Aa
oxy / hydro withdrawal after two months
Hello Everyone:
My father is nearing 78 and had knee replacement suregery three months ago. Prior to the surgery, he was taking hydrocodone for about a year...four or five a week at start and as many as four or five a day right before his surgery to relieve knee pain. Post operative, they placed him on 20mg oxycontin twice daily (w/ Darvon for breakthrough pain).
Sixteen days post operative he began to feel sick...
nausea, trembling, depression, palpitations of heart, sleeplessness. He was miserable but still took his meds as directed. On learning of his sickness, his General told him to discontinue oxy (cold) and use the Darvon for pain. He remained sick and, because his knee was still in pain, his general kept switching pain meds to try and find one that would ease knee pain but wouldn't make him sick. Finally, seven weeks after surgery, my dad decided to stop taking everything and see if his sickness would get better.
Six weeks after that, my dad is constantly ill...nausea, trembling, heart racing, and sleeplessness. He hasn't had a pain med in six weeks! Everyone he sees tells him (obviously) that it couldn't be withdrawal cause everything's been out of his system so long. But why is he sick with symptoms that so closely resemble withdrawal?
At this point, we're thinking all the drugs combined with his age, etc, have blown some sort of fuse in his neurological system. Is this possible?
Has anyone heard of a situation like this before? We're looking for some clues to get him out of his misery...he's at his wit's end.
Sorry for the long post! Thanks!
13th June off everything because he was
get off all the drugs.
Six weeks of the same symptons
My father is nearing 78 and had knee replacement suregery three months ago. Prior to the surgery, he was taking hydrocodone for about a year...four or five a week at start and as many as four or five a day right before his surgery to relieve knee pain. Post operative, they placed him on 20mg oxycontin twice daily (w/ Darvon for breakthrough pain).
Sixteen days post operative he began to feel sick...
nausea, trembling, depression, palpitations of heart, sleeplessness. He was miserable but still took his meds as directed. On learning of his sickness, his General told him to discontinue oxy (cold) and use the Darvon for pain. He remained sick and, because his knee was still in pain, his general kept switching pain meds to try and find one that would ease knee pain but wouldn't make him sick. Finally, seven weeks after surgery, my dad decided to stop taking everything and see if his sickness would get better.
Six weeks after that, my dad is constantly ill...nausea, trembling, heart racing, and sleeplessness. He hasn't had a pain med in six weeks! Everyone he sees tells him (obviously) that it couldn't be withdrawal cause everything's been out of his system so long. But why is he sick with symptoms that so closely resemble withdrawal?
At this point, we're thinking all the drugs combined with his age, etc, have blown some sort of fuse in his neurological system. Is this possible?
Has anyone heard of a situation like this before? We're looking for some clues to get him out of his misery...he's at his wit's end.
Sorry for the long post! Thanks!
13th June off everything because he was
get off all the drugs.
Six weeks of the same symptons
I've had similar problems days after going off of pain meds(usually oxycodone). Suddenly, I'll go into severe trembling, nausea, headache and racing pulse. It's scary, especially after being clean for ten or more days. I'd like to know why this happens, too. Dr. Steve seems to think it's anxiety related. All I know is that the only way I can get it to stop is by taking a dose of oxycodone or hydrocodone. Doing this is better than having a heart attack or stroke. Hopefully, someone here can educate us on this phenomenon. J.B.
Besides "acute withdrawal syndrome" there is "post acute withdrawal" or "abstinance syndrome", which can last for a LONG time. Usually it goes away within a month or two, but it can last up to a year or more, especially if you've had the metabolic disorder of opioid addiction (or "dependence" if you prefer). Generally it lasts longer the longer you've been "dependant" on opioid pain meds, and depending on which med you're using - methadone is longer acting, so it has a longer abstinance syndrome. I have a lot of sympathy for anyone suffering in that way, because it's the most hideous kind of misery imaginable. I've been an addict most of my life and have suffered from withdrawal syndrome many times. I was doing well on methadone for many years, but my doctor recently switched me to oxycontin after he was threatened for prescribing methadone since he isn't a pain specialist. After only a few days on oxycontin I'm already feeling horrible, so I'm getting back on methadone ASAP even if I have to go to a methadone clinic again (I'm hoping the pain treatment clinic will prescribe it for me). Everybody is different, and it could be that your father is very sensitive to opioids, and that even a relatively short-term use of opioids has triggered the metabolic disorder of addiction in him. Methadone would make him well again if there is a way for him to get it. I know this is a forum for pain patients, but addiction is so closely related that I think it's very illogical to seperate it from pain treatment. Addiction is a metabolic disorder, and society should stop looking at it as a character flaw which requires addicts be treated like they are "junkies" who can't EVER be trusted. Methadone is a wonderful drug, but they make it so darn hard to get. Methadone is very inexpensive and oxycontin is VERY expensive, and I believe that has a lot to do with why oxycontin is so easily available while methadone is the hardest drug of all to get. I'm furious that my doctor had to switch me from methdone to oxycontin, because now I'm becoming very ill. In my opinion, oxycontin is NOT a good chronic pain medication for most people - methadone is the opioid that should be used for treating long-term chronic pain patients. I'm not a doctor, but I have a lifetime of experience (I'm 45) and have become very knowledgable. I know that oxycontin is working well for some people, and those people should be able to continue using it if it works for them, but most people are better off on methadone. I hope that this whole oxycontin disaster will cause the "authorities" to realise methadone needs to be made available from regular doctors for treating pain and addiction. I wish your father luck, and my advice is to get him on methadone.
Cannibis Dave seems to know more about withdrawal syndromes than I do, but in my thirty years of hydrocodone experience, withdrawal ALWAYS set in at the latest the day after running out. Most opioids, except for the time-release stuff and exceptionally long-half life drugs like methadone, are metabolized and out of your system in four or five hours. It's not that I'm surprized at your dad having some kind of delayed abstinence syndrome, I'm just surprised and skeptical about him not suffering narcotic withdrawal directly after he stopped. I have never heard of that one! I hope your dad feels better soon. Wish I had the answer for him.
I know this is probably an unpopular comment but I don't see the point in suing Purdue Pharma for making oxycontin. We can't blame a pharmaceutical company for our addiction. Pain medication has had a profound impact on the medical community. People with chronic pain can now live a more productive life with oxycontin. Purdue Pharma gives seminars on drug addiction and proper prescribing procedures. There is a definate need for oxycontin in this world. Why blame Purdu Pharma? The doctors are the one's who monitor and prescribe the medication. Why don't we go after the doctors who prescribe Oxy like crazy. They are the dangerous ones. I'm not going to blame anyone but myself for my addiction. No one forced the pills into my mouth. If we start suing pharmaceutical companys for making addictive medication then we should start suing Mcdonald's for making fattening foods. Eating fatty foods can lead to a heartattach, diabetes, obesity, etc. If someone has a heart attach should they sue restraunts they they were visiting that lead them to their poor health. NO! Take responsibility. Oxy is a controlled II substance. There is strict monitoring that goes along with getting these pills. From what a doctor told me, if you go doctor shopping to get scripts you will eventually get caught. Either by the doctors, the pharmasist, or the insurance company. I'm sure handfulls of people have horror stories about getting caught at the pharmacy for getting several different scripts filled. My dad is a doctor and one day he got a call from the pharmacist telling him that this was the third time this patient has been in filling a narcotic prescription from three different doctors. My dad told the pharmacist to void the prescription and he told the pharmacist to tell the patient he could come back and see him to talk about it. My dad interested in helping this man...but of course he never saw him again. Drug-seekers are smart, no doubt about it, I knew to go to different pharmacies. I know some supermarkets systems are hooked up so you can go to different locations. I know epic and neighborcare computers are not hooked up so there is no way for them to tell if you went to the pharmacy down the street. I know not to go to CVS or RiteAid because they can what other CVS or RiteAids you have been to.
