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help me get off vicodin
I have looked at this site before but have never asked a question until now. I have found myself in a desparate situation and need some advice. I have been using 10 to 12 (750mg) of vicodin per day. I have tried to detox by weening down but didnt make it to my goal of being vicodin free.
I have to get off this stuff, it is virtually ruining my life.
I would welcome any and all advice on how to safely detox.
Also, if someone could explain to me what to expect and some type of time frame I can expect to be detoxing. I think that would help alot.
I've read alot of the Q & A on this site and am wondering about Methadone for the withdrawl symptoms, I experience constant chills, body aches mostly in my legs. Poor appetite, depression, skin crawling sensation especially at night so I can't sleep either.
Sincere Thanks for all input.
I have to get off this stuff, it is virtually ruining my life.
I would welcome any and all advice on how to safely detox.
Also, if someone could explain to me what to expect and some type of time frame I can expect to be detoxing. I think that would help alot.
I've read alot of the Q & A on this site and am wondering about Methadone for the withdrawl symptoms, I experience constant chills, body aches mostly in my legs. Poor appetite, depression, skin crawling sensation especially at night so I can't sleep either.
Sincere Thanks for all input.
I had total knee replacement last February. I was sent home with large doses of Oxycodone. That lasted 3+ weeks and then on to Vicidin.
The pain in my leg lasted about 3-4 months. It still aches a bit after a workout. So, I've been on pain meds for 5 months now. Today, I take 1/2 to 1 Vicidin a day but not for pain.
I take the meds for restless legs and arms. Ever since childhood I'd get RLS if I was still up wayyyyyy after I should have gone to sleep. Deep fatigue. But, it went away as soon as I stept and was never there until I was way too tired again, late at night.
Now, it's all day long. Not just my feel and partial claves, but all the way to my hips and finger tips to my shoulders!!!! It is extremely annoying to say the least. I have been prescribed an anticiesuze med for it but it wipes me out. Taking 1/2 a Vic works.
Questions are...... .
Am I "doomed" to taking Vicidin the rest of my life?
If I stop it completely will RLS go away?
Have the pain meds caused this severe and heightened RLS to happen?
Can I get this to go back to the levels I had before (only when fatigued)?
I just feel that Vicidin has somehow disrupted or damaged my nervous system. My hands, arms, feet and legs "tickle" me all day and night. I am so pissed about this and need help!
Rob
The pain in my leg lasted about 3-4 months. It still aches a bit after a workout. So, I've been on pain meds for 5 months now. Today, I take 1/2 to 1 Vicidin a day but not for pain.
I take the meds for restless legs and arms. Ever since childhood I'd get RLS if I was still up wayyyyyy after I should have gone to sleep. Deep fatigue. But, it went away as soon as I stept and was never there until I was way too tired again, late at night.
Now, it's all day long. Not just my feel and partial claves, but all the way to my hips and finger tips to my shoulders!!!! It is extremely annoying to say the least. I have been prescribed an anticiesuze med for it but it wipes me out. Taking 1/2 a Vic works.
Questions are...... .
Am I "doomed" to taking Vicidin the rest of my life?
If I stop it completely will RLS go away?
Have the pain meds caused this severe and heightened RLS to happen?
Can I get this to go back to the levels I had before (only when fatigued)?
I just feel that Vicidin has somehow disrupted or damaged my nervous system. My hands, arms, feet and legs "tickle" me all day and night. I am so pissed about this and need help!
Rob
i had surgery a year ago..and got a very painful staph infection..my doctor put me on vicodin..he gave me a 3 month supply..when that doctor's prescription ran out..I went to my general practioner with arthritis pain and he gave me a script for vicodin(3 a day)..the 3 a day has turned into 8 a day(I have someone who sell's them to me when I run out of my script) now I feel like i cannot even function without them..i have become a different person and no one even knows i am addicted..I can't even remember my life before this addiction..it is such a shameful thing to admit(plus my friends and family like it when I give some to them once in awhile..so they probably turn a blind eye to my addiction since they are profiting from it) I NEED HELP!!!!
My mom has been addicted to meth when I was 0-5 then it was alcohol, now it's pain meds, & alcohol. Last night was my dad's 49th birthday and my mom was the worst I've ever seen her. She was shaking, could barely talk, and pissed her self by the end of the night. She was in the bathroom and I asked if she was okay? She couldn't even answer me. I told my dad he had to go in and see what was going on, she couldn't get put, was pucking, and drewling. I thought she was over doseing, I was about to call 911 and my dad said not to. I don't know what to do anymore. I have a 18 year old little brother who's a juinor in High School and has to live there. It's so bad that I think she's going to die. I've tried interventions, I've tried to get her help, but she says, "I've had this addiction before, I can kick it again. But really she can't and my dad just lets it happen. Any advise can help. Thanks
Another NO to methadone! go to a doctor and be truthfull and get suboxone, it will help you ease down. search upper corner "suboxone" for forums on how it worked for others. you'll still need to get off that as soon as possible, but the withdrawals are not supposed to be so bad. also search "thomas recipe" for a great way to get off and also rebuild your body back up with amino acids and vitamins. Good Luck and may God be with you!!
