Aa
Symptoms of Withdrawal
For years on and off I have allowed myself to become addicted to Vicodin drugs. I loved the high, but was aware that I would take pills when I thought the high wasn't there anymore, and sometimes didn't even get the new high, but kept taking the pills. Anyway, I've detoxed before a few times and hope this is my last. I am just wondering (I guess I should know, but I'm not sure) how common these current side effects are. I took this time when my kids are away to do this so it didn't interfer or become obvious to them.
I am feeling depressed and bored. I should be organizing my office, my home, but sit around watching TV all day. Sometimes I force myself to get out and exercise (something I've neglected for too long), and shop a little and that energy to get out of the house makes a huge difference, but then I come home and fall into my zone mode again.
I keep telling myself it's just been a couple of days, I don't really feel flu like so that's good, but the worst thing is that at night, even though I'm tired I can't sleep. I can't stay still. I feel like I have Restless Leg Syndrom, but my legs don't tingle, I just can't get comfortable. Thursday the 26 was my last day of pills. Today is Monday the 30th of Jul. Is it common to have this much trouble sleeping and how much longer should I expect it to last?
Thanks.
I am feeling depressed and bored. I should be organizing my office, my home, but sit around watching TV all day. Sometimes I force myself to get out and exercise (something I've neglected for too long), and shop a little and that energy to get out of the house makes a huge difference, but then I come home and fall into my zone mode again.
I keep telling myself it's just been a couple of days, I don't really feel flu like so that's good, but the worst thing is that at night, even though I'm tired I can't sleep. I can't stay still. I feel like I have Restless Leg Syndrom, but my legs don't tingle, I just can't get comfortable. Thursday the 26 was my last day of pills. Today is Monday the 30th of Jul. Is it common to have this much trouble sleeping and how much longer should I expect it to last?
Thanks.
thanks buddy.... as a matter of fact, i printed this out a couple days ago (whenever you posted it last) and already have it highlighted!! :-)
thx again...
mj
thx again...
mj
This is a work in progress...something I've been working on off and on for the last couple of weeks. It's not considered complete, but has lots of info from lots of sources. If any of the "old timers" have anything to add, let me know and I'll add it to the document. I hope to use this to post a general "how to" every couple of days or so.
Listed below are suggestions for detoxing and quitting an opiate addiction. They are just suggestions compiled from the detox plans of people that have gone through cold turkey detox before. They are just that, suggestions, and any detox plan is best when done under a doctor's care. Consult your doctor before trying any of the suggestions below.
This is prewritten for anyone who is beginning, or planning on beginning, a cold turkey withdrawal to opiates. This includes drugs such as tramadol (Ultracet and Ultram) codeine (Tylenol #3, #4), Darvocet, Hydrocodone (Vicodin, Norco, Lortab and derivatives), Oxycodone (Endocet, Percocet, Oxycontin), Morphine, Demerol. Fentanyl, and Dilaudud. There are many other opiates not listed, so if you don’t see it listed, you can still use these suggestions if it’s an opiate based addiction. None of these apply to benzodiazepine based addictions. These addictions should never be dealt with by going cold turkey. Always consult a doctor for a detox plan for benzos.
First of all, opiate withdrawals are uncomfortable, but rarely life threatening. You may think you’re going to die, but most of the withdrawal symptoms are just very uncomfortable. If possible, take some time off work or schedule a week or so in order to fully detox. You will honestly not feel like doing much anyway. Opiate withdrawal symptoms usually start 12-24 hours after your last dose. But, the timing of withdrawal symptoms depends upon the drug taken, length of time you’ve been taking it, and how you react to medications. The physical withdrawals usually last 3-7 days, with days 3 and 4 being the worst. Once again, this is all dependent on the person. You can expect these symptoms. Dilated pupils, diarrhea, runny nose, goose bumps, abdominal pain, stomach cramps, sweating, agitation, anxiety, nausea, vomiting, leg cramps, general aches and pains, and sleeplessness. This list is not absolute. You may experience all of these symptoms, only some of them, or other symptoms. Again, we are all different. Below is the famous Thomas Recipe. It gives some general information along with supplements that help with the withdrawal symptoms. The only thing I would add to this list is a blood pressure drug named clonidine. It effectively lowers the blood pressure and lessens many of the withdrawal symptoms. Most any doctor will prescribe it if you’re honest as to why you need it. Discuss dosages and frequency with your doctor.
