Quitting Hydro cold turkey

[happy310]

I've been taking Hydrocodone for almost two years.  I started taking it after a couple of surgeries in 2006.  I recently realized I had a problem/addiction to the drug when I started to going to different doctors to get scrips.  I am trying to quit cold turkey.  I am experiencing the typical withdrawl symptoms the worst of which is insomnia.  I have barely slept at night over the past three days.  I'm four days since my last pill.  How long does the insomnia last? Is cold turkey the best way to go?  How bad is this PAWs thing I've been reading about?  Should I seek professional help?

[D30]

your usage is very close to mine. I think at this point you could get by with little WD symptoms, but if you don't quit now as I did, you will only need more and more. Everyone is different, but it only takes about 72 hours for me to get over it. When I get to the 60 hr mark I start feelin a ton better. The first 59 hrs are hell. I WD different then most, I sleep non stop. Just take a long weekend Thursday-Monday. You will be back to work and feeling great on Tuesday.

[happy310]

sorry I haven't posted in two days.  I did not pick up the prescription the doctor called in.  It's sitting at the pharmacy.  I'm meeting with the Dr on Monday, and I plan to discuss some possible solutions.
So far, the worst part of the WD has been the insomnia.  I've never had any problems sleeping, so this has been really tough.  I didn't sleep at all Wed night, and I haven't been able to fall asleep until 3-5am every night.  It's Brutal.
I told my wife about everything three days ago, and she's been great.  The hard part is that she can't do much to help.  
I'm doing pretty good, but I've got to get some rest.  I start a new job next week, and not falling asleep until 5am isn't going to cut it.
Tks for the support

[bandnmom]

Everyone is different but the sleep thing i havent totally gotten back yet. I am 7 1/2 months clean. I get on average like 5 hours of sleep now which is a far cry from what i use to get. It does catch up with me sometimes though and for a week or so here and there i will sleep for 10 or so hours a night. Love those weeks! LOL! Like i said though everyone is different. There are many over the counter things you can try though like the Melatonin or even Advil PM. Good luck to you!

[wannabefree330]

if you get the script you'll be right back at square one.  Melatonin can be purchased OTC.  I never used it, but has helped many on this site.  Noone has ever died d/t lack of sleep.  I know it's hard, but you are almost through the worst of the physical w/d.  dominosarah has a great idea....read if you can't sleep.  Learn about your disease and PAWS.  Learn as much as you can so you will recognize when PAWS is starting, and ways to recognize a relapse waiting to happen.  You can do this!  look how far you've come already?  Don't turn back now.  Just get through today without using.  then tomorrow.....well deal w/that when it is here.

[rue10]

Please don't refill the prescription.  I did that "just in case" and I ended up taking them for 5 days after I was totally w/o them for 15 days.  Those 5 days I was filled with guilt and self loathing and I eventually flushed over 62 percocets.  And started all over again.  Just know, as an addict you will tell yourself anything to be able to have access to your drug of choice.  You've already gone without.  Try to continue.

You can do this.

[dominosarah]

You are doing great.  The sleep will come back.  I read alot during my w/d's when i couldnt sleep.  Keep going as it is worth it.  Stay strong as it really does get better.   sara

[happy310]

I was taking anywhere from 2-10 hydros per day at 7.5/750.  Towards the end I was averaging probably about 6 or 7.  My scrip ran out, I wanted to quit taking them, so I kind of figured cold turkey was the best way.  It's sucking pretty hard right now; I'm literally operating on about six hours sleep over the past two and a half days.
I have called the Dr. to get some more pills called in because I'm not sure I can make it cold turkey, and I've had a painful flare up in my back.  I could probably tough it out, but I'm not sure what to do?
If I might have to take the meds again for pain, does it make sense to totally quit taking the them?
Are melatonin a prescription drug or an over the counter drug?
I've tried simply sleep, tylenol pm, and ambien.  Non have helped.

[joann1975]

I used melatonin to sleep.... and I have taken klonopin for 1 1/2 years so I am sure that helps too.

You can do this... keep posting! You will make it and be happier for it!

[broknbck]

good professional help isn't always that easy to find. short of going to a rehab or recovery clinic. some doctors are not scared to help and can perscribe you things to help.

it is hard to say if cold turkey is the best way. the more you are taking each day when you quit, the worse the withdrawl will be. so of course if you can get your daily dosage down as low as possible and gradual it is not as bad. but it is very hard to stay on the decline and not just take enough to feel better.
that is the only way i could do it. and my withdrawl was not that bad. but it is a daily struggle not to take more while you are doing it.

i had like 2 different nites of no sleep only.

you are up to 4 days and have maybe another 4 till you will feel pretty good. might as well keep going now. you are probably in the worst right now.

i have taken benadryl (over the counter allergy med) when i cannot sleep at nite. it will make you feel pretty groggy the next day though.

you are doing great! hang in there, it is almost over

[SKL1]

I'm on my forth day of stopping 250mg to 300mg of norco  a day, the first night was absolute HELL, but lucky enough I had a appointment with my Ortho yesterday, I ask him for some Valium as a muscle  relaxer, It did the trick for me, I had to take 15mg to get to sleep, but I slept all night. I tried all the OTC **** and none of it worked for me.

Congrats on  days

[D30]

Can you tell us a little more about your perceived problem. Dosage ect..