Vicodin withdrawal symptoms...how long?

[ALreins]

I am a 40 yr old male and I have been taking 2-4 Vicodin a day for the past three years. A medical doctor prescribed it for me after it was discovered I suffered bone degeneration in my lower 2 disk vertebrea. At the time I thought little of taking a prescription painkiller. Now after my first 6 days of no longer taking Vicodin I am realizing how powerful of a substance it actually is. I'm having withdrawal symptoms I didn't expect. Light headedness, the runs, blood pressure going up, and general fatigue. Lots of fatigue. And some irritability. I am hoping that these symptoms begin to decrease soon. Well, they have gotten better than it was in the first 2 days. I am still wondering how long I can expect to have these side effects of withdrawal?

[LostNoMore]

soready - you're posting on a really old thread. go to the top of the page and
use the "post a question" button to start a new thread. That way people can see your post and help you. Good luck.

[soready4]

I too am addicted to pills.  Opiates.  I keep planning to stop and then realize it's a bad time becuase life has to go on and I feel I won't be able to function without them.  I never realized I feel physically weak without them.  I thought it would just be mental and emotional.  I've tried waiting my next dose out for several hours and am shocked at how sick I feel.
I have been thru chemo so the aches and pains I believe will be the least of it.  I've relied on these pills to get me going and 'do my thing' for so long I simply can't imagine life going on without them.  And how to chose an appropriate time to stop.  I have my own business and my father is facing brain cancer and I don't want to let my family down.  
So....this is my story.

[Topnicopter]

How are you doing?  That's a pretty crazy story and I really hope it turned out good.  Michael

[beagles4u]

mark-

your comments made me laugh and cry, just because I've been there, done that.  It's hard period...no matter what dose you take!!! It's been a while since you posted, I just hope this finds you well, happy, healthy both physically and emotionally and vicodin free!!! xoxo sharon

[jwheeler672]

   i think im at the worst of  it right now cant sleep and my stomach started hurting from the withdrawls i guess its been almost 3 days i hope it will soon get better

[IwillDoThis]

Austin - how you doing today - let us know how you are.  We are here if you need support.