physical withdrawl

[Chuck730]

After years of pain medication for chronic pain I have had it with all the meds. Looking for alternative medicine. How can I relieve the physical symptoms of medication withdrawl?

[jonesing247]

Hey Chuck - depending on how severe your useage was, there are a number of things you can use. There is a natural recipie of herbal medicines and amino acids floating around the boards called Thomas' recipe. I think Tex3 might have it so if you ask her nicely shell post it :). Other things you can use for more severe circumstances may be methadone (in my opinion if you can avoid this then do so, as the kick is probably just as bad) or buprenex (which is what im using). It is an antagonist-antagonist that helps curb the w/d symptoms. Otherwise there are also benzos but ive heard of people having bad experiences with those. I have used Thomas' recipe and its really good so that might be your best bet. Im not a doctor, my insights are based on what ive learned from the fine folks here so please keep that in mind. Whatever you choose, good luck, and the most important ingredient to accomplish overcoming a bad withdrawl is a healthy mindset and a will to win. Take care, Mark.

[alexandra_r]

Hi Chuck--Welcome to the Forum.  This is a great place to get support.  There's a lot of people here who have experienced or are currently experiencing your dilemma, including myself.  I also have a chronic pain back condition and am currently trying to stop using the opiates that I have used for the last 14 months to control the pain.  I have found this to be very difficult.  I know that the painkillers help relieve my pain, but I also don't like the feeling of withdrawal that comes as soon as they wear out.

I have been tapering off vicodin since July 1--I was down to only 2 per day, but after a week of non-stop back pain, I got my prescription refilled.  I am using 3 a day and will stay at this till I feel ready to go down further.  

I agree that the recipe is the way to go.  Here it is so you don't have to look it up again.
L-tyrosine 500 mg 8 times a day week 1 then 4 a day the following weeks
B-6 100 mg 2 times a day
Vitamins C--E--AND A
Calcium -magnesium
A strong multiple vitamin
Phosphorous
Copper
Manganese
Imodium (immodium) for the runs
--------------------------------------------------------

Also suggested are bananas for leg spasms and restless leg
Gatorade for lost electrolytes due to the runs
And if you still have any depression after a week, some people recommend 5htp

How much pain medication do you take?  It's hell going through w/d and I just can't bring myself to go completely cold turkey (although I sometimes think that this is the smartest thing for me to do since I am at a low dose)

Good luck, come here often and keep posting.  I am fairly new to the forum but I have found that it has helped me a lot.

[GOD]

I gotta' say that I'm having a real hard time of it... (staying clean) I HAVE been clean, but the dreams and thoughts are driving me crazy! I DO have legitimate pain issues with Neuropathic damage, but because the way my brain is wired, I CANNOT be on a reasonable pain regimine, because my tolerance for ANYTHING will go up tenfold in a matter of days. I saw in some other post someone talking about an OXycontin 80Mg. pill for $50.00! Geez, at that price, I'd have to spend thousands of dollars per day just to MAINTAIN... I have tried oxy before..(2 80's in less than 1 hour.) I crushed up the first one and snorted it up, and it was MILDLY pain-reducing at best, then I took the second one regularly. This was at a time that I was taking 30-50 Ultram per day, so I KNOW my tolerance is WAY up there. I KNOW I could do 600-1000 Miligrams in a day and not even be ****** up... While I was still drinking, I would down either a 1 liter bottle of vodka, or a 1.75 if I was in a "Bad mood", and then proceed with my night. I HATE the fact that I'm a ******-up, chemically-dependant PSYCHO... Yes, I'm usually normal, but when using, I am pure INDIFFERENT EVIL.

I'm just venting this, because I guess I want to make "Ammends" with anyone I've offended in the past. I doubt that I Pissed off anyone in HERE too much, but, nonetheless, I just need to air it.

I am sitting here at work, and in so much pain, that I'm almost seeing red. I just wish I could be a NORMAL, Legitimate pain patient, and get this fixed. But, I CANNOT! If they gave me a bottle of 10,000 OXYS, I know that I wouldn't be able to even make that much last for a month.... ****!! Whatever it is in life, if it's good, then GIVE ME MORE! That's the way it's always been. I guess the only thing keeping me from totally losing my head is that I'm trying to help my Aunt, who HAS legitimate pain, get the treatment she needs. Well. That and AA/NA keep me relatively sane. And I might mention that this board helps me more than I can say.

That's all for now! I hope that those of you who are still struggling with the PHYSICAL withdrawels are doing O.K. -- I know that when I was there, that the pain and suffering had me pushing needles into my arm (SEWING NEEDLES -- to distract me from the effects of withdrawl).....

Bye for now,
Jess

[trying]

hello everyone:  It is almost time for me to leave work and I just want to tell everyone to have a good night.  Stay busy and think positive.  We will all make w/ each others help.  How do you guys feel about someone taking a valium to help them sleep?  That someone would be me.  I am still having a little trouble sleeping, so last night I tood a valium (it was green).  I don't know the strength.  Anyway,  I feel great today and much happier.  I feel so good about myself and I'm starting to think I can do this.  I've already gone through the physical, now I have to get over the mental.  I really love all of you.  I don't have anyone to talk to and this board saves me.  It's not that I don't have friend, because I have a lot, but because I haven't told anyone but my mother.  My father is going through some cancer **** right now so I don't want to bother her w/ my screw ups.  Yesterday when I was at a weak moment I almost gave in, but believe it or not, the thought of telling all of you that I slipped was reason enough not to do it.  I appreciate the support you all give me and will be there for everyone too. Talk to everyone tomorrow.

[GOD]

I admire how you're doing, and glad you're feeling good about yourself today. you DESERVE IT!! Yes, you and all the great peole on this board keep me going too. Goodnight to you!

[skipper]

hi people:
i'm a 51 year old junky with a 35+ history of drug (mostly opiates) abuse. went the whole route from popping a few "feelgoods" to trying to find a vein for "just one more." i started posting to this site early in the summer pf 2001.

i though i wouuld post my variation of the supplements portion of
of the Thomas's detox recipe.

once a day on an empty stomach (first thing in the am when i get
out of bed.
zink chelate  75mgs.
magnesium chelate 50 mgs.
manganese chelate 10mgs.
vitamen a 1000 units
L-tyrosine 2-4 grams.
copper 2 mgs.

start out when detoxing, or preping for detox with 4 (4000mgs) of
l-tyrosine. after detox, cut the l-tyrosine back to 2 grams in the morning on an empty stomach.

if you do nothing else in the recipe but take these supplements,
you will feel a huge and unbelieveable amount beter. i least i
did, and i've alway been real skeptical of the whole health food/
vitamen trip.

i won't go into the other asspects of the "recipe" right now.
there is a huge controversy about taking benzo's, as well there
should be. besides the diet supplements, exercise of any kind
will deliver the largest return on any effort you make. a lot of
people see w/d and detoxing as something "to wait out." i spent
enough time waitin while i was using thankyou. detox, for me, is
getting up off my ass and doing as much as possiable for myself.

hope everyone is doing well
keep an angel on your shoulder
kip

[tex3]

Hi and welcome. I agree wholeheartedly with the recipe idea. I actually only take the l-tyrosone, 5HTP, and a good multi-vitamin. This helped me tremendously with mood and energy. I didn't find out about it until after I'd detoxed, though.

