vicoprofin/vicoden addiction

[bill]

Hi,
I have been on hydrocodone for about 6 years, on and off. I'm 46 but my dr. says my back is 85. I'm waiting for discectomy right now. I quit taking painkillers 2 weeks ago and I'm over the worst withdrawals but I keep having gastro-intestinal problems. I've had diarreha for the last 2 weeks. Is this normal and when can I expect it to go away? Also, I just feel so vulnerable and blue..are these syptoms (symptoms) of withdrawal too? If so how long before I can expect to start feeling normal again?
                                        Thanks

[bill]

hi,
me again. I also was wondering what are the odds of getting over
this by myself? I definitly don't want to go into rehab. I know its good and all that but i've seen to many messed up shrinks and psychologists. People can beat this addiction thing on their own,right???

[Carmen]

Hi Bill:

I have just come off a two week withdrawal from Vicroprofen.  I can honestly say that I am FINALLY beginning to feel better.  The stomach problems persit, but it is GETTING BETTER.  Please, please believe that you can beat this and feel "yourself" again.  I cannot explain to you the physical pain that I felt...it was 10 times worst than any flu I've ever experienced.  I've had 2 very long and painful child births, and this rated right up there.  I can get my vicroprofen anytime I want...but the memory of the withdrawal symptoms, keep me clean.  NOTHING is worth my recovery...the pain, the blues and not being able to keep any food in...at my job..I had to keep running to the bathroom every 5 seconds...I thought I was dying.  I was so tired of being tired ...THAT's what keeps me straight...Dr. Steve was a great help, too...please be strong, pray, and keep focused..this too shall pass.   Good luck!

[bill]

Hi Carmen,
Thanks for your reply and support. I can get drugs anytime I want too but it sucks feelin "sick and dirty more dead than alive"as Lou Reed says. Ok, I feel pretty strong about kickin. Good luck to you too babe we need it :))

[scott macgregor]

Its very possible that you GI problems are related to your withdrawl symtoms of going off of hydrocodone. If it s  only been two weeks, I think you need to realistically give yourslef at least 4 weeks for the withdrawl effects to even START to reside.

I'd lik eto know how you stopped your pain meds, because although some people like the "cold turkey" method, re-bounding with that "method" almost Always occurs. I suggest(to talk to your Doc of course), but to gradually wean yourself off the vicodin(with a schedule created by your doc of course). This will make the withdrawl much more tolerable. But, like anything, you've got to stick with the schedule, and not sudddenly gobble them(pills) all down at one time-this, obviously, defeats the purpose. To nullify some of the "withdraw-pain(cramps, etc...)" you might want to look into(with docs advice, of course), combining some Anti inflmmatory medication(celebrex as example), with the "vicodin withdrawl/weaning schedule created by your Doc. The reason is that more then likely you will be experiencing some pain, because weaning involves just that....taking less and less over time. And, of course, Narcotics anonymous, exercise, re-newing spiritual vows, massage/hot tubs(etc..), talking to friends, Blah, Blah , Blah-you've heard it before. But, nev er underestimate it's "powers".

S.Scott MacGregor
S.***@****

Hope this helps

[bob]

Hi Bill,

I have had 7 surgeries on my back and I am now 35 yrs. old. What I learned was that there were underlying addiction problems that lead to the surgeries and not the other way around. I have always been an addict, and painkillers were the latest in a long line of drugs-of-choice. Your question about treatment raised a flag in my little brain. There is an organization that will help you answer any lingering questions that you may have. Narcotics Anonymous has rooms filled with people that had never used any drugs ever until they started taking painkillers, and then they were miserable. I would suggest that if you have any questions at all....or difficulty not refilling your meds they are in the phone book. Go to a meeting with an open mind and you might be surprised with what you hear. Good Luck!!!

Bob

[George]

Hi all,
I had two back surgeries...the first 25 years ago, the second
in aug. of 99.  I only took pain pills when I really needed!
Of course, this is a matter of how much pain you will take! But
the less you take the better! You can withdrawl if you want to
do it. It's something that you must do yourself! Your doctor can
help...but it's up to you! If you only take the pills for your
pain you won't have too much of a problem! But be honest with yourself...did you ever take more than you needed? You will fill
much better without the pills even if you have some pain. If your
having a lot of pain try other things, everything before you take
a pill and never take more than your M.D. told you!