I am an addict. I hold no one responsible for it but myself. I don't blame my parents for giving me the genes for addiction (even though they are not addicts but there is a history of addiction further down my family). I don't blame my work for stressing me out and then me wanting to take the percocets. If we stop pointing fingers we can accept the disease and treat it. I talked to doctors that are afraid to prescribe narcotics because they are aftaid of getting in trouble by the DEA. Patients have been kown to sue doctors because they got addicted to pain medicine. This is where it gets tricky, if a doctor does not prescribe adequate enough pain medicine to someone who legitametly needs the pills they risk being sued for not caring for the patient. There has been numerous studies that report that patients who are in extreme pain and require narcotics don't end up getting hooked when they are feeling better.
Well I hope I put a different view on the topic.
Tyler
I am an addict. I hold no one responsible for it but myself. I don't blame my parents for giving me the genes for addiction (even though they are not addicts but there is a history of addiction further down my family). I don't blame my work for stressing me out and then me wanting to take the percocets. If we stop pointing fingers we can accept the disease and treat it. I talked to doctors that are afraid to prescribe narcotics because they are aftaid of getting in trouble by the DEA. Patients have been kown to sue doctors because they got addicted to pain medicine. This is where it gets tricky, if a doctor does not prescribe adequate enough pain medicine to someone who legitametly needs the pills they risk being sued for not caring for the patient. There has been numerous studies that report that patients who are in extreme pain and require narcotics don't end up getting hooked when they are feeling better.
Well I hope I put a different view on the topic.
Tyler
Thank you Tyler, I really agree with your perspective on this. I tried to say what you said, but you said it so eloquently!
I am both a chronic pain patient, and an addict. I am working my butt off trying to find how to be in recovery, ie, how to take the meds that I need to treat my pain without abusing the meds to get high. It is very, very hard! But, regardless, I am grateful that the meds for pain exist, and I don't blame anyone but myself for how I handled the meds.
The last thing that I'd want to see is a med as helpful as oxycontin get taken off the market because people like me with addcitions abused it. Instead, I'd rather see the money that would be spent on the lawsuit spent on increasing funding for the treatment and prevention of addiction.
WW
I am both a chronic pain patient, and an addict. I am working my butt off trying to find how to be in recovery, ie, how to take the meds that I need to treat my pain without abusing the meds to get high. It is very, very hard! But, regardless, I am grateful that the meds for pain exist, and I don't blame anyone but myself for how I handled the meds.
The last thing that I'd want to see is a med as helpful as oxycontin get taken off the market because people like me with addcitions abused it. Instead, I'd rather see the money that would be spent on the lawsuit spent on increasing funding for the treatment and prevention of addiction.
WW
I am truly sorry to interrupt this thread but obviously it's not to easy to start a new one.
I read an article today in the Philadelphia daily news today about a group of people in Kentucky sueing Perdue Pharma. The lawsuit was over the fact that Perdue failed to properly inform the public over the fact that even if Oxycontin is taken properly you will become addicted. The article goes further in depth than I am willing to type but you get the general idea. I was considering contacting an attorney to see if I could possibly enter in a case. You never know? Hey, maybee we could all get togther and sue the hell out of theese bastards for getting us hooked on their product. After all, think about it. What if you woke up in the morning and threw your guts up if you didn't use a certain kind of toothpaste. Isn't it basicly the same idea? I would be interested in your oponion's........CHad
I read an article today in the Philadelphia daily news today about a group of people in Kentucky sueing Perdue Pharma. The lawsuit was over the fact that Perdue failed to properly inform the public over the fact that even if Oxycontin is taken properly you will become addicted. The article goes further in depth than I am willing to type but you get the general idea. I was considering contacting an attorney to see if I could possibly enter in a case. You never know? Hey, maybee we could all get togther and sue the hell out of theese bastards for getting us hooked on their product. After all, think about it. What if you woke up in the morning and threw your guts up if you didn't use a certain kind of toothpaste. Isn't it basicly the same idea? I would be interested in your oponion's........CHad
Could you possibly post a link to the story you're talking about in the Philly newspaper?
Here's a link about the law-suit:
http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v01/n1090/a10.html?186
We had that other national story in our local paper yesterday too. It says that doctors wrote 6.9 MILLION prescriptions for oxycontin from May 2000 to May 2001, producing $1.27 BILLION dollars sales. Oxycontin accounted for 83% of Purdue's sales this year - that IS a bit outrageous, and it makes them look like "pushers". I don't mind severe pain patients having it, but to promote it the way they did was VERY irresponsible, and now we are seeing the result in this epidemic of addiction. All they did was take pure oxycodone and put a thin coating around it so it absorbs slowly, and now they are making a fortune by charging so much for it. OF COURSE it ended up being abused by addicts - that was something anyone should have seen coming. I do hope this disaster will help methadone become more available. I'm looking forward to getting back on methadone again, because I can't think or sleep very well on oxycontin/oxycodone, and I'm very weak. I was getting by on just two 10mg. methadone tablets a day before, and now I'm already taking 4 20mg. oxycontin tablets after - I'm terrified of running out of medication. Oxycontin just doesn't work as well for chronic pain for me, and it seems to have worse negative side-effects than methadone. It seems to make more sense to use methadone for chronic pain, and use oxycodone or hydromorphone (my preferance) for breakthrough medication.
http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v01/n1090/a10.html?186
We had that other national story in our local paper yesterday too. It says that doctors wrote 6.9 MILLION prescriptions for oxycontin from May 2000 to May 2001, producing $1.27 BILLION dollars sales. Oxycontin accounted for 83% of Purdue's sales this year - that IS a bit outrageous, and it makes them look like "pushers". I don't mind severe pain patients having it, but to promote it the way they did was VERY irresponsible, and now we are seeing the result in this epidemic of addiction. All they did was take pure oxycodone and put a thin coating around it so it absorbs slowly, and now they are making a fortune by charging so much for it. OF COURSE it ended up being abused by addicts - that was something anyone should have seen coming. I do hope this disaster will help methadone become more available. I'm looking forward to getting back on methadone again, because I can't think or sleep very well on oxycontin/oxycodone, and I'm very weak. I was getting by on just two 10mg. methadone tablets a day before, and now I'm already taking 4 20mg. oxycontin tablets after - I'm terrified of running out of medication. Oxycontin just doesn't work as well for chronic pain for me, and it seems to have worse negative side-effects than methadone. It seems to make more sense to use methadone for chronic pain, and use oxycodone or hydromorphone (my preferance) for breakthrough medication.
hmmm
Well..I'll give my two cents here...
Isn't it pretty widely known that any opiate based drug taken over a certain amount of time is physically addicting? I am wary of suing a drug company for making an addicting medication that is so helpful to chronic pain patients who truly need it and benefit from it.
Oxycontin was a wonderful medication for me. It stopped my back pain after my surgery beautifully, and because it was long acting, it did not produce the euphoria that the vicoprofen did, so I did not try to chase a high with it. My Doc switiched me back to vicoprofen after the most acute phase of my pain was over, and I am sorry that he did..because I am FAR more likely to abuse vicoprofen than the oxycontin, since it gets me high, and the oxy never did. Granted, I did not know that people chew and crush the oxy's to get high.. and I'm glad I didn't know that! lol
I worry that law suits of the makers of oxycontin will endager the availability of this medication to those who truly need it.
my two cents
WW
Well..I'll give my two cents here...
Isn't it pretty widely known that any opiate based drug taken over a certain amount of time is physically addicting? I am wary of suing a drug company for making an addicting medication that is so helpful to chronic pain patients who truly need it and benefit from it.
Oxycontin was a wonderful medication for me. It stopped my back pain after my surgery beautifully, and because it was long acting, it did not produce the euphoria that the vicoprofen did, so I did not try to chase a high with it. My Doc switiched me back to vicoprofen after the most acute phase of my pain was over, and I am sorry that he did..because I am FAR more likely to abuse vicoprofen than the oxycontin, since it gets me high, and the oxy never did. Granted, I did not know that people chew and crush the oxy's to get high.. and I'm glad I didn't know that! lol
I worry that law suits of the makers of oxycontin will endager the availability of this medication to those who truly need it.
my two cents
WW
I, too, am fearful that lawsuits like this may do harm to our ability to get the pain relief we need. However, my doctor told me that if even the worst happened with oxycontin that there were alternatives. He named the duragesic patch, methadone, and some other stuff.