Thomas Recipe:
1. Valium (or another benzodiazepine such as Klonopin, Librium, Ativan or Xanax). Of these, Valium and Klonopin are best suited for tapering since they come in tablet form. Librium is also an excellent detox benzo, but comes in capsules, making it hard to taper the dose. Ativan or Xanax should only be used if you can't get one of the others.
2. Imodium (over the counter, any drug or grocery store).
3. L-Tyrosine (500 mg caps) from the health food store.
4. Strong wide-spectrum mineral supplement with at least 100% RDA of Zinc, Phosphorus, Copper and Magnesium.
5. Vitamin B6 caps.
6. Access to hot baths or a Jacuzzi (or hot showers if that's all that's available).
How to use the recipe:
Begin your detox with regular doses of Valium (or alternate benzo). Start with a dose high enough to produce sleep. Before you use any benzo, make sure you're aware of how often it can be safely taken. Different benzos have different dosing schedules. Taper your Valium dosage down after each day. The goal is to get through day 4, after which the worst WD symptoms will subside. You shouldn't need the Valium after day 4 or 5. During detox, hit the hot bath or Jacuzzi as often as you need to for muscle aches. Don't underestimate the effectiveness of hot soaks. Spend the entire time, if necessary, in a hot bath. This simple method will alleviate what is for many the worst opiate WD symptom.
Use the Imodium aggressively to stop the runs. Take as much as you need, as often as you need it. Don't take it, however, if you don't need it. At the end of the fourth day, you should be waking up from the Valium and experiencing the beginnings of the opiate WD malaise. Upon rising (empty stomach), take the L-Tyrosine. Try 2000 mgs, and scale up or down, depending on how you feel. You can take up to 4,000 mgs. Take the L-Tyrosine with B6 to help absorption. Wait about one hour before eating breakfast. The L-Tyrosine will give you a surge of physical and mental energy that will help counteract the malaise. You may continue to take it each morning for as long as it helps. If you find it gives you the "coffee jitters," consider lowering the dosage or discontinuing it altogether. Occasionally, L-Tyrosine can cause the runs. Unlike the runs from opiate WD, however, this effect of L-Tyrosine is mild and normally does not return after the first hour. Lowering the dosage may help. With breakfast, take the mineral supplement. As soon as you can force yourself to, get some mild exercise such as walking, cycling, swimming, etc. This will be hard at first, but will make you feel considerably better.
Listed below are suggestions for detoxing and quitting an opiate addiction. They are just suggestions compiled from the detox plans of people that have gone through cold turkey detox before. They are just that, suggestions, and any detox plan is best when done under a doctor's care. Consult your doctor before trying any of the suggestions below.
This is prewritten for anyone who is beginning, or planning on beginning, a cold turkey withdrawal to opiates. This includes drugs such as tramadol (Ultracet and Ultram) codeine (Tylenol #3, #4), Darvocet, Hydrocodone (Vicodin, Norco, Lortab and derivatives), Oxycodone (Endocet, Percocet, Oxycontin), Morphine, Demerol. Fentanyl, and Dilaudud. There are many other opiates not listed, so if you don’t see it listed, you can still use these suggestions if it’s an opiate based addiction. None of these apply to benzodiazepine based addictions. These addictions should never be dealt with by going cold turkey. Always consult a doctor for a detox plan for benzos.
