Vicodin Tapering

[mshell62]

I am new to this forum.  Any help is much appreciated!

I am taking a very, very small dose per day of Vicodin (compared to many others).    I have been trying to "taper" off.  I am very sensitive to even the slightest cutting down of this drug.  The usual, leg aches, anxiety, wanting to run a few miles in the middle of the night.... you know the drill.  

Is there a tried and tested way to taper off this stuff the right way?  Without feeling this ****.  When you hear the dosage I am taking, please don't think I am a "troll".  I was taking three 500 mg per day and went down to one per day - then we had a horrible death in the family a little over a week ago.  My sister - but anyway, we tend to dive into the drugs when the chips are down.  I only have 12 vicodin tablets left.  I DONT and most probably CANNOT obtain one more script for them.  

How can I use these last 12 Vicodins to taper off?  Remember, I am taking TWO per day now.  Is it possible with only 12 left?  

Thanks so much for your consideration,
Mshell

[mshell62]

Hang in there friend!

You can do this!  You are stronger than I am.  Maybe you better flush that stuff... (dont send it to Beesrcute)...just kidding Bees... we want you to get better too...

Ya, but maybe you should flush it...(i know it makes me sweat to think of that) ... but if you are serious about it, this is the advise others who are successful have given..

We are here with you...Hugs and a prayer to you

[mshell62]

I couldnt have put it better.  Yes, we take responsibility for our own actions, however, it is the same as seen a McDonald's commercial with "fit and trim" people eating that food.  Eat McDonalds and you will be happy, in great shape, etc.  It's a joke that we so fully believe in so many times.

[Zurich42]

Addiction is addiction - it's kind of like wearing shoes that are too small - it still hurts.  You are doing the right thing right now - talking it out, asking questions, seeking advice and accepting opinions.  
There is definitely hope - believe me, I can vouch for that.  I remain determined to be part of the 20% that do not relapse.  And you're right - you CAN do this.  Just make sure you treat yourself right and do things that will comfort you.  Sometimes addiction brings out an ugly side of ourselves where we spend too much energy berating our self.  I like to turn that 'energy' around and use it constructively and positively - whether it be in my home or on this forum.  There are some excellent experts here, but most of all, there is support from folks going through the same thing.  

[GoingToMakeIt]

For me I couldn't work. It does feel like really bad flu and it is flu season...........Oh and the beads of sweat.That's a sure sign of addiction. How long have you been taking Vicodin?
Do you have a Dr you can talk to? I have found when you are totally honest, they can be understanding. If so, then there are things they can prescribe the curb the w/d symptoms a lot.

[GoingToMakeIt]

Welcome to the forum.
Anything is possible. You will still have some withdrawals, but they won't be as severe. Take 1 1/2 for 3 days, then 1 the next day then 1 1/2 the next then 1 for 2 days then 1/2 for 4 days then on the last 4 days take 1/4 per day. If I did my math that will be 12 pills over 15 days.
Are you aware that cold turkey w/ds are over after 5-6 days? the worst is days 3-5. Then things slowly get better. If you flushed the pills today, you could be done with most symptoms by New Years day. I did the c/t, and I was using 5-10 of the 7.5/500 ES. Click on my profile/journals and read the Thomas recipe. There is a lot of useful there to help you with detox and w/ds.
Keep posting.

[Beesrcute]

Hi thank you so much for the uplifting comment..I guess you can tell its 1:30 am christmas eve morning and I am up alone going through all this and I accidently came across this site.  I hope you can get the courage up to get off the drugs.  They are evil and nothing good comes from them.  I don't know how old you are but whatever age you are the longer you use the worse it gets.  I have been on Xanax for 30 yrs. I am unable to come off of them that was part of the rehab and my body is so addicted to them I start going into a coma everytime they try.  I take 4 of the 2 mg bars a day and will have to the rest of my life.  Don't let this happen to you, you can do it, I don't even know you but can tell buy your notes you are a sweet good person.

