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As to your questions regarding amitryptaline(elavil) you should not have any withdrawals when stopping it. I have been taking it for years and haven't had trouble stopping it at will. Although since I take it at bedtime I did notice sometimes it was harder to fall asleep, so I took benadryl or sominex instead and had no problemss.
Hope this helps, and good luck on your journey,
Chezz
you could use something for a couple of weeks .... if this is from benzos, you need a doctors advice. Benzo withrawal can be very dangerous. Ambien is NOT a benzo. I used it for a few years and just stopped. Nothing happened. I took benedryll or sonata. I have a sleeping disorder caused by fibromyalgia and will be using something for sleep for a while. They also have something over the counter called alluna .... valarian root and kava kava. Some people swear by herbal treatments ..... hope you feel better ..... Goldie
I hope everyone is doing great--All my love Peace/Prayers N.O. Lady AKA Mystere
Anne
Although I am sure if you called GNC they would give you an answer. Or if you went there yourself and checked it with the computer they have there. It will tell you what you can take together and in what doses. I have used it before and found it to be very helpful.
Good luck,
Chezz
Good luck,
Chezz
r\w/c
Happy hunting and I hope it works for you,
Chezz
I've been wondering how you're doing---aren't you approaching 40 days or some such? How's the sleep, anxiety, depression and overall well-being? I need a full report by the end of business today. :-)
Just HOW HUMID IS IT down there these days???? I think of you and pass out.....Love from the Hinterland--peazy
I hadn't heard about all your physical hindrances, but they seem to be considerable. I don't DOUBT that the IBU is adding to your GI problem. I have been on Wellbutrin for over a year with WONDERFUL success, so I can't share in your side-effects. I just am not aware of either Advil OR Wellbutrin producing the gas that you mentioned.
It was so good to hear from you, and congratulations on day 45!!!! Damn!! that is totally tubular!!!!! I'll write more later- Love----Peazy
Anne--Things are much better today!
you have about as much going on with you physically as i have ever heard... i have degenerative disc disease, ankylosing spondylitis, all seven cervical disc's are bulging, possibly herniated, hips are going, knees are going! and you know what, if someone had told me back in the 70's when i got addicted to heroin that i would one day have a medical condition that i could finally go to the doctors and they would WANT to give me large amounts of narcotics i would have creamed my jeans~ for real!! it is really something to have physical pain, have access to narcotics LEGALLY, and make a choice to take IBUPROPHEN!!!!! ARRGGHHH!!!! but for now, being the opiate slut that i am, that is the decision i have had to make. and it is a decision i am grateful to have made and to have been able to keep thus far!
peace,
amber
Thanks,
Chezz
www.shepherdschapel.com
barely stand me.Which makes me feel more alone since we are in it together. Sticking to my program isnt very hard (even cravings arent bad)but I cant control the depression.Look at me Im crying for myself now. (HOW PATHETIC I AM)I can control my drug use but cant pull myself out of this. I feel like Im going crazy not like I want to use but that I cant sort my feelings. Cant is such a stupid word huh. I'm wondering if I should let it pass or see somebody or what but Ive never felt this way before and Im starting to scare myself. Any helpful advice would be appreciated.Thank you
In additon to my substance-abuse problems, I have also been diagnosed as a lifetime sufferer of depression. I have taken various medications for this for the last 11 years or so (that is, excepting the times I stopped taking them when I went back to narcotics). I've got a regimen now that works for me most days, anyway. . .I know I'll never completely be free from the "darkness", but at least I don't want to kill myself all the time either.
My prayers (and good thoughts, if the word "prayers" bothers you) are with you. . .do you have any kind of health care coverage to speak of? The most solid "real world" advice I could give you at this point is to get evaluated by someone qualified to work with the problem of addiction AND depression. I don't know about you, but from my experience just talking to other addicts many of us got into the drugs in the first place to "self-medicate" for our depression. Depression and addiction seemingly go hand-in-hand so often, the best chance we "dual-diagnosis" patients (the medical term) have may be to treat them as two parts of the same illness. Let me know how you are doing. Hang in there. There are people here who have never met you who care whether you make it through this, and I am one of them.
Peace,
Kurt
Thanks all,
Linda
PoppyLover
Peace,
Kurt
Some people are more prone to depression than others, even among addicts. This may be why your boyfriend doesn't get it -- he's one of the ones fortunate enough to have addiction as their "only" problem, maybe. My wife never had any problems until the birth of our first child. . .the following almost-two years were some of the most frightening I've ever spent. She developed post-partum depression/psychosis and was NOT the person I've lived with, before OR after. Fortunately, once we realized what was happening (and did not divorce, kill ourselves, or kill each other), she has been under a doctor's care and on a combination of medicines now that keep her very well -- and are NOT addictive (although that never was her problem, just mine).
Seriously think about at least talking to someone. . .there are many caring, qualified people who can get a better impression of you face-to-face than I can through your writing. One good sign I've seen is that you recognize that there's a problem and you want to do something about it. . .for your boyfriend, your self -- and your kids. Let me know how it's going.
Peace,
Kurt
Strengh for all of us in our battles
PoppyLover
also loving grace ministries. whayne m. hes preety cool too.
i checked out the site you mentioned, sheperdes chaple.
i hope you are well , i also like hank hanagraph(the bible answer man)
peace hippy
I wrote you back a novella which is on the original thread, so there you are and Bob's your uncle!!