I did detox using a "cocktail" which really was the way to go for me. I'd gone through WD cold turkey enough times to know I didn't want to suffer that again if I didn't have to. So my doc prescribed an at-home detox regimen of phenobarb, clonidine, zanaflex, and bentyl, plus an anti-depressent to help sleep. I took these for about a week, although sometimes you only need it for 3-4 days. I stayed in bed and sweated it out. But this controlled the symptoms so I didn't suffer the heebies, restless leg, diarhea (diarrhea), and all the other lovely stuff. If you're interested in this, let me know and I'll  post more information.
Good luck and hang in there!
tracy

[fishman59]

Hi everyone;well here I'am a 26 year user,I've already tried "cold turkey" a couple of times(not too smart).Now after asking for help professionaly I've been told I have to wait 6 months,I can't-if I wait I'll never do it.So I'm trying cold turkey again and this pain is unbearable,what can I do???

[fishman59]

Tex3---I need some info from you,if you would'nt mind!! The "slow" rapid detox you spoke of,how does it work? what does the doctor use for the sedation? etc. etc. any info you have would be appreciated!!

[hippy]

try thr receipe posted right above this post.
keep posting and hang in there, you can do this .
it's really worth all the effort to get your life back.

hope your feeling better
peace!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
michael from philly

[fishman59]

Thanks for the info Hippy ---but,--this is canada.Even though we live minutes apart its like a different world up here!!Even something as simple as the name of a vitamin (I think its a shot at retaining our "culture").My other problem is the time factor, I have already stopped using at least up to the time I'am writing this! Vitamins & minerals tend to take a while to be absorbed into our systems (unlike my doc). This time thing has me all ****** up I can't even remember what day it is unless I stop and look at a calendar!No concentration anymore,even before I stopped my brain was messing me around making me think things a rational human being would never let enter their minds!!! My wife is scared half to death that I won't live through this w/d and to tell the truth the way I feel right now it would sure be a break from these w/d symptoms,but I guess I'm rambling now...I would like to take a look at how tex3 did on that "slow" rapid detox thing then maybe I will be able to talk my GP into coming over to my house with his little doctors bag and hooking me up although I don't think doctors in canada do that anymore (another culture thing??)

[BOOP93]

HELLO ~ THIS IS MY FIRST TIME HERE, I AM DESPERATELY LOOKING FOR HELP GETTING THRU W/D.  MY ADDICTION IS TO NORCO, WHICH I WAS ORIGINALLY PUT ON FOR PAIN ABOUT 2 YEARS AGO, AND IT IS NOW UP TO ABOUT 15 PILL A DAY. ANYONE FAMILIAR W/THIS TYPE PLEASE GIVE ME ANY ADVISE YOU HAVE.     THANK YOU!!!!

[1fortheroad]

hi - i too used bup for withdrawal.  i am down to 1 amp per day, and at my doc's suggestion, i will continue with that dose for chronic migraines.

how long have you been taking it?  have you managed to taper it, or are you having a hard time getting off it as well?  i'm just curious...

[hellbent]

I once had a norco habit of 13-14 a day, and ran out of my connect. Had to just kick it cold, on the couch watching TV. The first few days were pretty bad. By 5-6 days or so, I was back at work. After 3 weeks, I was back to normal. Stop now and it will be relatively liveable. I say relatively because I do remember being fairly freaked out and depressed. It was my first real kick.

[alexandra_r]

If this is your first kick, it will be less severe than if you do as I have done (and a lot of others as well).  The first time I kicked opiates, it was bad but not as bad as it was in later tries.  I think that the reason is two-fold.  One, your body chemically adjusts to opiates easily the second time you get addicted and I believe (from only my own experience) that you get addicted easier the second time and that the withdrawal is harder.  Your body shuts down it's endorphin production more quickly, I think--probably has some kind of memory that kicks in with "Hey--here's the synthetic and I can just shut down production." And then I think it takes a little longer for your body to begin producing endorphins.  On my first kick, I felt better much faster than I have at later times.

I know that there are people who think that I shouldn't have problems kicking the few vicodin that I am on now--but I believe I did permanent damage years ago to my production of endorphins and that I now experience pain more significantly than I used to--even when I have been off all opiates for years.  I had painful oral surgery a couple of years ago and the dentist told me that I needed more novacaine than any patient he ever had before--like 3 times more.  

I really believe that your body changes in many ways if you abuse drugs for any length of time.  I know that my sleep patterns are different, my digestive system is not as efficient and the pain thing . . .

So, I hope you can kick and stay clean.

[jonesing247]

Hey groove - i have been on bup since late May. I keep going on and off because i keep slipping when it comes to the OC's. However, when i am clean for like a 2 week period, i do not find the bup addictive in any way. After inital 3-4 days, i actually FORGET to dose my bup. I dont crave it etc. Supposedly the taper is supposed to wildly mute the w/d's but individual body chemistry is the big X factor. Im sorry to hear youre having a rough time with it, hope things work out. As for doseage, im taking the sublingual tabs so I have no idea how to equate that into amps. Im taking 12mg of bup a day, when im off (3 doses of 4mg). have a good weekend everyone. Mark.

[hippy]

it was nice to see you posting, i had not seen your post in a while, hope all is well with you and your's.
the reason i mention it is i realised yesterday that i had not seen your name in a while, and then there you are today.

peace!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[tex3]

Hey Fish. As my doctor described it, he sedates you using, I believe, benzos, until you are asleep but not unconscious (this being the difference between it and the normal "rapid" detox). He then administers naltrexone to pull the drugs from your body rapidly, at the same time keeping you comfortable with a cocktail of meds to control the symptoms. Once the worst is over, he will give you some of the same meds for a week if you need it for mild withdrawal. I'm not sure what the benzos are; probably Versed and phenobarb.

This doctor is very respected in his field. If you want more information, email me at ***@**** and I'll tell you his name and all I know. I'm sure he could send you the info on it; I no longer have it. Good luck!
tracy

[BOOP93]

    Thank you for the info. I appreciate it.  I did try once thru a clinic type w/metn, only made it (7) days, because I ended up getting the flu and couldn't make it into the clinic for meds.  The W/D felt like I had gone cold turkey after the flu was gone.  I couldn't take it and went back on.  I'm really considering trying the receipe above to see if that might help.  Someone also told me to try Sam~e some kind of herbal rem. I hope something works, I just turned 32 last Monday and I really want to have another child soon before I'm to old, so I have to get this **** out of my system and get my life back in order.
Thank you again.  
                  Boop~

[Chuck730]

Thanks for your help with the vitimans. I will let you know how I do with it.

[Chuck730]

I have been taking a number of pain killers for alot of years. Lately I have lowered my dosage of Oxycontin to 40mg. a day and have been off the Percocet for 4 days. The level of pain has incresaed but the clarity of my head has begun. I have begun taking Paxil to deal with a long time bout with depression as a result of my disabilities and hoping it will help with the stoppage of the meds. Thanks for your help.

[koalabear]

I never knew this site existed!

I fractured my back and have been on different meds for chronic pain, on and off for many years.  Steadily since 2000.  3 months ago my pain management doc prescribed Duragesic and Elavil.  I have stopped the elavil and am ready to stop taking the Duragesic altogether.  I know I will suffer from pain, but the patch is such a pain in the butt!  It always falls off and if i tape it, the tape peels my skin off.  I can tell you about every type of tape out there!  

Anyhow...I am seeing him soon and I don't know what to expect.  Should I admit myself to rehab or should I do the withdrawal thing?  I can't afford the rapid detox, and am scared to death about the symptoms of withdrawals.  Should I start with Thomas recipe now...I just need advice on what to expect and what I should do.  I am definitely ready to stop all medicines. I don't know what they are doing to my body..then again..I am scared of pain!

I would appreciate any comments you guys have.

