Taper off hydrocodone?

[RogerWilko]

I have ankylosing spondylitis, which causes a lot of pain in my back, neck and ribs.  I think I can manage the pain with ibuprofen alone, and I want to quit the hydrocodone.  I'm so glad I found this great website.  It's a good feeling knowing there are other people with the same problem.  Here's my question - I'm hoping I can taper down the hydrocodone and avoid a lot of the withdrawal symptoms.  For a while I was taking 10 Vicoprofen pills at a time.  I only take it once per day, in the morning.  I cut it down to 7 pills, and by the next morning my body is letting me know it wants more, mainly with anxiety.  If I stay at 7 pills, will my system eventually find that to be an adequate amount?  And then will I be able to go down to 6 pills and get used to that, then 5 pills, etc.?  I'm hoping I can taper down in this way and avoid the cold turkey symptoms.  Thanks in advance for all responses.

[RogerWilko]

I am managing the ankylosing spondylitis on my own without the help of a doctor.  The disease is still active, but like I said, I think I can manage the pain without the hydrocodone.  At this point I'm taking the hydrocodone mainly because I'm physically dependant on it.  52.5 mg of hydrocodone daily is just slightly less than my body needs to be completely satisfied.  If I stay at that dose, will I eventually acclimate to it, to the point where I don't have these minor withdrawal symptoms (slight anxiety and irritability)?  If so, will I then be able to reduce it to 45 mg daily until my body is satisfied with that dose?  Can I just keep tapering in 7.5 mg steps and completely wein myself off of the hydrocodone with no serious withdrawal symptoms?  I understand this gets harder to do as the dose gets smaller.  Should I break the tablets in half and taper in 3.75 mg steps?  I'm sure there are people reading this who have tried this, and I would appreciate hearing about your experiences.

[gracie97]

RogerW, the taper method you refer to is how we got off the tabs. The slower the better is what I have been told. We began breaking them in half and thirds towards the end. We still went thru the WD's but I believe that tapering rather than CT worked for us. It has only been 15 completely free days, but 15 days are better than none.

[ragman]

Roger, Yes I agree that the taper method is by far the best. I was taking 75mg Hydro daily in one dose on an empty stomach. Tried to quit twice CT and chickened out both times about 36 hours into it. Then I went to a taper method 3days of 30mg twice a day. Then I dropped 15 mg every 3 days till I hit 15mg. After that I dropped 3.75mg every 3 days till it was gone.

A big help I had was my wife. I gave her all of the pills and let her disperse them and in the end flush what was left.

Even with this gentle of a taper I had a rough 4-5 days but it can be done!! 19 days off them today. Good Luck - You are making a very wise choice.

[mrmichael67]

I will have to agree with what I have read.  And yes, your body will become accustomed to its new dose.  You have a sound plan.  The biggest thing about tapering is sticking to it.  Actuall, it is the hardest thing.  Stay disciplined and you will do fine.  Don't expect to skate, though.  Nobody gets a free ride.

[squirrel1970]

well in my opinion, the tapering method working depends on the specific individual. I went to my dr and confessed my addiction to vicodin ES, and he agreed to help me by using a supervised tapering. 10 pills for 5 days, 7 pills for 5 days, 5 pills for 5 days, 3 pills for 5 days, 1 pill for 30 days was the plan. I made it down to the 5 stage before I knew it was not going to work. I am an addict. So I was taking the meds to get high, not taking them to keep the withdrawals away and get my body used to taking less. So I would take 5 at a time, till I ran out.
But if you can do it, more power to you!
: )

[cprx]

I think the tapering method for decreasing one's hydrocodone use, ie lorcets, lortabs, is not very successful.
I have known many people who have just "been using 3-4" pills(up to #100) a day for either chronic pain or other reasons.  Since we are all human, the unfortunate evidence is that any more than 10-20 days of straight use will cause some sort of physical and/or mental withdrawal symtoms.  Its uncomfortable and even if accomplished leaves you with chronic fatigue like feeling, and at times depression, anxiety and sleep problems.  I notice the people that are most successful, utilize Buprenorphine to stabilize completely off of hydrocodone and then within 6-12 weeks taper completely off of Buprenorphine.  Throughout all of the studies I have read, the chemical make-up of Buprenorphine is less invasive to the mu-kappa systems and thus the success and approval by the Addiction Medicine community and the Government. Find a certified outpatient Buprenorphine provider in your local medical community.

