slow tapering from percoset

[Joanne]

hi.  thank you brian for your advice.  i'm down to 1/2 a perc every 8 hrs. during the day and none at night.  waiting a few more days to taper to 1/2 in am., 1/4 afternoon, 1/2 in pm.  then after a few days i'll eliminate the middle of the day dose, etc.  going very slowly is the key.  i fessed up to my primary care and she was wonderful about the whole thing.  i'm wondering tho, when i finally am down to none, will i still have to endure the restlessness, loss of sleep, leg cramps, anxiety, etc?  please respond someone.  i'm so sick of this feeling.  i want my sober head back.  aa and na are helping a lot.

[J.B. to Brian and Vicky]

I agree with Wipster. I've never been able to taper down successfully. There's just too much time to think about. With me it's always been "all or nothing"! Sometimes the "one day at a time" approach works the best.

[Wipster]

EJ,

Know this is a bit late, but I had to comment.  Over the past four years, I've had three major surgeries, the last one three months ago (replacement of two vertebrae w/steel cage, titanium rods and screws) and I've been on Percocet or oxycodone for almost five years.  After my first surgery, when I had been on Perc's for the first time for about six months (4 a day), I stopped taking them and experienced quite a bit of withdrawal (anxiety, cold sweats, twitchiness, etc.) for about 3 days.  

My point is, it doesn't take long for for the body to become chemically dependent on a opiate.  If you're only taking them at night, I'm surprised you're not getting withdrawal symptoms during the day. I recommend you get off them ASAP and don't go back if you can avoid it (sometimes the pain can be too great though, I understand), 'cause the longer you take them, the more your body will become used to them.

I'm going to kick the oxy's cold turkey in about three months, when I get some needed business completed, and I'm not looking forward to it, but I'd rather go cold turkey then suffer through lowering the dosage.  4 days of suffering is preferable to 4 months (in my mind at least).

Good luck!

[Renee1060]

Hey Lynn...you disappeared.  I'd like to know how you're doing.  You didn't sound good at all last time I read your post.  Please drop us a note and let us know what's going on.  Have you completely relapsed...going cold-turkey...tapering...what?  I hope you're ok.

[[email protected]]

Been on vicodin for about 6 months, sometimes 6 to 8 a day.Don't know if that is a lot out there or not but have cut back to about 4 a day.Is it going to be tough to just stop as my supply is running out!!!! I also take xanax 3 to 4 times a day .5mg.
Sounds as if I may be lucky to have access to the xanax when I hear about the anxiety,muscle cramps ,sleeplessness,etc,etc.
      Truly hope someone out there will let me know because I feel as though I'm under a dark cloud here and am also new to this computer scene. Thanks!!!!!

[Lynn to Neena]

Yes, sadly, I relapsed. The past week was too much for me to handle. First, I had to put my beloved cat to sleep (he died in my arms), then I got suspended from work for 3 days. To try and handle a detox now was impossible. I know they sound like excuses to use, but it was the only way I could cope. This was my first attempt to stop, I'll try, try again. But not now. Although I am not going crazy and eating 30 in one day like I used to. Just enough to see me through. I am reading and following all your posts, I promise to keep in touch.

[Leigh]

Yes, I realize tapering is an idividual's choice. That's why I posted my personal experience. Never meant that to be a generic bit of advice. Hence, the sentence contained in my post,"Just my personal opinion."
I'm just an ordinary addict trying to stay sober and share my experiences with others who will hopefully show some empathy. I know we all have to take different routes to get sober, just like we all took different paths to get addicted in the first place. However, I find it extremely helpful to read the varied opinions and experiences posted on this site. I may not always agree, but I take what I need and leave the rest.

Hey, Sandee--how are you, my friend?