[mrmichael67]

You have been taking the medication for a legitimate reason.  There are other options besides the patch.  I had the same problem with it.  The area where I had it applied looked like chopped meat.  I am now on ms contin and my life is better on it than off it.  The meds are doing absolutely no harm to you, as long as you take them as prescribed.  If you truly want off of them, you can taper your dose with another med.  If you can take the meds properly and live a more pain free existence, then why not?  No one should have to live in pain.

[auntsis]

hello everyone. this is my first time here, i am desperately looking for help for my family. I have a sister that has a very heavy addiction to pain medicine, lortabs, i think. she is in complete denial of any kind of addiction. she says she need the medicine for back pain. she just came out of a 5 day stay at the mental hospital. this was due to what we considered a near overdose. she is also in a stae of grief due to the suicide of her daughter, whose death was also due to a substance addiction. we need help. i don't know how to talk to her. waht to say or what to do. i just know that if i had had anything for pain today, i would have given it to her. she was in terrible pain. she wouldn't tell me what the doctoe gave her instead of the lortabs but she said it didn't work.
what is teh right thing to do. i'm afraid we will lose her also. she says she can't live with the pain.

[1fortheroad]

hi there - everything's pretty good here.  we just bought a new house, so we'll be moving at the end of aug.  we had outgrown the one we're in, otherwise i would never move - i HATE moving.  it is really gorgeous and in a neighborhood that will be great for our daughter...plus, plenty of space for my gardens - that's my therapy!

aaanyhow...still on the bup - will be for awhile, and i've adjusted to the idea and it doesn't make me feel guilty anymore.  chronic headaches suck, and one amp per day seems to keep them at bay - pretty soon, i may start using it on an "as needed" basis.

how are you???

[OxyDout]

congrats on the house, i'm glad to hear things are going well!!

[Jessica5683]

Good Morning everyone,
I need help and I'm so glad to have found this place. Also, it's nice to know I'm so not alone in this addiction that has completly taken over my life! My choice of drug is Lorcet 10/650 12 pills a day for the last three years. My drug addiction started out innocently for pain caused by my Rhuemotiod Arthritis and fibromyalgia. Never in my life did I ever think I would become addicted to pills. I have to be honest and say, that before I got hooked I looked down on those who abused any kind of substance and thought of them to be weak and just using for excuses not deal with life in genral. To every single person that stuggles everday with addiction I give my biggest and humble apologie for my stupid and ignorant thinking on the hardship and dealing of any addiction. I know I don't know any of you but I'm asking for forgivness for my stupid judgmental un called for way of thinking!!!! One thing I have learned is, Not to judge no matter what and in that I'm glad to have learned that. So, here I am asking for support and hope that even though I was an ass before I became addicted to lorcet that I will be forgiven to get the support I need. I don't know how to stop using. Well, thats not true I do know who to stop the truth is I'm scared to be without my pills. Truthfully, I'm scared shitless to start feeling again. You see, I had a shity unbelievable horrible childhood and up untill I started abusing lorcet my past had me during my days my nights and even my dreams. With lorcet, I don't care about my past, I don't care about all the abuse that caused me to have multiple personality disorder, I don't think of killing myself everyday of my life. So, the thing is I know I need to STOP the lorcet but in doing so, my past is going to come back full force I know this because I have attempeted to stop before and in doing so my past was once again in my days my nights and my dreams. I'm in therapy and I have a great therapist that specializes in mulitples and horrible experince of child abuse and athough I have her it doesnt end the past that controls me. If any one has suggestions or understands what I'm going through I would love to hear from you. I want HELP, I need HELP sincerly Jessica If anyone wants to personally e mail me you can at ***@****

[hangover]

I was on the patch too for a while and it's true it always unsticks and water runs into it when you shower (you know when it's coming off because you can even smell the fentanyl). I have severe neck pain due to a motorcycle injury (and I still ride it). This past week I just went off the O/C's cold turkey and tried the formula and worked pretty good. I had been on Vicodin, oxycodone 10mg Percocet, Oxyfast(Oxyfast is an extremly concentrate oxycodone in a liquid form) and before and after it all, O/C's. for more than 2 years and I was  comsuming over 800mg a day(That's the equivalent of 1,600 5mg Percocets. I believe that whatever you put your mind to you can acomplish (I've proven this myself). I also took some non narcotic medication aditional to the formula to help with the W/D symptoms posted above. I took Bentyl which took care of the horrible cramps, Anaprox DS every 8 hours for the pain, Robaxin 750 for the muscle craps, Xanax to feel a little calmer and be abble to sleep a few hours a day (any benzo should do), Lomotil for the runs and tons of fluids.

Well Koala, I was on doses several Dozen times larger than the Duragesic you are on and I could do it. Every 25 miligrams of Fentantyl are an equivalent of about 10mg of Percocet every 4 hours. If you were on a 50mg patch, that would be just about 12 Percocets a day, that's 120mg/day.

There also is dose reduction but I've noticed that most doctors do not know how to deal with this. At least for oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, etc. where you can play around more freely with the dosage, you are supposed to cut the usage to half and then reduce the dosage from a 5% to a 10% daily if tolerated (I did not tolerate this). I also believe it might be more of  a mental than a physical battle.

Hope you and everyone else on the forum can get off whatever you are using soon, and my best wishes to all.

<<Hangvoer>>

[OxyDout]

welcome to the forum, no apologies necessary, we have all judged at one point or another, its only human.  I was taking hydrocodone in the beginning, but I got up to 25 pills a day, so I moved up into the world to oxycontin, then I was taking around 200mg a day, and then adding the hydro back ontop of the oxy............. yea, it was awful, but i'm now around 35 days sober and it all seems like an awful nightmare.  You will learn a lot through the many posters here on this forum.  kicking the addiction will be tough, but if you truely want to be clean then its completely DOABLE, just keep your head up high, have no worrys and just let it happen.  So do you have any lorcet to ween yourself down, or are you going cold turkey? or is there another option......... let me know.


Can someone tell me what Lorcet loooks like and or is, when I was using I took vicodin, the name on the bottle was hydrocodone, so what is the difference between that and lorcet or lortab etc.............

[hangover]

Lorcet is no more and no less than Hydrocone, it comes in 7.5MGhc/650mg acetaminophen and in 10MG HC/ 650 Acetaminophen. Lortab is the same hydrocodone but with 500mg of acetaminophen. It comes in 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, 10.0MG. Just like the new Percocets. Hope this helps..

[mrmichael67]

Lortab is hydrocodone with aspirin, and lorcet is hydrocodone with aceteminophen.  Lorcet is blue and lortab is peach (or orangish?) colored.  They both come in varying strengths.

[OxyDout]

so basically its all the same ****!, and yes thats what it is, ****! I remember before I started with the oxy I took the "watson 387's) that was from an Rx, but it was easy to find the 10mg Watsons on the street, they were sort of a green tint to them, and I definitely had some Lortab, the "blue" pills.  I was just curious, but regardless to the color, they are "death in the shape of a pill"

[OxyDout]

take a look at my question above..... do I need to go buy B6 seperately or is that also included in most multi-viatmins?

[Chuck730]

Hello, I would like to know the rest of the cocktail you were talking about if you wouldn't mind. Thank you

[tex3]

Hi Chuck. I'm not sure of the exact strengths, but the meds were these:
Phenobarb (this was the main one to handle most of the symptoms, and I could take 1-2 every six hours)
Clonidine (this is an agonist, but not an opiate agonist; it helps since your receptors are suddenly empty, and the clonidine binds to them)
Zanaflex or skelaxen (muscle relaxer, which helps with the deep muscle pains and restless legs; again, every six hours)
Bentyl or Robinul (for the stomach cramps and diahrrea; helps tremendously)
Remeron or doxepin (this is an anti-depressent but makes you very sleepy; you only take this at night to help you sleep)

Needless to say, with the clonidine, phenobarb and zanaflex you will be very drowsy. But it really does work. You won't feel normal, you'll be doped up, but the WD symptoms are greatly muted. Most people need these for at least three days and up to one week.

