Vicodin withdrawl

[samar]

I have been taking Vicodin/Tylenol 3 for a long time and am going to stop today.  I am planning to incorporate accupuncture, massage, steam bath, herbal supplements, homeopathy, and nutritional supplements. I have not tapered down. Some of what I have read regarding the withdrawl is really scary.  Is it absolute that it is going to be hell?  Is it possible to get through it in 4-5 days?  Is there a forum here in which you can talk to someone?  I would really appreciate some feedback.  Thank you, Ali

[pullingup300]

Dear Self ,  Please remember that no matter what your husband does Or your daughter, son, Parents do in the way of addictions. You Must Love You... Even if it seems that sometimes noone Else does.... Self,
There is a light at the end of the tunnel... No It is not a train.. Though several have been by here,,, You Must Look after You and not focus on their addictions. YoU  Must not listen to words like Your a Poly Anna, Always beliveing good will come from Everything.. You must not fall into the trap of the blame that gets put on you repeatedly. You Need Only To Tell them that You Do Love Them. You Are not required to Like them, Nor ar you required to stay and watch them Die..Self You are a Loving Mother and Wife... However you can not live on Lies or Blame... I know your heart hurts and you feel Alone. Yet you've been alone so  long that leaveing should not scare you at all. If Anything empower you, And Look For Your own Strenght... You would never put your husband on Meth... You Would never Encourage Your Daughter to Commit Forgery so she could be on Probations for 5 Years. You would never encourage Your son to use bank cards from closed accounts to call Porn sites ... And Even though You did not know about any of this..It Does not mean your stupid.... What would be stupid would be allowing your family to use you as a Door mat.... Now self you and I  know your completely capiable of leaveing( cause your already alone) And you can walk away because the day you do  everyone in your family must act on their on accord and can no Longer blame you for their own doings....So Say a Prayer for them.... Leave it in The Creators hands and go .... Do Not Look Back ..... and take care of your self..You can  not help them.... And I know you.... Enableing is out of the question... You must look after You Only.. Laugh and miss but do not go back... We both know that being beat with a fist would be  much eazier to  heal from than emotional abuse or neglect..... hubby is 51,daughter is 31.son 34.....  That is over 100 years of knowledge betwwen all of them  you only have 52 years to go on.... keep your head up and find happiness in you....The lonelyness will get better and  the pain will eaze...

[Thomas03]

Hey, pal, where ya been keepin yourself? Good to see ya here again!

Thomas

[MethMan]

Streetins,
You posted, "WOW! There really is somebody out there who cares to help me."

Bud... you have NO idea.  Welcome to this forum.  You're amongst people that know where you're at, been there, done that and understand your concerns.

By the way... I'm just another person on the board.  No one important.  None the less, if there is anything I can do to help you, I will.  You're not alone.

Peace,
Methman

[oxic]

Steetins, once you've "come out the other side"; maybe we'll all meet you at your "detox resort" on the golf course.  I always liked Vegas!!!!

[oxic]

Peazy,  Just read through this thread........you guys(girl) are unbelievable!!!!  I'd say it would be a pretty big contigent heading "up there".....but now that i think about it, you've mentioned me heading to heaven before....... you don't want me dead do you??  I've been wondering how your distraction techniques are working this weekend.  Hang in there Sweetie.....

Thomas. **** buddy, thanks for being here for all of us. We are all very lucky!! Still waiting to hear the "next step"......

Methman: We could sure use the likes of you around here a lit'l more brother!! I'll not forget some of your posts!!!

STREETINS: you get the idea.......we are here for you friend.

percs

[Thomas03]

My friend percs is also right about the liver aspect of Vic use. I've never heard of tylenol damage to the liver referred to as cerrosis. At the rate you were using, I wouldn't be surprised if your liver enzyme count is elevated. While using have you ever had sallow (yellow) skin, mysterious bruising and/or yellow/orange stools? These can be signs of a distressed liver. A high rate of alcohol consumption in the days preceding a blood test can also cause elevated liver enzyme counts.

