Lortab Addiction & Withdrawal?

[JBA62]

For about 2 weeks back in May I was taking 7.5/500 Lortab for a back injury.  I was taking 2 every 4 hours.  As my back began to feel better I began taking less and at this point I find I only have to take them occassionally.  Once in a while I'll take 1/2 a pill if my back is bothering me but the other day I took 1 in the morning and 1 in the afternoon as my back was hurting more than usual.  Then yesterday, I didn't take any because my back wasn't hurting very much. Today I have severe bloating, nausea and diarreah and no appetite. When the back pain is tolerable and doesn't interfere with daily activity I don't take any.  But my problem is this:  At the end of June I came down with a "Stomach Flu." My doctor insisted it was a long-lasting nasty virus. Ever since then I've been having bouts of bloating, nausea, severe diarreah and a lack of appetite.  I've lost quite a bit of weight.  Could this be due to the sporadic use of Lortab?  I'm perfectly willing to go off of it but if I am in fact addicted I want to know the best way to do it.  The last time I saw the doctor she asked me how my back was doing and I told her it was doing better but didn't feel i needed to mention that I was still occassionally using the Lortab as the focus of the conversation was on the stomach virus.  I guess I should talk to her about it but I'm really scared of being labeled an addict.  I didn't know addiction could occur as long as you took it as prescribed.  She prescribed me 168 of them 2 mo.s ago and I still have 66 left.  Considering I took probably 86 of them the first two weeks that means I've taken approx. 16 pills during the past 6 weeks.  (42 days)  Does this mean I'm addicted?  Am I having all the stomach & bowel problems I am because of NOT taking the Lortab?  I don't seem to be suffering any of the other symptoms of withdrawal that I've read about.  I'm scared because the symptoms are severe although they seem to come and go and I've noticed it's not as bad when and if I take a Lortab.  Is that because the Lortab can help with stomach bowel problems as well as back pain or is it withdrawal from the Lortab?  Please HELP!      

[britney1663]

Welcome to the forum! Ive never taken Lortab so I cant be of much help...but I just wanted to say Hi and let you know that someone will be along shortly to help you out.

[girly44]

Pain killers cause bad stomach pains, diarrhea, and flu like symtoms, when you are withdrawing. I am tapering off now and on day 6, and this is alot of what I am experiencing, but I am not as experienced as some of these other people so maybe somebody will come along soon, with good advice. Welcome to the forum. Girly

[wannabefree330]

Do your symptoms go away if you take the lortab?  If they do, then chances are your body is physically dependent on them.  That is different than 'being addicted'.  Your body gets used to a certain amount of the drug and if that amount decreases, then you get the physical w/d symptoms.  If you can tolerate it, try not to take any more.  Try tylenol or ibuprofen and see if these can help the pain be at least something you can tolerate.  If you begin to take more than prescribed, constantly obsess about using, lying, sneaking around, and taking them for the 'high' then you can 'label yourself' an addict.  

[JBA62]

Thanks for welcoming me and for your responses.  Girly you are "tapering off" and yet still experiencing flu-like symptoms?  Isn't there a way to taper off without getting sick?  Anyway, I'm sorry for what you're going through and I hope you're better soon...JBA62

[JBA62]

Thank you for your response.  No, I don't crave them, ever exceed the prescribed dosage or anything or take them to get high - but perhaps I have become physically dependant so I'll talk to my doctor about it and how to go off without being sick.  Thanks! JBA62

[girly44]

Unfortuately I have experienced flu like symptoms, but I think it is because I went from 10 to 20 a day, down to 2 to 4 and I dropped my dosage down alittle too much, but I just want off of these evil misleading pills, and I didn't want the full withdraws, so I decided to taper. I am hoping by a week or two, I will be off completely. Thanks for your concern though. And I am here for you anytime you need any help. I wish you all the best. You will be in my thoughts. Just hollar if you need anything or have a question. Good Luck! Girly

[duke007]

Hi
I have been addicted to methadone, and using vicodin to move away from them. I get so tired, and when I get rest I am bored and cranky. I think I have forgotten how to be "me." I thought about rehab, but I went from a huge dose of methadone to nothing, now vicodin, but set a date, and am tapering off them. I have the feeling of small electric shocks in my joints, and am soo bored then I get depressed. Just want to sleep. I am so glad to read about others who are fighting. I need all your help.
Duke