Good luck and I hope you're feeling better. Let me know what you do please.
tracy

[mrmichael67]

I really don't know much about vitamins at all.  I just had a copy of the original recipe created by Thomas and thought people would like to have it.  I am sorry I can't be more helpful.

[Jessica5683]

Hi everyone,
Gwh thanks for the response. Yes I have enough to wheen myself off but, in past have tried that with NO succes. I would have to cold turkey it. I have been reading about that reciepe thing with the vitamins and I think I'm going to try that this time around. I have a question though? Should I start the intake of the vitamins a few day's before I quit or what? God I'm so scared to quit. I have so many questions to ask but don't even knw what to ask right now if that makes any since to anyone. Thanks again for the response Take care all Jessica

[OxyDout]

I have never taken the full recipe just because I'm lazy, but if your gonna do it, which i think you should, well then, YES, start taking them up to a week in advance so when your hitting a wall, they will make your life that much easier.  

Are you planning on quitting after you finish this script?? Either way, you can do this, trust me, its not that bad, just stick with it.  Just think, within 4-5 days you will be out of the woods and back onto a nicer path, but if you  don't find your way out of the woods your gonna be stuck in the dark for a LONG TIME.  Keep up the hard work, and write whenever you need to.

GWH

[pillhell]

I AM AT MY WITS END.I'VE BEEN ABUSING PAIN KILLERS FOR ABOUT 3 YEARS NOW.(PERCOSET,VICODIN,LORCET,OXYCONTIN)I TRIED KICKING THE PAIN KILLERS WITH METHADONE WAFERS.WHICH I GOT OFF THE STREET.FIRST DAY I TOOK 30MG.IN THE MORNING,30MG AT NIGHT.2ND DAY-20MG.MORNING & NIGHT.3RD DAY-10MG. MORNING & NIGHT.FINALLY 4TH DAY 10 MG. JUST IN THE MORNING.THEN I WOULD STOP ALLTOGETHER.THIS WORKED GREAT.THEN I WOULD END UP BACK ON THE PILLS EVENTUALLY.SO I WOULD DO THE METH.WAFERS TO KICK.I WOULD GO BACK & FORTH FOR ABOUT 6 MONTHS FROM THE PILLS TO THE WAFERS.NOW IM HOOKED ON THE METH.I TRIED TO KICK,BUT THE WITHDRAWEL WAS UNBEARABLE.COLD RIGHT THROUGH MY BONES,NO SLEEP,AND THE DEPRESSION KICKED MY ASS.PANIC ATTACKS FREAKED ME OUT.NOW I'M DOING THE METH.WAFERS JUST ENOUGH SO IM NOT SICK.HOW LONG SHOULD YOU TAKE THE WAFERS TO DETOX?HOW LONG AFTER YOU STOP DO YOU START FEELING BETTER?ALL I WANT MORE THAN ANYTHING IS TO JUST BE NORMAL.WHEN I DO TAKE THE PAIN PILLS,I TAKE ABOUT 6-8 10 MG.A DAY.WHEN I TAKE THE OXYS ABOUT 3-4 20MG. A DAY. I'VE HEARD THERE ARE SOME MEDS. OUT THERE TO HELP YOU DETOX.LIKE THOMAS RECIPE,L-TYROSINE,BUPRENORPHINE,AND BUPRENEX.CAN YOU EDUCATE ME ON ANY OF THESE.OR IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE OUT THERE.I NEED TO KICK,BUT I NEED TO DO IT AT HOME-NO TREATMENT PROGRAMS.THANX!!

[hellbent]

What about a methadone detox, like a 3 month one? I wouldn't normally reccomend this for a pill addict, but since you are already addicted to it...

Where do you live?

[mrmichael67]

Methadone is used for opiate addicts.  I don't understand why people make the distinction between heroin and pills.  I know some people who only take a small amount of vicodin a day and should try another method.  But, some people on pills have more of a habit then people on heroin.  A lot of people who are on heroin have a hard time maintaining their supply.  A lot of the pill takers have an ongoing script and a steady supply to go with it.  Heroin is just another opiate.  Their are people on oxycontin that are taking more opiate than many heroin addicts are.  Just because they are pills doesn't mean that methadone would not be an option for them.  I say that if a person has tried many times unsuccessfully to quit on their own and their life is a mess and in trouble, then methadone should be something they should be willing to try.  I say anything to help straighten someone's life out....even if it means methadone.

[hellbent]

With all respect, one doesn't contract HepC from pills, not do they contract AIDS, nor do they get flesh eating bacteria. IV heroin users are far more at risk than pill poppers, which is why methadone clinics exist at all.

Methadone, after a while of using it (and I am sure you know this), is often a nastier kick than anything else. I hear it gets into your bone marrow.  Pill users are better off at least trying a taper first.

[pillhell]

THANKS FOR REPLYING TO PILLHELL.I LIVE IN BOYNTON BEACH,FLORIDA.DO YOU KNOW IF I CAN GET METHADONE WAFERS PRESCRIBED.DO YOU KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THE MEDS THAT SUPPOSEDLY
HELP DETOX?IF SO HOW DO I GET THEM?MONEY IS AN ISSUE.THAT IS WHY IM HESITANT TO SEEK A PAIN MANAGEMENT DR.YOU GO PAY 100-200 DOLLARS AND YOUR NOT GUARANTEED THEY WILL GIVE YOU WHAT YOU NEED.THATS MY EXPERIENCE ANYWAY.THANKS.
                          PAINFULLY YOURS,
                           PILLHEAD

[hellbent]

You probably need to start calling around in your area to find a methadone detox, if that's what you want to do. You may be able to get in there with limited cash, if they sense you really want to get clean. I hve no experiemce with w/d meds, but have read that there is a med called Buprenex (SP?), which is very helpful but may be expensive.

I spent 2 full days on the phone when I decided to quit recently. Go through the work and find out what your options are.

[OxyDout]

I posted above in response to your post, but i titled it to "pillhead" haha, sorry. Anyway, take a look at what I wrote.  I think I need some clarification, how long have you been on Meth for and what doses?? also how much oxy?

[mrmichael67]

I agree that they should try to taper first.  Most methadone clinics even like to see heroin users use methadone as a last resort.  The disease thing is right, but one of, if not the biggest reasons that the government wants opiate addicts at least stabilized is reducing crime.  Pill poppers resort to crime also when the money runs out.  I am not saying all do, because not all do.  But, not all heroin addicts do either.  They want people to become funtioning, employed, and contributing members of society.  All opiates share the same pitfalls.....besides the disease thing.  I have a friend who I get advice from all the time and he is the director of the methadone clinic closest to where I live.  I have asked in the past about who should be on methadone because this issue has been brought up previously.  He even said methadone is used for opiate addicts and pain.  He said at his clinic that the biggest thing about the pill poppers is that the heroin users don't like some of them because some of the pill poppers think they are better than the heroin users.  He told me of one guy that said he got hooked because he was prescribed meds when he hurt his back.  He doesn't get along with many there because he is "different".  My friend says that all opiate users are eligible as long as they have had previous failures at rehabilitation.

[kilo]

Never thought I'd be here! I'm so tired and weak and I'm into my 48th hour of W/D. I guess my story starts out at the same place...shoulder surgeries, pain meds, more pain meds, different doctors and Internet purchases (damn expensive). My last surgery was back in June. 100 Tylox, follow-up appt. 60 oxicontins and 100 roxicontins. 120 10mg Vicodens and 60 15mg Vicodens (via Internet) Prior to all that I was abusing painmeds for about a year. I have tried W/D before "cold Turkey" but failed and here I am again "cold turkey" and knowing in my heart I'm not going to fail!
  How long does the W/D symptoms last and when will I start feeling better? Any help on relieving these awful symptoms would be appreciated. Thanks.

