how to taper

[rx2bfree]

I have been on vicoprfen 7.5/200 6 pills a day for 5 years.  I have rheumatoid and osteo arthritis pvns and klippel feil syndrome.  My fear is how am I gonna work if I am going thru withdrawals?  I live with my mom due to financial problems.  I can't let her know what is going on it would kill her.  When will I b able to function?  I am so scared I actually think id be better dead

[Julia M Aharonov, DO]

I apologize, I accidentaly pasted the answer that was meant for another, but it does apply to you as well. Please keep in mind that you will still have to manage pain after you get off the medications.  Talk to your doctor as to  the options you have to do that. There are ways of managing RA now without narcotics. Good luck with you.

[Julia M Aharonov, DO]

Withdrawal from narcotics is not pretty; please read my blog regarding detox options that will give you more info, but in general, your physician can give him some medications to temper the symptoms, but none of it will be completely satisfactory.  It will take a good six to eight week to feel a significant difference in the way he feels.  My blog addresses some of the options he has to get clean and stay clean.  You can get to it by clicking on my name and than on my blogs, also look at the website of the clinic(www.mdsdrugdetox.com), it will give you even more information, but each approach is individual.  I believe in what we do and I see it work patient after patient, but I also see patients get successfully clean with Suboxone, if it is done by a dedicated physician who knows the process well.  Please  look at all your options carefully as we are talking about the rest of your brother's life. Good luck to you whatever you decide and all the best.