[freezing]

How come people aren't trying suboxone, the new alternative?  It works great.  Has anyone else tried it?

[mrchris]

I detoxed myself from Vidodin quite a few times.  Take 1 or 2 as needed.  It's silly to wean with a specific schedule.  I would also suggest waiting at least 1 hour from taking the 1 or 2 for them to kick in.  You may also want to consider using percosette as vicidin ES has 750mg tylonol in it, which at 7 a day is above the 4g (4000mg) per day recomended limit.  Perc's only have 325mg.  Good luck

Chris

[loopyloo]

wow,i thought i was all alone here! notthat i'm gad others aresuffering, it just helps to know i'm not some kind of drug-freak. i've had lupus for about 8-10 years and i also had spinal fusion and hip surgery 1 yr. and 1/2 ago. all togethr i've been taking hydros for about 5-7 yrs straight! i had no clue until this past year thy were addictive! and i'd insist i wasn't "hooked" yeah until i'd run out early and be freaking for more, i've tried detoxing myself numerous times, i can never get past day 2 w/out freaking out. my doc has no clue how hookedi am, i only just realized my self sortof and i'm sortof still in denial. b.t.w. what is suboxone?

[lisabet]

Hey...love your handle - made me smile!  Believe me - you're definetly NOT alone.  With your med problems, it seems you have a legitimate reason to take the meds, but you're very wise to realize the addictive nature of these little pearls. Hope things work out with you; just wanted to offer support.  About the Bup question, will leave that to ones who can offer first hand advice.  Take care, Lisabet

[migrainemam]

i WANT EVERYONE OUT THERE TO KNOW THAT YOU ARE NOT BAD PEOPLE BECAUSE YOU ARE ADDICTED TO THESE DRUGS. I HAVE BEEN TAKING NARCOTICS FOR 6 YEARS FOR MIGRAINES ( ORWHATEVER I COULD COME UP WITH) I AM MORE THAN READY TO COME OFF THEM. I HOPE I CAN FIND A DOCTOR WHO WILL WORK WITH ME TO GET OFF THESE DRUGS SLOWLY OR WITH THE HELP OF SUBUTEX. ANY SUGGESTIONS? ( sT. lOUIS, mO. AREA)

[bunny1998]

My husband began taking lorcet plus about 1.5 yrs ago for back pain due to injury in a car accident in 2001. He is now taking 3-4 per day. It is hard for him to get out of bed each day and surgery has been mentioned as an option to relieve his pain.
I am terrified he is getting addicted to lorcet/hydrocodone. He is a recovering alcoholic/drug addict (7 years). I am so afraid this will be devastating. He is also afraid of this medicine but doesn't know what to do to handle his back pain. Any suggestions for non-addictive medicine to help?
His personality is changing, so this is really urgent that we do something. I know it's the lorcet doing this to him.
I'm scared.

[Tracer73]

I am trying to taper off Lorcet. I am currently taking about 15 a day and when I try to cut down I get very nervous and anxous and take more, can you tell me how to do this right. Please, I am 30 years old and have 2 small children and I know this is controlling my life and I hate myself but I just cant seem to do this. I appreciate any and all comments. Thank you.

[lisabet]

Hi Trace - I too have a vicodin habit.  I was taking up to 12 pills (10/325) a day (accompanied by a few shots of Jack Daniels)....after coming on to this forum and sponging up all the posts, I've tapered down to 4-6 pills a day currently.  Tapering works for some people, but for most cold turkey seems to be the best way.  Please search the forum for the Thomas recipe.  People absolutely swear by it, for lessening the withdrawals.  Please know you're not alone in your struggle, there's more people than you know going through the same thing you are right now.  (Hint: post on a top thread - it's Ok to bust a thread, since it's kinda hard to post a question...that way more people see your posts and will respond).  Good luck, Tracer - there's a lot of people here that wants to help and share their experiences.  My advice would be read-read-read...this is what I did for months before I got the nerve up to post. It's hard enough to raise two small children, much less battle a vicodin addiction.  Hang in there, sweetheart. Love, Lisabet