DTG

[LACYROSE]

hi to all,my boyfriend is addicted to oxycontin that he gets from a pain management doc,he takes them like crazy for about two weeks then he runs out and we both go crazy for two weeks till he gets his refill. i can only give him support as i am a recovering cocaine addict and have been clean for 3 yrs. i would like the full recipe that i have read about in here for thomas' recipe.he knows he has a big problem and it doesn't look like he plans to quit anytime, i am very worried because it takes him a long time to urinate when he is taking the oxy's and he also has hep"c". any comment will be welcome. thanks lacyrose

[DJMEZNYC]

Hello I am new here, I have a problem with a wisdom tooth growing in and I have Watson 387's, Can anyone tell me exactly what these are, I also have some 3's with an M on the back, tylenol 3 M??
anybody got info on what I got and what they are, and if that is enough for this wisdom tooth pain....
Thanks I'll talk later after you respond

[dagger3133]

Hey guys..Im brand new here and Id like to post a message regarding opiate withdrawl. OK here it goes. Ive been on pain meds for over a year. My doctor is VERY LIBERAL when it comes to prescrb. pain meds. I get per month/90 percocet 10/650,,,a bottle of oxyfast (30mill)and 10 duragesic 50/mcg patches(these last 3 days). Now I know youre saying,"Holy ****!! Thats a lot!, but believe me,,when you are in the pain Im in,,,you need it. I have 4 degenerative diseases to battle,not to mention a full time job, 9 year old step-daughter,two full time bands that play 4 times a week, teaching guitar to 22 students and a full time wife. If I stopped for so much as a day..my schedule would be so thrown off cause my body would go into shock from the withdrawl. BUT...Those patches I have STOP ALL WITHDRAWL from happening. See,,what they are is a potent narcotic (fentanyl) realeased into your body over three days. Its so potent that it comes in MICROGRAMS..not MILLIGRAMS. You DO NOT get high with these things,,they keep you completely level as to have NO W/D symptoms..plus,,they relieve pain very well by boosting your tolerance for pain and letting you take your normal dose of meds without craving more. See,,with the patches,,Im able to sock away..at LEAST  45 perc 10's a months ,every month..now add that on to the 90 I get everymonth..so it adds up. I pretty much dont ever deal with w/d now,,cause I have been there and I hated it,,I cried,,,puked,,,**** water..you name it,,I had it. BUt about a month ago I discovered a supplement called Coral Calcium,,youve might have see Bob Barefoot on that TV show? Well Ill tell ya,,,take 3 of those...withdrawls are gone...or reduced to nothing. It relaxes you...lets you sleep,,and aids recoverey time by 75%,,(for me anyway). I hope someone can use this info to help you get through those tough times. I have friends who I watch twitch all over the place and slam down everypill they get,,,not for the sake of being w/d free..but to get high. Once you over come the need to get high.....its really very simple. Also,,Try Darvocet,its a chemical derivitive of methadone,,less stronger and you will NOT have any w/d symptoms..It works 100%. Good luck and God bless you all.

[NAT21]

I am hoping someone can help me with my situation. My husband is a drug addict/alcoholic.  He has a history with abusing Crack, prescription drugs (xanex, pain meds), and alcohol. --sometimes all at once. Recently, he began taking methadone pills which he was buying from someone where he works.  Yesterday, he was extremely ill with flu-like symptoms. Im trying to find out if there are any long term effects of taking methodone to get high for (i would guess) about 3 weeks, and then stopping alltogether.  Other sites have not been so helpful, so im hoping to find out some information here. What does methodone make you feel like? is my husband in danger?? what should i expect??
please, any info is helpful!!
Natalie

[athena]

Hi ,and welcome to the forum.I am unfamiliar with the drugs you mentioned but if you will post your question at the top,you will get responses from those that are.The flu symptoms are probably withdrawl from the methadone.Did he run out?When your taking opiates and run out or lower your dose,you will have terrible flu symptoms.He may actually have the real flu though.Post at the top and someone will help you.Good luck.

pixi

[NAT21]

hi thanks for replying. Ive never posted anything before. How do I post at the top??

[athena]

Hi,I see you found the top.I hope you get the help your looking for.Sounds like a terrible life for you.You have to save yourself first,then help your husband if you can.Im not trying to be judgemental,but no one deserves the kind of treatment your getting.please post for support anytime.Sometimes input from  others can aid in decision making.Again,welcome.you'll be in my prayers.

pixi

[norki]

I posted this question on another forum, but had no response. Anyways, I am in my 3rd day of withdrawl and still feeling crappy. Mostly restless legs and unable to sleep at night. I keep seeing referals to the Thomas recipe, but am concerned about the valium. As an addict, I can get addicted to almost anything, and don't know if I should take valium for sleep problems. Anyone have any suggestions?

[puma]

Korni,

It is best to avoid the Valium. That will addict you fast and hard to detox from. Try Bonine. It's an over the counter med for travel sickness and enhances sleep and reduces reslessness.

I hope this helps. Also avoid caffiene. Take care and good luck.

Chatahan......wildcat

[puma]

Norki, sorry I got you confused with Korni another name used here before.

[MethMan]

MY GOD!  An addict going from ANY pill to Methadone?  Does our insanity know ANY bounds?
People... I know I am fixing to get HAMMERED with posts on this, but I have been there, done that, so I feel pretty qualified to go here.
I had a 10 year addiction to 10mg of Hydro tabs (take as wanted and I did).  A Psychiatrist told me about something called Methadone.  I did NOT know what it was, but went to the address he said.  It turned out to be a Methadone clinic.  The first time you walk into one of those, a sane person would run.  But in our insanity, I walked up to the window, saw the "Doctor", then the "Councellor", then got dosed.
THIS was my biggest mistake of my life!  15 years of Methadone clinics, I finally said enough.  Right now, I am on day 7 of no methadone and Withdrawals are hammering me.
I have been to the best school there is.  LIFE.  And if ANYONE can tell me that ANYONE should get on methadone that wants off pills, I will happily stand in your face and tell you that you are INSANE beyond any measure.  The kick on pills is not **** compared to what you feel coming off that Nazi ****, Methadone.
In case newcomers to methadone do not know this, it was made by the chemists in Germany during WWII for Hitler's right hand man, Goering which had a hell of an opiate habit.  The allied blockade kept his supply cut, so he did not want to go through withdrawals.
If you are even CONSIDERING methadone.  My 25 years of knowledge backing my advice is to RUN!  RUN as fast as you can from that ****.  Take your hit on the pill WD.  
As soon as my Withdrawals end (whenever that is), I plan on doing SOMETHING to bring attention to these so called clinics.  If they were truely there to HELP addicts, why is the cost so high?  Why do they NEVER bring up dose reduction?  Just by asking for more, why do they FREELY give it to you?  How long do you sit in their "councellor's" office? 5 minutes? 10 minutes?  Are you better?
I realize that my addiction has me as insane as the next person.  But with a LITTLE clearer head, I can tell you that I have an intense anger with methadone and that whole clinic thing.
Hopefully, I mis-read an earlier post suggesting that someone use methadone for their pill addiction.  If you DID say it, you are out of your mind!
I'm taking my terrible withdrawal off methadone right now and ALREADY can see the truth of this horrible gift from the Nazis that just keeps on givin'. When I finish this hell, there is NOTHING that I can't do. And that goes for EVERY one of us.
Now.  Bring the heat.
God Bless each and every one of you!
Mike

[MrsRat]

Oh Dear Michael, the words you posted above are so true.  I wish that post of yours could be the first one seen by all that come in here to read/post.