The worst thing about the oxy seems to be that I'm so damn tired all the time. I will be sitting at my desk at work and fall asleep. I've done that in meetings, too.
As for the duragesic, I'm wondering how they titrate it so that you don't have the severe depression after being on oxy for so long? Anyone have any insight on that?
Francois
The worst thing about the oxy seems to be that I'm so damn tired all the time. I will be sitting at my desk at work and fall asleep. I've done that in meetings, too.
As for the duragesic, I'm wondering how they titrate it so that you don't have the severe depression after being on oxy for so long? Anyone have any insight on that?
Francois
I have to add my two cents worth in here. I think people especially [addicts in denial] will love to use any excuse to make money to support their habit and even get credit for it.
Meanwhile, those that really need pain relief suffer and other less effective pain relievers will then be put under scruteny as well and all of us chronic pain people will suffer for those greedy addicts who will always look for that free dollar or high without working for it.
I went off the Codeine because I was taking it too much and for the high effect. My doc refused Oxycontin because of the stink being made. I am allergic to acetimetiphen so I am limited on most of the stronger opiods. So he is trying me on Demerol of all things. I thought that was only for post surgery. So far it has worked better than the Codiene and does not produce a euphoric or high which is why I kept abusing the Codiene. The only bad thing is the demerol takes over an hour or two to take effective pain relief so I still have to take two Ultram with it for faster relief. Sometimes two Demerol will work a little better.
[Thomas] I have never asked you anything before because I read all the posts but what do you think about Demerol for chronic pain control?
I took alot of Ultram while off the Codiene so it really did't solve anything. I hit the pavement [shakedown/breakdown] after doing my yard work this past weekend and was glad I had that strong Demerol because after the 20-30 minute shaker I was in severe pain. I was already in pain from the work due to the Lupus but I pushed myself as my doc warned me not to, much to my own demise.
Oh well, Another day in paradise, at least I have my job and my little house in my garden of Guahan with my cats and dogs. That's all that matters.
I have seizures every four days or so anyway so I was due, although I wasn't expecting this one to be so long and painful, more so than usual.
I am really babbling and had better stop. I just wanted to say hi to everyone, too many to mention all.
God bless,
luv, wildcat
Hey everyone,
I was wondering...since we all agree that for chronic pain Oxycontin is a great drug. Why can't the pharmaceutical company turn the pill into a patch? You can't crush up and chew on a patch (at least I'm pretty sure). I know there is a Fentanyl patch like people were talking about but from what I understand a lot of patients can't tolerate the side effects. I think they use fentanyl with anasthesia when someone goes into surgery. I have never had surgery so I'm not sure...just what I heard. I heard of this surgeon in Maryland (where I live) was taking the Fentanyl for himself and not administering it to the patient when they had surgery. From what I understand the patient would look knocked out but could feel every incision and cut being made (I think he was taking more than just the fentanyl). Needless to say the surgeon is in alot of trouble. Has anyone else heard about the story? I'm not sure if it has been made public yet.
Anyway, does anyone know if they can turn the oxycontin pill into a patch? I wan't sure if the molecular structure would allow it to be a transdermal patch. Oh well...just a thought.
Tyler
I was wondering...since we all agree that for chronic pain Oxycontin is a great drug. Why can't the pharmaceutical company turn the pill into a patch? You can't crush up and chew on a patch (at least I'm pretty sure). I know there is a Fentanyl patch like people were talking about but from what I understand a lot of patients can't tolerate the side effects. I think they use fentanyl with anasthesia when someone goes into surgery. I have never had surgery so I'm not sure...just what I heard. I heard of this surgeon in Maryland (where I live) was taking the Fentanyl for himself and not administering it to the patient when they had surgery. From what I understand the patient would look knocked out but could feel every incision and cut being made (I think he was taking more than just the fentanyl). Needless to say the surgeon is in alot of trouble. Has anyone else heard about the story? I'm not sure if it has been made public yet.
Anyway, does anyone know if they can turn the oxycontin pill into a patch? I wan't sure if the molecular structure would allow it to be a transdermal patch. Oh well...just a thought.
Tyler
Just me, with my latest update... Saw my hubby today, and does he ever look great!!!! He's nice and tan and healthy looking, and he looks rested, and most of all, at peace with himself. He tells me that he is very happy, and content with himself. What a change from the talk of suicide just 1-month ago. I am so happy that he was finally able to get the help he so very much deserved and needed. He says he had forgotten how it felt to be 'alive', and how wonderful it is...
I fessed up to him today when he asked again, how i was doing. I answered with "scared and nervous". He told me that he would help me when he got back, devote the first weekend to helping me clean up. I will try to do as much as i can before he comes home, but i need help... i can't do this while working and taking care of three children, alone. They are so very very demanding. My 8-year old must have asked me 1,000 questions this weekend alone, and my 5-year old gets so frusterated so easily, it's not funny! When i'm in withdrawal, i have no patiene, and just can't handle the world. I need some support and some help through this, i can't do it like this. I cried tonight, and feel like i am so unhealthy in every way imaginable. My mind, my spirit, body and soul! Most of all, i feel i'm a failure to myself, to my husband, my kids, and to all of your guys! You all have given me such wonderful support, i can't tell you how much it has touched my sick heart!!!
I was at K-mart to pick up a few things for my husband, and a couple things for the kids today. The line was backed up, i had to get to west palm to visit my husband mby 1:30, my 1 year old was grabbing at everything within her reach while on line (why the hell do they have to put so much 'stuff' in those dam checkout lanes for kids to grap. Then she went for my face and my hair, just grabbing and grabbing and pulling. She grabbed an item, and i grabbed it from her and threw it! I had a tandrum, a full blown immature tamtrum!!!! I finally got up to the register, and told the girl that i'm sure she didn't want to be there anymore than i did, and she went on to tell me how she was sick with a horrible cold, and was just about to call in, but they needed her too much today, and she had a 10-hour shift to work. I told her how bad i felt for her, and hoped she felt better... i was so embarrassed and ashamed at my lack of control. The kids have been so much on me lately, i'm just having a hard time handling all this myself.
When i saw my husband, he was looking so healthy and happier right down to his spirit, something i haven't seen in so long. I am so happy for him, and am so proud of him. I feel like i'm not worthy of him anymore, like a reject!!! My self-esteem in down in the dirt right now (major pity-party, i apologize).
I'm just so sad right now, and feel like the fight just isn't in me anymore. He insists he will be able to help me, but i am so afraid of how he will feel once he gets home, last time around was horrible. He says he knows more now, and will be able to handle it. I trust him, but it's hard, especially knowing that my sick self will be home waiting for him. There won't be any drugs are alcohol here, so no temptations waiting for him, i don't what to blow his recovery. I only wish that i was as well as he is! He just looks so good, and i just look like ****!!!
I spent all weekend school shopping for the kids so that they can look there best for their new school year. Spent money i shouldn't have, but they are gonna looking dam good returning to school this year... It was very important to my daughter, the cloths thing is such a big deal to an 8-year old girl. We found some fantastic sales, so we really made out! Now all they need is a healthy mommy, and their world will be full!
Why can't i give that to them, why can't i give that to myself!!! Anyone who i ever see that gets started in this **** will get a hugh warning from me, you can be sure of that!!!
I want to do the cold turkey thing, i will start with a taper, and once my husband returns, they are history, and i will just lay in bed all weekend if i have to, and grin and bear the pain knowing that it is only temporary, and it is for a very very good reason, to get my life back!!! I will look at it like i have the flu, and be totally selfish (not like me), and just think about ME, and what i have to do for ME!!!