As percs said, the liver is a self-healing organ. Discontinue all tylenol products, lay off the booze and start taking Milk Thistle capsules (from the health food store). The efficacy of Milk Thistle to promote liver healing is backed by clinical studies. I wouldn't be concerned unless your enzyme count remains high despite these measures. My enzyme count always fell to normal after I stopped the tylenol.

Thomas

[peaz]

Well, my ex is there but we'll ignore him....besides, Methman's footing the bill for everyone!! What a guy!!  (And did you notice how I budged right in line to include myself??!!) If nothing else, you'll need a cook....
   By George, I think you're right about the heaven comment, but the answer is a resounding,"NO!"  Damn--who would help me out of all my predicaments??  LOL You're stuck w/ me,, buddy...  Peaz

[Thomas03]

Well, 5 or 6 Vic 7.5's at once! A pleasure to meet someone with an appetite to match my own. You're smart and fortunate to be taking time off for your detox. You're also fortunately smart to be addressing your addiction before your life is in ruins. Many, including myself, are neither fortunate nor smart in this regard.

Since my good friend percs (oxic) gave you the recipe, I won

[peaz]

Hey Guy--You're going to heaven.......:-)

[oxic]

Jim,  you are not alone man!!!
This place helped me reclaim my life last summer, coming off a pretty hefty percocet habit(of many years). My useage peaked last winter, after my mom passed away unexpectedly and my best buddy was murdered Mar.7th. Also had two back surgeries.  VERY SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR PARENTS JIM!!!
I also manage an A & D group for a large oil company, so when i detoxed, i kind of hid around the flu concept.  People wondered about it being a pretty horrible flu......but hey whatever works.
My hot tub was my saviour, during my rapid taper, and the first couple days after zero pills.  I didn't have any benzos, but my doc got me on trazadone(for the sedative effects). You won't need that with the xanax.  Just be careful with the xanax.  If you end up trading your vike habit for a benzo marriage, you will pay the piper many-fold worse.
Drink tons of water and/ or gatoraid. I picked up a great big pail of protein/carb mix from my gym, and made shakes several times thru the day.  Hell even Boost could give you some nutrients.
That kind of is the idea of Thomas's detox....."sleeping/dozing" thru the first few hard physical w/d days.
I check this place everyday(but can't post during work), so i can respond after work, and see how you are doing.

Do pick up the Milk Thistle.  Remember, I'm no doctor, and certainly can't detrmine whether you have any liver damage.  A simple blood test and you will be satisfied.  I can tell you, the liver is an amazingly resilient organ, and thankfully one of the few that regenerates itself. There are some terrific people here, that can be a world of support(and knowledge). Post up higher.....most people don't read down in the "basement"  Don't worry about cutting in on a thread . Good luck friend!!!

Percs

ps... i've been off percs since Aug. 19th. and feeling very good; so please know it's worth it

[streetins]

WOW!  There really is somebody out there who cares to help me.  OXIC, thank you so much for replying to me I cannot tell you what a lonely place I am in.  I recently survived the passing of both my mother and father, which escalated my vicodin abuse tenfold.  You did not mention much about my liver situation but I guess like you say I should first deal with the detox and then get to my doctor for the propper testing.  I do have the ten days and I look to the normal person on the street like I am a healthy functioning person, so I have printed the treatment procedure out on my computer.  I do have about 100 xanax at my disposal so the health food store should be able to assist me with the other items you mentioned in the doctors article.  I live alone in a nice house on a beautiful golf course in Las Vegas and have a jacuzzi roman tub in the master bathroom so the baths are doable.  It sounds like I can start Monday and try this option you have reccommended.  My question is, can I post you messages as I go day by day as there is no one in my life here to check on me.  And also how many Xanax should I take when I wake up every morning and is the idea to try and sleep through the withdrawl period.  I am so grateful you offered me some advise I cannot express my gratitude. Thank you so very much. Oh one last thing I know I will not be able to eat so is soup with rice and pork a good idea or maybe eggs or should I just hope the vitamins help.  Last time I tried to stop the bathroom was a constant all day thing if you know what I mean! THANK YOU
WAITING TO BE CURED//JIM

[oxic]

Hey Welcome!!
10 days will get you through the worst of the physical withdrawals(usually 3-5 days after your last pill).  I'll copy and paste Thomas' Recipe which should really help you through the hard physical w/d's ; and after as well.