First of all, opiate withdrawals are uncomfortable, but rarely life threatening. You may think you’re going to die, but most of the withdrawal symptoms are just very uncomfortable. If possible, take some time off work or schedule a week or so in order to fully detox. You will honestly not feel like doing much anyway. Opiate withdrawal symptoms usually start 12-24 hours after your last dose. But, the timing of withdrawal symptoms depends upon the drug taken, length of time you’ve been taking it, and how you react to medications. The physical withdrawals usually last 3-7 days, with days 3 and 4 being the worst. Once again, this is all dependent on the person. You can expect these symptoms. Dilated pupils, diarrhea, runny nose, goose bumps, abdominal pain, stomach cramps, sweating, agitation, anxiety, nausea, vomiting, leg cramps, general aches and pains, and sleeplessness. This list is not absolute. You may experience all of these symptoms, only some of them, or other symptoms. Again, we are all different. Below is the famous Thomas Recipe. It gives some general information along with supplements that help with the withdrawal symptoms. The only thing I would add to this list is a blood pressure drug named clonidine. It effectively lowers the blood pressure and lessens many of the withdrawal symptoms. Most any doctor will prescribe it if you’re honest as to why you need it. Discuss dosages and frequency with your doctor.
Thomas Recipe:
1. Valium (or another benzodiazepine such as Klonopin, Librium, Ativan or Xanax). Of these, Valium and Klonopin are best suited for tapering since they come in tablet form. Librium is also an excellent detox benzo, but comes in capsules, making it hard to taper the dose. Ativan or Xanax should only be used if you can't get one of the others.
2. Imodium (over the counter, any drug or grocery store).
3. L-Tyrosine (500 mg caps) from the health food store.
4. Strong wide-spectrum mineral supplement with at least 100% RDA of Zinc, Phosphorus, Copper and Magnesium.
5. Vitamin B6 caps.
6. Access to hot baths or a Jacuzzi (or hot showers if that's all that's available).
How to use the recipe:
Begin your detox with regular doses of Valium (or alternate benzo). Start with a dose high enough to produce sleep. Before you use any benzo, make sure you're aware of how often it can be safely taken. Different benzos have different dosing schedules. Taper your Valium dosage down after each day. The goal is to get through day 4, after which the worst WD symptoms will subside. You shouldn't need the Valium after day 4 or 5. During detox, hit the hot bath or Jacuzzi as often as you need to for muscle aches. Don't underestimate the effectiveness of hot soaks. Spend the entire time, if necessary, in a hot bath. This simple method will alleviate what is for many the worst opiate WD symptom.
Use the Imodium aggressively to stop the runs. Take as much as you need, as often as you need it. Don't take it, however, if you don't need it. At the end of the fourth day, you should be waking up from the Valium and experiencing the beginnings of the opiate WD malaise. Upon rising (empty stomach), take the L-Tyrosine. Try 2000 mgs, and scale up or down, depending on how you feel. You can take up to 4,000 mgs. Take the L-Tyrosine with B6 to help absorption. Wait about one hour before eating breakfast. The L-Tyrosine will give you a surge of physical and mental energy that will help counteract the malaise. You may continue to take it each morning for as long as it helps. If you find it gives you the "coffee jitters," consider lowering the dosage or discontinuing it altogether. Occasionally, L-Tyrosine can cause the runs. Unlike the runs from opiate WD, however, this effect of L-Tyrosine is mild and normally does not return after the first hour. Lowering the dosage may help. With breakfast, take the mineral supplement. As soon as you can force yourself to, get some mild exercise such as walking, cycling, swimming, etc. This will be hard at first, but will make you feel considerably better.
... ditto, sister.
You know, one of my fav quotes is a Buddhist one, bascially the same message - but bent more toward one's spiritual journey (not to get too heavy here, but that's what it was written for.) But it's the same message...
While I will slaughter it here (lol,) it's basically "think not lightly of good, that it will not come to you. drop by drop, the pot is filled." I always try to remember that one when I'm not.. my best self, but I'm tryin'. It helps...
warmly,
mj
You know, one of my fav quotes is a Buddhist one, bascially the same message - but bent more toward one's spiritual journey (not to get too heavy here, but that's what it was written for.) But it's the same message...
While I will slaughter it here (lol,) it's basically "think not lightly of good, that it will not come to you. drop by drop, the pot is filled." I always try to remember that one when I'm not.. my best self, but I'm tryin'. It helps...
warmly,
mj
Thank you so much. You have made today a very positive one for me. I do not feel as if I've had severe side effects as I've had in the past, maybe because I was using less than I used to. But
I have to say after reading your first response to me I set out to organize all my file folders and I can't believe I am almost done. I scheduled 3 events for this week, and began some work so it didn't pile up. I plan to take that lorazipan tonight and hopefully get sleep....the other night I tried Advil PM, and last night I tried Nyquil, but niether got me to sleep.