Please stay strong and do not relapse. I was taking approx the same dosage as you, building up to it over a period of 5 years. I would periodically c/t for a few days until my script(s) came due. And each time I would worry for days on end if it would get refilled - so much so that I couldn't concentrate on anything else.
Finally 20 days ago, I ran out and just couldn't deal with the situation anymore. I c/t'd again - each time gets worse, btw - but something inside finally gave me the courage to acknowledge that I had a big problem. I took the suggestion of some of the posters here to "burn my bridges", meaning to cut off ties to all my previous suppliers. In my case, that meant changing my phone number/e-mail so that the online consult people could no longer get a hold of me, and it also meant telling my docs that I have a problem. (that was tough, but absolutely necessary - otherwise I would absolutely have caved in and gotten a refill).
I know that many of the posters say you should be feeling much better after day 4 or 5. If they were taking what we were, they are the lucky ones, or perhaps they weren't taking as much in the first place. For me, I was going thru hell for the 1st 10 days. Pain that cannot even be described. At day 20, I'm still feeling bone aches, etc., but nothing like the first half of my withdrawal.
So, do not get discouraged if you still aren't feeling good after the fifth, or even the tenth day. It really does get better - just takes more time for some that for others.
Finally 20 days ago, I ran out and just couldn't deal with the situation anymore. I c/t'd again - each time gets worse, btw - but something inside finally gave me the courage to acknowledge that I had a big problem. I took the suggestion of some of the posters here to "burn my bridges", meaning to cut off ties to all my previous suppliers. In my case, that meant changing my phone number/e-mail so that the online consult people could no longer get a hold of me, and it also meant telling my docs that I have a problem. (that was tough, but absolutely necessary - otherwise I would absolutely have caved in and gotten a refill).
I know that many of the posters say you should be feeling much better after day 4 or 5. If they were taking what we were, they are the lucky ones, or perhaps they weren't taking as much in the first place. For me, I was going thru hell for the 1st 10 days. Pain that cannot even be described. At day 20, I'm still feeling bone aches, etc., but nothing like the first half of my withdrawal.
So, do not get discouraged if you still aren't feeling good after the fifth, or even the tenth day. It really does get better - just takes more time for some that for others.
hey buddy... don't take the methadone...
from everything i've heard here, you are trading one drug for a much much worse drug. i have never heard a good thing about methadone, and from what i understand, it's harder to kick than vik's.
i've never taken it, so i am not a "pro" here... but if you're already into w/d's, and at your dose, you should start to feel better by day 4 after going c/t.
i definitely would not do the methadone..
from everything i've heard here, you are trading one drug for a much much worse drug. i have never heard a good thing about methadone, and from what i understand, it's harder to kick than vik's.
i've never taken it, so i am not a "pro" here... but if you're already into w/d's, and at your dose, you should start to feel better by day 4 after going c/t.
i definitely would not do the methadone..
I know exactly how you feel. The little pill controls your every thought. I am on day 4 of going cold turkey. I was taking over 25 a day. The best route is to taper if you have the will power. I know how difficult that can be. I did it once and didn't have any withdrawal symptons. Go for a long walk at night. I know it's hard to muster up the energy to so that but you will feel much better. You just have to have a strong mind set and tell yourself you are done with them. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask. Best of luck!
Brian
Brian
I started by taking Vicodin at night only, maybe 2 or 3 pills. 6 years later I am up to about 15-20 a day. Wow, I am completly addicted, and have tried to stop, but i have to work and can not afford to take time off. The symptoms or terrible, but if I could get a month off and address this issue head on I might be successful. It's scary knowing that I feel like I can not live without this drug, and indeed it controls my every thought most of the time.
Hi. I just wanted to let you know that you have another person on your side. I am 29, and have been hopelessly addicted to Vicodin (Hydrocodone) for 9 years. I lurked on this site for about 6 months before I actually made my 1st post. It feels a little scary at first to admit publicly (well, as public as the internet can be), but once I did, I was ready for the advice.
I began tapering on Friday. Only by 1/2 a pill for 4 days, and then another 1/2 for 4 days, until I'm down to 0. Just wanted to let ya know that I'm here. OK, good luck & check back on this forum often.
