tapering vs. cold turkey

[donewitis]

I have been prescribed oxycodone HCL 15mg 3x's a day for the past 4 yrs, on top of that Zanax 1 mg 2x's a day. I am not the person I once was. I have to stop.
I just read the Thomas Recipe, and am going to try that I think. I was just about to contact a Dr in my area who specializes in Suboxone Therapy, but after reading the addictive properties of that, I dont think that is the ticket for me. I called MDS rapid detox this am. and was told they do not take insurance. I live alone and have no family in the area, and due to my isolating, have very few friends. I have to do this alone. Hopefully someone here will reach out. I went thru 5 days of hell last year stopping the oxy, and then insanely started again. I need advice and prayer.
I was in AA for a good amount of years and post w/d, I know that is where I need to be. Drinking is not an option (I do not drink), nor is opiates. I believe I have to do one thing at atime..so Zanax will be next.
Peace to you all.

[vicki595]

If you're a fool then you're in good company here!!!

There's a bit of a difference in withdrawal symptons between Xanax and oxycodone. But, I don't believe one is more or less than the other. They both have their problems. If you taper slowly, you'll feel much better during the process.

[donewitis]

I will call my dr. first thing in the am. Thank you..I understand now what you are saying. It just seems so crazy to me...with the wondering..which is worse: oxy vs. xanax. I feel like such a fool to have gotten myself into this MESS!

[vicki595]

Yes,I think so. But for the same reason!  It doesn't matter except that the Xanax HAS to be tapered slowly. But you could do the Percocet first. I still think you should taper the Percocet a little bit before quitting, because of your health.

I understood that it was 45mg of Percocet a day. It's not a staggering amount but it's been four years. Still, it won't be horrible but you'll feel it. If you stop abruptly one of the things that happens is b/p goes up. That's why I think you should taper. Try not to over think it!
We'll help and you'll have the doctor on board...

[donewitis]

Vickey you think I should taper the xanax  first? i thought they would help me with the withdrawal of he oxys..
then do the xanax.

Gnarley: I actually thought my dose was alot lower than others, so i will continue the tapering.

[donewitis]

Thanks for your comments. I just need clarification here. Are you thinking I'm taking 315mg of oxy or 45 mg broken down to 15 mg 3 x's a day. Reading here it seemed like many are on much higher dosages..so of course now I am panicking over severe w/d.

[gnarly_1]

I agree with Vicki .....I was con xanex for many yrs gto up to 4mg its no fun coming off it but it is doable if done slowly my doctor would ask me every month if I was ready to go down in dose and quit frankly I wasn't so we would let another month go by eventually it took around 6 mo but we got threw it slow tapers are a must with xanex or you will go threw horable panic anxiety and no sleep so take your time you can go off the oxy any time you like but 3 15mg pills a day is going to be some ruff withdrawals I have a friend with bad knees who runs his prescription out early every mo and goes threw the withdrawals my phone rings around the 25 of every month oxy is not nice stuff to come off of but it is doable good luck to you we hope to se you drug free God bless......Gnarly  

[vicki595]

It's the same drug;one is the generic name and the other is the trade name.

Wow!  A year??  Who does that??   Yes, I'd definitely drop one at a time with the Xanax being the first.  Slow tapers yield the best results.

[donewitis]

I was on the phone w/ an inpatient place..1 year live in. I cannot do that. Just talking to someone was an indicator that I am definitely feeling this taper. It was so hard to even talk. I need to find an addiction therapist, something like that. BTW: What is the difference btwn Percs and oxycodone?
thank you for your comments.

[vicki595]

Hi- Listen,the Xanax must be tapered. It should be cut by small amounts over a long period of time. You really need to get a taper plan for that from the doctor. We don't offer tapers on this forum.

Now,the Percocet can be stopped cold turkey BUT I would taper this in your case. It's better to do one at a time. I know you must be anxious to get off these pills but you need to be patient and go slow...You cut these two meds way too much and you'll really feel that,I would suspect.

Keep posting. There's much support here.

[donewitis]

I'm listening, thanks for your advice. I really want this and since yesterday have been writing time, dose etc. I have to get the amino acid protocol and basic necessities in the apt. before c/t. I am totally unprepared and that's the way it was last year.. This time I'm educating myself as of yesterday. yesterday I went from 45 mg to 7.5 mg oxcycodone. I also cut my script in half for the xanax. I slept, that's a good thing. I must admit to feeling overwhelmed though with getting out and getting everything I need. Not even that is easy for me. I am in a lonely space...and feel glued to this site.

[donewitis]

Yes, lee..scared of w/d, I have a chronic illness and what happened last year when I c/t'd for 5 days, I'm just very concerned for my mental and physical health. I am willing though. I have now made the decision today to start the taper and write time/mg. etc down in my notebook. Later today, get some basic necessities.Thomas Recipe/Amino Acid Protocol..gatorade, chicken broth...and then go c/t. This is really the first day that I have the willingness and a deep desire to kick this. With God' s help and my continuous prayer, I have to believe I can get through this and be clean. First day of the rest of my life. Thanks for being here. Two weeks ago I did start Welbutrin..so maybe that will help?

[quinn1970]

Everyone is different and tapering may work for you but it never worked for me. You are still going to go through the wd's eventually, its like delaying the inevitible. Think about it this way, you already did it once so now you know what to expect and you can prepare yourself for all the horrible WD's. Build yourself up mentally and know that it is only temporary and will pass.If you do decide to taper you should get someone you trust to hold onto the pills for you and administer them according to your tapering schedule. I know you feel isolated and this may be hard for you right now but this is why tapering never worked for me, I always thought of a reason to go back on my plan.. Either way I wish you the best of luck and keep posting for more advice.

[lee73010]

Scared of withdrawal?

[donewitis]

Only yesterday I planned to taper, before I knew it I had actually taken more yesterday than prescribed. This is why I am scared.

[donewitis]

and advice

[donewitis]

Thank you both so much for your prayers...

[atthebeach]

just posted on another thread for you the amino acid protocol is on the bottom right side of this page under the health pages.
yes definitely stay away from the subs.
the zanax will need to be tapered so get with your doctor about a taper plan.
getting yourself out to some meetings or to church will help you with your isolation.
remember the LORD is with you. please pray for strength to overcome your addiction.
sending hugs and prayers
debbie

[lee73010]

I would tapper off.....at least that is what I have done.  Cold turkey is hell for me and I cannot stand it.  I have also done suboxone but did not get addicted like I have heard on this site.  Mainly because when I started, the pharmacy charged me like my insurance covered it.   When I went back for a refill, it was so expensive and I didn't have the money so I just got a weeks worth and tapered down on the suboxone.  Isolation is never a good thing and I am in the same boat a lot of the time.  Have you thought about going to a meeting?  The Xanax will help with the withdrawal from the Oxy, just be careful and DON'T get off both at the same time.  I wish you the best and I'm sending prayer's your way!