I see that my husband truly loves himself again, and knows what he must do for himself to bring happiness!!! He was too sick to realize what was even going on for the longest time, just getting deeper and deeper into self-destruction, and totally forgetting about what he wanted and needed to be happy. He may appear selfish, but that's what he needs to do, the family will follow after he makes himself happy, it will pay off in the long run, i really think he has the right idea. I know i will loose him if i don't straighten up, i can see he won't tolerate it! What a switch this all is, who would have ever imagined it would have turned around like this... but this is a good thing, and is just the kind of wake up that i need! I need to understand that everything and anything that was ever important to me will be gone if i don't straighten out. I want to seek some help, i feel like i can't do this alone, i need the tools and the knowledge. I'm lost in a world of my own right now, and all my doors are shut, not letting anyone in. I need to open up and allow others to help me, i know i can't do this alone, it just doesn't work, i'm not strong enough!
Pray for me!!! I can't give much more to anyone right now, i'm too lost to even offer much advice. Know that you all are in my throught, prayers and especially my heart. What you all have done for me over the past couple months is absoluately beyond words!!! I thank you all, and i will keep you upated!
Lv Jenny
I fessed up to him today when he asked again, how i was doing. I answered with "scared and nervous". He told me that he would help me when he got back, devote the first weekend to helping me clean up. I will try to do as much as i can before he comes home, but i need help... i can't do this while working and taking care of three children, alone. They are so very very demanding. My 8-year old must have asked me 1,000 questions this weekend alone, and my 5-year old gets so frusterated so easily, it's not funny! When i'm in withdrawal, i have no patiene, and just can't handle the world. I need some support and some help through this, i can't do it like this. I cried tonight, and feel like i am so unhealthy in every way imaginable. My mind, my spirit, body and soul! Most of all, i feel i'm a failure to myself, to my husband, my kids, and to all of your guys! You all have given me such wonderful support, i can't tell you how much it has touched my sick heart!!!
I was at K-mart to pick up a few things for my husband, and a couple things for the kids today. The line was backed up, i had to get to west palm to visit my husband mby 1:30, my 1 year old was grabbing at everything within her reach while on line (why the hell do they have to put so much 'stuff' in those dam checkout lanes for kids to grap. Then she went for my face and my hair, just grabbing and grabbing and pulling. She grabbed an item, and i grabbed it from her and threw it! I had a tandrum, a full blown immature tamtrum!!!! I finally got up to the register, and told the girl that i'm sure she didn't want to be there anymore than i did, and she went on to tell me how she was sick with a horrible cold, and was just about to call in, but they needed her too much today, and she had a 10-hour shift to work. I told her how bad i felt for her, and hoped she felt better... i was so embarrassed and ashamed at my lack of control. The kids have been so much on me lately, i'm just having a hard time handling all this myself.
When i saw my husband, he was looking so healthy and happier right down to his spirit, something i haven't seen in so long. I am so happy for him, and am so proud of him. I feel like i'm not worthy of him anymore, like a reject!!! My self-esteem in down in the dirt right now (major pity-party, i apologize).
I'm just so sad right now, and feel like the fight just isn't in me anymore. He insists he will be able to help me, but i am so afraid of how he will feel once he gets home, last time around was horrible. He says he knows more now, and will be able to handle it. I trust him, but it's hard, especially knowing that my sick self will be home waiting for him. There won't be any drugs are alcohol here, so no temptations waiting for him, i don't what to blow his recovery. I only wish that i was as well as he is! He just looks so good, and i just look like ****!!!
I spent all weekend school shopping for the kids so that they can look there best for their new school year. Spent money i shouldn't have, but they are gonna looking dam good returning to school this year... It was very important to my daughter, the cloths thing is such a big deal to an 8-year old girl. We found some fantastic sales, so we really made out! Now all they need is a healthy mommy, and their world will be full!
Why can't i give that to them, why can't i give that to myself!!! Anyone who i ever see that gets started in this **** will get a hugh warning from me, you can be sure of that!!!
I want to do the cold turkey thing, i will start with a taper, and once my husband returns, they are history, and i will just lay in bed all weekend if i have to, and grin and bear the pain knowing that it is only temporary, and it is for a very very good reason, to get my life back!!! I will look at it like i have the flu, and be totally selfish (not like me), and just think about ME, and what i have to do for ME!!!
I see that my husband truly loves himself again, and knows what he must do for himself to bring happiness!!! He was too sick to realize what was even going on for the longest time, just getting deeper and deeper into self-destruction, and totally forgetting about what he wanted and needed to be happy. He may appear selfish, but that's what he needs to do, the family will follow after he makes himself happy, it will pay off in the long run, i really think he has the right idea. I know i will loose him if i don't straighten up, i can see he won't tolerate it! What a switch this all is, who would have ever imagined it would have turned around like this... but this is a good thing, and is just the kind of wake up that i need! I need to understand that everything and anything that was ever important to me will be gone if i don't straighten out. I want to seek some help, i feel like i can't do this alone, i need the tools and the knowledge. I'm lost in a world of my own right now, and all my doors are shut, not letting anyone in. I need to open up and allow others to help me, i know i can't do this alone, it just doesn't work, i'm not strong enough!
Pray for me!!! I can't give much more to anyone right now, i'm too lost to even offer much advice. Know that you all are in my throught, prayers and especially my heart. What you all have done for me over the past couple months is absoluately beyond words!!! I thank you all, and i will keep you upated!
Lv Jenny
To Francois and tylerburen. I have been on the duragesic patch for over 5 months now. I used to take oxy's, dilauded, percocets. My former boyfriend is an addict and would steal just about everything I had. I chose to go off all oral meds. I never had any withdrawals from the oxy's. I took as perscribed, swallowed not chewed. My pain Dr. started me on 25mg patch. For about the first 5 days I still had alot of pain, on or about the 5th mornging I woke, and hardly had any pain. It used to take me 1 20mg of oxy, and 2 vicoprohens, wait about 2 hours before I could get up and function. Now I change it every 2 days, still the 25mg dose. If I wait for the 3rd day, the pain starts coming back. I have a script for 150 vicoprohens a month. I'm allowed 5 aday. I rarely take more than 5 a week now. I never got high off pain meds, so I don't know if this is why I'm able not to take too much. I stronly recommend that any one with chronic pain try the patch. The only side effect I had was some nausea the first 2 days. I haven't, no kidding, even had a headache. This is the lowest dose, it's considered a starter dose. But for me it still works, I can increase if need be.
Jenny, I am so sorry I haven't called you. I have so much going on....like you. I will try Monday before I go to Al-anon. My ex has been cut off of methadone, the dr. got a nasty letter from the insurance co. Since he's only a family dr. and it's been over 6 months, they will not approve it. Also he can't perscribe oxycontin anymore to him because of the new law, and since my ex has no chronic pain, and the dr. knows he's an addict....oh well. The nurse told me the other day. She said he must be getting his drugs somewhere else since he's not getting them there anymore, and they haven't heard from him. I haven't talked with him for about 5 days. He didn't call and bring me the money he said he would. Somethings up, probably the withdrawals are bad, or maybe now it's heroin. I knew there was a reason he was calling. But he knows I've moved on and am dating a wonderful man. A man who doesn't drink, or take drugs, nice and average. No offense to anyone else. My ex was just so abusive, lied, and called me and my kids every name in the book. I promise to call you. If you need me to come to Fla. I will.....Love Susan
Jenny, I am so sorry I haven't called you. I have so much going on....like you. I will try Monday before I go to Al-anon. My ex has been cut off of methadone, the dr. got a nasty letter from the insurance co. Since he's only a family dr. and it's been over 6 months, they will not approve it. Also he can't perscribe oxycontin anymore to him because of the new law, and since my ex has no chronic pain, and the dr. knows he's an addict....oh well. The nurse told me the other day. She said he must be getting his drugs somewhere else since he's not getting them there anymore, and they haven't heard from him. I haven't talked with him for about 5 days. He didn't call and bring me the money he said he would. Somethings up, probably the withdrawals are bad, or maybe now it's heroin. I knew there was a reason he was calling. But he knows I've moved on and am dating a wonderful man. A man who doesn't drink, or take drugs, nice and average. No offense to anyone else. My ex was just so abusive, lied, and called me and my kids every name in the book. I promise to call you. If you need me to come to Fla. I will.....Love Susan
Jennyfla,
Wow! Sounds like you got alot going on right now. I'm glad to hear that your husband is doing well. I know you were excited that he was getting help. Now its your turn. I can only imagine trying to straighten up while caring for young children. My godchild (7mos. old) and cousin (2 yrs. old) came over for three hours the other day and I thought I was going out of my mind...I can only imagine taking care of them 24/7 like you do. I know it must be tough for you. I thank God that I am only 23 with very few responsibilities. I hope you can get the strength to get through this. Remember you are never alone!
