Want help with Lortabs

[brokenhearted55]

I had surgery in Oct. of last year. Since then I have been taking Lortabs. I really want to stop! I dont have a script for them so I get them however I can. As of right now its been over 24hrs. since ive had one. Does anyone know what I can expect to feel and for how long? Thank You.

[GoingToMakeIt]

It can feel like a really bad Flu for 5-7 days. It also depends on how many per day and per dose you were taking. For many, day 3&4 are the worst then it eases up, BUT everyone is different. Look at the Health Pages for the Thomas recipe and the Amino Acid posts. You'll find them near the top right of page.

Welcome to the forum, too.

[cathy5841]

really glad to see you want ot get your life back.  like gtmi said its about 5-7 days.  but the good new is after that things begin to get better.  energy is slow to return and the mental part last longer but...it is well worth once you get through it.  good luck and you really can do this.

[insearchof4]

There are tons of posted comments occurring right now in this forum on this very hot topic...hydrocodone, a.k.a. Lortab.  I suggest you read those posted questions and then it's important to read the comments (click on the right).  I can tell you that I have been taking the same drug for the past 3 months from auto accident back injury.  I have a history of drug abuse, though not this drug.  I'm an addict...plain and simple.  So, this drug got it's grip on me rather quickly.  I stopped cold turkey 2 days ago and I felt very nauseated for the first 24 hours and I ached from head to toe.  I felt totally drained of energy...completely unable to leave the house or even move.  I took Advil and took 4 hot baths yesterday.  Basically, the whole day was like having a very bad case of the flu.  The good news is that I feel much better today.  I'm not nauseated...thank God.  How much have you been using daily??  It's important to know your dosage and frequency...it's an indicator of your withdrawal symptoms.  I took 8 pills/day (.75 mg).  Though I fell into the prescribed range of use, I cannot believe how tough it is to stop craving the drug.  I'm physically okay without it...aches and pains, but not that bad.  But my brain is craving the drug bigtime...after just 3 months of use.  How you handle your detox is entirely dependent on your prior use...you may need the help of your doctor and you may need to wean slowly rather than cold turkey as I did.  My doctors seem to think that it's fine to be on it, but they don't know that I am a recovering coccaine addict.  Once an addict, always an addict...I was on a slipery slope with Lortab and I got scared.  You are so smart to be addressing your status head on.  We are here for you, but I also strongly suggest that you discuss it with your doctor before you change anything...detoxing can be dangerous.  Good luck and keep on talking to us...you are NOT alone.  Read the other posted comments on this drug...it seems to be a common problem.

[soreadytodetox]

hello welcome!  you said you have been on the loratabs for what 7-8 months? ok how many a day? and how many what ever way you could? the amount of usage is a big factor also? do as going to make it suggested those amino acids are great use the health pages for all sorts of info. i used the  thomas reciepe and still do! i ct a 4 year snorting opiates addicton and the health page was a BIG help!  keep posting, let us know if we can help you get started!! best of luck  sherri

[brokenhearted55]

The most i have ever taken is 6 in 1 day. 7.5 most of the time. I have also been taken Zanax .05 for years and Prozac 20mgs. a day. However i dont abuse those. I cant understand why these Lortabs got a hold on me like they did. I have slept most of today and my legs hurt other than that and the fact I would really like to have one right now I dont feel really bad.

[insearchof4]

You sound so much like me.  I also take Xanax (for sleep) and have been taking it for 17 years.  For some reason, I have never been interested in abusing that med.  I only take it for sleep and, on rare occasion, to deal with a major anxiety event.  I also take Wellbutrin 150 mg/day as my anti-depressant.  Your dosage of Lortab is well within medical guidelines.  How is your pain level from original injury?  Do you still need a narcotic pain med?  There is no rule in any book that says that you have to stop if you use it for legitimate reasons, e.g., surgery recovery.  I think we all have an inside warning sign that tells us when we are crossing the line from medical reasons for Rx to recreational use.  You know yourself better than anyone...listen to your gut.  What is it telling you?  Usually, it is the most reliable indicator.  For me, this drug is very enticing.  I have crossed that line from true medical need to more recreational desire.  When we know, we know.  Trust yourself.  You seem to be very intuitive.  

[soreadytodetox]

hey girl so you where taking how many a day? about 8? or that was the most in one day?you have the zanaxs & procac they both will help you with the aniety part, check out the health pages(amino acids) really good (SAM E) great stuff. i used clonidine to help with the anxiety and the leg issue, its also used for opiate detox! you already have 2 days under your belt congrts on the 2 clean days. its a start you can do it! hot baths help also. the craving are another thing, i still have cravings every day! there is in the health pages (how to intervene on a episode of cravings & paws) check them out.ok?if you dont fell that bad that great! try to find something to keep your mind of that craving! in here if you just need to keep busy to forget that erge ok. plenty of support here! your almost half way there!!!!     sherri

[wannabefree330]

I am the same way...Have a Rx for xanax and have taken 2 halves of a pill over the last month.  If there is beer in the fridge, I may have one in a month.  But, put a bottle of lortab or percocet in th cupboard, and its gone in 2 days.  Why?  I have no idea, but even when I go to my family's homes...if i know they have medication, it's all i can think about during the visit.  This cunning baffling disease!

[insearchof4]

Hi...thanks for the reassuring comments...it helps so much to know that I'm not alone.  It is truly a cunning, baffling disease.  Each of us has unique weaknesses, but it's nice to know that I am not the only one with powerful attraction to hydro.  Best wishes!!

[bandnmom]

Everyone pretty much covered it so i will just give you words of encouragment. Just remember that everyday you will get a bit better. It is so worth it to have your life back! Just stay strong and remember your reasons for wanting to stop. Good luck to you and keep posting, it really does help!

[brokenhearted55]

Thank You all for your comments. Sorry to say I fell of the wagon today!  I want to stop so bad! I hate having to look and beg for 1 tab. The guilt kills me but I cant stand not having any energy when I get up in the mornings. If I take my Zanax I get so sleepy and tired. If you can believe until I had surg. I would not take a pain pill at all because I didnt like how they made me feel. Now its like thats all I think about. I think if I could just get rid of the cravings I could handle the withdrawals. I am gonna keep trying tho1 Please keep me in your prayers. Again thanks, Brenda