[Beesrcute]

I didn't decide to quit my pain went away and without even thinking about it 2 days ago I just didn't need it anymore well maybe 3 or 4 days I'm losing track,I started all these symptoms and thought I was getting the flu and by yesterday it finally hit me that hey I haven't had any vicodin. I have been through this before I should have known the symptoms.  So there you go cold turkey, why take any now.  Yeah it would feel great but the way I feel now when this feeling goes away I don't ever want to feel it again.  I had help the other 2 times at the rehab centers so this is a lot harder for me.  I really think you should give it a try.  I was in rehab with some heavy users so I know where you're coming from but where there is the will there is a way and God can help us through anything and I am not overly religious I just believe he can help..thanks for the words of encouragement.

[mshell62]

Hang in there friend!

You can do this!  You are stronger than I am.  Maybe you better flush that stuff... (dont send it to Beesrcute)...just kidding Bees... we want you to get better too...

Ya, but maybe you should flush it...(i know it makes me sweat to think of that) ... but if you are serious about it, this is the advise others who are successful have given..

We are here with you...Hugs and a prayer to you

[oxyaddict420]

Since you are trying so hard to quit and have the aweful temptation of that full bottle, can you please send it to me>? lol- only half serious.. I have not yet made the decision to quit. I came accross this site by accident but it has been wonderful for me. I think some day i will be able to quit( just not today) GOOD LUCK ON YOUR RECOVERY!

[Beesrcute]

My name is Diane and right this moment I am going through withdrawals.  It has been an awful Christmas Eve. I am throwing up, diarreh , cold sweats, chills, sweat is drippings off me, I feel panicky, I am shaking. I have a full bottle of 7.5/500 in my bedroom and it is all I can do not to go take them.  I feel like I am dying thank God my family is supportive of me. I hope you can do it I am not sure I can but I am trying and I guess in some way it helps to know others are out there for support. I have been in rehab twice before for this evil vicodin all Dr. prescribed for severe pain after surgery and dental work.  But this time I am determined to go it alone, I hope.  Good Luck to you.

[mshell62]

I just found your "journals" on your progress.   Fabulous.  They are very helpful and encouraging.

Will look forward to reading more.  Thanks again.

[mshell62]

Hey,
I just now read your post that you are a consultant - ER, etc.  I do medical transcription - in a hospital - in the Radiology department....I am not technically in a "clinical" setting, therefore, I am at the bottom of that "totem pole".  I completely understand where you are coming from.  Doctors/nurses really need someone "under" them to vent on.  

It is no wonder my stomach starts to hurt when I go to work, thus the need for some "therapy via Vicodin".....A job shouldnt be so stressful, but that is the nature of the beast these days...everywhere.

So, what have you found or are you finding to supplement for the Vicodin?  In the past, I would get up every hour on the hour, several times a day, and walk the six story stairwell.  Of course, in the beginning, it was only two or three stairs.  (Good thing I work in a hospital.. in case I fall over with a coronary arrest)... Anyway, i know i gotta get back to enjoying the "endorphin" high and not the easy way out.

Thanks for your comments, etc.

[oxyaddict420]

I did pretty good today on the tapering. Not what I wanted but about 70% less than my normal.  

[Zurich42]

Pharmaceutical companies are my #1 pet peeve.  The fact that they are now bombarding our television with commercials on 'how great their drug is' drives me absolutely nuts.  The fact that they have 'Lunesta - a beautiful butterfly fly around sleepy, drowsy, people' that have 'no issues' with drowsiness when they wake up ticks me off to no end.  Although they mention the side-affects, they don't go into the 'addiction and/or dependency' side of it - nor do they talk about 'stopping abruptly may cause a significant change in attitude, personality, bathroom trips, or feelings of ease because your head feels like it's gonna explode'.  Every where we turn there's a drug for this - a drug for that.  My research indicates over 17% of the elderly in this country are hooked on prescribed medications.  Additionally, pill addiction is the fastest rising amongst youth ages 15 - 25 with females more likely to abuse.  What does this tell us? Don't ge tme wrong - I know full well it is my responsibility to take medication the 'right' way - however, the fact that prescriptions are-a-plenty is ridiculous.

[mshell62]

I meant that it seems SO easy to get ahold of meds... docs seem ever so eager to give them to you sometimes.  I know it is all about the money the pharmaceutical companies make on "us".