[hydrocoff175]

I was once 400 lbs and couldn't loose weight. I opted for stomach stapeling 6 years ago. Before the stapeling I never so much as took an asprin for a migraine. After the stapeling I was sent home with vicodin and didn't take it for a couple of days cause I just did not like pills. It wasn't until one day that I couldn't get out of bed to go to the bathroom I was in so much pain, that I opted to take the pain meds and when they kicked in and worked and I could move, I took them as prescribed to get me trough this horrible pain that lasted for what seemed like months. I was in and out of surgery every month, twice a month for incisional hernias that busted out all the time. So I was left on vicodin for 3 straight years and had no idea not knowing about drugs anyhow, the effects of addiction that were to come. My doctor then took me off of them cold turkey, I thought no problem it was then I realized when my body wouldn't accept that and the horrible pain of withdrawl I went through that I was an addict. So for 6 years now I have done and pulled everything to stay on them to keep from withdrawling. I was even arrested for calling in a fake script for myself using someone elses name. I want to get off this killer drug before it ruins my life. I even stooped to have my boyfriend go to the hospital and fake illness to get them and he was recently caught in that and arrested because of me. I need to get off this drug, it is ruining my life. I have a good man and kids and I want to keep him and them and get my life back to the time when I didn't know what it was like to need pills and didn't need a pill to get up out of bed or I couldn't function. I can go about 1 day and then on day 2, it gets so bad I can't take it no more. Also I did come off them a few months ago and was off for 2 weeks and had a sever car accident that almost killed me and was put on vicodin for months for all the broken bones I had, so I was back to square one. I have no insurance and no means to pay a doctor. Most doctors that find out you are addicted don't care or don't do anything to help you or tell you to go to a drug program where all they do is talk and an addict needs more then that or they wouldn't be trying to find ways to quit, it is the withdrawls that are unbearable not talking that makes it better. Anyone that could help would be appreciated. By the way in a one day period I take anywhere from vicodin 5/500 about 4 to start and every half hour one tablet for about 3 to 4 more pills depending on what I have or I take Norco 10/325 about 3 and then every half hour another half for about as many as up to 12 total, I do this 2 to 3 times a day, depends on what I have on hand at the time. I just want to quit

[lory tab]

i have been taking lortabs for about 2 years now,i am addicted but i only do about 5 a day,i got a bad problem with snorting the pills,i want to get off them but i dont know how,if anyone has any suggestions to help me......thanks

[RCSLADY]

I am one of those people who can not taper.l  I am in day 5 of c/t right now.  If I had pills I took them at least 20 per day.  In may I  tried to detox and got valium and took al the valium in one day so I could sleep.  Day 5 isn't too bad.  I do have an appointment tomorrow at the sub. doctor so I may give that a try.

Right now I still have cravings for pills, I'm just not acting on them.  I'm laying in bed with my laptop and really feel kay since the coffee is out of my system.  I advise everyone not to drink coffee during withdrawals because it made my stomach fliop and I was overwhelmed with anxiety.

Every one has their own system and as long as the end result is the same what differance does it make.

[logistics]

methadone will help all of you kick... its what they use to kick heroin... methadone/methadose will help....but careful not to get hooked on those!

[LikeMyPills]

  Very interesting to find this site (I was searching Hydocodone withdrawal).I've been taking Norco (30 mgs at a time) for awhile now.I've been trying to stop taking them but quickly lose my resolve.Right now as I type this, I'm staring at the spot where my pill bottle used to sit.
I've been up for only 3 hours and its been a constant struggle to not dig them out of the cabinet where I stashed em.
What the hell,I'll come back next week when my prescription runs out.

[hydroaddict222]

Would you say I'm addicted if I'm only taking a half to one pill a day of 10/500 mg of Lortab? I'm not in denial or anything...I feel like I am addicted but when I read about all these other people taking 4 or more a day I don't feel as bad off as them. What do you think?

[FLaddict]

What are you taking them for??   only you can say you are addicted to them... It doesn't matter how many you take. Its the the behavoirs surrounding what you take..

