tapering off of lortab

[rspeicheer]

I AM TAKING 8 5/500 LORTABS PER DAY. I NEED TO TAPER OFF AS SOON AS IS REASONABLE.

I RUN A CPA OFFICE AND NEED TO BE ABLE TO SLEEP AND FUNCTION AS NORMAL, DURING TAPERING

[rspeicheer]

Julia M Aharonov, DO

what is your website?

thank you

[Julia M Aharonov, DO]

At home, the basic technique is to space out the pills you take on a consistent manner until you take only one at night, then half at night, than every other night and then none.  
I do not know if you have been on the opiate for long time or not, so simply tapering may be difficult, so here are some suggestions to make the withdrawals easier depending on severity:
See if your doctor can write you a prescription for some Requip for restlessness, Neurontin for anxiety and malaise, some Flexeril or Soma for a few weeks for muscle spasms and maybe some Seroquel low dose, for sleep, Clonidine helps with the creepy-crawly feeling and helps stabilize the blood pressure. All of these medications will make your life easier during this time.  Valerian and Magnesium is sometimes helpful remedies over the counter.
The residual symptoms of insomnia and depression can last another few months. Thus, it is not easy, but it gets better and better over time and you can look forward to a drug free healthy energetic you in the future. When you take opiates for a long time like you have, your body's physiology has been altered. Your central nervous system has created a multitude of opioid receptors that all are screaming for endorphins (opiates) to fill them, but your body has now forgotten how to make them by itself.  It will take time - two to four weeks at least, for your receptors to down-regulate (for the brain begin to heal) and to start making its own endorphins. Brain heals pretty slowly, so it may take you as long as a couple of months to get rid of feelings of sluggishness, restlessness and depression. The best thing you can do is take good care of yourself, eat healthy food, stay hydrated, keep active and busy. Stay away from sugar, soda, and simple carbs. Do not consume caffeine at least 6 hours prior to bedtime.
Take a look at my blogs about options for detox and recovery. You may also take a look at my clinic website where I also have my blogs and a lot of other info about drug addiction and recovery. Look especially into the blog and the info on Naltrexone therapy after getting clean. It really improves your chances of staying clean for good by cutting down your physical cravings. Look into my clinic website as well. All this can be done by clicking on my name in blue.