Withdrawal from Oxycondn

[bill]

I developed a case of shingles the last of January and was presicribed Hydrocoden 750mg 1-2 tabs every 4-6 hours for the pain.On May 15 I went to a different physician who prescribed Oxycoden 20mg 1X12 hrs. Initially the Oxy made me feel much better & I had more energy.I soon felt a need to take more to get the same effect, so I started taking (2) in the morning and (1) in the evening. On a subsequent visit he assured me that with a body weight of 290# there was no problem taking (2) 20mg in the morning and (1) in the evening.I have been taking pain killers for over 6 months and am convinced that I am addicted. I do not need them for pain but I take them to maintain a certain feeling.I quit taking the Oxy 48 hrs ago and have experienced chills, hot flashs, nausea, a runny nose, sneezing, and I feel terrible.I still do not have any physical pain except that associated with withdrawal.My question is will 200 mg Ibuprofen help my withdrawal (especially sleeping) or should I just continue suffering until my body has cleansed itself of the Oxy addiction?

[bob]

Bill,
Did you decide to quit taking the oxycontin on your own or did the doctor cut you off? It really doesn't matter either way. WHat does matter is you shouldn't quit cold turkey and there are medications available to ease the withdrawl symptons. I would go see your doctor tomorrow is possible or better yet, find an addiction specialist to help you through this.
Good luck.

[Bill K to Bob k]

Thanks for your response Bob. Sounds like good advice. I feel a little better this evening but I dread nightime because nights seem to be the worse time for me. Can't sleep well , get up a dozen times and am worn out come morning. I plan on trying to get in to see my Dr. in the AM. Usually they will take you, if you want to sit and wait till he can see you.Well wish me good luck and maybe I'll get some sleep tonight. OH,Bob- "Me go to an addiction specialist"? I'm no junkie!! I can handle it myself-HAHA.

[bill]

Just how long will the most severe symptons last?
The sleeplessness,nervousness,sweating,yawning etc.

[Gene to Joanne]

I am in the middle of doctor assisted detoxing from Oxycontin as I type this.  I was up to 160-240 mg a day for almost 2 years.  Even with the Addiction Specialist's help. I am still pretty miserable.  Unfortunately, he is not allowed by FDA rules to prescribe Buprenex, which is a very effective drug used for detoxing.  Since I am outpatient, I also cannot use methadone to detox.  That's probably a good thing.  But I am miserable with a strong urge to get more Oxycontin to end this withdrawal.
It sounds like you are doing ok with your detox & should be through the worst of it soon.  You should consider taking up to 800mg of Motrin for the pain, that's what my doctor recommended.
By the time you get to an addiction specialist, the worst of your withdrawal may be over but if you can't do it on your own, then look for help.  I did & found it.  Now I just have to survive the next 48-72 hours!

[Brian to Sick and Scared § ALL you guys]

The most severe withdrawal symptoms last 3-4 days, with the lesser symptoms continuing for another 7 days or so.  Some mild/moderate depression can last for a few months.  No non-prescription medications seem to make much difference.  As your physician to prescribe something to help you sleep (perhaps an anti-anxiety agent such as Xanax for short term relief).

[Mick]

Gene,
   hope you are doing well.I have watched your posts for the past few weeks.I'm on 3 10mg oxy a day for back problems.It doesn't touch the pain, Dr. won't increase,so I usually run out quite early.I try to quit and only make it 3-4 days. Then I do what you said:find oxy to feel better.What are they ding for you,you don't sound like you are doing to well.I'm just wondering if it's worth getting help or toughing it out at home.Good luck. It's too bad to have to choose pain because of withdrawl fears.I dread it.

[Bob to Gene]

Why can't a doctor prescribe Bruprenex?
I heard that is the absolute best for not having to suffer physical withdrawls.

Bill I hope you are feeling better.

[Bill K to Bob k]

Thanks for everyone's input. I went to the Dr. today and told him all of my old aches & pains (old whiplash imjury and worn out knees)are resurfacing now that the Oxy is not masking the pain.He gave me a time release 1-per day anti-inflammitory medication to replace the old 200mg IbuprophenI used to take. He said it should even help some with the way I am feeling while withdrawing from the Oxy.I started on the minumum amount of 1 tab and it wore off by evening. I have been off OXY for three days. Hope I have a good night tonight and get some sleep.I expect I will have a couple more uncomfortable days at least.I'm just fortunate I wasn't taking some of the dosages I read about in this forum.Good night to all of you -Tomorrow will be a better day!

[Gene to Joanne]

I did not even make it through one day of detox from Oxycontin. I felt so bad that I called the Dr & he said he'd call in some Neurontin for the "jumping out of my skin" feeling that was driving me crazy!!  The script never showed up.  So in desperation I called my old dealer & was able to score a small amount of Oxycontin to relieve the discomfort.  I know that was a real bad thing to do but I also realized that I would not make it through the out-patient detox with the meds I was given: Clonidine, Valium, something for sleep.

I went back to the Psychiatrist treating me this morning & told him what happened & that I wanted to be transferred to an inpatient facility as they had originally said I could do if out-patient detox was not working.  He agreed but could not get a bed for me today.  So he sent me on my way with no new meds to help me survive the withdrawal any better than I was doing already.

I went to see my regular doctor & he prescribed anough Oxycontin to last until I get into an inpatient facility.  Thank God for him & his compassion & concern for me.  He did not want me to go through withdrawal with no professional help.

As far as Buprenex, thanks to the wonderful gov't & the FDA, it is not yet available for all doctors to prescribe for withdrawal! Only clinics doing trials are allowed to give it out. That really pisses me off since I think I would have made it through the withdrawal if I had that medication.  And Buprenex is a class V drug - little or no abuse potential!

So I am waiting again for a bed to become available so I can do this the right way, inpatient.

To Mick, I would seek professional help for your detox & not tough it out at home.  The big problem of opiate addiction is the high rate of using drugs again if you don't have a support system such as AA or NA or a good drug treatment center where you can go for emotional support & the tools to stay sober.

Good luck to everyone & thanks for your posts.  I read them every day for inspiration & support.