[sfboxrz]

What do you mean by 'the behaviors surrounding what you take'?  Are you addressing the motivations of what compels people to take the drugs... IE to get high as opposed for pain relief?  I myself have taken Norco for several years but never outside of what is prescribed.  Moreoften than not, however, I ask myself whether I am medicating actual pain from my back problem or staving off pain from my addiction problem.  I started a taper program last week - today is day 9 and i'm taking 2 10/325's daily.  I know that isn't much but its down from 6 daily.  Does it matter if I take all the pills at one time in the AM or should I break them up and take the dose over the course of the entire day?

[FLaddict]

That is what I meant but its not as simple as just the motivations. Behavoirs such as doctor shopping, running out long before refill time, going through peoples medicine cabinets, those are for sure ways to tell if you are an addict.  Then there are ones like not eating before taking a pill so it hits you harder, or taking several at once. But it really does come down to whether you think you are an addict.
Great job weaning down to 2 from 6. Most people can't taper if they have them they take them. I would suggest you break them up and take them throughout the day. It will make it easier to taper further. In fact I would break those 2 in half and take one half 4 x per day, then one half 3 times per day then 2x ect. Some people fine that their pain is better off of pills, pills do "create pain" since out natural endorphins are not firing. I was not one of those people . I really hoped that my pain was not worse without pills, but we play the hand we are dealt. Now I am pill free and learning how to deal with pain other ways.

[CobraPc]

I had taken Hydrocodone for well over a year and a half.  When I noticed I was feeling like **** all the time, I decided to quit cold turkey.  That was a very rough 3 weeks, but I made it.  A year or so later the Dr. talked me into taking them again.  I'm now taking
4 - 10/500 pills a day.  And I'm thinking about stopping again, but not cold turkey.  My Dr. says he's going to start a program for me of reduction, but he better get to it.  They gave me a 30 day supply on 10/9/07, and they think 11/9/07 works out to 30 days.  It's not, the 30 day supply ran out 11/7/07,  that leaves me 2 days without.  I can't get them to count the days on a calender.

[hatehydros]

My wife has been taking hydros for 2 years now. I have just now recently noticed how bad her problem has gotten. Now when she runs out, she swaps out with her loser cousins loser wife, who by the way she never would have socialized with if it wasn't for this addiction. She has now started lying to me about how many she's taking or the amount of $ she spends on them. When she doesn't have them, she has plenty of loser cousins who are more than happy to help her. She recently found a doctor several towns away (about 50 miles) that will prescribe her MORE than enough to last her (90 10mg prescribed 3x a day for 30 days). I have finally convinced her that she has a problem, but I don't know what to do to help her quit. I know she won't quit until she wants to, but how bad does it have to get before she gets to that point? I'm just scared and clueless what to do. I love her so much.

[Britney83]

why did the doctor prescribe them for her?

[hatehydros]

She has neuropathy in her back. Don't ask me what that means but it causes her pain. She says the only other alternative is surgery and she doesn't want to go that route. After typing my blog last night I talked to her and asked her if I could start going to the doctor with her because I feel like I have been neglectful of her medical needs. To this she became defensive because she was afraid I would say something to let the doctor know she was addicted to the hydros.

[Crowbarnola]

You should try and get her help ASAP before it's too late.

If she is beyond addicted to them and will get very sick if she does not have any, then I suggest for you to look into Suboxone for her.You can find a doc that prescribes it here ---> http://www.suboxone.com/patients/resources/find_a_doctor.aspx

I'm addicted to hydro and have been for a few too many years now. I started taking them because of a Spine injury and was hooked before I even knew it. Well I am very lucky, for one I have a wife that understands and for two my doctor that prescribes me Lorcets is now set up to prescribe Suboxone!

On my next visit I will be starting the Suboxone program. I know a few people that are already on it and from what I can see, it works very well. It does however cost a good bit of money, but to have your wife back is simply priceless!

Wish you & yours all the best!
And keep her away from her cousins as much as you can.