You simply must write back, espec. about Ayn Rand......of course. Did you see that threat from his Assholiness & admittedly, all 105 lbs of me are shivering with such fear, there is NO WAY, mawhn, that I could like type. Well, except for now. I mean, my days are numbered and I'm *so* a'feared of a peon who couldn't get a squisshy-on if his life depended on it.
But "his gloves are off." Really, if he applied hand cream & put his gloves on, it would make her hands as smooth as silk!
Oddly Kurt, I've seen him write to several ppl that his gloves were off. Do you think he's heard of redundancy, or that after a while, NO ONE pays any attn. to empty threats?
I know this can't mean nuthin' cuz college & publishing & my biz is all like bullshit. But I keep seeun' that he lashes out at peeple if they disagree with him or those who ask questions to clarify their confusion.
Well, I haven't worn my own gloves for awhile & I'm way ahead of his hapless endeavors to level the playing field. I loved that one! Far as I kin figger, we're all playin' the game but heez in the dug-out, lookin' up at us playing in the field, leaving him in a position of disadvantage & fury.
Yip. That's where he's at.
Best,
Judes
You asked for a few suggestions. I think you do have a good handle on where you want to be and I think it is a positive one. However, I must voice my concern over two topics within your post.
First, you said that you are doing it without doctor supervision. Please reconsider that. Even a methadone clinic would provide you the proper meds so that detox will be less strenuous. You'll need Lomodal for he runs, Clonidine for the BP spikes and some sort of benzo like Klonopin. Steer well clear of the short acting ones like Valium. But if that is all you can get, just be wise. You don't wanna do this all over again, do you?
Secondly, I am a bit concerned about your rate of drop. You really seem to be overly agressive on both the amount you drop and the duration.
My body didn't give me much of a problem till around 10mgs. Then, I went down 1mg a day to 5mgs total, then 1mg every other day. That rate of drop was also too fast, but I was an inpatient at the time and under supervision.
If I had my way about it, I'd bump BACK UP to say 20mgs. Wasn't that your "somewhat" comfort zone? And from 20mgs, I'll CRAWL down to zero by going 1mg every week.
The reason in this logic is that Methadone has a LOOOOONG half life. What you took today, more than likely won't be at a low level till tomorrow around 2PM (if taken around 6AM). Since meth is that way, you could set yourself up for a monster drop in four to five days. And it will hit hard. Instead, take the slow road. Same result, just a bit longer. And besides, you'll have the rest of your life to enjoy once you're done.
Long Term Feelings:
As I said in an earlier post, after 7 months clean time, I still feel a "LITTLE" achy and a slight bit of fatigue as well. For the achiness, I've been simply taking Ibuprophin 800mgs 3X daily. That kicks that problem. On the fatigue, I am under the impression that my brain is still healing itself and is probably not making enough DRUGS to make me feel like I want to. To help fix that, I've been lifting weights along with taking a multi-vitamin and B6 (Max Dose). I do feel like I am making headway. But like most Americans, I'd LOVE to have a pill that just sweeps these feelings away in seconds. Too bad life doesn't have one of THOSE kind of pills.
None the less, I am out hell and do not plan to EVER return. I still remember that first week or two. Been there, done that. And I don't want anymore. :)
Let me know if I haven't answered any of your questions. If I know the answer, I'd be happy to share it.
Peace,
Methman
kindness a word to live by.
i hope you are doing and feeling well.
love ya !!!!hippy////michael
You say Ignore, but then proceed to talk about ME your entire post. I especially enjoyed you talking about my ****. Is this from personal experience....If so, I sure don't remember. How are you an authority on my "parts"? Just curious, carry on.
I have come to the conclusion that this is a War Board. I will reply to personal attacks, quote back the attack and ask them "Why". Now, you tell me what will stop this.
Here's the Thomas Recipe Methman was referring to(in case you haven't seen it yet):
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.
I do believe my very good bud Methman meant to put in Xanax, for the shorter acting benzo to avoid(if possible...VS a longer acting one like Valium or Klonipin).
You are right that many of us do not have direct experience with methadone, but we'll sure make up for that shortfall, with SUPPORT!!! We're definately here for you!!!
percs
Kudos as well on your lack of retaliation. . .if we can all manage the same, the problem will solve itself. Look forward to hearing from you again.
Peace,
Kurt
Peazy, in the absence of Suzie, spank this man.
You're lucky bmac. In another part of the world, we'd be talking about caning.
Now bend over. Peazy... go to work.
Women, tellya one thing then turn around and DO another!
So how is SRV country this wonderful Nite?
Pathetic is if you quit trying, stopped coming here and just gave up.
You are doing good. You just have to get a little firmer now on when you are going to stop for good and you will have this problem licked.
You are doing good. Just keep positive...
Chezz
Stevie Ray was in a class by himself. Longtime alcoholic/addict. Got himself all sobered up, and after a couple months of sobriety went on a helicopter ride. DAMN! Fate is so cruel sometimes. I'm sure he's jammin' with Randy Rhoads *Somewhere*
Lisabet and I can come up w/ some just AWFUL kinds of torture for you, Billy---right Lis??!! But if he doesn't show up, what say we hitch a ride to Calgary??!! (This time we'll draw straws, but that's against my better judgment..:-)