[Mick]

Gene...sorry to hear you are having such a rough go at it.Do you know how long you will be at this facility?Does insurance cover it?Sorry for all the questions,just don't know what to do.I'm going thru procedures for my bad back also,so I'm afraid to speak to docs because my back hurts bad when I'm on meds,when there is none it is unbearable.Then I'm facing withdrawl symptons and pain.I'm prescibed 3-10mg a day but am taking 80mg total.So I do what you just said.And I'm broke!
I made it 4 days last time.How much longer do the sleepless nights last.I think I was starting to feel a little better.My wife is supportive but I don't think she understands the depth of it.Well good luck.Post when you get out.(or before if you feel up to it.)

[Bob To Gene and Bill]

Gene,
Thanks for you openess about your pain and suffering. I appreciate all the information you have provided me.

Bill, your doctor sounds like an unsympathetic person. Giving you an anti-inflamatory for withdrawls> You are a lot tougher than I would be if I faced withdrawls.. Good luck to you..
I truly wish you and Gene the best.

[Bob To Gene and Bill]

Gene,
Thanks for you openess about your pain and suffering. I appreciate all the information you have provided me.

Bill, your doctor sounds like an unsympathetic person. Giving you an anti-inflamatory for withdrawls> You are a lot tougher than I would be if I faced withdrawls.. Good luck to you..
I truly wish you and Gene the best.

[Bill K to Bob k]

I think I have the withdrawal thing whipped but I am in a catch 22 situation. I have had swelling in the soft tissue on my left side for 5 months and a LOT of internal discomfort now that I am off Oxy. I cannot discribe it as pain but I cannot sleep because of it and it really makes you want to take OXY to mask it but that would be stupid,after all the agony I went through getting off of it. I had a CAT Scan recently and they could not find anything wrong.Mr.Brother wants me to go to Mayo Clinic but I think Mayo is pretty expensive so I have resisted.My local small town Dr. is not unsympathetic Bob , but I think this problem is beyond his capabilities. I even went to a big city Internist,who has been practicing for years and he didn't do me any good. He just wanted to prescribe more Oxy.I feel really beat up on right now.The medication my doctor gave me the other day tore up my stomach and I didn't sleep hardly at all last night. Obviously I am going to stop taking that particular medicine.Good luck to you Gene. I'm pulling for you .You can whip this with the right help.

[Gene to Joanne]

Thanks guys for the wonderful words of support to me in my difficult situation.  I expect to be in a facility for about 5 days although that can vary depending on how I do.  My insurance company does pay for at least part of the expense & they keep this information confidential.  My wife & family are totally supportive although my wife freaked out when I told her that I had gone out the day before & bought some Oxycontin.  She was here when I got it & asked me straight out where I went.  I lied & said the pharmacy.

Bill & Mick, you guys sound like you really need meds for chronic pain & there are pain clinics in every state where you can be diagnosed & treated with the proper amount of medication to make your life tolerable again.  Many people are on enormous amounts of opiates & other types of meds for chronic pain.  The newsgroup alt.support.chronic-pain is a great place to learn about these people & get tons of information that can help you or give you emotional support with your situation.
Go to http://www.widomaker.com/~skipb/panic.html for the ultimate website for those looking for help finding pain felief.

I hope to be going in for detox in the next few days.
Good luck to everyone in their quest for help.

[Carol55]

COMMENT TO MICK
  Mick, just wondering, how long have you been taking the
  OXY? and have you had any trouble with things like this
  before?  sounds like we may be in the same boat.  least
  you have a supportive wife.  i don't.
  good luck,
  jeff

[Mick]

Jeff,
I've been on the oxy merry go round over a year.I have had terriblepain in my left testicle for years and lower back pain.I was going to urologist and they gave up after a few visits.Some of the rudest docs i've met."Can't you live with it ".Family doc sent me for MRI and it turns out it was all related to some serious back problems.This all happened over years.After much frustration with med community not helping, I self medicated.Not something I recommend.But I masked the pain for a long time.Took dolphines for about a year,norco,vicodins.Finally after MRI,doc's gave me oxy.But because of my prior dabbling,the amounts given were nowhere enough.I've gone 4 days without.pure hell.I think I might have ben close to a break through but....bingo my script was due.I have so much pain with meds..can't imagine quitting til I get this back procedure done,and that might not be for months.I try to figure how this all started.
It's not what people think.It starts small and you are sure everything is ok (denial).Write and tel me your situation.Believe me, it helps to share it with someone and it sounds like your wife isn't an option.This site is wonderful. I come here when I'm down.Wish they had a chat room.Sorry for taking up all this space.Good luck all.Gene...hope you are OK>

[Gene to Joanne]

Would you believe that I have frequent flare-ups of pain in my left testicle & my back?!?  Doc says it's a muscle strain.  Hurts like hell.
Anyway the good news is that I got my insurance company's approval to go inpatient at the facility that I wanted to use.  It has an excellent reputation.  I am now waiting for a bed to open up, hopefully in a day or two.  Meanwhile, I am taking the Oxycontin mt doctor prescribed to keep me going until the detox. I was told they use methadone for a very short time to get through the withdrawal & I will not become addicted to it.  That's a big relief!
However, to illustrate how much of an addict I am, I have been taking twice my normal dose of Oxy while waiting to be admitted. I know that will make the detox harder but I can't help myself!
This reminds me how addicted I am to opiates & how hard I will have to work to stay clean after my detox.

I will let you guys know when I am leaving for the clinic.

[Mick]

Gene...hope that bed opens soon for you.I know it's terrible taking comfort in someone elses misfortune,but man it helps knowing I'm not in this alone.You are on your way friend.Your post could be me talkng.I could have stretched my oxys but I just wanted to be pain free for a few days at the risk of going many without.I'm supposed to take 3- 10 mg. a day.I've been taking at least 80mg. and that only dulls the pain!The testicle pain is the worse.How did you find this facility. I am going to have to make a move at some point. this is no way to live.I'm afraid to tell doc how this amount of meds isn't touching the pain.
Well, please keep me informed and best of luck. I'll be rooting for you.

