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

[hellbent]

Please post how much you take daily, and how long u have been taking it.

[janipie]

I was taking up to 40 vics a day. My physical w/d's lasted about 10 day. I believe everyone is different and you have implemented a good plan. I didn't have one other than to go cold-turkey. It wasn't pleasant but looking back (27 months)...those memories of going thru w/d help keep me clean today. Do you have a plan for the psychological aspect of w/d's?? That's when the work starts!!!!
jan

[alexandra_r]

I am experiencing mild withdrawal from vicodin right now.  This was my 3rd day without it and yesterday (the 2nd day) was the worst.  I am feeling strong, though.  I have been having a bad back all day long and still have the resolution that I want to try living without painkillers.  I hope this feeling of lethargy will go away soon, though--I didn't even feel like getting off the couch all day.  Finally, around 3:00, I walked down to the beach and that was pretty therapeutic.  I am glad I tapered, because I know this could be so much worse.  . . . . Life is still beautiful and I am looking forward to tomorrow.

[1fortheroad]

i'm not sure what you mean when you say "is there a forum in which you can talk with someone" - that is basically what this is.  there used to be a dr. that answered questions, but he is no longer around.  you will find that fellow addicts have very useful info, plus much more empathy than any dr.

is sounds like you have so good plans in place. do you have family/friend's support?  that is so important.  do you have a dr. that can help you as well?  i don't know how much you've been taking, but they say physical symptoms can be over in 4-5 days.  i have never found that to be the case for me.  i ultimately used buprenex to get thru w/d.  cold turkey was not working for me nor was tapering.

look up "thomas' recipe" on this forum.  it is a recipe of many vitamins and herbs that SO many people swear by...

nothing is an "absolute" as you asked, however, w/d is usually not a fun thing...it depends on how much you've been taking, how long you've been using, how many times you've tried to stop, and what you have on hand to help.  you can do this tho...you'll find this forum very inspirational if you stay - you'll see that many people have gotten thru it and are much happier people today.  keep writing:)

[A-Factor]

I am the expert on this!

I just finished getting Vicodin out of my system.  I had gotten prescribed Vicodin by my Rheumatologist for my arthritis.  I abused it, and when she wouldn't refill it, I did a bad thing.

You see, I WORKED in a pharmacy, so I just borrowed some.  This went on for about 2 months, until I finally got caught and fired.  That happened last Friday, so that prompted my stopping taking it.  I had support from my husband and mother, and I thought I could take the withdrawels.  But I couldn't.

Your best bet is to go to an ER if you can't take it.  Early Monday morning, I started getting shortness of breath and chest pains.  DO NOT screw around then!  Get to an ER, don't be ashamed.  They will give you clonidine (an anti-hypertensive drug) to help with the withdrawels.  It was a life saver!  Other than fatigue and light-headedness, I felt great.  Once I had the Vicodin AND clonidine out of my system, I felt perfect.

So since I was on the clonidine, I'm not sure how long the withdrawels lasted.  Vicodin doesn't stay in your system too long, usually just a couple of days.

Stay strong, tell someone, get supportive people around you, and most important....Don't be embarrassed!  NO ONE can knock you for trying to stop this.

Good luck, I did it...you can too.

[chasers]

Hi First time here. I really hope someone will respond for me fast! I have been taking 3-4 Lortab10/500 daily for around 3-4 months. I am aware there is a problem and feel really bad about myself for letting myself do this. I need advice how to quit. Can I just stop at this point or do I need to wean myself off over how long and by how much? I know I'm addicted and I know I could be worse so I want to quit now. I do have Klonopin to help with anxiety. should I get professional help or can I try this on my own? Thank you so much for any advice-

[dabby]

I am about 2 1/2 weeks off of Lortab and still feeling very shaky.  I abused Lortab for 4 years taking about 20 -30 daily.  I altered prescriptions for years and it finally caught up with me.  My doctor refuses to treat me as a patient anymore, so my supply was cut off.  I went to a detox center to get off, but the depression is so bad that I am unable to do anything.  I force myself to go to AA meetings and that helps a little.  I am taking some antidepressant medications and am wearing a Clonodine patch to help with the anxiety.  Please stay away from Klonopin if you can because I found out that withdrawal from that causes seizures and can be very unpleasant.  I thought I could detox and go right back to work, but I am in no shape to do that.  I am feeling so shaky and depressed, it's hard for me to get out of my own way.  But I am told . . . this too shall pass.  And I guess it will if I continue to go to meetings and don't use.  I had hoped I would never have had to be in the place in my life to ssy that, but here I am.

[OxyDout]

just stop taking them, your at an EXTREMELY LOW volume, if you just stop the withdrawal will be minimal for 2 or 3 days at the worst!!! good luck!!!