As far as the tylenol damaging your liver; you are at risk of damaging your liver when you exceed 4 grams/day, day after day(the 4000mg is a guideline, of course there are variances).
You really should get your enzymes run again if you are that worried about it.   It is not a bad idea picking up some milk thistle in the interim, as it is a very good promoter of liver healing and protection to subsequent intake of toxins!!!!

Thomas Detox Recipe

PLEASE NOTE: I am not a doctor, simply a long-time Rx opiate junkie who has had many opportunities to develop a way to detox. This is a recipe for at-home self-detox from opiates based on my experience as well as that of many other addicts. It is not intended as professional medical advice. It is always wise to make sure none of the recipe ingredients or procedures conflict with medications you may be taking. Likewise, if you have any medical condition, disease, allergy or any other health issue, consult your doctor before using the recipe. Thanks, Thomas

This recipe is designed for cold turkey opiate detox. It assumes that you can get about 5 to 7 days away from your job or household responsibilities during which you can sleep, veg and act as miserable as you feel. Opiate WD mimics the symptoms of the common flu, so, if you need a smokescreen, hide behind a bad case of the flu.

If you can't take time off to detox, I recommend you follow a taper regimen using your drug of choice or suitable alternate -- the slower the taper, the better.

For the Recipe, You'll need:

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.

PLEASE NOTE: If you have any medical complications, first check with your doctor before detoxing to verify that this regimen is safe for you.


GOOD LUCK FRIEND!!!

percs

[streetins]

Hi I am addicted to hydrocodone.  I take twelve 7.5 per day.  Usually 3 in the morning 3 around noon and 5 or 6 around dinner hour which is 5pm to 7pm then I have dinner and go to bed.  I am the Senior Vice President of a large corporation and do not have much time to detox.  But I have schedueled ten days of vacation and I thought I would rehab during that time.  I have been abusing this medication for several years at this point.  Do you think 10 days is enough time (for the physical I realize the mental part is the main concern and a lifetimes work)  and also does the vicodin cause liver damage.  I am really concerned about my liver.  The last time I went to the doctor about a year ago he said my enzymes were up and I have been afraid to go back and re test.  Does the fact I have taken so many pills mean I have cerrosis of the liver.  I do not look sick, but the right side of my abdoman (liver area) has a dull pain sometimes.  The doc felt my liver and did not think it was enlarged.  Please let me know the liver consequenses regarding VICS and am I too late.
Thanks
streetins

[Desembur]

Hi, first time here. Looks like a great board. I'm not in this whole withdrawl thing myself. About 3 years ago I was in a very abusive relationship. My kidney was giving me problems so I started getting demerol, vicodin, tylenol 3, oxycodone, morphine (in the hospital) and other things to take home. The pain stayed for about 6 months, but I continued saying I had pain to get the pills. When my x was in my face, I didn't care because i was always floating on something. It's a few years later and I still have been getting pills once in awhile. The pain does come back, thats when I get them, But then the pain goes away in a couple days and look here, I have a whole bottle of pain killers left. Lol. I try to stay away, but itts that feeling, ya know. My question for anyone is, what is the difference in vicodin and norco. I was recently given Norco for back pain, and never heard of it. My liver is not so good, that's why they changed it. Is it the same affect? Less strong. I haven't taken any yet because I've been ok.

[teeitup]

Read the post, find ways to stay busy and you can cut back. It's day to day. Find ways to laugh and have fun, you got to have fun no matter how much things suck! Hang in there!

teeitup!

