Percocet withdrawals, how long do they last?

[sprstar]

I was prescribed percocets (5/325) about 1 1/2 years ago for chronic back pain (scoliosis mainly). I took them as prescribed for a while and then started increasing the dosage until I was taking upwards of 14 a day (I could take 8 per my script).

I decided about a week ago to stop. I tapered down to 8 a day, I guess that's not great but I just can't have them around me without taking them.

I have been without for 36 hours and of course I feel like hell in a hand basket. The longest I've ever gone is about 30 hours.

My question is: How long until I start to feel better? I am off of work for a week (I planned this to coincide with my vacation).
I would have gone into a detox or something but I have no one to take care of my house, etc.

[Bud42]

I have been taking approximately 100-200 mg percs per day for awhile. I stopped 6 days ago, but I took a half of suboxone (4 mg) each of Day 1 and Day 2 and had no withdrawal effects. Day 3, 4 and 5 were not good with a headache, the runs, sneezing, flu symptoms and no sleep. The worst is the restless leg at night to the point I think about getting a knife and stabbing them or cutting them off. Go figure. Today is Day 6 and I am achy as hell around my neck and shoulders and I am sweating profusely on my back on my back. I havent felt that awful that I had to miss work, but the other times I detoxed...it was all over for me by Day 5...with Day 3 being the worst. Now....I am almost a week away and still feeling them. I am hoping this all starts subsiding soon. Good luck everyone!

[quitinoxys]

Ross I see you started another thread, which is good. I am glad you found this forum as I feel you are crying out for help. Listen it doesn't matter how you got addicted it only matters that you want off this merry-go-round. You stated that your parents would be disappointed in you if you told them. How disappointed do you think they would be if you got busted or God forbid ODed. I don't know what kind of relationship you have with your parents but you would be amazed how they might react to you telling them about your addiction. When we live our life in secret it only fuels that addiction, you need to let someone know about what's going on. You say you are lost well by letting someone you love and love's you will help you find your way. You are young and have a whole life in front of you and if you get sober now you will have MANY tears of happiness. I hope you keep posting on this forum and I am praying for you. God Bless---Rick

[Infamousross]

Im 23 years old and have been taking pain pills since I was arrested for underage drinking, that's when my world got flipped upside down... Probation never tested me for anything other than pot and alcohol do I started taking pain pills, started with just regular m357 Vic's an 2 would make me feel good now I'm up to perk 10s an I take about 15 a day... Everyday I haveto have something because if I don't I feel like strait crap.. I work at a custom cast stone plant so I'm constantly lifting very heavy stones and I'm worried because I'm addicted to pain pills but they are starting to not even help its like its turning into more of a routine idk what to do anymore idk how to stop, I can't turn to rehab help , I still live at home and I feel like my parents would be so disappointed in me. They know I take them but not as much as they think..I'm lost and trying to find help in anyway that someone could help

[Goodspeed2]

Herein lies my story. I begin with DT day 4:
Reading this blog is all that keeps me sane. Why me? Early retirement age, wife gone, live alone, life-long athlete, knee replacement 3 yrs. ago - bad from the start. Percs, Oxys ever since (110 mg/d down to 40/d) managed by PCP - well disciplined to not exceed dosage. Didn’t realize I was addicted until 40 was not enough - felt I needed more. Friends noticed my Oxy memory loss - had to log pills to keep track. Took extra 20 mg to play golf. But the overriding negative: constipation that finally became unmanageable, and I new health care profs would blame it on the percs/oxys. Had to know, and had to solve the problem - fast. And thus began my longest 8 days.

Began without notice, no planning. I made this list of what I did right and wrong beginning the 4th day:
1. Notified PCP on 3rd day. Had I at the outset I might have taken a different course.
2. Did not shop ahead. Needed: Tissues & TP; Juices & Teas; quick, light meals; something to control diarrhea & nausea & cough; something to help sleep; extra vitamins, potassium.
3. Continued daily exercise. This became increasingly difficult thru day 5, but I felt better after each session, albeit fleeting.
4. Didn’t drink enough fluids. Really hard when I want to throw it back up, but felt worse when dehydrated.
5. Long, hot showers helped w creepie-crawlies.
5. Forced down one tiny meal ea. day, needed more.
6. Read blogs daily for emotional support.

Day 5, 2 a.m: Nighttime is my worst-time, and last night was the WORST - almost caved - for 4th time.
8 a.m: OMG, I’m going to live. Tremors are new.

Day 6: Cold chills all a.m. as I sw/out pungent oxy-toxins. Some symptoms beginning to abate. Most annoying - continued trips to toilet. Memory returning - sometimes that’s bad. Energy low.

Days 8: More symptoms abating. Still sw oxy-toxins & cough. For 1st time in 3 yrs beginning to feel human, renewed sexual appetite - yikes! Knee pain no worse being off Percs/Oxys - go figure. Started at 6-1, 177, now 165 lb. Looking forward to getting stronger.

Support: My behavior dictated telling select friends. Most offered support. Twas the naysayers who stayed my resolution. After all, you bloggers said I could do it.

To all who posted: God speed - you helped me dearly. I love each of you very much. To those yet to post, plan ahead and follow moderator’s advice. You too can do this.

Au-revoir   –Goodspeed2

[robotshorts]

You just made me a hell of a lot stronger. Thank you.

[SWIM58]

Hey everyone...I recently quit taking 12-14 perc 10/325's a day then when those are gone 6 morphine sulfate's 60mg 12 hour release a day. Ive been doing this for about 3 years and I am finally getting sick of myself. I would go through this for about 16-20 days a month until they were all gone, and then go through withdrawls for 10 or so days until they could get filled. I recently made the choice to just quit...cold turkey and never do them again. I am on my 7th day today without anything whatsover for relief from withdrawls and am finally starting to feel like a level headed human being again. I am just here to say, that if i can do this, anyone can..just keep your head in it, and think about how much better life will be once you get clean. You can do it...