[Michael Freeman]

It's interesting to read the comments about "needing surgeries" not for clear diagnostic medical conditions - but the underlying motive is clearly to continue a pattern of prescription medication addictions.  Numerous physical and somatic complaints are expressed repetitively time and time again to numerous medical doctors in various professional disciplines.  The deceit to continue the addiction is intense - intense enough to have multiple surgeries.  Duh.  Who's the knucklehead ? the doctor or the addict?   After a while the lying, deceit, and continuous cycle of repeat addictive behavior become intolerable - to family, friends, professionals, pharmacists, counselors, and law enforcement. You can whine, mope, twitch, sulk, skulk like a jackal but anyone who gets caught on this roller coaster ride of addiction is in for a life of torment.  Have fun ...but sooner or later you'll have to face the beast before it breaks you.

[Liz]

my brother got a bottle of vicoden after having a root canal
surgery. (They are extra strength) He told me he took four of
the pills and had two alcoholic drinks, I told him I thought he
could overdose from that amount, to which he laughed. Well, he
didn't o.d., but isn't that true? Isn't that a dangerous amount
to take at once?

[fff]

fffff

[Mike]

hi every body
any body know how long will it take to the hydrocodone to be completely out of system .i stopped a week ago and i am stated to feel better .i still have the craving .any body knows how long i would feel like that craving the drug .
to answer some peoples question about having stomach problems
i happened to me before and i could not stand it .this time i got some lomotil it works very good .and god helps all
thanks

[Claudia]

i am a mother of 2 young children but i am also ver youn myself i started 2 years ago takeing tylenol with codine i took the codine the whole pregancy with my 2 child please help now i am addicted to vicodine i switched over to vicodine because codine did not word for me no more i am very young but need to stop but i am afraid of withdrawls i take 4 vicodine at one time and have no pain at all what should i do please help me i dont want to keep doing this for my kids sake

[Tiny]

I JUST WANT TO SAY I AM SO THANKFUL FOR THIS SITE! I NOW KNOW THAT I AM NOT ALONE IN MY FIGHT AGAINST MY PAIN PILL ADDICTION! SOMETIMES I FEEL LIKE ITS JUST ME AND THOSE F---ING PILLS! THATS ALL THAT MATTERS TO ME AND I HATE BEING LIKE THIS! I KNOW I NEED TO STOP AND THIS SITE HAS GIVEN ME SOME GREAT INFORMATION LIKE TAKING THE FIRST STEP AND GOING TO NA OR AA. I AM NOW TAKING 15 TO 20 PILLS A DAY IF I HAVE THEM I KNOW IM HURTING MY BODY BUT THE WITHDRAWLS ARE TO MUCH TO STAND! I HAVE BEEN ON THESE THINGS FOR 5 YEARS NOW AND I GET THEM ANY WAY I CAN! BUY THEM OFF THE STREET OR BUY THEM FROM FRIENDS OR MAKE UP THINGS TO GO TO THE DOCTOR FOR, THE LIST GOES ON AND ON. MY DOCTOR GIVES ME 60 LORTAB EVERY 2 WEEKS LIKE CLOCKWORK BUT THAT IS NOT ENOUGH ANYMORE! MY QUESTION IS CAN A DOCTOR GET INTO TROUBLE FOR PERSCRIBING SO MANY PAIN PILLS ALL THE TIME?  THESE PILLS ARE RUINING MY RELATIONSHIP WITH MY HUSBAND AND CHILDREN AGES 2 & 6 ALSO MY LOWER BACK HAS BEEN HURTING ME ON BOTH SIDES KIND OF UP UNDER MY RIBS ON MY BACK SIDE COULD THAT BE MY KIDNEY? ALSO WHEN I HAVE MY PILLS I WILL TAKE UP 10 AT ONE TIME FOR BREAKFAST HOW BAD IS THAT? SOMEONE PLEASE RESPOND! I HAVE TAKEN A FEW E-MAIL ADDRESS OF PEOPLE WITH WHICH I WOULD LIKE TO TALK TO FOR SUPPORT.

[Janine]

Hi...
Today is the first day that I am trying to get off of Vicoden.  Like many of you, I have had two shoulder surgeries, one cervical fusion (c5-c7) and still have much pain.  I will be 40 next month.  I was taking up to 8 vicoden 750s per day.  I have taken myself down to 4 pills daily.  I want to say that I am bi-polar but suffer mostly with depression.  I quit smoking a year ago and I know that with the help of God, I can beat this too.
My question is this...  Today I allowed myself only 3 vicodens.  In the morning I held out for a few hours before taking  the first one.  I had the sweats so bad, I ached big-time and the depression was maddening!  I could not stop crying.  I finally took that first pill and felt so much better.  How long does this go on?  My dr. says it takes a few days.  After reading all these letters it looks like a lot longer than a few days.  Can anyone write back and be honest with me?  I've been on them for 2 years straight now.  I want off cause of anger bursts when the med is wearing off.  Please help me as I have no one who can help here.  I'm a Christian and I don't think my church has experience dealing with this stuff.  Thanks in advance!! Luv, Janine