[Carol55]

mick,
does the area you live in have a decent detox center?
that's my concern for myself, it is so far.  yes ,  this
site is good to come to, to find some comfort and know
we're not alone.  because at times i do feel alone.  you
see, my wife if great, but puts everything in "God's hands"
and that works for her, but putting all this to faith,
i don't think will quite cut it. i'm in too deep and only
in my early 50's.  what will it be like, at this rate, if
i make it to 60!!!!
well, wishing you luck again
Jeff

[Bill K to Bob k]

Hey, Gene and Mick, want to hear something wierd? All of my problems started out with a pain in my left testicle.I soon had swelling in my left side and then broke out in shingels 72hrs later.My doctor says there is a nerve that runs from the left testicle, right through the swollen area on my side.So-is the testicle pain originating from the testicle or is the pain radiating to the testicle from another injured area? I know from researching shingles pain,that some people have to resort to having nerves severed to releave the pain of damaged nerves.So Mick,maybe you need to consider consulting a neurologist about your testicle pain. And by all means, be up front with your Dr. about your Oxy.use.It is his or her job to help you, although sometimes you have to get a little pushy.By the way I think I have withdrawn completly and survived the process.It was a tough week and took a lot of will power.Thanks for your support. Think I will still monitor the posts to see if I can be of any help.PS- Anyone that is severly addicted should seek professional help!!! Good luck guys.

[Diane]

is there a detox center around Ft.lauderdale for Oxycotin addicts please advise

[petie]

anybody know how long oxy stays in your system...I have been taking 80 mil a day for 2-1/2 months...I can see a problem...thanks

[steve to diane]

There's a detox in North Miami Beach called Summerhouse. I don't know the phone number. You will have to call info. I don't know if it is any good , but they do deal with opiated addicts.

[Mick]

Bill and Jeff..How are you guys doing? Are you looking into some help Jeff.It seems like such a big step.Like everyone will think differently about you.But I guess it gets to the point of having to bite the bullet and do it.I am just in so much pain and my medical procedures are going so slow.I keep saying after they operate or do what they are going to do.I feel like I'm up against the wall.Oxy helps the pain but I can't bear these withdrawls any more.Sorry for repeating myself all week.I feel you folks are the only ones who understand.Please write. I wonder if Gene got in yet?

[Bill K to Bob k]

Life is wonderful without OXY! I feel some aches and pains and some discomfort now, but have completely withdrawn.I am an older guy with a lot of discipine and I am sure that helped.Did you read my post on July 13th Mick? If long term testicle pain is what is causing you to take OXY, I think you need to consider consulting a neurologist about a surgical solution. It may be very simple to do. Then you will have to have help getting off the OXY. To anyone reading this---If you are not really taking the OXY for severe pain you are addicted. Good luck Mick.

[bill]

Thanks for the reply.You sound great and that is encouraging.Along with testicle pain I have some serious back problems.They are telling me it is related.One doc wanted t do surgery right away. I was convinced by other docs and friends who went thru surgery to make it a last option.There is a new procedure out using an instrument made by a company called Oratec.It's like a wire that goes in your back that is heated by a thermal unit.Anyone hear of this?A friend had it and swears by it, Surgery had failed her.But it's taking forever.They want to make sure I'm a canidate.Not even pain free from oxys but without...arrgggh.Thanks for listening. By the way I'm 39 with lousy dicipline.your'e an inspiration Bill.

[Mick]

That last post was from Mick to Bill. Don't know what happened there sorry for any confusion.
                             Mick

[bob]

Day seven no oxycontin now it really hurts even the wind hurts

[Mick]

Bob,the original pain really hurts or the withdawl pains?

[Bob to Mick]

Bob, Unfortunately there are cruel people that get their kicks writing malicious messages in these forums.
Whoever the "Bob" was that posted that message on July 16, about day 7 without oxy and the hurt business wasn't me. I posted originally on July 9 and 10. Since then I have not posted.
People try to scare addicts with their suffering and horrors.
I am not say their isnt real withdrawls syptoms (symptoms) from detoxing, but I know good and well some of these posters in here are doing this as a joke.
I only wrote this because I saw you replied to this "Bob" today.

[bob]

Im sorry if i caused any confusion. i have been posting for some time now. I do not wish to scare anyone. I HAVE been addicted to pain killers for ten years. It has been 8 days now and im starting to feel a little better. Sorry again i didnt want to mislead anyone Bob

[Mick]

Maybe we should put a last name initial to avoid any confusion. I know something got screwed up on one of my posts earlier today.Bob who posted back on july 9 and 10, you mentioned doc prescribing meds to ease withdrawl.What were you referring to? If the other Bob is indeed a sincere poster,good luck.10 yrs. wow!!

[GurleyPie]

PLEZ HELP!
I can really symphtise with all of you taking oxycontin. I've been on it for 1 1/2 years now. I take 80mg TWICE a day and if my pain is unbearable THREE times daily. So for certain 160mg DAILy and sometimes 240mg DAILY. MY QUESTION TO ANYONE IS???? WHAT **EXACYLY** IS WITHDRAWL FROM OXYCONTIN LIKE??? Don't mean to sound dumb BUT after about 8 hours if i DON'T take an "oxy" MY ENTIRE BODY BECOMES STIFF, CANNOT MOVE ANY PART OF IT, I BREAK OUT IN A DRENCHING SWEAT, HAVE DIFFICULTY BREATHING(becomes very shallow),then >>>>I take my oxy(it takes approx. 3+ hours to kick in) and then I am able to move again and the sweating stops, also the stiffness etc.
   I was put on 80mg daily( in Jan 1999, after breaking my hip in 4 places, it was taken at that time 40mg TWICE daily). Since that time I have developed SEVERE BURNING ALL OVER MY BODY >>>That was the REASON the doc put me on oxy in the first place. I'm afraid that I am/ or may become addicted and have asked two of my doctors to HELP ME TO WEIN OFF OF THE OXYCONTIN............AND YA KNOW WHAT??????? THEY HAVE REFUSED ME!!! One of them saying that "since oxy is the only thing that WORKS for my pain(& it is) then WHY would I want to go off it?? The other doc told me last thursday when again I asked him to put me in the hospital(or whatever he had to do to put me under OBSERVATION) so I could get off it.......he said that IT WAS NO BIG DEAL & FOR ME TO JUST DROP DOWN TO ONE 80mg DAILY..........for a few days and THEN STOP TAKING IT ALL TOGETHER!!! SORRY I SEEM TO BE RAMBLING!!! DIDN'T KNOW THAT I WOULD FIND THIS SITE TONITE AND BE WRITING THIS TO YOU ALL. I GUESS MY MAIN QUESTION TO YOU ALL IS: IS THE SYMPTONS THAT I HAVE AFTER 8 HOURS OR SO>>>IS THAT WITHDRAWL????? THERE IS NO WAY I CAN GO WITHOUT IT DUE TO THE PAIN OF MY FIBROMYALGIA, and so far NOTHING else has even come close to helping with my pain. WHAT **EXACTLT** IS WITHDRAWLL LIKE? I am wondering if the stiffness I experence is just because the oxy is wearing off after 8 hours, INSTEAD of the 12 hours that the doc and pharmists say it SHOULD last means that I just am not on a strong enuf dose OR if it means I am physically withdrawing??????????
   ANY HELP THAT YOU MIGHT BE ABLE TO GIVE ME IS DEEPLY APPRECIATED>
   *********After reading all th letters listed here I feel so badly for EVERYONE. I PRAY THAT ALL OF YOU ARE ABLR TO COME OFF YUR *OXY* WITH AS LITTLE PAIN AS POSSIBLE.
P.S. Can a person come off oxy by themselves? HOW do you do it? AND IF I TRY TO DO THIS BY LOWER THE DOSAGE *WHAT*CAN I EXPECT TO HAPPEN TO ME, LIKE WHAT SHOULD I BE LOOKING OUT FOR????
I'M NOT EVEN SURE I CAN FIND THIS SECTION AGAIN..................SO IF ANYONE WANTS TO REPLY HERE OR TO MY "e" address, it is:
***@****
THANX SO MUCH FOR YUR HELP, gp