I know you are thinking about quitting cold turkey. I can understand that, but talk to your doctor about a drug called Clonodine. It is not a narcotic and is not addictive. It is a hypersensativity drug that treats high blood pressure and will also take the edge off the withdrawl. It gets rid of that skin crawling feeling. also it will help you feel comfortable during your withdrawl period. It won't help with the naseua. For the naseua I would recomend a drug called Vistiril (generic: Hydroxyzine PAM). Vistiril is an antihystamine that is used to treat anxiety and allergic reactions. It also settles the stomach and will help a lot with the naseua. The vistaril will relax you and help you sleep. If you try to quit cold turkey you might get too tempted to use again just so you can stop feeling so crappy. Good luck with quitting. Tomorrow is the day for me. I am so nervous!!! I will be takin Darvocet in place of the percocet. I only will be taking this for three days and then after that I will use the clonodine and vistaril.
I've been wanting to do this for a while. My problem with the percocet is that it make me very hungry so I eat alot. I have gained like 40 pounds since taking the drug. This is unusual since most people report losing weight and getting very thin. Last summer when I wasn't using I weighed 220 with about 7% body fat. I was lifting alot and I looked and felt great. I want to get back to that body. I use to be an athlete and now I just sit around and get high. I'm tired of being lazy. I think I'm going to take up ju jitsu and boxing to occupy my time. I noticed before when I quit i usually went back to it because I was bored and/or stressed out. I believe that if you occupy your time with things you like you will be less likely to go back. I believe you can quit. Do not lose hope. Let me share with you a qoute that may help you during your time of need:
"A man who wants to do something will find a way; a man who doesn't will find an excuse."
-Stephen Dolley, Jr.
I hope what I said helps you. Only you can decide that you are sick of being a prisoner to drugs. Once you break free you might find a worl out there you never knew existed...at least thats what I am hoping to find!
Tyler
Wow! Sounds like you got alot going on right now. I'm glad to hear that your husband is doing well. I know you were excited that he was getting help. Now its your turn. I can only imagine trying to straighten up while caring for young children. My godchild (7mos. old) and cousin (2 yrs. old) came over for three hours the other day and I thought I was going out of my mind...I can only imagine taking care of them 24/7 like you do. I know it must be tough for you. I thank God that I am only 23 with very few responsibilities. I hope you can get the strength to get through this. Remember you are never alone!
I know you are thinking about quitting cold turkey. I can understand that, but talk to your doctor about a drug called Clonodine. It is not a narcotic and is not addictive. It is a hypersensativity drug that treats high blood pressure and will also take the edge off the withdrawl. It gets rid of that skin crawling feeling. also it will help you feel comfortable during your withdrawl period. It won't help with the naseua. For the naseua I would recomend a drug called Vistiril (generic: Hydroxyzine PAM). Vistiril is an antihystamine that is used to treat anxiety and allergic reactions. It also settles the stomach and will help a lot with the naseua. The vistaril will relax you and help you sleep. If you try to quit cold turkey you might get too tempted to use again just so you can stop feeling so crappy. Good luck with quitting. Tomorrow is the day for me. I am so nervous!!! I will be takin Darvocet in place of the percocet. I only will be taking this for three days and then after that I will use the clonodine and vistaril.
I've been wanting to do this for a while. My problem with the percocet is that it make me very hungry so I eat alot. I have gained like 40 pounds since taking the drug. This is unusual since most people report losing weight and getting very thin. Last summer when I wasn't using I weighed 220 with about 7% body fat. I was lifting alot and I looked and felt great. I want to get back to that body. I use to be an athlete and now I just sit around and get high. I'm tired of being lazy. I think I'm going to take up ju jitsu and boxing to occupy my time. I noticed before when I quit i usually went back to it because I was bored and/or stressed out. I believe that if you occupy your time with things you like you will be less likely to go back. I believe you can quit. Do not lose hope. Let me share with you a qoute that may help you during your time of need:
"A man who wants to do something will find a way; a man who doesn't will find an excuse."
-Stephen Dolley, Jr.
I hope what I said helps you. Only you can decide that you are sick of being a prisoner to drugs. Once you break free you might find a worl out there you never knew existed...at least thats what I am hoping to find!
Tyler
Thank you so much for your kind words, i know you can do this, i just feel it in your words!
My husband has an old script for klonodin, so maybe i'll take some. I have a bunch of valium, xanax and stuff like that, so sleeping shouldn't be a problem, i hope. I promise not to get addicted to those too, i absoluately won't. I only have a script of each, with no more available, so enough to get through this mess!
Sounds like you have the right attitude and i wish you a world full of luck!!!!
GO FOR IT, NO TIME LIKE THE PRESENT TO TRY!!!!
You're in my prayers and in my heart (sick place to be right now, lol, but you're in in -- poor thing! lol!)
Seriously, good luck!!!!
BTW, you're so very young, and you have the world out there yet to give you so much!!!!! It will be worth it!
Lv Jenny
My husband has an old script for klonodin, so maybe i'll take some. I have a bunch of valium, xanax and stuff like that, so sleeping shouldn't be a problem, i hope. I promise not to get addicted to those too, i absoluately won't. I only have a script of each, with no more available, so enough to get through this mess!
Sounds like you have the right attitude and i wish you a world full of luck!!!!
GO FOR IT, NO TIME LIKE THE PRESENT TO TRY!!!!
You're in my prayers and in my heart (sick place to be right now, lol, but you're in in -- poor thing! lol!)
Seriously, good luck!!!!
BTW, you're so very young, and you have the world out there yet to give you so much!!!!! It will be worth it!
Lv Jenny
Susan, sweet susan, always thinking of others!!!
Thank you sweetie, you're amazing, you'd come all the way to Florida if i needed you, you're such a sweetheart!!!!
I'm very happy that you found a 'good' man, one that you so very much deserve!
Be careful though, i feel the presents of your ex still very much in your heart, so whatever you do, don't ever let him dig his way back into it, you have some wounds still exposed, and you are still vulnerable, so just in knowing that, half the battle is won!
I'm sure he is very sick now, and herion is a strong possibility, making him even more dangerous!!! Don't accept any money from him, phone calls, NOTHING!!! He will only use excuses in order to make is way back in, trust me!!!!
Call me anytime, i'd love to talk to you!
:)
Lv Jenny
Thank you sweetie, you're amazing, you'd come all the way to Florida if i needed you, you're such a sweetheart!!!!
I'm very happy that you found a 'good' man, one that you so very much deserve!
Be careful though, i feel the presents of your ex still very much in your heart, so whatever you do, don't ever let him dig his way back into it, you have some wounds still exposed, and you are still vulnerable, so just in knowing that, half the battle is won!
I'm sure he is very sick now, and herion is a strong possibility, making him even more dangerous!!! Don't accept any money from him, phone calls, NOTHING!!! He will only use excuses in order to make is way back in, trust me!!!!
Call me anytime, i'd love to talk to you!
