Question regarding Vicodin withdraws

[kcai]

I have Lupus, systemic Lupus to be exact. I have been taking Vicodin for a little over 5 years now and got off of it cold turkey, at first, I started to wean myself off, then got sick of it, the cravings and just got off of them completely. I have been taking a muscle relaxer along with a ton of Tylenol (8 hour) to help with, my withdraws; it has been around a week or so, and I have been feeling really depressed, shacking, cold sweats, and have been extremely tired all the time. I was wondering, if anyone has gone through anything similar to me and could give me some advice to how to deal with it. In addition, I have also been having tingling in my hands, legs, arms, all over consistently through the day. I am a bit worried...please help!  

[LadySundown]

I probably took the easy way out when I w/d from Vic's. I did it slowly but surely and it really wasn't that bad. I shaved the pills until I got to the equivalent of a half pill. The stayed there and waited a while and cut to a fourth...etc

I never abused them and I never got high on them. I don't know if that helped or not. I finally got low enough that I would forget to take the tiny dose I was on and started skipping doses all together.

The cravings weren't real bad. My w/d from Valium years ago was much worse.

Oops..almost forget. I did have a tingling feeling when I was going off Vic's. It felt like electricity was going through my whole body at times. I also had brain zaps.

You're gonna make it so hang in there.
Take Care....LS

[kcai]

I really appreciate all of everyone's well wishes. I wish it was easier, but I know it's not going to be. The odd feelings you get, the depression, the muscle aches, all of it, is so foreign to me. To be completely honest, I want to call my doctor and ask for a refill, I am trying really, really hard not too. I basically have a guaranteed refill for the remainder of my life (I am 28), I have so much admiration for all of you that has been off of it. I feel like I am going crazy and the worst of it is, that i have to suffer while at work. I think that is making it worse!

Thanks for the advice! Please, please keep it coming!

[oxymom]

Yup, I get the chills bad but I don't get the tingling(sp?) I hate the chills, plus i'm on the east coast and it's cold here anyways. I dont even like to leave the house if I feel like that. I can suggest hot baths or showers. I live with my in-laws and they have a hot tub which really helped my husband and I when we started w/d's. I was clean for 11 days then slipped up fpr a few then was clean for a few and I've been going on like that for a month or two. I just cant seem to kick the habbit for good. I keep telling myself that if i can keep it to one or two times a week for a while it might be easier to stop for good. Have you tried things like chamomile tea? I've also read on some posts that bananna's help with the restless legs, if you get that?

[addictedtoloratab]

Im getting a lot of what your getting not so much the tingeling but, the shaking, the sweats, the chills, extremely tired all the time.  I wish I knew what to tell you to do, but, I am in the same boat..I do agree with you about the diffrent doctor that you want to see, let me know if it helps...

[1911]

Congratulations on giving up vicodin.  It will dramatically change your life.  The w/d symptoms are what most of us experienced as the drug flushes out of our system (yes, drink lots of water) and our bodies begin the slow recovery process, learning to live and function the old fashion way, i.e. without drugs.

Each individual is different, but you should be feeling a little better in the next day or so.  

Since you have Lupus, I would strongly recommend you call your physician about the w/d.  As you know, 8-10 hours sleep and an afternoon nap are often prescribed for Lupus patients.  He/she will want to help you get adequate sleep during w/d and to monitor your Lupus.      

The folks on this Forum are/have gone through the same thing you are experiencing right now...so, lean on us for help, support, and reassurance...plus, maybe a little friendly advice.

Cordially,
George
Day 19

[kcai]

My doctor has been out, I don't want to speak to another doctor and frankly, am afraid of what else they might put me on. My friend was hooked on vics for quite some time and they gave her a ton of different meds that made her even worse. I am going to write down that vita info and see if maybe that will help. The chills, the tingling is what is most troubling. Have you had anything like that before?

[Marce4]

Hi and welcome! I am out about a week out c/t off norco X2yrs.  Because of your condition it may take longer?!?! I don't know...I didn't have the tingling but I do get the sweats now and again but nothing like the first 4 days.  I actually went out and got a powdered drink called EMERGENC has vitamins/minerals and you can take it 2-4x/day. I have had it twice and I don't know if it is because it is day 7 or the drink is working but I feel so much better...still not my normal energy but I wasn't expecting that yet. Also, someone else just said lots of water...I couldn't agree more...took that advice which I didn't do the first time I detoxed (this is my 3rd try!) and it really does help!!!! My prayers go out to you...
Marcie

[kcai]

Thanks Marci. I am going to try that once I get off of work today! Being tired is the worst! The tingling in my body has been going away but now I am starting to feel dizzy, especially when I am sitting down. So many symptoms...I also am confused at a lot of things, haven't experienced that either?

[Marce4]

I don't get dizzy sitting but I have been getting out of breath very easily!  My head is still not as clear as it was prior to my addiction. I still feel fuzzy and it is hard to concentrate, but I know I am improving daily. I couldn't read the newspaper two days ago but I was able to get through it this AM. Karly, you are doing so great, try to break that cycle because you know where it leads us all! We all slip from time to time but it always comes back to this...we don't want these pills to control our lives! It is so hard, I'm praying that for me the third time (detox) is a charm. Only made it 6 days the first time and 6 days the second. Day 7 now and my husband is watching me like a hawk...He is very supportive but I know he will not be able to trust me for a long time to come! Sorry for rambling, I do that from time to time.
God Bless you and stay strong!
Marcie

[oxymom]

are you taking any vitamins or minerals like Valerian? I heard that taking a magnesium supplement can help anxiety but have yet to try it myself. I am battling oxy's when I first got off them I thought being put on Paxil would help the depression/anxiety part of the withdrawl but I was wrong. I think it made things worse. I am weening off the Paxil right now and am going to try mag. along with a multivitamin. have you talked to your dr?