[GurleyPie]

PLEZ HELP!
I can really symphtise with all of you taking oxycontin. I've been on it for 1 1/2 years now. I take 80mg TWICE a day and if my pain is unbearable THREE times daily. So for certain 160mg DAILy and sometimes 240mg DAILY. MY QUESTION TO ANYONE IS???? WHAT **EXACYLY** IS WITHDRAWL FROM OXYCONTIN LIKE??? Don't mean to sound dumb BUT after about 8 hours if i DON'T take an "oxy" MY ENTIRE BODY BECOMES STIFF, CANNOT MOVE ANY PART OF IT, I BREAK OUT IN A DRENCHING SWEAT, HAVE DIFFICULTY BREATHING(becomes very shallow),then >>>>I take my oxy(it takes approx. 3+ hours to kick in) and then I am able to move again and the sweating stops, also the stiffness etc.
   I was put on 80mg daily( in Jan 1999, after breaking my hip in 4 places, it was taken at that time 40mg TWICE daily). Since that time I have developed SEVERE BURNING ALL OVER MY BODY >>>That was the REASON the doc put me on oxy in the first place. I'm afraid that I am/ or may become addicted and have asked two of my doctors to HELP ME TO WEIN OFF OF THE OXYCONTIN............AND YA KNOW WHAT??????? THEY HAVE REFUSED ME!!! One of them saying that "since oxy is the only thing that WORKS for my pain(& it is) then WHY would I want to go off it?? The other doc told me last thursday when again I asked him to put me in the hospital(or whatever he had to do to put me under OBSERVATION) so I could get off it.......he said that IT WAS NO BIG DEAL & FOR ME TO JUST DROP DOWN TO ONE 80mg DAILY..........for a few days and THEN STOP TAKING IT ALL TOGETHER!!! SORRY I SEEM TO BE RAMBLING!!! DIDN'T KNOW THAT I WOULD FIND THIS SITE TONITE AND BE WRITING THIS TO YOU ALL. I GUESS MY MAIN QUESTION TO YOU ALL IS: IS THE SYMPTONS THAT I HAVE AFTER 8 HOURS OR SO>>>IS THAT WITHDRAWL????? THERE IS NO WAY I CAN GO WITHOUT IT DUE TO THE PAIN OF MY FIBROMYALGIA, and so far NOTHING else has even come close to helping with my pain. WHAT **EXACTLT** IS WITHDRAWLL LIKE? I am wondering if the stiffness I experence is just because the oxy is wearing off after 8 hours, INSTEAD of the 12 hours that the doc and pharmists say it SHOULD last means that I just am not on a strong enuf dose OR if it means I am physically withdrawing??????????
   ANY HELP THAT YOU MIGHT BE ABLE TO GIVE ME IS DEEPLY APPRECIATED>
   *********After reading all th letters listed here I feel so badly for EVERYONE. I PRAY THAT ALL OF YOU ARE ABLR TO COME OFF YUR *OXY* WITH AS LITTLE PAIN AS POSSIBLE.
P.S. Can a person come off oxy by themselves? HOW do you do it? AND IF I TRY TO DO THIS BY LOWER THE DOSAGE *WHAT*CAN I EXPECT TO HAPPEN TO ME, LIKE WHAT SHOULD I BE LOOKING OUT FOR????
I'M NOT EVEN SURE I CAN FIND THIS SECTION AGAIN..................SO IF ANYONE WANTS TO REPLY HERE OR TO MY "e" address, it is:
***@****
THANX SO MUCH FOR YUR HELP, gp

[GurleyPie]