I'm in day 5 now coming off of the Methadone cold turkey.  I was at a dose of 80 mg a day.  I couldn't say better about this most evil of all drugs than you already have. NO ONE should ever go on methadone as a 'help' to get off other drugs.

I was on it for pain relief as I am a pain patient.  Oh yeah, it worked great, got me out of the wheelchair and onto a bicycle in 2 weeks, for awhile.

A note to those who are considering Methadone.  I'm now on Durgesic patch 75 mg. , donnatal (phenobarbitol and belladonna mixed) 2 at bed, Ativan 1 mg 2-3 taken at bedtime, an old script of Elavil 25 mg I using to help me sleep 1-2 a day, Trazodone 100 mg 1 at night and of course, I have Vicodin ES for my breakthru Crohn's Disease pain but I find the Imodium (immodium) AD is more helpful at this time than the Vicodin LOL.  (For those who don't know, Crohn's Disease is an incurable, very painful bowel-digestive system disease.)

I was paying out of pocket $140.00 a month for the Methadone. A drastic cut in pay and now we really can't afford it.  I'm on day 5.  Even with the other meds, they don't make a DENT in the withdrawal from Methadone, it's withdrawal is it's own puppy !!!

MethMan, I posted to you up top earlier tonight.  Hope you saw it and I hear from you soon in email.  I will do all I can to help you speak out against Methadone when I am better, till then, it's getting ready to start into day 6 for me tomorrow.

MrsRat

[troubledteen19]

I have been on .5-1.5 mg Xanax, for PTSD anxiety/panic disorder for about a week now and am currently on 12.5 Paxil for about 5 days. I was just wondering if a physical addiction can be developed on Xanax for that short of a period. I've noticed that when I do not take the Xanax I feel tight in the chest and have high blood pressure. Should I be worried? And how long would these symptoms last if it were a physical addicton?

[cheermom]

i'm sorry i cant answer your question but if you post at the top no matter what the topic you will get a lot of responses.  most people may not scroll all the way down.  just wanted to let you know since i didnt when i first came here.

[tjfromnj]

First Time here. I have been on Hyro, Oxy, Percs, MS Contin, and every muscel relaxant I can find for about 2 years now. Its been a every day habbit that started with my knee surgery. I am now nearing the end of day 3 clean. My wife got her pregancy test on Monday and I said if it was positive I would kick everything cold. It was positive, and I have to say everyone who goes through this is tougher than I thought. It is horrible. Besides all the symthoms, its just the overall crappy feeling that I want to go AWAY! Does detox mimic the flue in some way? Cause it feels like a real bad Flue. Anyway, I just wanted to join in and say my peace. I hope is well with everyone, I can do it. Thanks.

[groovygirl]

YES...detox mimics the Flu...it is horrible.  It is a great thing you are doing for your future child...and for yourself.  There are things you can take to lesson the symptoms...there's "Thomas' Recipe" which you can find if you search this site.  It never did anything for me, but some people swear by it.  Taking amino acids helped me a lot.  If you have any Valium-type benzo, it can help you chill for the first couple days.  Good luck to you and congratulations for taking the first step.

P.S.  You should post further to the top...a lot of people don't read these posts at the bottom.

[tjfromnj]

Thank you so much for you post. Today is the begining of day Five and things started to get better a little yesterday. I will always remember the first 3 days of this process whenever I think about picking them up again. God Bless all.

[groovygirl]

Good for you!  Why don't you post closer to the top?  Writing about things as you go through this experience may help you more than you think.  There is a lot of support here for you.

[Diesel girl]

Hello everyone! Ijust started posting last week, I just want to say that despite everynones comments on going cold turkey, that is what I am doing beginning the first week of Dec.  I am on 80mg of meth, for 9 months. Some people have told me the wd's might not be that bad since I haven't been on meth  to long but, I think and am pretty sure that is not true.  Right? I was or am a heroin addict for 7 yrs.  I have had a bad run in with my clinic I am goingto use the recipe but was wondering if I can have any other words of encouragement or something.  I read different things on how long the physical wd's are 2 weeks 4 weeks, maybe it is about your tolerance for pain, I don't know.  I wish I never would have put myself on the program but I can't change that now.  I have pretty much cut most of my friends loose because they don't want to clean up but I have a daughter to take care of and can't live that lifestyle anymore.  My problem:  I have no one to turn to now that can relate to what I am going through.  Well, I hope I will have all of you now to help me through this horrible problem.  I was thinking that if I am only sick for a couple weeks, to take a trip after (Jamaica)to rid the depression.  Someone offered to take me when I am through the physical part of it they think it would help get me back on my feet and feeling good again, but I don't know if I will be up for all that or anything for that matter. I know I am just babbling but I feel very confused right now, and I really need some insight. Thanks and best wishes to all of you,

[crillabiznizz]

ye ive fukd wit volumes, percosets, codine, methadone... but now i got these watsons n i neva took em b4 n i wanna know wha they do to you, r they like xanax or perpecosets, plz be specif mgs and all because on the bottle it says 50 mg but on the pill itsself on the back it says 466????

[crillabiznizz]

ye ive fukd wit volumes, percosets, codine, methadone... but now i got these watsons n i neva took em b4 n i wanna know wha they do to you, r they like xanax or perpecosets, plz be specif mgs and all because on the bottle it says 50 mg but on the pill itsself on the back it says 466????

[alone]

Hello. Well,here I am in the same boat with most of you...withdrawl from Pain medication...Norco and Vicodin. I got to this point in the same way as many of you have...for me, it was to many surgeries in succession to one another, with each time being prescribed Pain Pills and sent home to HEAL...HA! what a laugh. I got really addicted. I have come to the withdrawl point as a result of this last surgery (Dec. 18, 2002) and a combination of taking to many pills during recovery of the surgery and having the person who stayed with me the night I got home to "watch over me" ... take quite a few meds for himself. Consequently, I was out of medication in less than 24 hours. So, I called the doctor and he authorized a refill...but the Pharmacist refused to fill it. Not long before the withdrawl symptoms, coupled with the Pain from Surgery was just unbearable. I ended up in the emergency room and they gave me 6 vicodin to last me approximately a day and a half. I was still miserable and was able to get a few more from a couple friends. On 12/24, I went to my doctor for a follow up and he gave me 15 Darvocet-N 100...to take 3 a day for 5 days. I read somewhere on one of these boards that Darvocet is milder than the Vicodin and Norco. Is this true? Today is day 5 and I have 1 Darvocet left. What I have been taking these last few days is considreably less than what I have been taking for about the last year...about 10 or more Norco a day. Could this be considered "Tappering"? (Albeit...involuntarily!) So where am I in the withdrawl process? The medication I received has lessened the withdrawl symptoms, but I'm worried...Am I about to have major withdrawl anyway? Have I been fooling myself thinking that these Darvocets have lessened the inevitible? I also read about the Thomas recipie. I went to the healthfood store today...This is what I brought home...Twin Lab L-Tyrosine Plus (has Vit. C and B6 in it), Twin Lab Multi Mineral Caps (couldn't find anything that said it had Phospherous in it). I also read about Valerian for sleep, so got that too. I read about the Coral Calcium...bought it...but it too has minerals in it (no phospherous). Should I take it anyway? I have a perscription for Skelaxin (non-addictive) for the muscle aches. So tell me, where am I in this process? Am I about to Just begin?...or have I (involuntarily) started the withdrawl process? I really want off these things. Thanks for your time.

