Question

Is there, as advertised, a physician on this board?  I'd also welcome guidance from others who have been, or are, in similar situations:

I went on Vicoprofin in 2005 following a spinal flare up related to two cervical spine fusions.  The flare up disappeared, or at least became less noticeable, about six weeks later, but I found the Vicoprofin was improving my overall feeling of no pain and also helping with my depression and anxiety (maybe partly related to a divorce to a woman I love in 1997, bad jobs, and the chronic pain itself).

This month (yet again) I ran through my four week Vicoprofen prescription (7.5 mg., six times daily) in about 20 days, as opposed to 30.  I have been on 7.5 mg., probably using seven to 10 a day, for three years.

I am now more than 24 hours into a cold turkey end to my Vicoprofen use, and I want this to be my first and final attempt to be done with this drug.  It has created cravings.  My sleep cycles are completely screwed up (awake at night, asleep in the day); is that related? And people have noticed a change in my personality for the negative.  I have procrastinated on urgent things, disengaged socially, etc.

Questions: Does all of the above sound consistent with use/abuse of this drug?  Is there anything I can do to help my chances of success with this withdrawal attempt?  For how long should I expect withdrawal symptoms to last?

I am really in need of good clinically and experienced-based guidance and welcome any replies.  Thanks.  --Michael.

[GoingToMakeIt]

No, this is not a 'monitored' board where a Dr responds. Just us addicts. There is a lot of knowledge and experience here though. My DOC (drug of choice) was Vics I was on your dose but only for a year or so. (this last time ) Look in my journals for the Thomas recipe. There are lots of helps for you there. Others will chime in too to help. Try going to NA meetings. Stick around here too. It is good to set up as much support for yourself as you can.

[GoingToMakeIt]

MedHelp advertises that some forums are Dr monitored, Not All. Read the disclaimer on the side of this one.
   We have seen a lot of people helped here on this forum. It dates back, I'm guessing, about 10 years. Hundreds if not thousands have seen their way to being clean.

[Savas]

There are doctor's on the doctor forums...well, some. I think as a medical specialist volunteers to lead a forum those forums open up to question. Forums without specialists are closed to new questions. I believe the open forums are listed in the home page.

You're actually better off without a doctor in the drug addiction forum. By law, they can't really give you the right information you need to totally treat your addiction.

[road2recovery]

welcome.....things that are happening to you is par or the course with addiction...At first for me, i was more social, went to many family functions, everything i thought was great...As my addiction progressed, i was not doing the things i should of, just like you mentioned, i was procrastinating on everything, where before i thought i was super mom and worker, and wife....That all is a dead end road..
i went c/t a little over 4 months ago, and life is better...It is tough but worth it....I used clonodine and it did help, and immodium, some vitamins...
we are all here to help you
good luck
r2r

[MikeVicoprofin]

I imagine in my case, with cold turkey withdrawal, that days will get worse until they start to improve.  With three years of use/abuse, when about might I begin losing cravings and related symptoms?

Look forward to any guidance.  --Michael.

[traveladdict]

Days 1-3 sometimes 4 are bad psychically. If I am reading it right you are on day 2. 1/2 way through the c/t process  You need imodium (immodium) lots of fluids and hot baths will help you feel better.  You wont get much sleep for a few days but you will be ok. I c/t off 12 yrs of morphine and vico. You will feel bad but you wont die just hang in there and post often with how you feel and you will find allot of support to help you get past "hell week".  It will be worth it in the end. I am on day 23.

[marcatj]

to answer your original question, yes, you're abusing.  

the worst symptoms? 3-5 days.  but there are lingering symptoms, some get over them quickly, some a couple months.  BUT - the cravings take time.  those just don't go away after you are done with w/d.  i strongly encourage support here.
everyone has said withdrawals/getting clean is easy, staying clean is the hard part.
this could not be more true...
there are a number of things we can tell ya about to help you throuhg w/d's, as well as suggest to you to stay clean.  and this is a wonderful place to get help along the way...
please let me or anyone know if you want more info.. would love to help.

warmly,
mj

[GoingToMakeIt]

Michael, as marcatj said expect 3-4 bad days. You are now 1/2 way done. Some break thru on day 3 with 4 getting better, some like me it was day 5 that was better. Hang in there. Drink lots of water, Hot Epsom salt baths, bananas. Have you looked at the Thomas recipe that I mentioned? Immodium or generic helps if really needed.
  Keep posting asking questions etc.. We have all been thru it too. We are here to help you make it. Hang tight.