:)
Lv Jenny
Boy, this is dumb. No doubt, a lawyer saw an "in" here and got some people to jump on board. ANYONE and I mean ANYONE who puts a drug into their mouths without knowing what and how it works is an idiot. Whether it's Flintstones vitamins or Dilaudid. This is just another case of lazy ass Americans saying "I can't take care of myself and/or be responsible for the medications I'm taking - it's up to the government to make the decisions and look out for me." Pathetic. Many of the same people who feel this way vote Republican and crave "smaller government" - yet they promote big government by being stupid and irresponsible. (sorry, had to get that in there!:) It's the above situation taking place and also the almighty dollar - "Hey, maybe after chewing Oxycontins up for 2 years knowing full well they're addicting - I can make some money on a lawsuit! I'm gettin' me sum Money boy!" If this case goes over - i.e. the stupid ass people who are suing Purdue win - it WILL set a precedent. Watson, Roxane etc. can all get sued for putting "addicting" medications out there - like Vicodin/Vicoprofen/Darvocet/Percodan etc. If Purdue loses - all of us who rely on pain medications for quality of life will potentially lose. And hell - let's get the doctors TOO! They KNEW WELL that said drugs were/are addicting and besides - THEY'RE the ones who gave it to you directly right? NOT Purdue? So, let's scare the **** out of all drug making companies and doctors so no one can get pain medication (this INCLUDES Methadone - a case like this will only HINDER it's wider spread use, NOT help it. To the layman, juror an addicting opiate is an addicting opiate regardless of it's neat little name. Methadone has a rap that it may never live down.) Anyway, I felt like I had to vent. This is pathetic. It's what America has turned into.
As an aside, I was on Methadone and couldn't tolerate it. I've been switched to Oxycontin - guess what? LESS side effects for me than with the Methadone and my use of it is more stable than my use of the Methadone was. Another REAL aside - I was reading a quick passage in the book "Three Dog Nightmare", a book by the Junky who was in 3 Dog Night. His addiction was DEEP deep deep. Anyway, his wife and him had a child while strung out. His comment on this was - (paraphrased) - "It was so sad to see that poor baby suffer through withdrawal. The heroin was bad, but the methadone withdrawal is the worst! Heroin is rough, but you can get through it. Methadone gets down in your bones".......Once I read that, I was glad to be off the Methadone. I have heard this echoed time and again by people - Methadone is a ***** to get off. (not that Oxycontin et al aren't, but Methadone has a rep for this too.) Even after switching to the Oxycontin, I noticed withdrawals from the Methadone. In my opinion, it's a tough drug, one that is almost a life long one. I was on it for 3 months and had a weird time getting off of it.
So, let's try not to bunch Oxycontin etc. into groups. Each drug works differently for different people. And lawsuits etc. shouldn't even THREATEN to take away drugs that increase the quality of life for people. Anyone involved in something like that is beneath contempt in my book.
As an aside, I was on Methadone and couldn't tolerate it. I've been switched to Oxycontin - guess what? LESS side effects for me than with the Methadone and my use of it is more stable than my use of the Methadone was. Another REAL aside - I was reading a quick passage in the book "Three Dog Nightmare", a book by the Junky who was in 3 Dog Night. His addiction was DEEP deep deep. Anyway, his wife and him had a child while strung out. His comment on this was - (paraphrased) - "It was so sad to see that poor baby suffer through withdrawal. The heroin was bad, but the methadone withdrawal is the worst! Heroin is rough, but you can get through it. Methadone gets down in your bones".......Once I read that, I was glad to be off the Methadone. I have heard this echoed time and again by people - Methadone is a ***** to get off. (not that Oxycontin et al aren't, but Methadone has a rep for this too.) Even after switching to the Oxycontin, I noticed withdrawals from the Methadone. In my opinion, it's a tough drug, one that is almost a life long one. I was on it for 3 months and had a weird time getting off of it.
So, let's try not to bunch Oxycontin etc. into groups. Each drug works differently for different people. And lawsuits etc. shouldn't even THREATEN to take away drugs that increase the quality of life for people. Anyone involved in something like that is beneath contempt in my book.
Hello, this is just a quick note to say hi, I'm still among the living & doing OK. Thanks to all of you who expressed kind & sincere thoughts about my friend's recent death. Today I found out that the small hospital where she was initially treated did not do a very good job of caring for her, & by the time she was transferred to a major hospital, it was too late. I take comfort knowing she is with God and is probably putting in a good word for me! Seriously, your expressions of sympathy helped me a great deal. I plan now to do something to memorialize her and another person who died under similar circumstances. I want to make a lasting reminder of the special lives they led & the good they did during their all-too-brief time here on earth. I'm coming back to the forum , so look out for me! Bless you all for being there for me. I just hope I can return the favor in any way possible. -- Your friend Milo
This isn't a political site, but every once in a while politics squeezes itself in, as in this statement, attributed to people who "vote republican" - "it's up to the government to make the decisions and look out for me."
Sorry Charlie. That is a leftist sentiment pure and simple. It is characteristic of the same folks in the US House and Senate who clamor for tax cuts for people who aren't paying any tax in the first place. It's pure hypocrisy. And I'm afraid, Jimenez, if you think this is the sentiment of a conservative then you don't really understand the issues, nor the difference between liberal and conservative thinking.
It's a funny position to be in, because it's conservatives who are my worst enemy - insofar as pain medication is concerned.
Having disagreed with your political musings, however, I must say that I DO appreciate your comments on methadone. I've been on oxy for going on three years for chronic pain resulting from some very serious osteo- type injuries/pain and was thinking about switching to methadone. Your post makes me come to a halt in that thinking until I discover more about it.
The vast majority of posts here dealing with methadone make fairly glowing statements about it. Yours is very different. Can you say anything more about your experiences and about methadone in general?
Many Thanks,
Francois
Sorry Charlie. That is a leftist sentiment pure and simple. It is characteristic of the same folks in the US House and Senate who clamor for tax cuts for people who aren't paying any tax in the first place. It's pure hypocrisy. And I'm afraid, Jimenez, if you think this is the sentiment of a conservative then you don't really understand the issues, nor the difference between liberal and conservative thinking.
It's a funny position to be in, because it's conservatives who are my worst enemy - insofar as pain medication is concerned.
Having disagreed with your political musings, however, I must say that I DO appreciate your comments on methadone. I've been on oxy for going on three years for chronic pain resulting from some very serious osteo- type injuries/pain and was thinking about switching to methadone. Your post makes me come to a halt in that thinking until I discover more about it.
The vast majority of posts here dealing with methadone make fairly glowing statements about it. Yours is very different. Can you say anything more about your experiences and about methadone in general?
Many Thanks,
Francois
Sorry about the trivial/uncalled for digression on my part into the realm of politics. I did put a smily face in there to kind of show I had some of my tongue in my cheek. So, enough of that.
Onto Methadone.
Did I take it for a long enough time to have a valid opinion? Yes.
Did it work well as a pain reliever for me? Yes. Very Well.
Did it have side effects - including being VERY drowsy and kinda "noddy"? Yes. In my case, moreso than other patients on the same dose...everyone's different (the prime reason I was taken off of it was the drowsiness.)
Do I think people are placed on WAY too high of a dose of Methadone for Pain management AND addiction maintanence? YES! Very much so. When I read of a 20 Vicodin a day user getting placed on 70 Mgs. of Methadone, I am appalled. Way too much. And at that rate, they will NEVER get off that drug at a mg. a month or so decrease.
