oxycodone HCL withdrawls? - PLEASE RESPOND!!

I was first prescribed Oxycodone APAP 5/325 aprroximately a year and a half ago by a doctor due to my sever knee pain. Approximately three months ago, I started seeing a new doctor, and he took me off the Percocet that has Tylenol in it, and placed me on Oxycodone HCL 5mg; Which is Percocet without the Tylenol, basically. So here's my question to you, and please help me with this...

I've been taking 8-10 of these pills a day, as directed by my doctor. In order to get out of bed in the mornings, I have to take a pill and a half and be on my way within 30 minutes of taking the pill. I know that I'm now dependant on this mesication.. But I just called my doctor to request a refill [I've NEVER had an issue getting it refilled, by the way] and my doctor personally called me and told me that he is rejecting any further refill requests because the diagnosis [of my knee] that the specialist was FINALLY able to give me isn't something they normally prescribe narcotics for. So, with that being said what do I do now? I have about 17 pills left of the Oxycodone HCL 5mg, and I have 12 Hydrocodone 7.5mg [that I've had for MONTHS now, by the way] left as well.

I know this is going to sound corny, but I'm starting to panic about this.. Not because I won't be able to get anymore pills and/or get the relief that this medicine has provided me for a little over a year now; But because I feel like I'm going to die from withdrawl (withdrawal). Please don't laugh at me, as I'm being VERY serious with this posted topic here. Please comment me, and let me know what I can do to ease my mind as well as symptoms I know I'm going to be enduring over the next period of time. ANYTHING at this point will help, so please post some responses ASAP!

God Bless, and I look forward to hearing back from pleasant people!

[tylersblueeyedmama]

Hi,
I was wondering, if you are planning to use the pills you have left to taper off?  Do you want to stop?  If so, I would contact the doctor(s) and explain what is going on and ask what you are supposed to do!  

Please don't ever think that anyone here would make fun of you or laugh at you!!!  We have all been there, in one way or another and we are all here to support eachother!

I hope to talk to you soon!

Kel

[benevolentlaughter]

First of all, THANK YOU for the response, love! I thought I'd never hear from anyone here. Low and behold, there ARE people out there to help!

Here's the situation:

I started to take the Percocet because I was in pain. Don't get me wrong, because I'm still in pain IF I don't take them. However, I've been on Percocet 5/325 APAP [with Tylenol] for several months, but then three months ago, my PCP prescribed me Oxycodone HCL 5mg without Tylenol, since he was giving me bi-weekly scripts for 100 pills each time. ANYWAY.. Now, it seems as though I'm just taking the pills to feel normal when I first wake up in the mornings and throughout the day. Like I said before, I've been taking them AS DIRECTED, which is 3 pills every 4-6 hours as needed for the pain.

I'm taking them for both reasons, I won't lie to any of you.. I'm taking them because I'm in pain and I'm taking them because it makes me feel good, better, normal.. You name it.

I had an unexpected phone call from my doctor several hours ago, because I'd placed the call for a refill request. HE called me personally, and stated that he was stopping the narcotic pain medicine because the diagnosis the specialist I saw for my knee last week sent him a letter diagnosing my knee issue, and it isn't something doctors normally would prescribe with this sort of "prediciment" or whatever.

So, now I'm scared half to death that I'm going to die from withdrawls. I'm very much so into medical stuff, and I'm also somewhat knowledgeable as well. Watching shows on TLC, etc. that I enjoy alongside educating myself on these things, you always seem to hear about the worse...

What do I do to taper off with a mere like 25 pills, though?

[tylersblueeyedmama]

Your welcome!!!  Sometimes it takes a little bit to get a response, but everyone here is amazing, wonderful, kind-hearted and really do care, because like I said we have all been there in some way!  Don't worry, you'll be getting a bunch of responses in no time!

I am not going to lie to you...withdrawals...F***ing suck!!! But if you believe in yourself and give yourself some credit...you can fight it and WIN!!!  There are several things to help...such as Hylands Leg Cramps and Ammodium.

I need to know if you truelly want to quit the pills?  If so, if I were in your situation, I would call my PCP and make an appt or call and see if he can call you back again.  Remind him how long you have been on Percs and how much a day and ask him what you should do.  If he can't help you, then call the knee doctor and do the same thing with him.  If need be, try to get another script and use that to taper off (not the best idea to suggest, though), but I think it will be pretty hard to taper off from what you were taking to 0, with the amount you have left. I started on treatment the morning after my last perc, so I only had to deal with a little bit of withdrawal here and there before treatment.  

Do you have health insurance?  If so, a lot of Suboxone and Subutex doctors do not take it, but the medicine is covered.  If you go to www.suboxone.com you can type in your zip code and it will give you a bunch of listings in that area!  I would recommend to do it quickly, because with the amount you were taking is a high dose.

Also, what is the exact problem with your knee?  If the doctor does not want to prescribe narcotics then what else did he suggest?

Kel

[road2recovery]

Welcome...I am sorry to hear about your situation...it is very normal to be scared of the w/d's...But the amount and time is not too bad...you have been on them for 3 months total??

