[Yoda99]

I wanted to say thank you for the kind words.  When I first came to this site, you were one of the first to encourage me.  I'll never forget you thinking I was a man and come to find out, I was a 5'3" inch 115 pound woman.  I got a good laugh off of that.  I'm glad we became friends and yes, I do know how hard it is for someone to get respect from you.  I feel honored to be one of the fortunate ones.  You are my most favorite nutbag.
Love,
Yoda

[notmenow!]

Girl, I meant no disrespect in your accomplish ment of having detoxed on you own, However you are about > than 5% of the addicted population that was able to kick as you did, I did not hear you mention the fact of a higher power in your recovery. How do  you deal with the cravings now! Was suboxone even presented to you as a way out with a success rate of over 62%. Withdrawl (withdrawal) without the monitoring of trained medical staff is a very dangerous route to take. For you to ask if you should go to a doctor and ask for suboxone now after you've been clean for less than a year is messed up. You are not even dirty! Unless perhaps your talking about cravings you may or not be having. But what you could ask your DR for  is for an rx of 50mg naltrexone. This helps with the cravings and and fill you opiate receptors so you cant get high. The fact that you have been clean since july is not a great deal of clean time. Its kind of like breast cancer, If you had told me you were in remission since july I would be so happy for you but, But deep down I would still be concerned about  you because I know the odds are still against you. Its when someone tells me its been I yr , 2yrs, 3yrs. Is when the people who love you begin to relax. That there prayers have been answered. Do you get it or not. The only reason you didnt overdose on the obseen amount of opiates you were taking is because a higher believes you are still needed here. I can clearly see that after reading some of the other, what people fail to realize is you need a treatment plan not a six pack of slim fast. Many of us have children and family members that depend on us. Girl while I feel you intentions are admirable going cold turkey on opiates will definately lead to dehydration, loss of essentila ketones and kidney failure. Yoga how many meetings have you attended, visit the NA web site. Respectfully, notmenow!  

[Yoda99]

No disrespect taken but I think we have a communication problem.  I have been clean since Feb. 26, 2007.  It will be five months on July 26th that I have been clean, no drugs whatsoever in my system except for some antidepressant that the dr. started me on after I started experiencing many of the symptoms of PAWS.  (this was after I had been clean for a while).
Like I explained, I never planned my quit.  It just happened because I binged and ate all the oxys in two weeks.  I had to go two more weeks before I could get more.  I did not know there was help available and I am a very private person.  So when the withdrawals started, I just lived through them.  And after having gone thru such bad withdrawals and coming out the other side, I decided that I never wanted to experience that again.  And I was finally free of the oxy monkey on my back.
Dear, I appreciate your comments but I really do think we have a communication problem.
But thanks for the advice.  Maybe it would've helped me more if I had met you in February when I first went cold turkey and came to this forum. Thanks again, Yoda

[Yoda99]

I think your question about valium got lost at sea...  Maybe you should make a new post.  I would help if I could, but I don't know anything about valium.  Why don't you make a new post?  
Take care,
Yoda

[BlondeBabs]

This was my original post yesterday, Babs