What's the best way to ween off hydrocodone/lortab 7.5?

[AmyAS]

What is the best way to ween off hydrocodone/lortab 7.5? I took 6 per day and went down to 4 a day. I have taken 4 each day for the last 7 days. Should I drop a pill each week? Would dropping a pill every 2 weeks make for easier w/d? I have been taking the pills for est. 5 years. Thanks.

[oxysbliss]

It takes your body about 3 days to feel adjusted to a ween off...And then about a week to adjust to it...and then wont completly throw your body completly off track...

I hope that helps some....

I would write more welocme, I jsut dont have much pateince today!! but welcome and keep reading, more ppl around that have other advise taht worked for them....

everyone is different...

C

[Mis Take]

I have never done it but I know how I have adjusted when I had to do it and I would say do it as slowly towards the end as u can.  If u have enough pills to spread it out, do that.  I think the shorter the drop - the easier - everytime if u can.  That's just what I think, like I said, I wish I had the willpower to do that, so good for you.  Are u wanting off them b/c your sick of taking them, or are u scared u may get addicted?  just womdering, b/c u sound completely in control and that is great.  Whatever works for u, and it may be different.  If u notice that it is too much when u do it next time and u have enough, go back up a 1/2 and see if that works.  Let your body tell u what works - I think.  
anyway, I hope u get the answers u need here.  let me know if I can do anything else for u.  Im leaving now but will be back later.

sincerely,
tracy

[mominstress]

I am off of the hydros/lortab too.  I did a very quick taper because I was running out of pills.  Listen to Oxy.  She gives good advice.  If I read her right she said to do about 8 days in a taper down dose and then go down again.  It would have been a lot easier if I had done that instead of waiting till the end.  Just a friendly warning...do it now while you have plenty to work with.

[CalypsoKidd]

Mominstress, good to hear you.  You were mighty quiite today.  

I agree with you --Plan Ahead!  I did a brutal taper, but survived. It seemed least painful, I think, If I only stretched the schedule (hours between pills) a little at a time, but, dropped the mg's per dose every so many days.  I broke a lot of pills in half!

Day ten clean though....WooHoo!

[kimmieb]

Hi,girl.  I'm not sure about the weaning or tapering off, so I'm just as crious as you and interested to see what the others say who've had experience with this.  I, too, have taken lortab 10's (10/500's), two per day, sometimes another 1/2 per day or on occasion even 3 a day, but I hav taken them for probably 6 years.  Long time to have that stuff in my body ALLTHE TIME.  I just took my last one on Sunday morning, and since I have no more and I have to find a new neurologist, I'm not sure if or when I'll get them.  I'd prefer to taper (I think I do better that way), but I may not have that option.  Very, very specific tapering schedules are fantastic but sometimes hard to come by.  We have to listen to those here who really know.  Best of luck to you!   Kim

[AmyAS]

I am trying to get off of them for 3 reasons: I am sick and tired of going to the dr. and getting scripts, I'm sick of hiding them from my husband (he has no clue I even take them, although I take them for a legitimate reason, prosthetic leg), and I am trying to get pregnant. I realize that I am taking a lot less than the other people in these forums, and that's a relief. I just know that it's going to get worse. I feel I am already addicted to them. You know, since I used to take 1 a day, then went up to 2, then 3, etc... Reading the feedback has been VERY helpful.

[AmyAS]

Thanks for the advice. I have plenty of pills left, about 70 pills and a refill of 120. So obviously I have plenty to "taper" with. I'm thinking the slower the better. I was thinking about going down a pill every two weeks. Is that better than 8 days, or should I do the 8 days? Thanks!!

[wicked126]

Well this is the first time I have ever told anyone I am addicted. I have been taking lortab 5/500 mg for the last 7 years. I take 4 pills every day. My husband has no idea that I take them either. I really want to stop taking them but i am not sure of the best way to do it. The problem is that I have never ran out or had to worry about it. I have checked into some detox programs but they are very expensive 10,000 for 30 days. Well I wish you luck and if anyone has any advice that could help I would appreciate it. Thanks..

[rosebud66]

you are on an old thread so click back to forum button and repost your questions.  tons of people here to support you and help.  congrats for admitting your problem.  that is the beginning.  now it's time to get strong and stay here and read read read so you can get educated.  everyone will love and support you any way they can.   good luck!!!

[susie15]

i am in the same boat or was,i finally told my husband and iam on suboxon but its so expensive,cant afford it but its working does anyone have any suggestions on getting help to pay for it?

[lilmoe_]

well hello, i can say that i have gotten addicted to lortabs. I want to stop taking them so bad, its bad on my body and it is really hurtin my relationship cause it makes me moody, i am tired of hiding them from the person that i love and i really just want to get back to my old self the person before the lortabs. If anyone has any advice on the best way to stop taking them i would really appreciate it, I take lortab 10s twice and sometimes three times a day for the past year.