I only know two things. Take one step in a positive direction (I love the quoted line used in Seabiscuit, "how was Rome built? Brick by brick"), and it isn't going to get harder, only easier.
Love having you to talk to. Thanks.
I have to say after reading your first response to me I set out to organize all my file folders and I can't believe I am almost done. I scheduled 3 events for this week, and began some work so it didn't pile up. I plan to take that lorazipan tonight and hopefully get sleep....the other night I tried Advil PM, and last night I tried Nyquil, but niether got me to sleep.
I only know two things. Take one step in a positive direction (I love the quoted line used in Seabiscuit, "how was Rome built? Brick by brick"), and it isn't going to get harder, only easier.
Love having you to talk to. Thanks.
Boy do I know what you mean about getting out!! I know a big part of my problem has been being around the house too much, so what else to do? Take a pill! It's weird you brought that up too today, because I woke up thinking "ok, I have stuff to do today. no matter how I feel, I have to "act as if." So, I just got back from a walk and am going to go try to knock some stuff off my "to do" list. So very uncanny you just brought that up...
Personally, I say knock back the lorazapam if benzo's aren't a prob for you. EVERYTHING is worse with no sleep, and so much harder. I say go for it....
I hope you have a wonderful day! And if you ever want/need to talk, I bounce back and forth between both forums, so hunt me down if you need a friend, k? :-)
warmly,
mj
Personally, I say knock back the lorazapam if benzo's aren't a prob for you. EVERYTHING is worse with no sleep, and so much harder. I say go for it....
I hope you have a wonderful day! And if you ever want/need to talk, I bounce back and forth between both forums, so hunt me down if you need a friend, k? :-)
warmly,
mj
Thank you. It's been many years -- about 20! I go on the meds for 3 to 6 sometimes 9 months at a time, then I stop. Then I go back after a few months or a few years. I was last taking Norco, but I broke the pills in half so I was taking 1/2 every 3 - 4 or 5 hours.
I have been reading the posts and it is always so great to hear that others are dealing and succeeding with the same issues. The one thing that does help me is when I push myself to accomplish one thing, anything, and even if I don't complete it, the getting some of it done makes me feel productive and less depressed. I've made plans to get together with people, something I don't do even when I'm not doing drugs and I know that every thing I do to distract myself gets me closer to being away from being ill and closer to being healthy.
But the sleep thing is the worst. I have 3 pills of tiny doses of lorazipan. They are like .5 mg. I'm thinking (after reading these posts) of taking one of them tonight, my 4th night. Just so maybe I can get some sleep.
I have been reading the posts and it is always so great to hear that others are dealing and succeeding with the same issues. The one thing that does help me is when I push myself to accomplish one thing, anything, and even if I don't complete it, the getting some of it done makes me feel productive and less depressed. I've made plans to get together with people, something I don't do even when I'm not doing drugs and I know that every thing I do to distract myself gets me closer to being away from being ill and closer to being healthy.
But the sleep thing is the worst. I have 3 pills of tiny doses of lorazipan. They are like .5 mg. I'm thinking (after reading these posts) of taking one of them tonight, my 4th night. Just so maybe I can get some sleep.
Hi JUl... it is very, very common, so PLEASE give yourself a break. Go easy on YOU. I don't know how much you used or for how long, but by reading the begininng of your post it's probably enough to feel bad for a few weeks...
Read and reread some of the past posts. You will read exactly the same thing. The depression is normal. It is normal and won't last forever. Also, as for the relapsing, you may want to consider a support group going forward, so you stay off.
There are others here much more equipped to talk to you about this than I, but I wanted to give you some feedback.
Hang on sister... this is normal.
-mj
Read and reread some of the past posts. You will read exactly the same thing. The depression is normal. It is normal and won't last forever. Also, as for the relapsing, you may want to consider a support group going forward, so you stay off.
There are others here much more equipped to talk to you about this than I, but I wanted to give you some feedback.
Hang on sister... this is normal.
-mj
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