[Zurich42]

After reading my journals and postings, I nearly figured out why I started abusing my prescription.  I work in an extremely stressful profession (I work as a consultant with Emergency Room technology nationwide) and although I love what I do, I hate what I 'see' and most of the people I work with.  I've never come across so many burned out, angry, frustrated people as I have with those that work in the ER/ED.  Don't get me wrong - I admire and respect them more than anything - I just tire of being their punching bag when technology goes down.  Anyway, between that and the 'lonliness' of living in a different hotel room every week, things got to me.  I started abusing the Vicodin so that I could 'handle' work and 'handle' being alone in the evenings.  But it didn't hit me until earlier last month when I went to an Urgent Care and waited 2.5 hours to be seen for a back injury.  I walked out - didn't even wait to see the doctor.  Only afterwards did I realize that I was 'drug seeking' - that I was taking the Vicodin to 'handle' my job.  It was a HUGE wake-up call.  Here I thought the Vicodin just 'made me happy' - when all it was doing was masking the 'hurt' of getting verbally attacked by physicians, charge nurses, social workers.  They aren't 'bad' people - they are just overworked, and tired, and have very little control over their profession.  They need to 'vent' in a way that is useful to them without damaging them (as you can imagine, hospitals are extremely political) - thus, they tend to rip on consultants.  
Finding 'answers' to our life's questions is a dance we perfect over time.  I am just 'now' understanding why I let myself get so out-of-control.  But like you, am determined to be part of the 20%.

[mshell62]

20%?!  I have beaten greater odds.  I am also determined to be in that percentile.  

I want to WANT to.  I need to get that "energy" and use it constructively.  I really have alot of things to use it on.  I need to get it without pills.  That is really, really hard.  But foremostly, I need to figure out WHY this Vicodin does what it does to my brain.  Why I am enticed to use it and why it gives me that feeling of content.  What am I covering up?  Why do I stick my head in the sand?  

All questions I gotta figure out.  I suppose my sister felt the same way.  

Thanks

[mshell62]

I should be glad my addiction is not as bad as others.  I got up to 3 a day and now down to about 2 - wow.  But this shows me there is hope.  I CAN do this.

Thank you so very much for your help.  All of these posts help in some way.

Mshell

[Zurich42]

What's all about money? the pills?

[mshell62]

i have been taking the Vicodin since last february - almost a year - and before that off and on Tylenol 3 - tapered off that and then in February, came down with horrible stomach pains - in which my doc prescribed Vicodin...great.  Then, tooth problem - yup, ya guessed it - Vicodin.  

I do have a good doctor, i think.  Boy, they just keep giving this stuff away, dont they, though?

Its all about money of course.

Thanks for help
Mshell

[Zurich42]

I know it may be difficult - but you really do need to pass your tapering regime by your physician (if you have one).  Also, your tapering regime really depends on your dosage, duration, and frequency.  My vicodin addiction was 10-12 tablets/day @ 5/500 mg each for over 8 months.  I 'withdrew' over a 14 day period and am celebrating 21 days of sobriety as of today.  The worst days for me physically were Day 3 & 4, and mentally Day 5 & 6.  I used the Thomas Recipe (except for the Xanax - I didn't want to trade one addiction for another) and found some excellent vitamins that helped a great deal.  
My condolences on the death of your sister.  I'm sorry that this has happened to you.  Stay strong and continue to post. You're not alone...

[CATUF]

Take a look at my response to Susie in "Looking for Advise" http://www.medhelp.org/posts/show/385597

CATUF

[mshell62]

Thanks SO much.

Gosh, why does the idea of "flushing" this stuff bring beads of sweat to my brow????  This is NOTHING compared to what you were taking.  C/T w/ds over in 5 - 6 days?  In my mind, that is 5 days of work - HOW the heck can I function at work?  

Please dont get me wrong, I WANT and NEED to do this (see one of my many reasons in an answer to "catfish" ).   I am just scared.  But more scared of NOT doing this.

I will read your profile and once again, thank you SO much for doing the math.  I will think on this.

Mshell