[HiddenAngel]

I have been taking hydro for over a year. I'm a big cluts so i get hurt often. Started taking them after i fell down my front porch steps. I used to take probable up to 8-10 a day. Few months ago i just started  taking less, and now maybe 3-4 if that/if i have them, I can tell im taking them to cope with all the bull **** in my life now. I know im getting hookd and my family doctor doesnt even know( i'm taking them). My question is should i tell my doctor? Will he help or just critasize me. I do not want to be addicted to anything! Hate the feeling of getn off of those. If anyone has any advice id be very grateful.

[smom22]

I've been taking 3 5/500 vicodins a day and want to get off of them again.  I used to be an addict I took 16 vicoprofens a day like 3 years ago, My doctor weaned me from 4 to 0 and I remember feeling like **** for two weeks and also had klonopin to get my mind off of it.  So now I've been taking the 3 for like 3 months and its time to quit my back pain is not gonna get any better so its time to deal with it.  I found last time that Ibuprofen was my answer to pain relief.  I need to know if it is safe to just quit cold turkey being that Im not taking that much 15mg of hydro a day?  I don't have any klonopin to take my mind off of it, so its gonna be hard, is there any over the counter supplements to keep my mind at ease, and the irritability away I would appreciate any information and answers anyone could give me thanks a lot.

[FlyFisher100]

I posted last week and said I wouldn't post again, except I feel the need to help now as I'm getting my "head" back.

Due to back surgery I ramped up to using pain killers (Norco 10/325) to a point where I was taking between 6-8 and sometimes 12/day.  I went through all the **** with running out and trying to figure out where to get more.  My doc would fill the script but my insurance wouldn't cover it because it was a refill too soon.  I came out of pocket a few time for around $50 to get them.  It was at the point where I said to myself that enough is enough.  I'm 48, have a wife and son who were not becoming the center of my life; the pills were.  I put the hammer down and called my personal physician, went in to see him and told him what was going on.  I asked that he put me on a taper program, which he agreed to do.  I told him to call my Ortho and tell them not to, under any circumstances fill any more scripts' for me.

He started me out with Hydrocodone 7.5/325 x 5/day for 6 days. Yesterday he dropped me one pill (4/day) for 8 days (because I'll be on vacation).  The first 3 1/2 days (last week) of the taper sucked a bit but I adjusted to the new amount pretty quick.  I had alot in my system and needed to get back to the prescribed amount in my body.  Now I'm literally bounding out of bed at 6 am and not dragging myself out like I used to.  It was like all the energy that I wasn't using was now available.  With the one pill drop yesterday, today I'm feeling a little funny but I'm doing really well as I know I'll adjust in another day or so.

Here are some of the other things I can recommend to you to help with the loss of energy and withdrawal symptoms and most importantly the cravings...

-I went to the local Vitamin Shoppe and purchased SAMe 400 mg.  It helps with mood and lessens the symptoms and make you smile a bit more and also give you a punch of sustained energy.
-When you start to really feel tired, 5 hour energy.  As advertised, good energy punch and no crash.
-I also purchased l-Tyrosol (sp).  Take one in the a.m. on a empty or semi-empty stomach.  It is an amino acid that gives you a really good energy punch.  Note:  the loss of energy is the worst thing for me.  I also take 40 mg. of Zoloft and have for quite a while (type A personality) which I'm sure helps with the symptoms which is an added bonus for me but have to be a bit careful on dosing with the Tyrosol as it plays with brain chemicals.  
-I went to a chiropractor who is detoxing me with accupuncture.  There are 3 points in the ear that detox the liver, lungs, and gall bladder with 1 other point to increase your energy and 1 other to eliminate the cravings.  I've gone once and the effects were amazing.  I go again this afternoon.  The accupuncture also helps with energy levels and he showed me press points on your ears that you can manipulate to increase your energy level and minimize the symptoms.  He also gave me a detox liquid that I take 3 times a day to clean myself out.  I literally don't have anymore cravings for the pills and only really need them to avoid the withdrawal symptoms related to getting off them.  For $30 per visit, its more than worth the benefit.

I feel better than I have a very long time.  I see more clearly, think more clearly and effectively, the pain that existed when I started coming off them is gone, which is another nasty effect of taking pain killers, they actually accentuate the pain and make it worse than it really is.