PLEZ HELP!
I can really symphtise with all of you taking oxycontin. I've been on it for 1 1/2 years now. I take 80mg TWICE a day and if my pain is unbearable THREE times daily. So for certain 160mg DAILy and sometimes 240mg DAILY. MY QUESTION TO ANYONE IS???? WHAT **EXACYLY** IS WITHDRAWL FROM OXYCONTIN LIKE??? Don't mean to sound dumb BUT after about 8 hours if i DON'T take an "oxy" MY ENTIRE BODY BECOMES STIFF, CANNOT MOVE ANY PART OF IT, I BREAK OUT IN A DRENCHING SWEAT, HAVE DIFFICULTY BREATHING(becomes very shallow),then >>>>I take my oxy(it takes approx. 3+ hours to kick in) and then I am able to move again and the sweating stops, also the stiffness etc.
   I was put on 80mg daily( in Jan 1999, after breaking my hip in 4 places, it was taken at that time 40mg TWICE daily). Since that time I have developed SEVERE BURNING ALL OVER MY BODY >>>That was the REASON the doc put me on oxy in the first place. I'm afraid that I am/ or may become addicted and have asked two of my doctors to HELP ME TO WEIN OFF OF THE OXYCONTIN............AND YA KNOW WHAT??????? THEY HAVE REFUSED ME!!! One of them saying that "since oxy is the only thing that WORKS for my pain(& it is) then WHY would I want to go off it?? The other doc told me last thursday when again I asked him to put me in the hospital(or whatever he had to do to put me under OBSERVATION) so I could get off it.......he said that IT WAS NO BIG DEAL & FOR ME TO JUST DROP DOWN TO ONE 80mg DAILY..........for a few days and THEN STOP TAKING IT ALL TOGETHER!!! SORRY I SEEM TO BE RAMBLING!!! DIDN'T KNOW THAT I WOULD FIND THIS SITE TONITE AND BE WRITING THIS TO YOU ALL. I GUESS MY MAIN QUESTION TO YOU ALL IS: IS THE SYMPTONS THAT I HAVE AFTER 8 HOURS OR SO>>>IS THAT WITHDRAWL????? THERE IS NO WAY I CAN GO WITHOUT IT DUE TO THE PAIN OF MY FIBROMYALGIA, and so far NOTHING else has even come close to helping with my pain. WHAT **EXACTLT** IS WITHDRAWLL LIKE? I am wondering if the stiffness I experence is just because the oxy is wearing off after 8 hours, INSTEAD of the 12 hours that the doc and pharmists say it SHOULD last means that I just am not on a strong enuf dose OR if it means I am physically withdrawing??????????
   ANY HELP THAT YOU MIGHT BE ABLE TO GIVE ME IS DEEPLY APPRECIATED>
   *********After reading all th letters listed here I feel so badly for EVERYONE. I PRAY THAT ALL OF YOU ARE ABLR TO COME OFF YUR *OXY* WITH AS LITTLE PAIN AS POSSIBLE.
P.S. Can a person come off oxy by themselves? HOW do you do it? AND IF I TRY TO DO THIS BY LOWER THE DOSAGE *WHAT*CAN I EXPECT TO HAPPEN TO ME, LIKE WHAT SHOULD I BE LOOKING OUT FOR????
I'M NOT EVEN SURE I CAN FIND THIS SECTION AGAIN..................SO IF ANYONE WANTS TO REPLY HERE OR TO MY "e" address, it is:
***@****
THANX SO MUCH FOR YUR HELP, gp

[Mick]

GP,first of all, only hit the submit button once it will get on.My experience with oxy withdrawl has been:sweats, nervousnous,fatigue but you will not sleep,excessive yawning, depression of the worst kind,chills,an overall BAD feeling! you can't cut by 50% in one day.I am Not a doc but i can tell you that much.I cannot get off them myself.Read some of these stories if you want to know what to do. I think it's been covered pretty well. Good luck and find a new doc if he won't take you seriosly,or be a little more forceful when you talk to him.

[Bill K to Bob k]

I think the first issue you have to deal with is wheather you are taking the OXY to mask "severe" physical pain from some injury or ailment or are you taking it because it makes you feel bad if you don't take it. If it is the latter than I would say you are addicted and need to get off OXY.That is easier said than done. If you have a condition that is going to require you to continue Oxy to live with the pain,that is another matter.Then,you should follow your physician's directions,be honest with him or her and don't take more than prescribed.
You can expect a great deal of discomfort for several days while detoxing.I am no expert but I would suspect that you are going to need help to detox.Keep reading the posts in this forum,there is a lot of good info here. Good Luck!

[Carol55]

All the talk of oxy addiction.  It has made me feel able
to finally ask for help, too.  I live in such a small
town of Bradford, PA.  Does anyone know of a good detox
center I could go to in the state of PA or surrounding
Bradford area?  All this support has been so helpful.
Keep the good words coming.
Gary

[Bob K]

Mick I am a sincere poster. I hope the first Bob who posted does not share my last initial. The night I posted about the wind hurting was the third or fourth day after my last buprenorphine shot. I was having really bad pain and didnt read the posts. I just wrote down my thoughts. I think I can say my withdrawl this time from 100mg of oxy per day for nine months has been for the most part pain free. I did have buprenorphine for the first three days. I did however have some bad nights like the night i posted. It seems to be getting better for me I hope i can get used to much slower starts in the morning. Good luck to you all Bob K

[Bob K]

Gary this forum is where I learned about buprenorphine. I was addicted to oxy and darvocet before that. There is an addiction specialist in south Jersey named DR Gooberman. I went to see him last saturday. He gave me a prescription for the drug I mentioned and today is my 10th day without opiates. I know that its hard but you can do it. Im not sure where Bradford is but it would be worth the trip. He is located right over the bridge from Philadelphia. Good luck and you can find his exact address on the net.If you have problems with that let me know and i will get you exact address and phone numbers. Bob k

[Mick]

Bob k hey bob, i thought they couldn't prescibe that yet. is it helping? i'm trying again and its only 36 hours and i feel TERRIBLE.i'm about 2 and a half hours from doc you mention.did you get take out meds or just a shot.please post again,i would like this info. have to figure out how to contact, i'm sure doc doesn't want his no.# posted on
the web. will wait for your post.asap please.

[Mick]

Gary i don't live far from you at all! are you in northeast P.A.?we may be of some help to each other.

[Carol55]

Mick, sorry to hear you're feeling lousy.  How long have
you gone without.  Mick, for pete sake, don't try to do
this alone. Do you have a support system.  You say we don't
live far from each other?  I'm in such a small , quiet, but
very nice little town.  Do you mind saying where you are,
or is that too personal?
Well, let me know how you're doing today.  Maybe we will
ALL get thru this.  What a rotten way to spend my summer.
And I want to be enjoying it, I have 2 younger kids.  What
about you, is your family behind you 100%?  I hope so.
Hope to hear from you soon!  This internet! It brings
the world closer ;)
Gary

[Mick]

Gary, just outside of scranton p.a.

[Carol55]

Wow, Mick
we aren't far apart!  how are you doing today?  better I
hope.  good to hear from you, makes you feel not quite
so alone with all this
Gary

[Brian to Sick and Scared § ALL you guys]

Anyone interested in buprenorphine outpatient detox can check out Dr. Gooberman's website at www.detox-center.com.  He is located in NJ and it is pretty inexpensive (although he will try to convince you to go with the $300.00 naltrexone implant after detox).