Do I think that the last 10 mgs. or so of Methadone is almost impossible to get off? In my opinion - Yes. Like I said, I switched from Methadone to Oxycontin and STILL encountered a type of withdrawal. It was a deeeeeper withdrawal than I had ever experienced.(I don't know HOW bad it would have been cold turkey - but it would have been the worst I have encountered - that much I could tell) It was strange to say the least. When I first was placed on Methadone, I was taking Lortab 10 and/or Norco in very high doses 15-30 a day, minimum. MS Contin made me dopey like the Methadone did. I fell asleep (nodded out) at work - NOT cool. So, I got put on Methadone (which later proved to knock me out unexpectedly during the day...not cool either.) 10 mgs.3x a day of the Methadone. Well even though I was having up to 300 mg. days of Hydrocodone - I got WAY high on my initial dose of Methadone.(of course, I took a higher dose than prescribed, thinking 10mgs. was laughable...I thought it was laughable because of the doses I read people taking on this forum. Still, it was only 30 mgs. that made me VERY high) I came to this forum and posted about it. "Spook" I believe went on to tell me that Methadone reached other opiate receptors that the Hydrocodone hadn't reached - thus making me high. The "high" quickly went away and couldn't really be reached again even if/when I wanted to. Very elusive after first titration - like the MS Contin - hence it's great use for pain with less "chance of addiction". Now, here is where I have a problem with that - it IS MUCH less addicting (the MSContin and the Methadone that is) than say - Norco or Oxycontin. The high, if you want one, is just not the same or available as readily. BUT and it's a big BUT - this does not mean that your body isn't JUST as dependent on the drug (MS/Meth) than say - Oxycontin. The desire to use it to get "high" is just less. So, like I said - Spook tells me that "new" opiate receptors have been awoken with my newfound drug - Methadone. In my book - I didn't need ANY more opiate receptors that needed to be fed like small birds everyday. I had plenty letting me know when they were hungry. This is where I think the HARDER Methadone withdrawal "syndrome" comes in...I truly believe that it DOES reach deeper than the other narcotics and gets "down into your bones". So much so that when I switched to Oxycontin - I HAD WITHDRAWALS! This says to me - that even Oxycontin couldn't reach as "deep" as Methadone could. Not very cool in my book...But to each his own. Now, with the Oxycontin, I don't get anywhere near as drowsy. I've given my wife my supply so it's under control as far as abuse goes. Because of my bowel surgeries I have what is termed "rapid transit time" so I think that that contributes to me wanting to get an early dose all the time because it does seem to wear off after about 8 hours for me...
In the end Francois, I think Methadone is an awesome pain reliever that does it's job very well...but almost TOO well for my tastes. It wraps it's claws around you without you even knowing. When I've abused my meds before, I've known from the high or the lack thereof (because of tolerance) where I was in my dilemna...sort of "where I stood with it." You know what I mean? With Methadone I never felt that way. Had someone told me I needed MMT to get off pain meds and dosed me first day with liquid Methadone - 75 mgs. or so - I would have been laid out high on the floor. No joke. Even with my big time use of Hydrocodone. Weird. Why are people getting into such high doses of Methadone?
Do I think that the "government" wants people/money for the longest the can? Yes. But that's my conspiracy theory mind at work again.
This is probably WAY more than you wanted/needed to know...but hey, I'm out of my box today and thought I'd give you the whole story. My opinion of Methadone is based mostly on my experience with it - that experience is then augmented a bit by what I've read, seen and heard about it - true and false. I've read how hard it was to get off - and then felt it firsthand. I also remember someone saying here that the reason Methadone has such a long half-life is because it's very hard for your liver to metabolize. This makes sense because Methadone is NOT a true "Contin" It can be broken up etc. without effecting it's half-life. Now, the reason I wanted off drugs like Norco etc. and the reason my doctor wanted me off them - was to protect my liver AND afford me pain relief. Now, if Methadone is still hard on my liver - what's the point? A lot of little things like that have effected my opinion of Methadone also...So, take it for what it's worth.
Take care.
Onto Methadone.
Did I take it for a long enough time to have a valid opinion? Yes.
Did it work well as a pain reliever for me? Yes. Very Well.
Did it have side effects - including being VERY drowsy and kinda "noddy"? Yes. In my case, moreso than other patients on the same dose...everyone's different (the prime reason I was taken off of it was the drowsiness.)
Do I think people are placed on WAY too high of a dose of Methadone for Pain management AND addiction maintanence? YES! Very much so. When I read of a 20 Vicodin a day user getting placed on 70 Mgs. of Methadone, I am appalled. Way too much. And at that rate, they will NEVER get off that drug at a mg. a month or so decrease.
Do I think that the last 10 mgs. or so of Methadone is almost impossible to get off? In my opinion - Yes. Like I said, I switched from Methadone to Oxycontin and STILL encountered a type of withdrawal. It was a deeeeeper withdrawal than I had ever experienced.(I don't know HOW bad it would have been cold turkey - but it would have been the worst I have encountered - that much I could tell) It was strange to say the least. When I first was placed on Methadone, I was taking Lortab 10 and/or Norco in very high doses 15-30 a day, minimum. MS Contin made me dopey like the Methadone did. I fell asleep (nodded out) at work - NOT cool. So, I got put on Methadone (which later proved to knock me out unexpectedly during the day...not cool either.) 10 mgs.3x a day of the Methadone. Well even though I was having up to 300 mg. days of Hydrocodone - I got WAY high on my initial dose of Methadone.(of course, I took a higher dose than prescribed, thinking 10mgs. was laughable...I thought it was laughable because of the doses I read people taking on this forum. Still, it was only 30 mgs. that made me VERY high) I came to this forum and posted about it. "Spook" I believe went on to tell me that Methadone reached other opiate receptors that the Hydrocodone hadn't reached - thus making me high. The "high" quickly went away and couldn't really be reached again even if/when I wanted to. Very elusive after first titration - like the MS Contin - hence it's great use for pain with less "chance of addiction". Now, here is where I have a problem with that - it IS MUCH less addicting (the MSContin and the Methadone that is) than say - Norco or Oxycontin. The high, if you want one, is just not the same or available as readily. BUT and it's a big BUT - this does not mean that your body isn't JUST as dependent on the drug (MS/Meth) than say - Oxycontin. The desire to use it to get "high" is just less. So, like I said - Spook tells me that "new" opiate receptors have been awoken with my newfound drug - Methadone. In my book - I didn't need ANY more opiate receptors that needed to be fed like small birds everyday. I had plenty letting me know when they were hungry. This is where I think the HARDER Methadone withdrawal "syndrome" comes in...I truly believe that it DOES reach deeper than the other narcotics and gets "down into your bones". So much so that when I switched to Oxycontin - I HAD WITHDRAWALS! This says to me - that even Oxycontin couldn't reach as "deep" as Methadone could. Not very cool in my book...But to each his own. Now, with the Oxycontin, I don't get anywhere near as drowsy. I've given my wife my supply so it's under control as far as abuse goes. Because of my bowel surgeries I have what is termed "rapid transit time" so I think that that contributes to me wanting to get an early dose all the time because it does seem to wear off after about 8 hours for me...
In the end Francois, I think Methadone is an awesome pain reliever that does it's job very well...but almost TOO well for my tastes. It wraps it's claws around you without you even knowing. When I've abused my meds before, I've known from the high or the lack thereof (because of tolerance) where I was in my dilemna...sort of "where I stood with it." You know what I mean? With Methadone I never felt that way. Had someone told me I needed MMT to get off pain meds and dosed me first day with liquid Methadone - 75 mgs. or so - I would have been laid out high on the floor. No joke. Even with my big time use of Hydrocodone. Weird. Why are people getting into such high doses of Methadone?
Do I think that the "government" wants people/money for the longest the can? Yes. But that's my conspiracy theory mind at work again.
This is probably WAY more than you wanted/needed to know...but hey, I'm out of my box today and thought I'd give you the whole story. My opinion of Methadone is based mostly on my experience with it - that experience is then augmented a bit by what I've read, seen and heard about it - true and false. I've read how hard it was to get off - and then felt it firsthand. I also remember someone saying here that the reason Methadone has such a long half-life is because it's very hard for your liver to metabolize. This makes sense because Methadone is NOT a true "Contin" It can be broken up etc. without effecting it's half-life. Now, the reason I wanted off drugs like Norco etc. and the reason my doctor wanted me off them - was to protect my liver AND afford me pain relief. Now, if Methadone is still hard on my liver - what's the point? A lot of little things like that have effected my opinion of Methadone also...So, take it for what it's worth.
Take care.