[Erika_Ann]

Hello- thank you both for your comments. They helped. I feel like my heart is going to crawl out of my chest right now!!! UUUGGGHHHH.... THis sucks big time. I hope you will both stay in touch with me. Ive read alot of your posts and feel like I know both of you already.
Love to you both---Erika

[Erika_Ann]

teeitup where are you? Your my inspirtation!!!! :)   Hope your around soon...... Erika

[Erika_Ann]

Hello-
Ive never posted here before and Im quite impressed of all of you and how you have dealt with this and help others. Im a 31 y/o female with arthritis and fibromyalgia. In 1994 I lost all my cartliage in both wrists and they were fused. That is when I was introduced to narcotics. Never before in my life had I taken anything for it. I have had both arthritis and fibro for 20 years and have always just taken asprin etc. Nothing this strong. Well my tolerance climed the walls and eventually I was given MS Contin (morphine). Stupid mistake. I wanted off and stuck myself into rehab. They didnt help me so I checked myself out and cold turkey-ed it. I did it. But after a few months I went to see the doc and vicoden was given to me. I havnt quite since. Im so mad at myself. But with these two ailments it HURTS. I know I need to stop though. I had 50 prescribed to me on the 30th of decemeber and I just took my last one. THats a problem. Im scared. I need support and was hoping i could talk to people here.
Thanks for listening.
Erika

[lisabet]

Hi and welcome to the forum; SO many nice and helpful people here.  One hint: post on one of the top threads; more people will likely see your posts and respond.  You are very wise to realize you have a problem.  I've been there: gotten a bottle of 90 - vicodins and gone through them in less than a week. The thing, though, if you have fibro you probably need the pain meds; the hard part is taking them responsibly (I realize how painful fibro is - my 52 year old cousion was recently diagnosed with this, after years of pain and suffering, and everyone - including herself - thinking she was a hypochrondiac). Please search the archives and read all the posts; particulary hippee, bodymechanic, thomas, rex, suzieneedshelp, golden1, chezz, bmac, witchywoman, southernbelle..many, many others; some recovering, some still using - but all their posts offer so much insight.  I've tapered from 12 vics a day to 5 in a couple of months, and feel so much stronger, due for the most part of sharing and reading on this forum.  It makes you feel so less alone.  Check out the Thomas recipe thru-out this site (includes vitamins and aminos) - it's helped me a lot.  Good luck, sweetie - you're not alone in this struggle. Love, Lisabet

[teeitup]

I to have long term pain and require pain meds. Sounds like you have a good handle on them right now, I must tell myself to "use" not "abuse" everyday. Read the post, take the hydro only when pain is involved and I think you'll be fine. You've realized early that there might be a problem so your miles ahead of most. Good luck!

teeitup!

[teeitup]

As Rex said, if you don't need them don't take them. They will creep up on you and before you know it you'll want that energy rush more often and know telling how many it will take. I have to take 1 or 2 a day for a long term problem and would give anything not to even at that low dose. good job and realizing this early, read all the post and some of the stories will help you understand why it's agood idea to quit now!. Good luck!

teeitup!

[coswathy]

MAN OH MAN JUST READING THESE COMMENTS FOR HOURS AND HOURS HAS  got me to forget taking my regular dose...and I feel pretty good, can I say high from reading, thinking, and trying to put all this forum has into the craw...the variety is endless...the advice is pure, mostly from the many experienced opeds, can I just say in Jesus name-spiritually flavored, not to mention, and I hope not offend or stress anyone....very funny at times...good luck to all and keep writing............coswathy

[Rex1]

You are not a very high dose - you may have no withdrawal symptoms at all.  By the way, there are people on this form that would pay money to be where you are right now, and quit from that point to 0.

What I would say to you is that unless you stop your dosage will simply go up, and then you'll have to go through a hellish detox.

Congratulate yourself for seeking help early.  Then commit yourself to stopping.  There are plenty of people here who'll help you do that.

Good luck...

Rex

[BunBun]

I have been taking 1 - 500mg Vicodin at bedtime or after dinner for about 3 months.  If I don't take one I am not able to sleep and I am restless. There is no medical reason for taking them.  I like the way I feel - and have a ton of energy for an hour or so. I have a Dr who I had an affair with who will fill them if I call or I have been buying them from a co-worker - or stealing them from family .  For the past week or so during the day I am VERY tired and have a headache .  I have had a cold.  What are the symptoms of my body needing more? IS that what I am feeling?  I know I need to quit. I just need to know what to expect for withdrawal symptoms