[Rob Dietrich]

I feel I am also addicted......
What is the best way to get de toxed..??
anybody??

e mail is
***@****

[Doug]

I can relate Bill,just did it my self off of oxycontin,which is 100 times more powerful,and the withdrawals are horrendous.I did it on my own for the first three days,then had to call my doctor and ask for help,which,by the way,he was more than concerned and willing to help.Never,Never try to go it alone,it is medically very dangerousx,mentally a very bad idea,depressing and all the crying etc.Klonopin,1 mg,taken twice a day will relieve the world is going to end stuff,and sonota,only 1 at night will help you get at least 4 hours sleep,without leaving you with a heavy hypnotic drug hangover.It has now been a week for me,and I can finaly go back to work.Good luck,and God bless.Doug

[vickie]

i am a an addicted-pregant-christian. how embarassing is that? i am trying to reduce my daily amount with the help of my husband. i also have friends praying for me and helping me. my husband is trying to get me off this before i deliver. i do not want to deliver an addicted child - i already feel guilty enuf. i see the devil trying every way he can to keep me on these things. i've had 4 back surgeries and 1 sinus surgery in the last 5 years. i've been off lorcet twice and have taken up to 120 mg in a day. i tried using some leftover methadone (from a previous surgery) to help myself get off the lorecet quicker. I read it was safe and it would help. it did get me to 10 mg, but i ran out of both meds the same day. i was able to get more lorecet and gave it to my husband- he is now helping me reduce. i've been sick for 2 months now - sicker from the methadone than i ever was from lorecet. we almost had this kicked, pray for me and our baby. I am having a serious abdominal disturbance and has caused us to go back up on our dosage. How do we quit this and not hurt the baby? If I am so sick, how does the baby feel? MD, please respond.

[Pill Head]

My girlfriend is adicted to vicodens too. I can get you some for a good price. I will give them to you for $10 a piece, that is for the 750 milligram ones.  If you like you buy.

[Rob Dietrich]

So Bill,
What did you do?

[rose]

Go to your family doc and explain your situation. If he/she does not understand go to anothrer. If you get on clonipin, a blood pressure pill, that will take care of the withdrawal symptons. Also a benzo, such as xanax or valium, will make it so easy to get over the physical withdrawal symtons; the psychological sympyoms are something ese. Get into Na or AA groups to deal with these. I myslf put myself into a detox program. It was 4 or 5 days. This was good for me b/c I needed medical supervision and support. I was taking up to 20 vicoden es a day. It all started due to a broken arm. I now go to an intensive outpatient program. It is 3x a week from 5:30 to 8:30 at night. It's really great b/c of the support. A sponsor can also be helpful. first, go to a doctor that understands. There are many that don't or do not want to deal with the problom. Good luck.
                 Rose

[Brian to Rose]

You mean Clonidine, not clonipin (which is spelled Klonopin).  Clonidine is a blood pressure medication which helps the withdrawal symptoms such as hot/cold, gooseflesh, etc.  Klonopin is a CNS depressant, similar to benzodiazepines (i.e. valium, etc.)  Klonopin can cause dangerous withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly, and is containdicated in people who have addiction problems due to its abuse potential.

[Chev.brat]

We are currently going through the same thing with my 24 year old son-in-law..He has been addicted about 3 years although when he could not get the pain med.  He went to street Cocaine.. He even bought the pills on the street.. He to went to re-hab.. We have tried and tried to get him off.. He can sleep 18 hrs a day, suffers with severe diaherra and develops blockage in his colon he has been hospitalized 10 times since October for this condition.. Finally a Psychologists has put him on a anti-depressant.. Addition is the most powerful thing in the world, and you have a fight on your hands..We have been thru so much with him it would take me days..There is a good re-hab in Galveston..At no cost.. My son-in law can't even get health insurance due to his condition.. I lost my aunt 5 years ago to this silent killer she was taking about 8 hydro's a day and had to have more she just went to bed and her heart stop beating.. Heart Failure induced by the drug.. Be Brave this is a fight for your life. It will take over your whole world including your families..

[Mike]

Did you quit cold turkey?? I'm on em myself and find that I get the runs and am VERY grouchy when I stop. I wish you luck. I cant help with the "Can I do it myself" question, as I have never tried to quit completly.

