5 mg Hydrocodone per Day Dependent?

[RandyHunt]

Hi and thanks for sharing with everybody here.  It really helps.

I have been taking 5mg of hydrocodone per day for one year for muscle pain.  About 2 months ago I noticed depression, nausea, loss of appetite, anxiety and trouble sleeping.  Thinking back now, it seems the only time I felt normal was after taking my hydro.  I think I was on a steady down slide for some time but only noticed it then. The nausea and depression got bad enough I went to my Doc and started on Nexium and Cymbalta anti depressant about 2 weeks ago.  It all sounds like I became dependent.

3 days ago I decided maybe the hydro is the cause and stopped taking it.   It has been 72 hours since my last dose and still feel all my symptoms.  

My question is: Is 5 mg daily for a year enough to cause dependency and my symptoms?  If so, how long will it be until I begin to feel better?  I read that the withdrawl symptoms peak at about 72 hours and then get better.  

Thanks for you help.

[KrustyBroccoli]

I never said you were a junkie/someone who takes it recreationally. I hope I'm able to explain the process of psychological dependency better in this post.

I had to wear a fentenyl narcotic transdermal patch for a spinal injury. I had to endure the withdrawal. I was addicted to it, even though my chronic addictions aren't narcotics, but rather alcohol and pot. I was successful in coming off of it, but it took me a while. I had phantom pain. It was severe, more severe than the pain it was treating.

As I mentioned, you don't have to be a junkie to need help. This happens all the time- and to who might seem the least likely candidates, even little old ladies. It's an addictive medication, and you are facing the same issue as anyone else who has to overcome a dependency to a prescribed medication. Opiates are a real pain in the *** in the long run.

The withdrawal you are still suffering IS the psychological aspect. It's not your consciousness, but rather your subconsciousness. Your physical dependency is over with, the withdrawal you are still feeling is your body trying to get you to give it more, just to make the withdrawal symptoms stop. You, your mind, your consciousness wants off of it, but your body has a mind of it's own.

In time the "withdrawal" symptoms will stop, but everyone is different so no one can give you a set time. It took 3 years to get this way, don't expect your body to want to give it up in a week or two. It can take longer then you think.

Meditating can help, yoga etc. Definitely exercising/eating healthily will have it's benefits. Find an absorbing hobby, find productive distractions.

Because you obviously don't seem to have an addictive personality, you are fortunate to escape the vicious cycle of chronic addiction. But, anyone coming off of an addictive substance, be it Drs, lawyers, law enforcement, (I know people in all 3) will have their own form of difficulty.

You are not, nor will ever be a junkie,.................

..................but withdrawal is withdrawal. Addiction is addiction. Our bodies all process this the same, the difference is this.......

...... your mind set.

You can set your mind to endure this. Your body will just have to do what it is told. Obviously it doens't like your decision.

Your withdrawal will not be permenent. I use the mantras "This too shall pass" and "This is only temporary." My mom uses, "Ride the wave," to help her get through rough times, and she isn't addicted/dependent on anything.

Sometimes we genuinely need medications, but knowing what you do and don't like will definitely help you in your decisions regarding presciption medication in the future.

Admitting a prescribed medication flaw is great, admirable. Accepting your humanity- and your vulnerability- can seem embarrassing, but will help ease your suffering. You're human like the rest of the population of the world- we all have the same vulnerabilities.

[Spbrendasp]

Here’s how it is. Since 1995 -2003 I took 5 a month, 2003-2013 1 a day 1/2 in am 1/2 at pm. Jan 2014-April 2014 I jumped from 1 to 3-4 a day.  Then I went cold turkey in Oct 2014 for 3 months. Worst withdrawel ever Worst feeling in my life! My brain convinced me a half wouldn’t hurt me. So Jan 2015- now 5-8 a day. My job is very demanding and home Life too, I feel as I can’t stop but I so wish I can. From a previous one a day user pls stop them now it gets harder, I’ve tried to taper and can’t . Well it seems I can’t... I really hate myself now. Best of luck!

[RandyHunt]

Thanks for your good comments.  I think I'm one of the lucky ones because I don't crave the drug and won't have a problem with relapse.

I didn't take it for recreational use, it was just a habit - I took it every morning with my other meds and never really thought about it much.  

I only want the withdrawl to stop, and don't think I will ever look back - except to have learned a big lesson.

[KrustyBroccoli]

5 mg of hydrocodone is definitely enough to develop a dependency.

Addiction is a tricky thing. Your body is going to crave the drug, even after it has left your system. Your body can, and will do anything it can to get to you take the drug again. It can create pain even. Craving a drug is a horrific thing to endure, it doesn't have to be physical, and can take it's form in numerous ways. You will know best what your body is doing.

The physical addiction might be over with, but the psychological addiction is the bit that most people forget about. It's also the strongest addiction. It's what takes so long to "get over." If you find you are still struggling then contact your nearest Narcotics Anonymous group and use the support there to help you. Addiction is addiction is addiction. You don't have to be a junkie to need help. It can happen to anyone, anywhere. (I'm 37 with 7 yrs of sobriety/pot free. Pot itself isn't addictive, but my issue was the psychological addiction.) It can seem depressing, but can be overcome.

Best wishes.

[vicki595]

Yes...you can become dependent on just 5mg per day!  It happens a lot.  You should feel better in a short time. Get in a lot of fluids and eat well. Get exercise and just try to put this behind you. I'm sorry you ran into this situation but it passes quickly!

[Woolman134]

Thank you. This what I've been worried about. I weened myself from 6 10/325 norcos for 7 years, every day all the way down to one 5/325 split in half in AM and PM. I stopped yesterday after 15 months of weening I got clonidine (wonder drug) from my dr and I am just slightly tired. When I stopped using the first time, over ten years ago, I just stopped. Bad idea....I was a sweaty, puking, run having mess. It was worse than the pain from the surgery. Hang tough, I was more dependent than addicted because I never used it for kicks (nor do I understand what is fun about painkillers), but I was hooked all the same. Get off it-stay off it. It changed me in a very bad way. I'm lucky my wife stuck by me.