GWH

[chasers]

TY GWH! I feel a little better. As to the klonopin, I have been taking it for like 4 years for anxiety. My doctor has no problem prescribing it and I have no intention of getting off it so I don't worry about withdrawals from that. That is just something I need and i accept that.Thanks for the advice-Chasers

[killer_B]

I just found out my girlfriend may be addicted to vicodan, and I'd like to find out some info to know how concerned I should be and what I/she can do.  She's been taking it nearly everyday for about 3 years now on alternating prescriptions from 3 different doctors for pain from an ankle injury and surgery (she has no cartiledge left in one ankle).  The prescription's for 1 a day; she said she normally takes 2 or 3.  She's in the middle of a major crisis in her life right now that has her severely worried and depressed, and there's nothing she can do about it but wait for the outcome in about a month.  She said she's been taking about 4 - 6 a day since this crisis came up to mellow out and keep from getting too strung up about it.  I think I can believe her about the amount she's taking, but I'm not sure.  She's a very strong-willed woman, and I know if I bring it up from a standpoint that she may have a problem, she'll completely deny it...even though she admitted being addicted to it.  I also know that if I do bring this up to her, now's not the time with what she's going through.  At the same time, I expect that once this crisis is resolved she's going to be in a very depressed state for awhile, which will probably make her want to keep taking them.  She's been alot more withdrawn and depressed lately, which I attributed to what she's going through, but now I'm not sure.  And this may be nothing, but I've never seen anyone who can sleep as hard as she can!!  Once she lies down and gets sleepy, it's all over -- NOTHING can wake her up.  I don't really know anything about this issue and I'd like to get some advice.  Is the doseage she's taking enough to worry about?  Are there long-term health affects this could cause? (she had ovarian cancer about 5 years ago)  I would greatly appreciate some advice!!

[chasers]

Hi. Thank You again for the advice...I need to know though, when I asked for advice, I still was taking thr lortab10 3-4 daily. And I still am. I know you say its a low dose but I am still scared to quit. I have anxiety anyway so I'm really afrais when I quit I will have awful panic attacks. Is it possible even with the small doses I am on that I might have to get help to get off these? And also, ven though my dosage hasn't increased, the longer I take them will it be harder still? Thank Yuo so mUch for your time!

[Pennyboy]

In my years of experience in hydrocodone relapse and recovery, I assure that at the dose you mentioned (3-4 10mg daily) you will have minimal withdrawal symtoms. I wouldnt expect it to be more than a mild cold symptomology. DOnt be affraid of it at the level your at. The anxiety and fear your experiencing will go away after you stop for about 4 days. Clonidine 0.1mg four times daily helped me kick the drug when I was at your level. My last outing I was taking 40 10mg daily for months on end. I got clean and so can you. I've been thru hell and back and understand your fears. I'll be glad to be of any support that I can. Shoot straight with your doc and it will get better. Above all else, shoot straight with yourself. The real trick to this and all drugs isnt quiting, its STAYING quit.

[chasers]

Thank You! Tou have made me feel much better! Gosh, I feel like if you caould quit at the amount yuo were taking, then I shouldn't have it that bad!! Thanks again!!

[Sturgil]

The level that yourgirlfriend is taking is nothing to overcome. Like others said, 3 to 4 days for the DT's and 2 weeks to 3 for the emontional rollercoaster. I was on 15 to 18 10/500 plus 15 Soma's daily. I did it with NO rehab or other drugs. Today is day 38 of being clean. I have lost the urge to use. It does come at times but leaves very fast. Let her read this board! Us addicts are strong in numbers, we have all felt the pain, had the problems and made up reasons and pain to pick up the drug again. I hate to say this but she needs to feel the pain, if you keep her from hitting the hard pain she will NOT quit. God will not allow us to have more on us than we can handle, God also gives us a way out ut only if we ask HIM to help.

Get her to the local NA meeting, if you can not find it look in the phone book for AA and they will direct you. Or visit www.na.org I think.

This is my second time to quit. When she does quit she will try to fill the hole the drugs left. I had an affair, others drink (not good), others work to much, others eat. See the pattern? Only God can fill the hole. The first time I did not turn to GOD.

Ask around here in the thread, they will tell you. When the pain of using is bad enough she will quit. She will see that one pill is too many and 1000 is NEVER enough. God Speed my friend. Get her here to read so she cab draw strenght from our stories. Right now she feels alone and thinks she is the only one in world with this problem.

Sturgil Flockin

[mammy]

Hi everyone...I need some advice on vicodan addiction...I have severe migraines and back pain that started a few years ago, that's when I started taking pain meds. I recently started seeing a pain management Doc who has put me on 120 vicodan ES a day, as well as Topomax, Topamil, and Valium. I went through w/d from valium a couple of years ago so I don't take it now unless I absolutely have to. The problem is I am taking up to 8-10 vicodan a day. I want to stop taking them, but I know I can't do it cold turkey, I also can't let my husband know what is going on so I will have no support. I have no other family where I live. I tried tapering off before but I didn't succeed, I don't think I was ready. I'm just afraid if I tell my Doc how many I am taking he won't help me to get off them, and he's all I have to help me through it. I really want to quit taking them...Do you have any advice of what I can do.