Hey Everyone,
This day has been hell. I have not had percocet in one and a half days. My last dose of percocet was yesterday morning at 8:00am. Yesterday wasn't too bad but I woke up at 4:30 in the morning in a cold sweat. My bones where aching. It felt like I had to itch but scratching was not relief. It seemed like my bones where itching, now that I think about. I took a Darvocet when I woke up which helped out a great deal. I also took a vistaril for the sickness. I fell back to sleep around 8:00am and woke up around 12:30pm. I took another vistaril and this chewable naseua medication I bought OTC at the pharmacy. I did get some relief from the chewable medication so I would recomend it to anyone in my situation. It's called Nauzene Chewables. Overall I have been feeling really crappy but I just took a bath so now I am relatively comfortable. I just don't wan't to feel the way I felt this morning. The clonodine, which usually helps, didn't help as much as I though it would. I keep thinking, "if I just take a percocet I can end my suffering." Fortunately for me I don't have any and I don't feel well enough to go out and visist a doctor to get the pills. A couple weeks ago I felt like I was on top of the world, I had 60 percocet 10mg tablets and 30 percocet 7.5mg tablets. I didn't think I would ever run out. When I did run out I got 30 percocet 5mg tablets and 36 percocets 7.5mg tablets. Again I ran out. Now here I am...going through withdrawl. I am very mad at myself. I am also ashamed of myself. 5 years ago when I was a senior in high school I had my life planned out. I was going to the 7th best college on the east coast and felt great. It's funny because then I never planned to budget time in my life for addiction. If you would of told me then that I would be an addict now I would of laughed at you. I never even drank...actually, I hated drinking. When I dated I wouldn't date girls who drank. To me I thought it was unattractive. I have lightened up on that opinion. My last girlfriend drank alot...she wasn't an alcoholic just a weekend drinker...typical college senior. I never thought that addiction would grab me. I though to myself last night, "I could either be a really great success story or I could be a statistic in the morgue." I know if I don't stop it will kill me. I figure I have about another day and a half of feeling really crappy and then I should start feeling better. Does anyone know if I will go through withdrawl again after I stop the darvocet (I only plan to take it for the remainder of my detox). I know there are tons of people out there who know what I am going through. I feel crappy right now but this is actually the easy part. Staying off the drug is the hard part. I keep thinking to myself, "what if I get hurt or break a bone and need pain medicine in the future?" I know I can't take the pain medicine responsibly. Oh well, one step at a time. I placed a call to get into an outpatient program. I went to this place before but I had a problem. It seemed like some people were not interesting in getting better. They were just interested networking and finding drugs. I know because I was approached several times. Everything from percocet to steroids people asked me about. I use to take steroids when I was playing sports and working out last year so people knew i was knowledgeable on the topic. Well I do hope to get back in the program and ignore the people who are not taking it seriously. I also hope I start to feel better. I want to kick this thing!! I can't wait to be free from drugs!
Tyler
This day has been hell. I have not had percocet in one and a half days. My last dose of percocet was yesterday morning at 8:00am. Yesterday wasn't too bad but I woke up at 4:30 in the morning in a cold sweat. My bones where aching. It felt like I had to itch but scratching was not relief. It seemed like my bones where itching, now that I think about. I took a Darvocet when I woke up which helped out a great deal. I also took a vistaril for the sickness. I fell back to sleep around 8:00am and woke up around 12:30pm. I took another vistaril and this chewable naseua medication I bought OTC at the pharmacy. I did get some relief from the chewable medication so I would recomend it to anyone in my situation. It's called Nauzene Chewables. Overall I have been feeling really crappy but I just took a bath so now I am relatively comfortable. I just don't wan't to feel the way I felt this morning. The clonodine, which usually helps, didn't help as much as I though it would. I keep thinking, "if I just take a percocet I can end my suffering." Fortunately for me I don't have any and I don't feel well enough to go out and visist a doctor to get the pills. A couple weeks ago I felt like I was on top of the world, I had 60 percocet 10mg tablets and 30 percocet 7.5mg tablets. I didn't think I would ever run out. When I did run out I got 30 percocet 5mg tablets and 36 percocets 7.5mg tablets. Again I ran out. Now here I am...going through withdrawl. I am very mad at myself. I am also ashamed of myself. 5 years ago when I was a senior in high school I had my life planned out. I was going to the 7th best college on the east coast and felt great. It's funny because then I never planned to budget time in my life for addiction. If you would of told me then that I would be an addict now I would of laughed at you. I never even drank...actually, I hated drinking. When I dated I wouldn't date girls who drank. To me I thought it was unattractive. I have lightened up on that opinion. My last girlfriend drank alot...she wasn't an alcoholic just a weekend drinker...typical college senior. I never thought that addiction would grab me. I though to myself last night, "I could either be a really great success story or I could be a statistic in the morgue." I know if I don't stop it will kill me. I figure I have about another day and a half of feeling really crappy and then I should start feeling better. Does anyone know if I will go through withdrawl again after I stop the darvocet (I only plan to take it for the remainder of my detox). I know there are tons of people out there who know what I am going through. I feel crappy right now but this is actually the easy part. Staying off the drug is the hard part. I keep thinking to myself, "what if I get hurt or break a bone and need pain medicine in the future?" I know I can't take the pain medicine responsibly. Oh well, one step at a time. I placed a call to get into an outpatient program. I went to this place before but I had a problem. It seemed like some people were not interesting in getting better. They were just interested networking and finding drugs. I know because I was approached several times. Everything from percocet to steroids people asked me about. I use to take steroids when I was playing sports and working out last year so people knew i was knowledgeable on the topic. Well I do hope to get back in the program and ignore the people who are not taking it seriously. I also hope I start to feel better. I want to kick this thing!! I can't wait to be free from drugs!
Tyler
hey there good people:
i'm back somewhat-
yes - i hope to post more
no - i didn't resolve (completely) what's been bothering me.
damm - i know a good thing for me when i stumble into it & regular
posting just may be that!
enough about me for now.
wildcat: i've been thinking about your posting last sunday. i'm the kind of person who usually doesn't lack for oppinion. i also tendtoward letting anyone and everyone know how i feel. enough said.in my oppinion demerol (meperidine hcl.) is some pretty bad news stuff. my own expierence led me to this oppinion. Injecting this stuff IV seemed to always lead to a needle abcess (i always was real carefull to use clean works, plenty of alchohol, etc.). i also noticed after several weeks of using demerol my hands would develope tremors and shaking. when i used heroin,dilaudid, oxymorphone, morphine sulfate, etc. my hands were rock steady. large doses of demerol would tounge tie me (this is not an uncommon side effect). smaller doses of demerol also made me stutter.all in all my expierence with demerol solved the mystery of why so many of the older junkies called it "dummy oil!" please be on the watch for any of these side effects even when taking it as perscribed!
Wizard, Milo, JB, jennyfla,witchywoman, Thomas, cindi, & anyone
else i've overlooked, i may not be the smatest junky ever, but
actively posting on this forum made me feel like i was somewhere
i really belonged. i guess your stuck with me for a while longer!!
i need all of you
kip
i'm back somewhat-
yes - i hope to post more
no - i didn't resolve (completely) what's been bothering me.
damm - i know a good thing for me when i stumble into it & regular
posting just may be that!
enough about me for now.
wildcat: i've been thinking about your posting last sunday. i'm the kind of person who usually doesn't lack for oppinion. i also tendtoward letting anyone and everyone know how i feel. enough said.in my oppinion demerol (meperidine hcl.) is some pretty bad news stuff. my own expierence led me to this oppinion. Injecting this stuff IV seemed to always lead to a needle abcess (i always was real carefull to use clean works, plenty of alchohol, etc.). i also noticed after several weeks of using demerol my hands would develope tremors and shaking. when i used heroin,dilaudid, oxymorphone, morphine sulfate, etc. my hands were rock steady. large doses of demerol would tounge tie me (this is not an uncommon side effect). smaller doses of demerol also made me stutter.all in all my expierence with demerol solved the mystery of why so many of the older junkies called it "dummy oil!" please be on the watch for any of these side effects even when taking it as perscribed!
Wizard, Milo, JB, jennyfla,witchywoman, Thomas, cindi, & anyone
else i've overlooked, i may not be the smatest junky ever, but
actively posting on this forum made me feel like i was somewhere
i really belonged. i guess your stuck with me for a while longer!!
i need all of you
kip
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