By the way....My name is Dawn.
I began tapering on Friday. Only by 1/2 a pill for 4 days, and then another 1/2 for 4 days, until I'm down to 0. Just wanted to let ya know that I'm here. OK, good luck & check back on this forum often.
By the way....My name is Dawn.
Just some thoughts...of course do what you feel is best for you.
I only recommend the methadone because the w/d's are such a *****. If it wasn't for the methadone, I would not even consider quitting. Have spent way too much time suffereing through that **** to ever voluntarily do it again.
I pretty much get nothing from the methadone except relief. You have to be strong in that you won't take them and abuse them. Of course, having an addictive personality makes that harder to do than say, but believe me it can be done. For starters, I never get more than 3-5. Never. I never take more than one at a time. I have taken 2 in a day, but 12 hrs apart, and very rarely. Having to work, be a dad, husband, little league coach, etc., means I have to participate in life. When I have gone c/t, I have had to take time off work, cancel family events, etc. just because it is too damn hard.
Also, I really get nothing from the methadone. I just feel good and not suffering. Not sure why they are so addictive, but I guess if you took enough they'd do something. Again, I don't give myself that chance. For some reason, I am strong in that regard, but weak as can be when it comes to hydro/oxycodone.
You only take the methadone to get through the w/d's. That's why you only get a few. Can't abuse what you don't have. Three to four days is usually enough.
I'm not trying to talk you into taking methadone, or anything else. I just see alot of info that contradicts my experiences. I know what hell the withdrawals are and I hate to see anyone go through that knowing there is a much easier way.
Go back several days and fine some posts by Bulldog81. They took this same advice, methadone, for I think 4 days, maybe 5, and had no problems.
I have tried tapering, but being an addict, if I have lortabs/percocets/oxycodone, I take them. Even if I know I will be out, and that the w/d's are coming, I still take what I have. I have absolutely no willpower when it comes to them. I am amazed and impressed by anyone who can taper!
Again, good luck and let us know how everything works out!
I only recommend the methadone because the w/d's are such a *****. If it wasn't for the methadone, I would not even consider quitting. Have spent way too much time suffereing through that **** to ever voluntarily do it again.
I pretty much get nothing from the methadone except relief. You have to be strong in that you won't take them and abuse them. Of course, having an addictive personality makes that harder to do than say, but believe me it can be done. For starters, I never get more than 3-5. Never. I never take more than one at a time. I have taken 2 in a day, but 12 hrs apart, and very rarely. Having to work, be a dad, husband, little league coach, etc., means I have to participate in life. When I have gone c/t, I have had to take time off work, cancel family events, etc. just because it is too damn hard.
Also, I really get nothing from the methadone. I just feel good and not suffering. Not sure why they are so addictive, but I guess if you took enough they'd do something. Again, I don't give myself that chance. For some reason, I am strong in that regard, but weak as can be when it comes to hydro/oxycodone.
You only take the methadone to get through the w/d's. That's why you only get a few. Can't abuse what you don't have. Three to four days is usually enough.
I'm not trying to talk you into taking methadone, or anything else. I just see alot of info that contradicts my experiences. I know what hell the withdrawals are and I hate to see anyone go through that knowing there is a much easier way.
Go back several days and fine some posts by Bulldog81. They took this same advice, methadone, for I think 4 days, maybe 5, and had no problems.
I have tried tapering, but being an addict, if I have lortabs/percocets/oxycodone, I take them. Even if I know I will be out, and that the w/d's are coming, I still take what I have. I have absolutely no willpower when it comes to them. I am amazed and impressed by anyone who can taper!
Again, good luck and let us know how everything works out!
Good morning Lil & Lisa. It was nice to see so early on that some one had responded. First off, last night was clearly my worst. It must take us one good day to see the first real signs of detox. That's ok. I could not sit still - up & down every 2 min's for hrs. I had no choice but to take 2 vicodin. I finally fell asleep so maybe I slept 3 1/2 hrs. However looking back I actually made progress. I only took 1/2 what I would normaly take. I hope that is some kind of a good sign. It would have been even less if not for the night time episode.
I felt crappy, flu like, weak, very sore, constantly cold & no energy...
Maybe some things that helped is what you were saying. I did get out- walked my dog yesterday. Not because I felt like it and believe me I walked almost everyday during the winter. He's a PBGV by the way. I helped my wife later spring cleaning outside. Man, none of that was easy but I know getting out helps. I will try to do the same today.
