Does titration work?

[Readytoreturn]

I have had a bad back for approx. 5 years and recently had a hand surgery after badly injuring my thumb.  As of 7 weeks ago to help the back and thumb pain I have increased my dose to 8, 10 mg vicodin per night (all medication was taken from 5pm-1am to help the pain before bedtime as I could not take it at work)  I decided that I'm done and I have enough on hand to titrate down and I want to get some feedback on advice.  I am a healthcare professional and can not afford to seek professional help as it may compromise my job.  Please let me know if titration is an effective way to come down.  My thoughts are to decrease my dose every three days as follows:

-Currently taking 4, 10 mg-325 acetaminophen at 5-6 pm and 4 more (same concentration) around bed time.

I have drawn up a schedule of which I'm on day 4:

Days 1-3 decrease first dose by 5mg to equal 35mg plus the acetam and continue second dose at 40mg plus acetam
Days 4-6 decrease second dose by 5 mg to equal 35 for first and second dose
Days 7-9 decrease first dose by 5 mg to equal 30 mg plus acetamin for first and 35 mg second
etc......
all the way down to a 45 day plan to ween all the way off.  I have been ok so far and wanted to see if there is any good advice to help me on my way.  

Thanks!

[Merri12]

You are doing great. 1.5 twice a day is way diwn from where you started. How are you feeling? Other than anxiety at times?

[vicki595]

Good for you!   Personally, I prefer tapering to cold turkey because I think it's safer and certainly kinder. Most medical professionals recommend a good taper plan before trying anything else. It's great you've been able to taper!

When do you plan to jump from the small dose you're on now?    We're here to help...

[Readytoreturn]

bump....anyone out there?

So far Its going pretty well.  The Klonopin has helped with the anxiety at night....I'm down to 1.5 twice daily....making good progress!!!

[Readytoreturn]

Hello Sonrissa,

Thank you for the kind words and advice.  This site has been a very positive experience for me so far.  I just filled an Rx for a pharmaceutical grade supplement that has Methylcobalamin 10mg (active B-12), Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate 50mg (active B-6), NADH 10mg (active B-3), 5-MTHF 0.8mg, L-Methylfolate (active folate), Co-Q10 75mg (Coenzyme Q10), Alpha Lipoic Acid 50mg, NAC 250mg (N-Acetylcysteine), Vitamin D3 1000iu.  I hope this supplement will help with some of my symptoms.  I think it should give a nice boost of energy and help some with the pain.

I'm hoping the slow method of taper will be effective.  I'm on day 6 and so far no issues....although there hasn't been a big drop in amount of meds taken.  I do not have anyone to help me control the pills and I'm hoping that is a non-issue.  I will reach out to someone if that is the case.  Thank you for the advice!

[Sonrissa]

Hi Ready, and welcome to the forum. Your taper plan looks pretty good and reasonable. Do you have someone that would be able to help you by taking control of the pills, and giving you them per your taper schedule? This would really help to ensure that you stay on track. I also agree with 3Xs. Make sure that you are taking vitamins, staying very well hydrated, and eating healthy foods. Exercise, ideally outdoors if possible, will really help with any fatigue issues.

Best wishes! I tried many times to taper, but I just wasn't able to stay on my schedule. If I had any access to my pills, I took them. I actually took more pills while trying to taper, than I did typically. I have the utmost respect and admiration for people who can successfully taper. Please keep posting and let us know if you have any questions or would like some support. Take care!

[Readytoreturn]

Thank you for the note 3x's.  I truly think my issue is more physical rather than psychological.  I'm ready to stop this cold but after reading many posts I believe the taper method is better for me as I have tried to go a few days and start to get very anxious.  I have called a friend who plans to Rx some Klonopin that I will fill tomorrow.  I'm hoping to make it through this without the need of the Klonopin but will use as directed to combat the anxiety.  Please keep the information coming!


Thanks again for the post!

[3Xs_U_R_Out]

If you have the willpower to control your meds yourself, then I think it can work. It's hard though.
I think you only using at night will help you cuz the urge to use during the day shouldn't exist.
However, a lot of people have the most issue with nights so I don't know.
This site doesn't allow to discuss specific taper schedules, however we can say that slowest is best. 45 days seems like a pretty slow taper so that sounds good.
Up your vitamins and minerals, eat right, and try to exercise during tapering. If you can continue those habits when you actually stop , it will help tremendously.
There should be some others along to give their suggestions.
I think you have a decent plan set up.
Oh also you may want to consider some stress anxiety type counseling or talk therapy throughout all this.