HYDROCODONE WITHDRAWALS

[ALCMAH]

I NEED PRAYERS AND INFORMATION.  I started taking Hydrocdone 10mg last July after 2 back surgeries, a heart procedure and on topf that had my gall blader taken out all in one year.  IT WAS A BAD YEAR.  I started off taking about 4 a day and was just up to 8-10 a day.  I got tired of taking them, dont like the way they make me feel.  Decided I would just deal with the lingering back pain but when I tried to quit them all together the withdrawals were to much so now I am trying to taper off but not sure I know what I am doing.  For the past three days I have been taking less than have the normal dose.  I normally would take 40mg at one time 2-3 times a day.  For the past 3 days I have only taken 15mgs at one time 2-3 times a day.  But even at that dosage I cant sleep, my anxiety is so bad I am having panic attacks, When I am finally able to fall asleep I wake up in a panic sweating and when I am awake I am having hot flashes.  From what I have read this seems to be normal but I have to tell you it is all most unbearable especially the anxiety and panic part.  I had planned to go down tomorrow to 1 and half pills per day for 3 days, then down to 1 for 3 days then 0 cold turkey.  I cant imagine what the withdrawals will be like as I go lower.  I am wondering if the taper is right and if it the most effective way to avoid even worse withdrawals?  Also I wodered if any knows how long this symptoms will last?  I can all most not function and with the anxiety and pnic attacks feels like I am drowning.  Also if anyone is religous please say an extra prayer for me. I DEF NEED IT.  I feel like I could break down at any time and just cry.  Never ever had these issues before, never ever did any drugs and I didnt abuse these just took them for chronic pain but no one ever informed me this could possibly happen.  I am scared to say the least.

[1234betterlife]

unfortunately many physicians have no idea how to handle this. as a nurse i can assure you this is true. tell him you feel it is too fast due to your symptoms. he may need to consult an addiction specialist to help him. if his pride is in the way you may need assistance from another physician.

[ALCMAH]

I spoke with my dr and the simply want me to take one every 6 hours for the next 15 days then simply be done. 1 7.5mg pill.    I found I could not do it.  With that being the doctors advice i thought I was tapering to slow.

[1234betterlife]

you are tapering too fast. you need to back up and reduce the dosage much, much slower if this will work for you. that will help with the physical aspect of it. reduce your dose only 5mg/day every 3-5 days if that is possible. it will make it easier. once you come completely off you will then need a follow up treatment plan. the physical withdrawal and management is just the first step. long term opioid use leads to chemical changes in the pain/pleasure receptors in your brain. after coming off it is typical to have depression, lethargy and general overall yuk off and on. research PAWS. you will need some aftercare once you come to that spot. as for now i think you are simply tapering too rapidly.