I went c/t off of 20- 10mg or lortab a day...and to be honest although it was bad, i realzied after that it was going to be tougher to stay off of them...That is where aftercare comes in....There are many things in the heath pages to help you...and alot of wonderfull people here, it just takes a little time to get a response...you may be able to taper a little off of what you have, but probably won't make a big difference...Are you on anything else besides that?
God bless
r2r

[dominosarah]

I would recommend contacting your doctor and asking him to help you with a taper plan. The wd's do sux but you can get thru them.  It feels like the flu.  I would caution you on the suboxone......it has its place but you havent been taking these for that long of a period.  It comes with its own set of problems.  Others will be on later as this is a slow time of the day as most are at work or just coming home.  Many have tapered and know how to do it.  Noone will ever laugh or judge you here.  We have all been in your shoes and we know how you feel. Try and stay calm and we will help you thru this........sara

[benevolentlaughter]

Well, all together I've been taking Percocet for a little over a year now non-stop and on a daily basis.

To be honest with you, I started getting a script for Percocet 5/325 APAP [with Tylenol] for about 6,7-8 months.. Then, when I started to see this new PCP, he started to put me on the Oxycodone HCL 5mg without the Tylenol. The first few days on this new Percocet was a little rocky I guess because I was withdrawling somewhat from the lack of Tylenol in the drug.. But now that they keep telling me that there is nothing wrong with my knee [which I DO NOT believe one bit.. I'm 26 years old and can hardly walk without screaming] he called me today and said he is taking me off the narcs all together.

This is THE only medicine that they prescribed me because unfortunately, I'm allergic to a LOT of medicines such as steroids, injections, etc.

[benevolentlaughter]

Thanks so much.. Here is another thing, though:

When I was first told by the first PCP I went to see for this knee pain that she was stopping the Percocet 5mg APAP, the next day was fine.. BUT THEN, the second day was horrible and I kept waking up with restless legs AND I felt like I was dying because my heart was racing to the max.. I had 30 Darvocet stashed somewhere from an extracted tooth several months ago, and started to take like 3-4 of those a day, and then I felt fine. I guess, in all honesty... I'm just severely afraid of these withdrawls.

Even now, when I wake up in the morning, my stomach kills me and I can't get out of bed until I pop one of the pills.

[road2recovery]

I agree with the above posters then, he should put you on a taper schedule...I would call and make an appt, and ask him to taper you...That is the least he could do....

I don't really know about knee pain, but maybe someone here can help you with that too...if it really hurts, then they have to be missing something...Also, I know for me and many many others that once we got off of the opiates our pain just about went away ( not everyone)...Seems crazy i know, but true...

If the doctor refuses to help you taper , i would try and find another that will...I truly hope that he will help you....
r2r

[tylersblueeyedmama]

I agree with the other posts!!  And please don't be afraid to talk to the doctor about it...that is why they are there...to help us!!!!

Good Luck and keep us posted!!!

[dominosarah]

All the things you are feeling like the restless legs and upset stomach will go away.  I agree with r2r on the pain.....once i stopped taking the pills i didnt have near the pain i did while taking them.  Keep us posted on how you are feeling........sara

[benevolentlaughter]

I agree with every single one of you with the taper thing.. The thing is, is that it seems like people all over the place on this forum is able to find a doctor that would be willing to do this for them, and yet I can't seem to...

Any suggestions on how to approach this?

Trust me, though... I'm NOT ASHAMED to go to a doctor and tell them that I need help in tapering off of these medications. BUT, I live in VA, and for some reason - doctors find it hard to believe that this is the reason why patients are asking for more opiates, is to taper off.

By the way, I'd rather not go on the Suboxone. In fact, I refuse.

[merrymaria]

some people can taper...some can t...i could never....i did the ct off the same amount as you....by day 5 i was feeling much better....a bit of depression sets in but goes away as time goes on.  i think more people are afraid of the wds than the actual wds.  i was using for almost 4 years...i don t think it will be as bad as you think...i would not go on sub either....i wish you luck...keep posting too...maria

[Kevin_Bacon]

Well, the posts from tylersblueeyedmama and dominosarah are the best advice you'll get. Sit down with the guy (he should know better; he's being terribly irresponsible here, but I wouldn't get into that with him) and tell him you tried to go a couple of days on Advil or some OTC med, and desribe the symptoms -- cold sweats, diarrhaea, pain, sleeplessnes, and if he's got half a clue, he'll say you're going through withdrawals.

Then tell him if you don't need the meds, fine, but you'd like to get off them without being sick for a week or more -- could he suggest a tapering plan, and supply you with enough percs or oxy's to do it properly. If he's unreasonable about it, then he's your ex-doctor. Oh, and ask him for a referral to an addiction specialist, 'cause you can't be sick for that long, and he could have warned you about this when he started writing scripts. Pulling the plug is cruel and medically unsound.

Last resort is to get to an addiction guy/gal and tell your story -- maybe they'll taper you and go with Suboxone (three weeks max, from what I've read), but you'll have access to clonidine and someone to talk to during withdrawal, which will be unpleasant, but much easier to do with supervision and support groups.