Every time I look at my wife and son I know why I'm doing it.  I kept it from my wife and took my lumps when I told her.  I opened up to every health care person I went to about my problem and told them everything and didn't hold back or try to shade the extent of my issues.  You will feel better when you fess up.

Good luck and God bless all of you fighting the bear.

Forget about all the "it will get better stuff".  Get a plan together, implement it and don't look back.  

ff100

[zsathi]

taking hydorcodone 7.5 once a day is addiction?

[triedeverymed]

I had a much worse habit than yours and I know from experience you CAN"T TAPER off hydrocodone after long periods of time. You need a program to quit. I used Suboxone, it saved my life. Tapering is just a nice way of wanting to halfway quit. Your boby chemistry has been altered by the pills and the only way to get it back is quit cold turkey and be patient for a year or try the sub program and be patient for a year. It takes about a year to get you body back in synch and working right again. That's per my treatment doctor, not me. I have almost 4 years now and it's so worth being clean if you can do it.
Best of luck to you!! Do some research, you'll find lots of ways to get help.

[helpmeplease409]

Has anyone tried the Thomas Recipe? do you know if it works?? I have been takin hydrocodone for about 2 yrs i used to only take half of one a day now im taking 3 or 4..im only 20 and i dont wanna be addicted to anything. i wanna try this thomas recipe..has anyone tried it?? HELP me please!

[Analogical]

Hi, everyone.  As Elisabet suggested that many are embarassed to admit their addictions.  I have been taking about 2-4 norcos a day and, I am not abusing it, for it has not been prescribed, they're my Dad's, he gives some to me.  The reason being, I have a colon condition called Crohn's Disease, and it makes my colon get horribly inflammed, almost to the point where you can't find a way to stand up or or sit down in comfort.  Hydrocodone constipates my stomach, making it not get so inflammed because not as much food I eat is coming as fast.  So I've been semi-recreationally given these pills and they've worked for a longer time than I knew, this is about fourth month.  I just feel bad because I'm about to leave here for college and if I want to continue this self-treatment then I'd have to explain and win the confidence of a doctor and it's something I'm not really willing to do.  I have dealt with many psychiatric doctors at the beginning of high school, because I think faster than most other people, as I've learned, and this whole psychobabble about me being bipolar or ocd or scizophrenic or whatnot when they've finally come up with a diagnosis.  Savant-like bipolar.  So i've spent years before this on benzos and lithium.  I just don't want another disease or need of a medicine to isolate me even more, do you think stopping cold turkey with the help of 1mg of klonopin and 5 mg of valium, that i'd feel less withdrawal, because we all know there is withdrawal.

[Bearmann]

I have been on Norco (10mg Hydrocodone/325mg Tylenol) for going on 8 years. I have taken 8-12 daily for about the past 2 years (all doctor prescribed). I know that I can't quit cold turkey because occasionally I run out before it is time for a refill and I get what I call the "WAH-WAHS" (If you cup your hands over your ears and cover & release repeatedly it sort of replicates the feeling I get in my head) and practically go into siezures.
I am a single father of 2 and I have Chronic Deep Vein Thrombosis and have pretty bad pain in my leg from 6 bloodclots over the last 15 years. I obviously didn't start taking this high of a dose in the beginning, but my tolerance has just gone up & up & up. My doctor is about ready to stop the prescriptions and I know the tolerance and addiction are just going to continue to get worse. So I'm just trying to figure out a tapering plan to get me off of these things. I have 145 tabs left and need some tips on doing this. I've never been on any forum before this and was really surprised to find this one. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[Bearmann]

If you are going to take klonopin and/or valium, please, make sure not to take the Norco along with it or even near the same time, as the combination can be an actual killer. Many people have died from this combo. Good Luck!

[cazman405]

I am so thankful that I found this site. I guess that I knew that I wasnt the only one, but damn, every story is sooooo simular to mine. Thats amazing. I have really became a Hydro Junkie. After a back surgery last year, I have been taking up to 20 10's a day. I have managed to swindle every doctor in town. I am having a serious problem quiting the hydro because I have aquired three, yes, three pain management specialist that each prescribe me 120 pills a month. I also have a ortho that prescribes 90 pills a month. I am really scared about my health and my relationships with everyone around me. I am really scared. I have recently tried to lower my dose daily, only because I am trying to make what I have left lastt until friday. This is pathetic!! I guess that I am here for a little support. I need to have the courage to talk to all of my doctors soon to end this all together. Anyones advice is greatly appreciated!!!!