[Bob to Bob K]

Bob,
I apologize to you as I thought you might have been a malicious poster. THere are so many people like that in these chat forums for recovering addicts.
I do have a question for you though.
Does the buprenorphine elliminate the horrible feelings from withdrawing from opiates?
You never told us if this medication works like some experts say it does.
I assume your burning pain is from previous pain that the oxy was masking?
Again, my apologies for assuming you were mocking us.

[Mick to all]

Brian, thanks for info.bob and bob k, glad we got misunderstanding cleared up.like i said, maybe if you see someone posting with same name,add last name initial or something.Gary,how are you doing
neighbor?ayone with any more inf on bruprenex.
brian, what's that inplant you spoke of.am i taking up to much space on this site? if so sorry.it's been a comforting place to go.please let me know how you all are.

[Bob K]

Bob im glad everything is settled with my foolish posting. I have good news. When I went to see the doctor that I spoke of he asked me a few questions; He realized that I was an addict; and he prescribed Buprenorphine for me. The drug store was down the street and they gave me three pre loaded syringes. I was instructed to take one a day. You inject it into your muscle not your vain. Bob I swear there was no high but it filled my opiate receptors just as promised. During the three days I experianced little in the way of withdrawl certainly not like before. The fourth day which was my first day without bup was not bad either. however I still have small cravings. Two nights i tossed and turned and hurt but that could be because im 50. I may have went straight from 40 to 50 and i guess that should hurt a little. If you have any more questions about this withdrawl please ask and i will be happy to help in any way i can. Bob K

[Bob K]

MICK read my previous post to Bob. It is as Brian has said in other areas of this forum almost a painless process. THE doctor is in south Jersey. I injected bup in the morning when I was ready for my first 40mg oxy. no buzz but no bad feelings either. in fact I went on a river lunch cruise with my wife. The second day was monday and I went to work. I felt some small episodes of sweating. It was a hot day though. The third and last day was a repeat of the others. I thought it was all over. About the fifth day I needed two of the muscle relaxers that the doctor had prescribed. I decided to discontinue all meds until a doctor feels something is needed. p.s. today is day eleven without oxy and i do feel much better. good luck Bob K Again ask me anything that you think will help you

[Mick to Bob k]

bob k,did you call this doc first to make appt. or what.it's 2hr + drive but i would do it.was the cost close to whats posted on his site.i,m almost thru day three. still feel BAD. any info would help.congrats !!!!!

[Bob K]

Mick I did call and make an appointment. They were very nice professional people with a very nice detox center.Three days is great man see if you can get four. Mick all I can tell you is I know how bad it hurts and how san and tired and everything but it seems like its going away for me. ie I think about it less everyday. Wouldnt it be great if you could go all the way? GOOD LUCK BOB k

[Bill K to Bob k]

Glad to hear you are doing so well Bob. Its been almost two weeks since I quit OXY. I am doing better everyday. I still am having some problems sleeping and getting my energy back but every day seems to be a little better.I do not have any cravings,which is good.This experience will probably effect my outlook about taking any type of pain medications in the future.Mick I hope you make contact with the Dr. and get some help.

[Bob K]

Bill K seems like we quit about the same time Bill. Tomorrow will be 12 days for me. I cant see myself ever getting back on that ride again. I learned how to quit on this forum. This is my first computer. Ive only had it about 4 months. One night I typed in the word oxycontin and I wound up here. This thing paid for itself almost right away. I will do my best not to undue that. Im glad for you Bill, and I hope Mick is ok on day four. Bob K

[capri]

To everyone on this site--Thank you all for your openess and honesty.  That,along with acceptance and surrender is the first step in your recovery. I've been in the "rooms" for 10 yrs after using for 23 yrs. The last 15 yrs was being additicted to pain meds. I went through a wonderful in-patient program in Miami and even though they detoxed me there (10 days), it still took a good 3-4 months before I felt normal. Remember, for every yr. you use, it takes approx. that amount in months for the body to feel good. The reason- opiates get into the bone marrow @ is released slowly. For those trying to detox alone-DON'T. I still went through the sleepless nights, leg pains, headaches, etc. Good news- I was able to put together 5yrs clean. Bad news-relapsed on those stupid pills after having surgery. Did everything the program tells u to do but once u put those drugs in your system, you're screwed. Went thru detox and out-patient and the"rooms" again-5 yrs again- 3 months ago I had 2 terrible accidents and the hospital and Dr. put me on Oxy and Oxy IR-never even heard of these before. I am so afraid and I know the cycle of active addiction is starting-isolation,depression,etc.Sorry for taking up so much space but I stopped talking to all my friends(drugs do that to you). All I want to say is after stopping-DON'T TAKE THAT FIRST DRUG AGAIN!.U start where u left off only worse.(with I could take my own advise) P.S.-to the lady who wrote no one knew-she was a professional- same here-guess what-addiction is a disease and does not discriminate. I hope I can be as brave as all of you and own up to this before it kills me, even though I'm in alot of physical pain. Would like to hear from anyone in recovery who has had to use pain meds.- please help!

[Sean]

It is so refreshing to know that there is a place to go to get feedback on what has become an existance i no longer want to pursue.  I started dabbling with pain killers about 5 years ago, and within the last year or so it had become an everyday event.  I decided that last saturday nite was the last for me and im now on day 3 without oxy.  Sunday nite was horrible, sweating, nausea, and sleeplessness.  Last nite i managed to get a few hours of sleep with the help of some over the counter sleep med.  Today im feeling woozy but it has definitely gotten better.  At the time i stopped i was up to 20-40 mg per day.  I'm curious that at this dosage the withdrawl will not be as severe as some of the others who posted at higher dosages.  And i also wonder at this lower dosage whether i might be able to get thru this without professional help.  I realize i have to make real life changes and that i cant be around certain people anymore.  I'm so proud of all of you that are doing the right thing.  I'm ready to reclaim my life.  Thanks for the support.