If I could keep the methedone to a small daily dose I do feel It would work and I understand taking it for anything more than detox is going to drag this out. And that I do not want. My problem with V is they don't last long and I need to take more.Easy to see how one could take so many in a day.Taking M once or at most twice in 10mg seems reasonable, however how long would that drag out. I just read a 5 day detox is a safe time frame warning that much beyond that produces new demons. No doubt! So I am leaning that way. I am just so sick of the V any longer.
I did appriciate your feed back and I would like to know if this sounds like a plan that would work. Thanks. WC
I felt crappy, flu like, weak, very sore, constantly cold & no energy...
Maybe some things that helped is what you were saying. I did get out- walked my dog yesterday. Not because I felt like it and believe me I walked almost everyday during the winter. He's a PBGV by the way. I helped my wife later spring cleaning outside. Man, none of that was easy but I know getting out helps. I will try to do the same today.
If I could keep the methedone to a small daily dose I do feel It would work and I understand taking it for anything more than detox is going to drag this out. And that I do not want. My problem with V is they don't last long and I need to take more.Easy to see how one could take so many in a day.Taking M once or at most twice in 10mg seems reasonable, however how long would that drag out. I just read a 5 day detox is a safe time frame warning that much beyond that produces new demons. No doubt! So I am leaning that way. I am just so sick of the V any longer.
I did appriciate your feed back and I would like to know if this sounds like a plan that would work. Thanks. WC
I am addicted to percocet. I get a script from a dr every month. He changed it for me to lortab, but it's all the same. Anyway, when I run out, I have a source who can get me more. This person gave me my magic bullet one day when I was in withdrawal and they too were out.
Methadone. When I'm out and can't get anymore, I get 3-5 10mg methadone. I wait until the w/d's start, then take one 10mg methadone per day for usually 3 days. You will still feel some of the w/d's, but nothing like going cold turkey (I have unfortunately gone through that several times). I keep some Imodium AD handy. After the 3rd day, the worst is over. You will still have some w/d symptoms after that, but definitely alot more manageable. Your willpower will have to kick in after that, but again, it's alot more manageable.
Methadone is apparently addictive, so be careful on how many you take and for how long. You don't want to trade one addiction for the other. I don't know why they are addictive as I get nothing from them except they help w/the w/d's. I guess if you took enough you'd get a buzz.
Hope this helps and good luck!
Methadone. When I'm out and can't get anymore, I get 3-5 10mg methadone. I wait until the w/d's start, then take one 10mg methadone per day for usually 3 days. You will still feel some of the w/d's, but nothing like going cold turkey (I have unfortunately gone through that several times). I keep some Imodium AD handy. After the 3rd day, the worst is over. You will still have some w/d symptoms after that, but definitely alot more manageable. Your willpower will have to kick in after that, but again, it's alot more manageable.
Methadone is apparently addictive, so be careful on how many you take and for how long. You don't want to trade one addiction for the other. I don't know why they are addictive as I get nothing from them except they help w/the w/d's. I guess if you took enough you'd get a buzz.
Hope this helps and good luck!
So let me just add to what I said about methadone as I was reading on another forum someone said something negative about methadone and then someone else said it saved their life. SO let me just say everyone is different and maybe methadone is for you but me personaly it's not for me and if you can get off of vicodin without anything I would try your hardest, because from the research I've done (not saying it correct) they said that methadone is made to be very addictive because it was originally for heiron addicts and they would rather have them addicted to something that can be givin on a regular basis and at a lower dose and they would be addicted to someting more controlled and honestly I think that pharmistical companies want you to become addicted so that way it's guenteed they will try everything to keep getting it. But once again this is all my own person research and oppion so if you don't agree then that is perfectly fine. But truely and honestly good luck and if my post are not what your looking for just let me know.
Hugs not drugs
Lisa
Hugs not drugs
Lisa
well I'm kinda in the same boat you are but I would say that you should expect to feel that way for about 10 days or less from what i've heard. Some of the things I've heard is to be active and go out and about as much as possible. Do you have people to support you? Because you may need it your going to get very depressed and irritable. And the methadone I don't recommened it I think it's a gross feeling and it's going from one addictive drug to a more addictive drug. try to tapper off a little bit then just go from there just a couple of days but make sure you cut off all ways to get it or be around it now why your still feeling okay. Like my friend was buying them and when she was ready to get off she told the people that she was buying them from that she was talking to the cops even though it wasn't true they sure in the heck didn't answer any more of her phone calls. But once again from what i've heard that working out is a really good way to help you feel alot better faster in every way shape and form. but If you have any questions you can put them on here or on mine and we will go through this together.