[Sturgil]

Read the post before yours that I wrote. Hydrocodone WD's can NOT kill you but valium WD's can cause serious problems. Tapperings does not work. Do not drink any beer or other stuff. Tons of water and find a local NA meeting. This could be your last chance to get clean. I spent years on tabs and somas. It is the pain great enough? Mine was. read my last post ... it is about 2 up from here. God's Speed



Sturgil

[samar]

I disagree about tapering.........definitely disagree.  I did it and it totally WORKED!!  If you post again I will give you full detail.  I hope you do  :)

[mammy]

Thanks for the advice...I am not using the valium very much, maybe 1 5mg tab once a month if the pain gets really bad. I used to take one a day but I got pregnant and had to stop taking it immediately and I went through terrible withdrawl. It's the Vicodan I need to stop taking, but because I went through such bad w/d from taking j ust 1 valium a day I am really scared of the w/d from Vicodan, and I don't know how I will be able to get to any NA meetings without my husband knowing. I tried to talk to my Dr about it today, I told him how much I'm taking but he just switched me from Vicodan to Percocet...I don't hink he's really listening

[Felony]

Hi.  
First time here.  I have iter..cystisis of the bladder and causes unbelievalbe pain through the day.  I take aoubt 8 vicopropen daily.  I've been doing that since Feb.  And it's now Oct.  I'm not sure if I need them anymore, but every time I try to stop using them I hurt.  It may be mental.  I want to stop, but I feel so much nicer when I'm on them.  Can anyone help?

[rinconmann]

HELP?????????????

Came off a year of Methadone starting from 35mg to 5-7 mg after a year on the program. I got addicted to buprenophine as a buddy gave me extra meds cause he was in an experimental program for a year. anyways, did a year of 4-8 mg of bup then very very hard WD's from that so ended up in Meth program. Quit on the 5-7 mg and did ativan and clonadine for a week. I thought I was home free after a week. Um......when 7 days passed and the ativan ran out, God I had the worst brain screw, shakey leg (Elvis) and BAD lower back pain. After 13 days the back pain was so bad and insomina I went to the Doc and got Norco (10/325) to deal with it.

Iv'e worked so so hard to get clean. I'm worried that the back pain is chronic or part of the WD's????????

Does lower back pain come from the WD's?????

How long will it last and how long will the brain **** last????

I'm taking 3 norco a day and have for 10 days. I plan to go to 2 for 10 days then 1 for 10 days then go to 5mg of hydro a day for 10 days then DONE.

I'm so scared about the back pain and the brain thing. I have to run a company and be a dad.

Help?!!!!!!!!!! Post or e-mail me please.  ***@****

Thanks

[athena]

Hi
I am very unfamiliar with meth and norcomyself,but if you post at the top you will get responses from people that have experience with all that you mentioned.Welcome and good luck.

pixi

[rinconmann]

Thanks alot for the tip. I did post at the top and hope to get help. This is a great forum. J

[FEELING BAD]

Hello all,

I've been taking vicodin for 2 months now.  I had really bad back problems and was given Vicodin.  I started with 500 mg. and ended taking 750 mg of 6 -7 tablets a day.  I decided to stop because I couldn't believe now much I needed it to do my daily functions.  I would constantly count how many pills I would have left before I could get another perscription.  I even found web site that I could get it from over seas and realized that this was getting out of hand.  It's been three days with out taking a pill and am still feeling bad.  It's not as bad as the first few days, but it's getting better.  I promised myself I will never request this drug for pain because it's too too addictive.  I never meant to get hooked, but it just happened.  Not only am I going thoough withdrawals, but I also have a cold and get very depressed during the cold season.  These combination of these three things has really put a burden on my.  Today I am finally doing things around this house and trying to get back to normal.  For anyone out there who is interested I stronly suggest if you ever need pain medication I would only use Tylenol 3 since it's not as addictive.  I may be wrong, but this is just from experience.  Good Luck to everyone.

[DWC]

Hi all. I've been on Vicodin since May 2002 and my dosages have been slowly increasing since then to where I am now on 3 or so tabs of Vicodin XS (the high octane one) per day for pain relief from my trigeminal neuralgia.

This past week, after having this script refilled (90 tabs) for the month, a workman allegedly stole more than half of them from the top of my refrigerator (stupid me). I filled out a police report, but then I thought, "What if they point their finger at me?" I decided I had had enough. Escalating doses, robbery, etc. I didn't want any more to do with this drug.

This past Monday, I stopped cold turkey. Well almost, when I "crashed," I took a half tab to "step down." Since Monday's crash, I