[Bob K]

Sean I know the feeling of wanting to reclaim your life. I was addicted to pain meds for about ten years. I finally decided to quit when oxycontin kicked my ass. Your level of use 20 to 40 mg almost certainly would climb if you continue to use. As you probably know the most physical part of your withdrawl is almost over. I found that I had a lot of fatigue muscle aches and sleepless nights for about three weeks. The good news is that today is 32 days for me and Im actually starting to feel great again. The same will happen for you but some time must pass. good luck Bob K

[Al H.]

I am taking about 100mg day oxycontin. Some days I want to get off them because I hate having to take drugs to not feel bad. I absolutly cannot stand the way I feel when I don't take any. I leave a pill by my bed and I set the alarm 30 minutes earlier than I have to get up, take the pill then hit snooze at least twice, long enough for the oxy to take effect, then feel like I can get up and take on the day. Then at intervals throughout the day keep chewing pieces of oxy to keep the steady effect going. They make me work hard and fast. I am making good money with the assistance of these pills. I don't socialize well anymore though. I have no sense of humor. Can anyone relate to the numbing of emotions (happy or sad) I feel kind of flat. Like there is no character to me. I really prefer to be alone. After reading alot of these posts on this forum I am actually more afraid of stopping the pills. I had always heard of 5 to 14 days of bad withdrawl symptoms, and was ready to deal with that, but the stories I am reading about no energy for months is discouraging because of my work profile. I am in drywall construction and am very good at it. I enjoy it more than I ever have and I'v been doing this work for 18 years, even though work is about the only thing I enjoy. I am worried about losing the vigor I have now if I stop taking oxycontin. I do know the no energy feling from times when I didn't have any oxy, and I couldn't work, and didn't want to work. So my self talk keeps me taking the oxy, but hating the efects it has on me emotionally,(flat) They are also very expensive. I'll shut up for now, but would appreciate any respose on the experiences of how they affect your life, (bad and good) and any hope of energy returning and vigor due to a positive attitude. Thank You

[Bob K]

Hey al I had the same problems as you for a long time. My dose before I quit was 100mg per day. I was taking two and a half fortys per day. I didnt feel flat as you say but I would wake up with my left side completly numb. I also bled from my nose. sorry Al it was my right side that went numb. I found that music was very annoying I couldnt stand to hear it. When I decided to quit I went to see an addiction specialist. My doctor used a drug to detox me called buprenorphine. This is what I think saved my life. I didnt have much of a withdrawl. Its been 33 days since Ive had opiates of any kind. I had weekness for about three weeks. It dosent seem unreasonable that my body needed to rest. If you have been wired from the oxy and putting up dry wall you will be tired and need rest as well. Rest is not the worst thing Al. Ps I like that thing with the alarm clock I never thought to pop and go back to sleep. GOOD luck Bob K

[Fred]

oxy 40mg 4x a day works great for pain but steals the rest of my life...my feelings,my ability to be involved in a intimate relationship . oxy takes my pain but also takes my joy.   I've detoxed 9-10 times in my 20 yr chronic pain adulthood anmd i wonder.. why detox if i will have to go back on in order to get to work, sit in car  "appear "  ok.. but be empty inside

[Jill]

My mother has abused Oxy. for years.  Last week she suffered massive withdrawal and I found her having seizures.  It took enormous effort from hospital staff to get the seizures under control.  She was on a respirator for 4 days in Critical Care.  Fun time, right?  MD's over prescribe this narcotic and there are no real controls in place to identify and catch seekers.  Anyone who feels close to this, please write your congressman asking for some type of mandantory computer hook-up for all Dr's and pharmacies.  They could have, in this day and age, instant access to the number of times/dosage an individual has been prescribed certain narcotics.  It's not rocket-science...someone just needs to make it their priority.  STOP NOW AND E-MAIL, WRITE AND CALL your STATE LEGISLATORS!!!!!!

[marie]

Has anyone considered seeing a chiropractor for their pain? Its a lot better than getting stuck on a drug merry-go-round.

[shardoana]

i take oxy. also nothing seems to help me when i go thru withdrawls  best thing to do is just ride it out you will feel better in about 4 or 5 days  good luck

[Marcy]

I wish each and every one of you the best! I have abused
narcotics for the past ten years and have now remained clean
for the last month. I had help thru a inpatient rehab as well as
my friends and loved ones. It gets better each and every day!
All of you keep the faith and prayers Marcy

[Lona]

I work on a inpatient Psych and detox unit and we have recently stop using Buprenex for detox.  I have worked there for 7 years and I can tell you that Buprenex is the best medication to use for detox.  The withdrawals are much usier than any other medication used.  Lets get the FDA to approve Buprenex for detox so we can get these people the help they need.  Thank you

[D.C.]

I am on 20mg of Oxycotin 5/3x/day, and on 3/325mg Perocet/Acetaminophen 5/3x/day, total 15 Perccet/day, 15 Oxycotin/day. I was just given Clonidine to take while I wean myself off of the Narcotics, the doctor has given me specific weaning instructions. I have been on the Perocet for a year, and on the Oxycotin for about 4 months. Chronic lower back problems, I am a Army officer and have injured my back over the course of 17 years in service and by thousends of parachute jumps. Anyway does anyone have any knowledge of this Clonidine? Has anyone out there used it with good results? Please contact me with any information, I want to stop taking the Narcotics at this point in my life, I am even willing to suck up some of the pain in order to do this.

[penelope]

Hi there,
I've been addicted to Oxycontin for about 1 year now.  I'm ready to get off bad.  I've tried detoxing a couple times but get bad detox.  I've heard about this Buprenex injections to help with the detox.  I've found a few doctors in the States that will do it.  Does anyone know about this stuff, anybody have the Buprenex procedure done on them?  Any docs out there that can tell me anything about it?  Your help and info would be greatly appreciated.  email me at ***@****

Thank you!

[to Vicodin Gurll]

Buprenorphine works GREAT for detox.  Clonidine is for **** D.C.  It is a blood pressure med that reduces detox symptoms by about 10%.  Bup. reduces them by about 80-90% or more.  I've used it to detox several times.  Works GREAT.  Go to the website www.detox-center.com.  Dr. Gooberman's website.  He's in NJ and will detox you OUTPATIENT with buprenorphine.  You go for 1 visit, get a brief physical and then the bup and some other drugs (which I never needed because the bup. works so well). Cost is just over $200, including bup.  THe other meds are a bit more.  You must pay cash.  You can get an appointment in a day or two after calling.  Go to the website for details, where it is, phone number, etc.  They have Sat. appointments.  Good luck.