[mr.lucky66]

you could get in big trouble if all these docs figure your doing all this doctor shopping. They have new ways to know even with phoney names different or no ins, That should be a motivation amoung other reasons that I'm sure you are aware of.

[LB5060]

Doctors now have the ability to run a report each month and it will show them every doctor you are using and every pharmacy you are filling at so it is just a matter of time before you get caught. Get some help now before it comes to that. I was in your situation until a month ago and I found a doctor that will prescribe Suboxone and it has completely changed my life. I never thought I could get off the pills myself and I would probably die from an overdose or get shot because I was in the bad part of town. Thankfully I survived and am now dedicated to staying sober and helping anyone I can. This site is great for support so you are one step in the right direction!

[mr.lucky66]

Yes docs and pharmacies can find out. sub may have helped you but give yourself more credit. This drug is only a tool and I see too many people having problems getting off of it because docs give too much for too kong, in many cases. We can't always find drug solutions to drug addcition.

[samyers]

What recourse is the against these drs. that get your loved ones hooked on this hydro?

[samyers]

thats is there against these drs.

[princess007]

Absolutly !! I recently got caught at a doctors office trying to get more Lortab...I was so embarassed and humiliated! I have been taking them for awhile now at first I was just taking them for really severe period cramps each month which really wasn't a prob I was only taking 5 a month. Then I started with severe back pain, thats how I got hooked. I haven't quit completely. I tapered down. There was no way I could go to rehab I am esteemed in my community. So I have tapered down alot only 2 a day 1 in the Morning and 1 at night. My husband helped so much he searched the internet and found alternatives (vitamines) and it really has helped me alot with anxiety. The anxiety was the worst and feeling so depressed like I had just failed at life. The vitamines that I have been taking are Sam-e,ST. Johns Wart, Black Cohosh, Calcium, Glucosamine, Homepathic back pain med.,Folic acid, milk thistle, Liver cleanse...It really has helped me so much! I hope that it helps someone else to. If you decide to do it this way you have to be ready and willing. And double the doses of the Sam-e, St. Johns Wart, and Black Cohosh. It seemed to really take effect in about a week and a half. I will be praying for you all and please do the same for me.

With love from someone who knows exactly what you are going through!!

[PanSinoeis]

I say jump off.  Cold Turkey baby!!!  I jumped off before at 15-25 a day.  At least a half a dozen times.  All the way back to 100% normal again.  Hydrocodone withdrawals are not that bad really.  But that's just me.  I also have had withdrawals from Methadone and Tramadol before, and those are much worse.

[happyeyes]

Thank you to everyone for your honesty.  I am currently trying to get the courage to get off hydro.  I take up to 15 a day, 5's, 7.5's, or 10's, whatever I have.  I didn't even admit to myself that I had a problem until last week.  I want to tell my doctor the truth, but I'm afraid she won't perscribe anymore.  I just want one more month of hydro's....which is what I said last month and of course is classic addict.  I can clean for hours and hours on this stuff and I just don't want to loose that.  I'm usually a pretty shy and peaceful person, but on hydro's, I don't take anybody's ****.  I like that until I start getting so bitchy that I annoy myself.  Anyway...maybe the doctor will tell me no and I'll have to quit.  That would be for the best.  I am sick of always worrying about if/when I can get more.  How did I let this happen.  Thanks for listening/reading.

[traderaw]

Thanks for all of the advice. I was taking 2-4 10/650 tabs a day for over five years. I'm currently using the tapering off method. But i also feel its very important to exercise (even just a short walk).

I was told that hydrocodone gets stored in your fatty tissue. So its important to stay as active as possible. STAY POSITIVE!!! DO NOT LET DOUBT AND NEGATIVE THOUGHTS CONTROL U!!!!!!