[Rose703]

This is a really old post and I'm afraid that your question will get lost. Please go to the top of this page and hit "post a question" and then ask away!! You will get alot of responses if you do it this way.
Welcome to the forum!! Lots of good people here with lots of good advice!!

[buzz555]

If you want to quit then quit. I have been through it several times and I have always quit cold turkey. I was taking about 10 to 15 a day and just quit cold turkey. This is my 4th day and feel pretty good. Its all about the will you have and how much you want to quit. You can listen to all this and scare you but If you want to quit its Pretty EASY QUIT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[belle1111]

Hi,
I am trying to ween myself off the hydrocodone 10/325 but the cravings and withdrawls are so strong. I ran out of hydro's and only have 5 left! I was taking almost 14 a day!! what do i do? I am scared of the reaction i might have because i was taking so much.... the last 3 days i averaged about 10 a day.. I have a couple methadone pills...if i take those..is there any chance i will come out on the other side with less with draws because my body has already undergone not having the hydrocodone while on the methadone? Can anyone help? Does anyone know?

[954_RR_DALLAS]

bella ive been on norco/10-325 for 2+ years. only 20 years old. I Have a rod from my knee to ancle and pins in my hand.  im at 9-12 norcos a day . ive been trying to taper down but had no luck. Methadone will help(but its addictive as well) but my suggestion is SUBOXONE. Easy to get FROM A FDA APPROVED DOC, my g/f got ahold of some for me; 8mgs and they reduce cravings drastically. If you have the means track some down, SEE AN APPROVED DOC AND STICK WITH IT.  

ALWAYS REMEMBER PEOPLE CAN HELP; BUT ONLY YOU CAN QUIT!

[pieface7]

I too am hooked on the pills and tryed to stop. And can't I just want my life back to stop trying to find some or be worried that I cant do something because i dont have the pills to do it when before i could just do it and not worrie about it. I am out or controll . but there is hope my sister took about ten pills a day and went to kaiser's rehab program and took a pill that took the detox down about 100% and she has been clean about five mounths the drug is called suboxone i think and she said that they weened her down to 1/2 a pill before thay took them away

[leeisgettingclean]

yeah lots of people here know about sub, i have never takin it. But you are doing the right thing by accepting you have a problem, thats cool and cool to here allways, you can not get clean untill you accept. You should try to quit on your own before resorting to the sub. I know you prob scared of w/ds and you have reasons to be, they are not fun, but they do not last forever. few $
1)what kind of pills
2) how long you been taking
3)how many you take.
If you take alot  or something real strong and can handle a taper that is prob not a bad option, i could just never control my habit enough to do a taper. If you do not take alot or take a weaker narcotic you can go cold turkey, its hard, but quik. Do you work and if so can you manage to get a few days off

[sdoll1981]

I have been prescribed to Lortab 10/500 for about 3 years now.  I have actually been taking them for about the past 4 years.  I am supposed to take 4 per day but, (just like this weekend), I took 10-12 per day.  I am so sick & tired of wondering if my wife will find out, what she will do, will she leave me?, what about my kids?  I have to get off of these devil pills.  I have the prescription for an injury that crushed vertebrate in my back when I was 18.  I am now 28.  
I am so sick & tired of having to take these meds to feel "normal".  
Does anyone have any advice on how to beat this problem without going to rehab, clinic, or taking time off of work?  I don't have anymore paid days off of work & Christmas is only 26 days away.  
I really don't want my wife or kids to see me going through withdrawels.  
Also, I have a prescription for Xanax.  I used to take about 4-5 per day of those but since I got the lortabs, I seemed to ween myself off of the Xanax, down to 1/4 of one per day.  Maybe every other day.  
Does anyone have any home remidies or anything proven to work for my situation?  
God Bless!  Keep my in your prayers!

[bobo4467]

I have been on hydro 10/325 as many as 4 per day because I have spurs on my spine several around my neck which causes my fingers to be numb. I have aurther in my hips and knees ( got run over by a car in 1986)complete acl recon on my right knee and know need hip and knee replacement. I'm a 55 year old male and I have been on muscle relaxers and hydro for the last 5 years and just about to break the habit.I have a few pills left but trying my best to go cold turkey..This Tuesday morning @4.:30 am (stopped taking them Saturday) and reading all of your inquiries has made realize I'm not alone.The hardest thing I'm finding is the pain in my legs. But I'm GOING TO KICK IT PERIOD..With the help of GOD and friends it will be OK. I will keep you posted.. bobo4467

[barnes1120]

I have been taking Lortab for about 2 years, I have severe pain in my neck and back. My doctor says it is because of how I handle stress and I have knots in my neck from all of the stiffness. It goes down into my back. I have to work to support my family and they really do help get me through my long days at work and I also drive 65 miles one way so sitting in the car this long does not help me either. I have tried physical therapy and have been to the chiropractor.  The pills do make me feel better, I have to take 2 in the morning and I take 1 every couple hours thereafter.  So around 8 per day. I do office work and never miss work because of this and they DO make me feel better and help alot.  Nothing else does and I am allergic to aspirin so this is out.  I also have Skelaxin to take 3 times per day but not sure if I think they really help. I really do not feel any different while taking them and it never effected my job at all.  Is this bad? Are there long term side effects?