[Rex1]

Well I was in the same boat that you are now in 33 days ago.  I am not going to lie to you -- it isn't fun, it's lengthy, and it's painful.

Having said all that, my mental state is much better now that it has been in about four years.  Here's what I did:

I was taking anywhere from 10 to 12 Norco per day.  I built a spreadsheet in Microsoft Excel tapering my dosage each day until eventually I was taking one-half a tablet three times a day.  Then I just stop taking them altogether.  The following things helped me immensely:

Thomas recipe
hot tubs twice per day
stretching
Gatorade and bananas
prayer
the folks on this forum
taking time off from work

Currently, I am taking 800 milligrams of ibuprofen 3 times daily, and Zanaflex at nighttime to help with spasms.

It is unclear to me whether you still physically need the painkillers to deal with legitimate pain, or if you can get by with just some anti-inflammatories.  Maybe you can answer that for us, and I'm sure plenty of other people will reply.

Welcome,

Rex

[alone]

I honestly don't know if I need the Pain Killers any more for legitimate pain reasons. As of today, I am still pretty tender (abdominal area) from the surgery. Taking the Darvocet has not really made my pain level significantly better. Tell me Rex, have I actually been "Tapering" as a result of what happened (re-read first comment)? Perhaps a blessing in disguise? Because right before this happened, I asked GOD to get me off these pills. I told GOD I couldn't do it on my own and the only way off was with HIS help. I told GOD that if it was going to be to difficult, I didn't think I could do it. Yes, I realize it's a day at a time.

[Rex1]

In my opinion, anytime you are going from a very strong drug like Vikes to a weaker drug like Darvocet, yes you are tapering as long as your aren't take a lot more of the weaker drug.

My advice would be to stick it out, if you can. Continue to pray and get the Thomas recipe working for you.

Here's a post directy from Thomas himself - word for word.

God's grace to you,

Rex

---------------------------------------------
Thomas Detox Recipe

PLEASE NOTE: I am not a doctor, simply a long-time Rx opiate junkie who has had many opportunities to develop a way to detox. This is a recipe for at-home self-detox from opiates based on my experience as well as that of many other addicts. It is not intended as professional medical advice. It is always wise to make sure none of the recipe ingredients or procedures conflict with medications you may be taking. Likewise, if you have any medical condition, disease, allergy or any other health issue, consult your doctor before using the recipe. Thanks, Thomas

This recipe is designed for cold turkey opiate detox. It assumes that you can get about 5 to 7 days away from your job or household responsibilities during which you can sleep, veg and act as miserable as you feel. Opiate WD mimics the symptoms of the common flu, so, if you need a smokescreen, hide behind a bad case of the flu.

If you can't take time off to detox, I recommend you follow a taper regimen using your drug of choice or suitable alternate -- the slower the taper, the better.

For the Recipe, You'll need:

1. Valium (or another benzodiazepine such as Klonopin, Librium, Ativan or Xanax). Of these, Valium and Klonopin are best suited for tapering since they come in tablet form. Librium is also an excellent detox benzo, but comes in capsules, making it hard to taper the dose. Ativan or Xanax should only be used if you can't get one of the others.

2. Imodium (immodium) (over the counter, any drug or grocery store).

3. L-Tyrosine (500 mg caps) from the health food store.

4. Strong wide-spectrum mineral supplement with at least 100% RDA of Zinc, Phosphorus, Copper and Magnesium.

5. Vitamin B6 caps.

6. Access to hot baths or a Jacuzzi (or hot showers if that's all that's available).

How to use the recipe:

Begin your detox with regular doses of Valium (or alternate benzo). Start with a dose high enough to produce sleep. Before you use any benzo, make sure you're aware of how often it can be safely taken. Different benzos have different dosing schedules. Taper your Valium dosage down after each day. The goal is to get through day 4, after which the worst WD symptoms will subside. You shouldn't need the Valium after day 4 or 5.

During detox, hit the hot bath or Jacuzzi as often as you need to for muscle aches. Don't underestimate the effectiveness of hot soaks. Spend the entire time, if necessary, in a hot bath. This simple method will alleviate what is for many the worst opiate WD symptom.

Use the Imodium (immodium) aggressively to stop the runs. Take as much as you need, as often as you need it. Don't take it, however, if you don't need it.

At the end of the fourth day, you should be waking up from the Valium and experiencing the beginnings of the opiate WD malaise. Upon rising (empty stomach), take the L-Tyrosine. Try 2000 mgs, and scale up or down, depending on how you feel. You can take up to 4,000 mgs. Take the L-Tyrosine with B6 to help absorption. Wait about one hour before eating breakfast. The L-Tyrosine will give you a surge of physical and mental energy that will help counteract the malaise. You may continue to take it each morning for as long as it helps. If you find it gives you the "coffee jitters," consider lowering the dosage or discontinuing it altogether. Occasionally, L-Tyrosine can cause the runs. Unlike the runs from opiate WD, however, this effect of L-Tyrosine is mild and normally does not return after the first hour. Lowering the dosage may help.

With breakfast, take the mineral supplement.

As soon as you can force yourself to, get some mild exercise such as walking, cycling, swimming, etc. This will be hard at first, but will make you feel considerably better.

PLEASE NOTE: If you have any medical complications, first check with your doctor before detoxing to verify that this regimen is safe for you.

[alone]

Bless you Rex1...for taking the time to talk with me. As far as the Darvocet goes...no, I havn't taken more of the drug than I was suppose to. I was only given 15 of them on the morning of the 24th of December. I was to take 1 pill 3x a day for 5 days. And tonight I took my last one. I did not try to call in any new perscriptions, or fight with the Pharmacist to fill the Dr. authorized one they originally refused to fill. I think I am feeling the effects of withdrawl due to the switch to a milder Pain medication combined with the sudden drop to a much lesser amount I have been taking over the past 5 days. I do not have any of those drugs that are mentioned in the "Thomas" recipie, so I will be doing without those. Thanks for your support Rex...really...Thanks very much.

[DADOOPS]

Hi, all--newbie, here.
      My story:
Had a two-year stint of amphetamine abuse end in a motor vehicle accident- came away (luckily) with a dislocated hip, a couple of broken ribs and various contusions, etc.
- been on Lortab 7.5 since--(7 months)
- I took 3 or 4 of those a day (more on special occasions if I wanted to 'ensure' that I wouldn't be bothered with it)
- Have stayed away from the speed- gained all my weight back-lol
- Got all in a huff when it was suggested that I couldn't just
  stop anytime I wanted, so I did.
- It's been 48 hrs., now and someone who cares for me sent me the link to this forum.
- Been wondering how much of the above I have to look forward to.
- Had those 'restless legs' I heard described, last night, and today I was sore and whiny at work ( used up most of my sick time)
- guess I haven't detoxed enough to even hazard a guess as to how I'll fare, but thanks for letting me know what to look out for.
- I'll probably see about getting those Thompson items

[45ankickin]

I have been taking pain meds for two years blew out both of my knees, but have decided to deal with the pain, switched my self off oc's to methadone didn't know i was jumping from frying pan to fire, i have titrated myself down to 12.5 mg's per day but i just want to quit how long will with drawals last i havenot slept in three days due to insomnia and threw away my xanax to help me sleep, boy this really stinks I never wanted to be a addict, How long should I expect to suffer if I just quit right now or should I titrate my self down more first. I just wanto feel normal aghain whatever that is please help
tks.

[percsnomas]

I've copied and pasted a response from a forum member, to another newcomer: Hope it helps!