[g]

I was taking 5 mg of oxy then progressed to 200 mg of oxycontin in 5 months. I realized the time had come to stop. I decided one day to ween off. I went from 150 mg for 3 days and dropped 50 mg every 3 days. It was uncomfortable, but I did it. I would have faced terrrible withdrawal if i went cold turkey, if the weening off program didnt work, i would have gone and see the dr specialist to get buprenex. the easy part is getting off, the hardest thing is trying to get the cravings away. The cravings is the real battle, get past that part and your  life of being an addict will do a complete turnaround. Also when, I got down to 15 mg a day, my body adjusted to the dose. When I stopped all together, I just had some bad anxienty, but almost no withdrawal.

[Jock]

i broke my neck in two places almost fifteen years ago.  after three surguries.  i still have alot of pain.  doctors have given me percocet.  it didn't really remove the pain, but it took me to a pleasant place.  i never had a problem with it.  i only took it when i was having a very bad day.  as a result, i never got hooked.  two years ago a new doc. told me of the dangers of taking too much tylenol wich is in the percocets.  he perscribed 40 mg oxycontin extended twice a day, and oxyir 5mg with each pill for more immediate relief.  i returned to see him after about two months and he asked how the new meds were working.  i told him they seemed fine and was only taking them when i truly needed them.  at this point he got very adamant about taking them as he prescribed.  he said that throughout history docs only tried to remove some of the pain.  he wanted to remove all the pain and said he wanted me to have a level of the drug in my system at all times.  after three months, neither i nor my family liked what it was doing to my personality, so i stopped taking them.  wow, i went to see this dr. and asked him just what the hell was going on, and he told me i was going through withdrawl.  i told him if he didn't get me off of these things that he would need them.  at that time he put me on the fentenl patch.  after a few months he said he could no longer help me.  i went to three drs before i found one who would help me, but even he said he would not help me get ogg the patch, only prescribe more for me.  i reduced the dossage by peircing the patch and putting a drop under ,y tounge  i gradually extended the time between drops but it was still horrible.  i really wanted to die.  now this next thig i am going to tell you may help you all.  my son explained to me that the durgs were producing an over abundance of dopamine in my brain.  that's what gives you that wonderful feeling.  when you stop the pills, your dopamine hits rock bottom and you get depressed, even suicidal.  he told me about an herbal supplament called "5htp".  this is available in any health food store.  taking it while your body starts producing it's own dopamine just may save your life.  i firmly believe it saved me.  good luck all.  my love, heart, and prayers go out to you all.

[Jock]

i broke my neck in two places almost fifteen years ago.  after three surguries.  i still have alot of pain.  doctors have given me percocet.  it didn't really remove the pain, but it took me to a pleasant place.  i never had a problem with it.  i only took it when i was having a very bad day.  as a result, i never got hooked.  two years ago a new doc. told me of the dangers of taking too much tylenol wich is in the percocets.  he perscribed 40 mg oxycontin extended twice a day, and oxyir 5mg with each pill for more immediate relief.  i returned to see him after about two months and he asked how the new meds were working.  i told him they seemed fine and was only taking them when i truly needed them.  at this point he got very adamant about taking them as he prescribed.  he said that throughout history docs only tried to remove some of the pain.  he wanted to remove all the pain and said he wanted me to have a level of the drug in my system at all times.  after three months, neither i nor my family liked what it was doing to my personality, so i stopped taking them.  wow, i went to see this dr. and asked him just what the hell was going on, and he told me i was going through withdrawl.  i told him if he didn't get me off of these things that he would need them.  at that time he put me on the fentenl patch.  after a few months he said he could no longer help me.  i went to three drs before i found one who would help me, but even he said he would not help me get ogg the patch, only prescribe more for me.  i reduced the dossage by peircing the patch and putting a drop under ,y tounge  i gradually extended the time between drops but it was still horrible.  i really wanted to die.  now this next thig i am going to tell you may help you all.  my son explained to me that the durgs were producing an over abundance of dopamine in my brain.  that's what gives you that wonderful feeling.  when you stop the pills, your dopamine hits rock bottom and you get depressed, even suicidal.  he told me about an herbal supplament called "5htp".  this is available in any health food store.  taking it while your body starts producing it's own dopamine just may save your life.  i firmly believe it saved me.  good luck all.  my love, heart, and prayers go out to you all.

[Tammie]

I've been on Oxycontin 160mg for 21/2 years. I take my oxy twice a day.I was wondering,are surpost to stop cold turkey or reduce the miligrams or will lorazepam 1mg,clonidine 0.2mg help me though withdrawls.My doctor is great to me but, I'm not doing to good,since he took me off my medicine.The medicine helped my back,sponolothesis.Maybe you can help me.

[Tammie]

I've been on Oxycontin 160mg for 21/2 years. I take my oxy twice a day.I was wondering,are surpost to stop cold turkey or reduce the miligrams or will lorazepam 1mg,clonidine 0.2mg help me though withdrawls.My doctor is great to me but, I'm not doing to good,since he took me off my medicine.The medicine helped my back,sponolothesis.Maybe you can help me.

[DaynaB]

I have been taking Oxy's, perks, 5 10's 20' 80's whatever I can get. I am not percribed any of these. I buy them from people who are. The only problem is that it has taken over my life. Its all I think about. I'm so afraid to go a day without because of the aches and fatigue, I will lie cheat and steal not to feel the pain of withdraw. I spend all my money, and some. Its ruining my relationship. Which he does not know about. Its so hard to stop. Some of my freinds are on the Meth, which seems to be the way to go around here. But I refuse to go on another drug to get off another. I still have to go to College, but I connot sit in a classrroom without anything. My back will ache I connot concentrate, I cannot be a happy nice person without it. My other problem is that my addiction is a secret. Only my few close friends know. I cant just go away to some clinic for a week plus I don';t make enough money, I feel so stuck. I havent talked to my doc Im afraid he will just say to go on meth. I go through withdrawls every week when I run out of money.I need out of this painfull cycle. Its been like 2yrs