[barnes1120]

I have been taking Lortab for about 2 years, I have severe pain in my neck and back. My doctor says it is because of how I handle stress and I have knots in my neck from all of the stiffness. It goes down into my back. I have to work to support my family and they really do help get me through my long days at work and I also drive 65 miles one way so sitting in the car this long does not help me either. I have tried physical therapy and have been to the chiropractor.  The pills do make me feel better, I have to take 2 in the morning and I take 1 every couple hours thereafter.  So around 8 per day. I do office work and never miss work because of this and they DO make me feel better and help alot.  Nothing else does and I am allergic to aspirin so this is out.  I also have Skelaxin to take 3 times per day but not sure if I think they really help. I really do not feel any different while taking them and it never effected my job at all.  Is this bad? Are there long term side effects?

[bobcat83]

This is my first post ever discussing my problem with Hydrocodone.  I have a back problem that caused me to be prescribed these pills.  It started off with 3/ 500mg per day and I mentioned to my doctor that they were losing their effectiveness with the intentions of finding out how to get off the drugs without having the with drawls (which I did attempt and the pain, upset stomach etc. was unbearable.)  So I just took more to stop the with drawls.  Now he has increased my dosage to 10mg 4x a day and I cheat most days and take more when I hurt more leading to a shortage my the end of the month.  What can I ask for to help me not suffer the w/d so bad even if I tell him I want off of them.  He has told me I have 2 choices, hurt or don't hurt.  I said don't hurt and he hands me another six month RX.  I am at the point where I feel lost and find myself thinking things that I shouldn't.  Detox is out of the question. I hate this drug and I want off of them (after 4 years now) without w/d. I hate feeling this way so what should I do?

[straightshooterbeenthere]

I just spent about 30 minutes writing my life story and experience with addiction to pain pills.  It was way too long so I just held down backspace to get to the meat.

Here is the bottom line.  Some of us can't take pain pills without it taking us.  Tell your loved ones, take a week of sick days, and flush them all down the toilet right now.  The withdrawal is horrible but it only lasts about a week for the part you think you may die.  Then it is like having a horrible flu for a week.  Then a hangover for a week.

Drink lots of water and force yourself to eat plenty the whole time.  You won't want to but just open mouth, chew, swallow good foods.

About halfway into week two (the flu week) walk for 15 minutes and do push ups and sit ups for 15 minutes.  It will suck.  Then add 5 minutes and different exercises every day to both until you are up to 30 and 30.

The drugs have made your body forget how to handle pain.  You will need to learn how again.  You just have to take it.

With the exercising, eating right, and letting your body get used to regulating the pain you will be OK.  I have five fused vertebrae in my mid to lower back, a rod holding my collar bone together, screws pins and plates in my left arm for what you could call an elbow,  a deterioration where they took bone out of my hip for my back, and nine healed fractures in my feet.

I took everything from Vicodin to Oxycontin and then it took me.  I was a self made millionaire at 33 and lost everything except my wife and kids because I stopped lying and told them, asked for forgiveness, and promised I would not kill myself with these drugs and would get back to the old me.

It took a decade but I am back and for all the right reasons.  Weaning doesn't work, meetings don't work, rehabs don't work.  You have all the power.  Decide to do it and do it, period.

Tell your Doctor your are an addict and will hold him liable if he continues to write you prescriptions.  Flush the pills, exercise and eat right, take the pain, and tell the truth.  If you don't it will take your soul.

Good luck and God bless you.  It's a beast, but after you slay it, everything else in life is easy.

[kalanicolecordova]

hello,i am 26 years old,with 4 kids,i started takin norco about 6 years ago.the doctor writes me 135 a month.i supposes to take 4-5 a day,but i dont.i tke up 30-40 daily.my meds last me only about 4 days.when i run out im always looking to buy.i spend at least up to 1000. dollars a month on pills .i really want to stop,but i cant.i have to take them just to feel normal,not even to get high anymore.since my mom passes,its got worse,iwant to quit,but i dont,i love the feeling,someone please tell me what i can do to stop cold turkey..........