Good Luck,
Lisa
Good Luck,
Lisa
Hey,
Welcome to the forum. There are alot of very supportive people on here that give alot of good advice. This is just my opinion and this is from my experience from my own body. When you take your last pill, you will need some immodium AD for diarrhea, a nice warm blanket, somewhere comfortable to lay down, (comfy reclining chair or comfy sofa) and some very light food (you won't feel like eating much) and make sure you drink plenty of fluids. Like I said, this is just what I do when I come off of the pills so your body might be different. About 8 to 12 hours after your last pill, you will start feeling the withdrawals and I might add some people don't even get withdrawals so don't totally expect it, you might be one of the lucky ones lol.
I would start taking the Immodium AD up front just in case about 10 hours after your last pill. The first night, you might experience chills, diarrhea, restless legs, pain throughout your legs back, arms, neck. Try and take hot baths, if you can live in the bath while you are having those uncomfortable withdrawals you will feel much better. I wish I could've lived in there but I had kids to deal with lol. So try and take as many hot baths as possible to pass the time. The next day, it will be even more uncomfortable, that night dealing with the same thing. You might get a couple of hours sleep. The next day, might be a little less painful and that night might get a couple of hours sleep. The fourth day you will start feelin better physically but might have some depression goin' on. May get 4 hours sleep. 5th day you will feel a bit better, the restless leg should be better, and the chills should go away and also the diarrhea. Everything should start gettin better by the 5th day. After the physical withdrawals comes the mental withdrawals... you will want a pill but just keep thinkin' to yourself "I'm not ever gonna take another pill again and go through that hell ever again" lol. The mental part, as long as you keep active, go outside enjoy the sun, go to the park beach, or even your own backyard will make you feel better than stayin' in the house. The key to the mental withdrawals is to keep active. Give or take a few things on here. Everyone's body is different. Just go with the flow. It's very hard sometimes but you can get through it. You can also try tapering down if you have a few pills left, or ask a doctor about different drugs, one is suboxone, it takes care of physical and mental withdrawals. But I think you have to ween off of that too, once you start taking it. Everyone is different, so pick out or even try them all and see which one is best for you.
Good luck, and we'll be here for you before, during, and after so just keep posting. Posting always makes me feel better when I'm goin' through it. There are alot of very nice people on here. If I don't post back, I will post back to ya as soon as I get the post.
Take care and I will be praying for you, hugz,
Lil. :)
Welcome to the forum. There are alot of very supportive people on here that give alot of good advice. This is just my opinion and this is from my experience from my own body. When you take your last pill, you will need some immodium AD for diarrhea, a nice warm blanket, somewhere comfortable to lay down, (comfy reclining chair or comfy sofa) and some very light food (you won't feel like eating much) and make sure you drink plenty of fluids. Like I said, this is just what I do when I come off of the pills so your body might be different. About 8 to 12 hours after your last pill, you will start feeling the withdrawals and I might add some people don't even get withdrawals so don't totally expect it, you might be one of the lucky ones lol.
I would start taking the Immodium AD up front just in case about 10 hours after your last pill. The first night, you might experience chills, diarrhea, restless legs, pain throughout your legs back, arms, neck. Try and take hot baths, if you can live in the bath while you are having those uncomfortable withdrawals you will feel much better. I wish I could've lived in there but I had kids to deal with lol. So try and take as many hot baths as possible to pass the time. The next day, it will be even more uncomfortable, that night dealing with the same thing. You might get a couple of hours sleep. The next day, might be a little less painful and that night might get a couple of hours sleep. The fourth day you will start feelin better physically but might have some depression goin' on. May get 4 hours sleep. 5th day you will feel a bit better, the restless leg should be better, and the chills should go away and also the diarrhea. Everything should start gettin better by the 5th day. After the physical withdrawals comes the mental withdrawals... you will want a pill but just keep thinkin' to yourself "I'm not ever gonna take another pill again and go through that hell ever again" lol. The mental part, as long as you keep active, go outside enjoy the sun, go to the park beach, or even your own backyard will make you feel better than stayin' in the house. The key to the mental withdrawals is to keep active. Give or take a few things on here. Everyone's body is different. Just go with the flow. It's very hard sometimes but you can get through it. You can also try tapering down if you have a few pills left, or ask a doctor about different drugs, one is suboxone, it takes care of physical and mental withdrawals. But I think you have to ween off of that too, once you start taking it. Everyone is different, so pick out or even try them all and see which one is best for you.
Good luck, and we'll be here for you before, during, and after so just keep posting. Posting always makes me feel better when I'm goin' through it. There are alot of very nice people on here. If I don't post back, I will post back to ya as soon as I get the post.
Take care and I will be praying for you, hugz,
Lil. :)
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