Yes...the lack of sleep is awful but that too will pass. You won't die from lack of sleep though. Cat nap when you can. Pamper yourself as much as you can. Again...if you aren't taking any supplements you should start now. Tell yourself that it's like having the flu. It takes time and you are going to feel like crap for a while but it will pass. By taking pills we are used to the fast fix. We want everything to be over in an hour or 2 because that is what we are used to with the pills. Well...other illnesses don't work that way so why should we think withdrawal will? The sleeplessness is a stage of the illness and it will pass. See it as progress. But I can't recommend the supplements enough. Lots of water too as it will help your body flush out the toxins and for your body to heal.
The withdrawals are so bad right now. Can't sleep, haven't kept in hours. Don't know what to do. I NEED sleep! I'm exhausted.
Yep...sounds like you are. Just keep in mind that it is a good thing because it means you are making progress. Melatonin is good but there are some other supplements that will also help. Search "Thomas recipe"… but the basics are a good multivitamin, some amino acids like L-tyrosine, Vitamin D3, B complex, vitamin C, potassium, magnesium.... lots of water... protein drinks like ensure.
As long as you're not taking the drug (or any related drugs) that you're trying to detox from, you are detoxing, 100% for sure. Most people need medical help during the process, and there's no shame in seeking it out. Now, some doctors will go with the "lesser of two evils" approach and prescribe - for example - benzos to alleviate the anxiety that is common with opiate withdrawals, but caution must be exercised to prevent trading one addiction for another (or worse yet, simply adding a new one). From what others have said, the anti-anxiety medication you were prescribed seems to be on the safer side, and with any luck, you won't need it for long. I'm currently on day 6 of being opioid-free - my own regimen consists of 100 mg of gabapentin (Neurontin) every six hours to alleviate nerve pain/restlessness, and 10 mg of cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) at bedtime to loosen up the tension in my back and induce drowsiness.
Melatonin is a great natural sleep aid - you might also want to try valerian (another OTC natural sleep aid) in combination with it in case you feel you're not getting enough restful sleep. Keep taking ibuprofen (or whatever OTC pain reliever works best for you) for your body aches. Also, I can't overstate enough how helpful it is to draw a warm bath and soak in it for as long as you can, as often as you can - for the first couple of days, I was taking one every two or three hours, but they helped tremendously. Just try to soldier through it as best you can, and know that you have many others here - in all stages of the process - who can offer advice or help any time you need it!
Thanks every one. I have been using the anti anxiety as directed ( surprisingly). Some of the other withdrawals symptoms are server. I'm having a hard time. I'm dreading attempting to sleep. I'm grateful that this anti anxiety is helping a little, still going through hell though. I'm trying some over the counter, natural sleep aid called Melatonin, I'm hoping this will help. I'm not taking any pain med to taper, just ibuprofen. So I'm for sure ful blown detoxing right?
It isn't noted as being an addiction risk but the pharmacology also notes that there also have NOT been adequate studies of long term (greater than 4 months) use.... so if it is just being prescribed to get you over the withdrawal hump it is probably fine as long as the doctor is keeping tabs on it. It is a cousin to the benzodiazepines. It does say that it increases the effect of certain drugs like barbituates, narcotics, and alcohol so make sure you are only taking any meds in amounts that the doctor knows about.
Rest assured - if you're not using, you're detoxing. You're correct that the anti-anxiety medication you're taking is making the process easier, but the process is happening nonetheless. Hang in there!
Thanks so much for taking the time to look it up and help. Your awesome. I'm a bit nervous and cautious. I just want to be done with pills. But I will tell you. If the anti anxiety is not additive and harmless, when I am done taking them if I'm fine with no additional withdrawals other than what Im going through from the pain meds, then this anti anxiety would be amazing. Like I said im still experiencing withdrawals, just not as bad as usual. Which ironically has me very concerned. Please if anyone else know more about this, please help any advice works. Thanks.
I looked that one up. It says it's an anti-histammine and a sedative. Doesn't seem to be a benzo which is what could be addicting. Hang tight and wait for someone more informed to answer:)
What is the anti-anxiety pill called?