[confused101203]

Hi everyone. This is the first time I have visited this site and I am very glad that I have. I identify with each and everyone of you. I have tried numerous times to quit, take my husbands meds which leaves him in pain, always worring about not having the pills, going to the doc to get pills, spending all of my money on them. I have been taking them for the last 3 years. I started by just taking 1-2 a day because they made me feel good. Now I take 15 10mg percs a day. I have to quit taking them by the end of this month because I start my internship and I am going to get random drug screening and I didn't just go to school for the last 6 years for nothing. But it is not only that, I need to quit before I hurt myself, to be a good mother and wife, as well as provide for my family. Like I said I have gone through withdrawls before and I am scared. I hate feeling that way. And after the physical pain is over you still have the psychosocial aspect which lasts a long time and I have never quit long enough to ever get past it. This is what scares me. Does it ever go away? If anyone has quit taking opioids successfully for a while or know PLEASE let me know. Thank you for posting it makes me feel good that I am not alone and not just other people taking pills but for others to feel the same way you do. Thanks again.

[bridget66]

It is a blessing to find that some people can taper off hydrocodone. I think if other people can do it, I can. Sometimes it seems impossible, but I know it's not. I have been through so much pain and PTSD in my life that I'm just not up for a cold turkey. Anxiety and pain together are very difficult.

I've had headaches for many years. I've jumped off "relatively lower" doses of hydrocodone before, but I've been taking an awful lot for this last year. I know it's terrible for my health, and I want to get off. I know that the pills themselves are causing some of these headaches.

Does anyone have an idea of what might lessen symptoms while making cuts, like diet? I think sugar adds to anxiety. I'm glad to find these posts.

[opiator]

I started taking Vicodin 11 years ago for degenerative disc disease.After the first 4 years my doctor made me have an MRI that verified my condition then sent me to an ortho, My doc cut me off cold. The ortho told me to see pain mgmt doc which took a MONTH TO GET IN.The ortho told me to get pain meds from family doc so I went into w/d for 5 days until my doc went out of town and a fill in gave me a months supply. I was taking 8-10 a day. My pain doc convinced me to take methodone which I fought for 2 months but the 8 vics weren't killing the pain so I caved in. This doc gave me vicodin 360 a month 60 mg methodone and sleeping pills and muscle relaxers. I was pain free lol. Well...I am sick of taking meds and know it's killing me..btw I am 49 yo and last year started having pain I never had before so I started decreasing the vico and methodone and don't take any sleeping pills. 3 weeks ago I get a letter my doc is giving up the practice I am going to..so I freaked and even called a detox center. I needed a letter from my doc so when I called the nurse she told me to come see the doc and she would wean me off gradually. I did and want off this **** so was down to 10 mg methodone twice a day , 6 norco's a day 2 muscle relaxers to sleep. I am down to 2 mg twice a day, 6 norcos and 2 relaxers. I have stiff and achey (achy) hands since reducing the methodone due to lactic acid buildup, cold chills and very tired! Going to buy list of oc meds listed above. I can't wait to be rid of this **** and just deal with my pain. God bless all of you..now I don't feel so alone!

[elaine61]

I too have a problem with these HYDROS..they like consume me...I know i really need to taper off..I have a script for 90 month..I have been taking up to 10 to 12 a day.......and running out..I am tired of worrying about them..I just cant seem to stop..so I am thinking about cutting them in half and making 2 seem like 4..then taper off like that????? this *****..i know i have to do this sooner or later

[DroCo]

    I have been on pain killers for almost three years now.I cant go a day without them and I cant take them orally I have to chop them up and snort them. I dont even have a script no more, i've had one script for thirty days before, that was over a year ago. i spend five hundred dollars a month on these things. I have a really good job and they do random testing I am afraid of losing my job. I am already losing my life to these things I have head aches now that are concentated to the places where I snort the pills I have really weird stomache pains I never had before, I have a really bad temper, I jump on everyone for nothing, I just plain feel weird anymore, I really get to feeling like I could die from these things anytime, but I have to have these things to live at least I feel like I snorted one halfway down this reading this page thats how I am.I used to be a very smart and sharp thinker which I still am but I am slower than I ever was before I started taking these addictive things, does anyone else feel the symptoms I do, and what do I do, are these things killing me? should I go and have my body checked out because the way I feel, Someone PLEASE HELP ME!!!!!!!!