[meme]

I have first hand experience with vicoden,percodan,and many other pain killers.  No addict wants to think of themselves as unique,but the more I read of the postings I'm beginning to wonder.  I was a pharmacy tech when I first started using anything that would numb me. At the end I was taking anywhere from 6 to 9 vicoden 7.5's every two hours sometines if necessary I could stretch to maybe four hours but then I'd have to take more in order to maintain my high. I eventually started using so much that I would have to come off the pills and switch to roxinal or m.s.contin because my body had developed such a tolerance to these drugs.  I eventually turned to heroin but after a while even that proved not to have the "bang" as it did the first 2-4 weeks. Withdrawals are hell and you swear if I can just make it through this I'll never use again, but after a couple of months the once fresh memories of withdrawals seem like a lifetime ago.  I have gone as long as 18 months without taking any medication other than asprin. I had dental surgery and thought I could handle it this time since it had been so long ago. When I first took the pills again I took it like the bottle said for 4 hours and relized that I couldn't even tell I had taken anything, so I preceded to take 4 vicoden then 6 vicoden whithin 2 days I was back exactly where I left off almost 2 years earlier. I relize now that wherever you left your addiction at , that is eaxactly where you pick it back up again, at least for me anyway. I wish that no one out there ever has to go through the hell of lies and deceit to get these drugs and how it consumes you.  Even when you have a brand new bottle your already rationing because you  know that you'll run out before you can get a refill.There is hope, try narcotics anonymous....

[kristin]

To anyone who is going through the same thing as averyone else in this forum, I am in the exact same place, i'm trying to quit by myself, I failed!! I finally gave in and I have an appt. with my Dr. the day after tomorrow, I hope he will help me and be understanding and not make me feel worse than I already do. if anyone wants to talk feel free to e-mail me I am going through this totally alone, I am a single mom and my family has no idea if they knew what was going on I am sooooo scared of what they would do or think!!! I know I am stronger than these stupid pills but right now they are winning the fight!!!!! hopefully not for long!
e-mail-- ***@****    

[Mike]

bill u can get over it on your own i did it takes about 3months hard months u will have fever fell depressed. but u will make it  i have had 2 back surgerys i know but now that i am off of vicoden it is a relief

[Bil]

i was a medical professional, and became addicted to hydrocodone, oxycontin,roxicet,and morphine.  Basically any schedule 2 narcotic would do.  I have been clean for over a year, it was not really my choice in the begining, but i am happy i finally stopped.  before i was arrested, i wanted to stop, every time i would try, i would get really depressed and blue, eventually i would pop a pill and everything would be alright again. I felt optimistic and energetic on the stuff.  I no longer work in the hospital, that was my decision.  I'm just glad i'm not an alchoholic, it has really got to be tuff staying clean when your drug of choice is sold virtually everywhere and cheap.

[Brian to Bil]

Thank you for sharing your story.  I used to scoff at the NA saying that an addict will end up in jail, a mental hospital or dead, unless in recovery.  Now having known people who got arrested and others whose friends and relatives died from addiction I really do believe it is true.  I am glad you have a year clean and hope you stay on the path.

[a freind]

I have the very same problem ! I wish you well my freind ! If you have made the first two weeks. It should only get better.
Please stay in touch. One piece of advice,call the Care group connection . phone  [phone]-care

[Michael]

I quit painkiller a long time ago on my own. I am taking them again and need to get off again (although this time I've only been on for 2 months. I has intestine troubles also. I'm not sure what this is caused by. Let me know how you do.

[Neva]

Well, I wish you would write and tell how your'e doing now, you see I've been trying to recover from addiction to pain meds. for about 7 yrs. and am still struggling. I do know this, with the help of my family, counselors, and alot of groups I quit completley for almost 15 mos. and never felt better in my whole life! But as soon as I slowed down on meetings where I could talk about my disease (yes disease, just like alcohalism) I was right back where I started. and for another year and a half, I have stopped and gone back more times than I wish to reveal. Of all the things I have ever been through in my 43 yrs. this has got to be absolutley the very hardest thing of all. I hope you were able to stop and stay stopped, I really do

[Chad aka Drug addict]

Hey you dont gotta go to a rehab to quit but it sounds to me that your an addict you werent just taking those pills for your back some of it had to be for relief from the feelings you have inside you can get over it by yourself i suggest go to Narcotics Anonymous meatings and get a sponsor thats the best thing other than rehab good luck man its not easy

[Valuum]

vicroprofen is the shiznit.  It gets me high baby.

[Joe]

I took about 12 vicoprofen 7.5/200 a day for 5 months straight before being switched to loracet 10/650. I only have to take 4 a day of loract. But is hard on the insides