C66 MethMan
(23-Jan-03)  blackheartedwolf Hello! I was on Methadone maintenance for about 16 years. My max was only 65mg, but I tapered down to 40mg and stayed there for years.
Today, is day 83 for me completely off the stuff. Still clear in my memory is the rough road I went through to get where I am so far.
There are several methods of detoxing. What works for me may not work for you. It's more of a personal choice on; a. do you want off methadone and b. How do you plan to complete the task at hand?
At 40mg, I went down 5mg per day to 20mg. Personally, I didn't feel much of a problem at all really. But for some, this may not be the same. At 20mg, I went down 1mg per day for 20 days to zero. I remember that I began to feel weak and fatigued at about 5mgs. Two days past and I was at 3mg. This is the point that I "thought" I would be just fine, because while the withdrawals were a little rough, they weren't unbearable. The withdrawals felt the same all the way down to zero. That night, my withdrawals hit me like a freight train. I couldn't sleep, no concentration, my entire body tingled and my blood pressure was high. I'm not telling you all this to freak you out. Just to let you know what to expect. That was important for me to know. What can I expect to "feel" during this process? How long would it last?
I found the people here on medhelp which included some great friends like percsnomas and bmac that walked the walk before me. I also used the "Thomas Recipe" with success during this time. You can find the recipe here by searching the thread or asking for it to be posted.
The first week was a hell of a ride. You won't forget it. It's all you can do to just move around. Take time off from work and just hang in there for the first 5 to 7 days. Make sure you have a vitamin suppliment to take because this will help rebuild your receptors and pathways which have no longer been needed since methadone was onboard.
The second week, I began to move around, take walks, LOTS of hot showers and listen to heavy metal. Loud music seemed to help me keep my mind off the withdrawals for a while. After the first month, you will begin to get your strength back, but you'll notice a marked decrease in your concentration.
Closing in on three months, I can tell you that I feel better than I ever did while on Methadone. There are times when I feel a LITTLE achy, but that is the extent of it.
After doing a little research, I've found that it can take up to 6 months to rid the entire body of methadone.
It's one of the hardest kicks, but I can honestly tell you that it has been WELL WORTH the effort. Anything that life throws at me now, is all gravy.
I hope that this long winded email helps you somehow. If you have any specific questions, please feel free to ask. I'll answer if I can. You're in good hands here. There is a wealth of information from your fellow addicts that far exceed anything a doctor can say or do for you. Knowing is 3/4 of the battle.
My suggestion is that you get a doc to provide the following before you go into full detox;
1. Clonidine (For blood pressure spikes, which coincidentally helps with the effects of withdrawal.)
2. Ambien (or some other benzo to help you sleep. Believe me, you're gonna need it.)
3. Lomodal (For the runs.)
4. 800mg of Ibuprofin 3X daily
5. Robaxin or some other muscle relaxer to help with rls.
Good luck on your quest to regain your life. The road has been well traveled. You don't have to lead the way, just follow the line out of this self-imposed hell.

All the best,
MethMan

[45ankickin]

Man,
I guess I will keep titrating my self down slowly, dont think i could handle the ride that fast, i wonder if it gets any easier if you do get down to 1 mg for 5 or 6 dys before u go the last step? this is a very important question, do you think that methman66 would know?
thanks for fill in though
ill be watch ing the forum
thanks again

[Sandus]

Hello there. I just found this site in an attent to get off the mass doses of legit OC (80mg x 3 per day), Oxyfast (20mg 2 times every 2 hours). I have been taking this amount for close to 6 years now and I want off. I'll admit I have gone over the daily dose on occation when I "felt" I needed it. For that very reason I am out over a week early. I have called my Dr. and he won't be back in town for a week or so. I'm open to experienced advice as to what I can do to to stop this unbearable wd. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I am a 37 year old male if that makes any diff. I'll wait to hear an answer.
thanks a bunch,
-Sandus-

[Sandus]

Hello there. I just found this site in an attent to get off the mass doses of legit OC (80mg x 3 per day), Oxyfast (20mg 2 times every 2 hours). I have been taking this amount for close to 6 years now and I want off. I'll admit I have gone over the daily dose on occation when I "felt" I needed it. For that very reason I am out over a week early. I have called my Dr. and he won't be back in town for a week or so. I'm open to experienced advice as to what I can do to to stop this unbearable wd. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I am a 37 year old male if that makes any diff. I'll wait to hear an answer.
thanks a bunch,
-Sandus-

[Sandus]

anyone still here?

[TG64]

I AM A 27YR. OLD MOM WITH A WONDERFUL HUSBAND, IVE BEEN TAKING OXY,40MG,4X A DAY & PERCACET10/325 5X A DAY,ALL RX . I DO TAKE UPWARDS OF 1 TO 2 MORE A DAY OF EA. I AM ADDICTED ,BUT I'VE BEEN IN 4MAJOR CAR ACCIDENTS SINCE I WAS 16YRS. 3 OF THEM REAR ENDS,THE OTHER I ROLLED 4X ON A FREWY,8MOS, PREG,W/2ND. CHILD.. I HAVE SEVERE CHRONIC BCK, PAIN. THE PAIN MED'S DO HELP BUT I JUST CAN'T STOP TAKING THEM THAT WAY, MY HUSBAND THINKS I'M UN HAPPY IN OUR MARRIAGE & THAT'S WHY I CAN'T KICK THE HABBIT,NOT TRUE I'M UNHAPPY W/MYSELF.. I'VE TRIED EVERYTHING,I TAKE HOT SHOWERS ALL THE TIME TO HELP EASE THE PAIN & EVERY OVER THE COUNTER MED,HEAT PATCHES,EVEN MEDICATED PATCHES, PHYSICAL THERAPY NOTHING WORKS BUT THE PAIN MEDS. I'M A GOOD MOM & WIFE & I WAN'T MY MARRIAGE I JUST DON'T HAVE THE WILL POWER N E MORE, WHICH MAKES ME SO ANGRY & DEPRESSED, B-CAUSE I THOUGHT I WAS STRONGER THAN THIS.. THE WITHDRAWLS R SO BAD, I CAN'T FUNCTION LIKE I SHOULD 4-MY FAM, WHEN I DON'T HAVE N E..MY HUSBAND IS TRYING TO HELP ME HE KEEPS THEM LOCKED IN A SAFE NOW & DISPENSES TO ME DAILY.. BUT HE HATES HAVING TO DO THAT,& I DON'T BLAME HIM, BUT EVEN THAT DOESEN'T REALLY WORK. I JUST WISH I COULD WAKE UP FEELING GOOD, INSTEAD I WAKE UP IN PAIN AND GO TO BED IN PAIN.IT'S BEEN THAT WAY 4-2/3YRS.NOW..AND MOST IMPORTANTLY I DON'T WANT 2/NEED THE PILLS N E MORE.. & I'M LOOSING MY HUSBAND OVER THIS,BUT I CAN'T CONTROLL IT,HE THINKS THAT I DON'T LOVE HIM ENOUGH 2/GIVE IT UP,& OF COURSE IT'S NOT TRUE.. I HAVE 4/CHILDREN & A HOUSEHOLD TO TAKE CARE OF THERE'S PTA MTNGS,VOLLYBALL GAMES&PRACTICES & FAM. NITES. I JUST FEEL SO OVERWHELMED.. MY BCK. PAIN IS ALL THE TIME THE MED'S JUST MINIMISE THE PAIN NOT TAKE IT COMPLETLY AWAY.. IF THERE'S N E ONE OUT THERE W/SOME INSITE TO HELP PLESE WRITE... I'D LIKE TO HEAR IT... SINCERLY T.G

[SophieShine]

Wecome to the forum
This is an old post, maybe you should post your own question to have more feed back. just click on "post a question" and copy and paste your msg.
Best of luck.
sophie.