Don't panic -- you'll be all right, and they'll help you out with alternatives for the pain. You're not some abuser walking in off the street -- you're an unwilling addict, squeaky clean and legitimate. That makes a difference.

[IBKleen]

Hi and welcome!

I see you are getting a lot of really good advise. There are so many caring and wonderful people here who have been where you are. Stick around and you will continue to get good advise.

Please excuse me, I am a little off today but will try and help if I can. I saw that you were thinking of tapering with 25 pills? Correct me if I am wrong, I may have misunderstood. That would be difficult to do as it would be a fast taper. Tapering itself is so very hard and most cannot do it.

I am seeing that others are telling you to ask your doctor for help? I so agree with that. See if he/she will not put you on a taper plan and monitor you. Also, it is best to have a loved one hold the pills and give them to you according to the plan.

You will be uncomfortable during the withdrawal process but you will not die. If you have ever had the flu then that is exactly what it will feel like. No more or no less. It will be 5, 6 or 7 days of feelings flu like and then the physical is over. There are things you can do to help ease the withdrawal symptoms and I will give you a list in a bit.

Please stick around hun and listen. There are more success stories here then failure ones. Trust that we have been there and will not steer you wrong. We are here to listen and help and we can also be reached by the private message system and if you need help with that, just ask.

Hang in there!!! I PROMISE  it will get better.........

P.S. when you get through the physical withdrawal, and you will, then we can talk about the mental part of addiction, but one thing at a time for now.

[benevolentlaughter]

I'm still scared, I will not lie about it. I can almost guarantee each and every one of you that the doctor is going to tell me no to giving me more just to taper. There aren't a lot of places to go get help for this, either. TRUST ME, I have looked all day today since I received the call from the doctor earlier this morning.

:[

[benevolentlaughter]

Now that you all basically know that I've been on Percocet for a year now, how bad do you think the withdrawls are going to be for me? I know you all continue to tell me to calm down and take it easy, try not to worry so much... But it is easier said than done. I think people will agree with me on that statement, you know?  <3

[benevolentlaughter]

Does anyone have any home remedies for the withdrawls without having to go to the doctors, though?

[soccerMOM6884]

I agree with most all posts except tapering... If we could responsibly take the pill we wouldn't be in this situation.  I mean, if we have to take this med for a prolonged period even then we are all aware that the mental flag comes up of "I'm taking more of this than I should" and we don't stop.  Personally, I agree only with tapering with medicine if you have access to Atilla the Hun and they are very firm and diligent in allowing only the necessary step down amount.  My first round prescribed more for me to taper down and never worked.  After my last two surgeries I had to say a prayer, walk to the toliet and flush.  Then-- sit back and work through the withdrawal.  I will say you will imagine it to be worse than it is. You will survive it.  Most of us here go through withdrawal each month when our prescription runs out.  We put our families through hell.  We lose our jobs our hurt our work progress because we are in withdrawals.  At some point you have to decide NO MORE.  I mean, when does it end?  5 pills become 8, 8 becomes 10 then stronger then on and on.  At some point you have to go through the withdrawals and say no more.  You can do it.  It's a week out of your life that will forever change your life.  

Hot baths, careful use of Tylenol, Catapress patch and methadone are the best way to get off.  Go to your primary care physician.  Be upfront and tell them how many pills you take and for how long.  They will not judge.  In fact, they see you are coming to them to get off not beg for more.  Insist on NOT BEING GIVEN MORE to step down.  Ask to go the methadone and patch route... you won't regret it and you will most likely win this battle once and for all.  Realistically, how many of us have gone to the doctor asking to "step down responsibly" then inside had unimaginable relief that we just got just a few more pills.  It's only my opinion but I don't think many can sucessfully step down or you wouldn't be in the mess to begin with.  This is a long weekend.  This is the best time to start the rest of your life.  You will be able to function at 3/4 capacity by Monday morning.  It will get easier and easier after that.

[benevolentlaughter]

i'm allergic to methadone.

[benevolentlaughter]

You are so thoughtful in your words, and for that I'm highly appreciative to you. As I've stated before, I'm going to call first thing on Monday morning [they're closed tomorrow for the holiday weekend] and request the very next appointment available with my doctor.

I spoke to my [amazing] fiance today about everything, and he and I both agree on the same thing.. I don't necessarily believe that I'm an addict to the pills, but I've unwillingly and unfortunately become dependant on them due to the doctor shelling them out left and right; Telling me that the one and only solution to my knee problem is to continue taking them as he's directed. I'm by no means, blaming the doctor for this. However, in a way it's hard not to when he's told me this IS the one and only solution, if that makes sense!

I'm hanging in there. You're right, I stated that I only have [basically] 20-25 pills left that I'm going to try and taper on, but everyone is telling me the same thing you've stated above. How many pills are normally written for in a case like this when a patient is requesting to taper down from the medicines?

[tylersblueeyedmama]

Hey again,

It's ok to be scared!  At some point I think we all were  (though some won't admit it), but it will all work out for you!  I can't see the PCP refusing to help you, that would just be unethical!  As long as you are determined to fight this and work through it, we will be here to support you!