Have an important question about quiting Vicodin/Darvon

[Dale]

I have been addicted to opiates such as Darvon and Vicodin for five years. I stopped taking them two weeks ago. I went through some very painful withdrawals. I feel much better now but I still have no energy and am restless at the same time. I am not able to work. I know that my body will eventually start producing the necessary endorphoins to give me energy again. Until then, I started taking Ritalin. It gives me energy while calming me. (It's the only way I can work) My question is: will taking the Ritalin retard my body from starting to produce its own endorphins to give me energy again. I am not planning to continue taking it. Only until I get my energy level back. I am sure I won't get addicted to them becasue I really don't like the way the way they make me feel. I just need some energy to go about my normal tasks. If they are going to affect my body starting to produce its own endorphins then I will stop taking them. I appreciate any info on this as I haven't found an answer any where else.


Thanks,

[Mike P. to Ken]

I highly doubt that the Ritalin will effect your endorphin levels. If at all, nowhere near as much as the opiates. But, you are an addictive personality - admitted. So you are playing with a loaded gun here - the Ritalin. I would absolutely love to have some Dexedrine or Ritalin lying around to help me when I try to kick too...it's gotta help the doldrums. Just be careful.

[The Dude]

I am having a very bad day today.  I am totally and completly out of all meds. OH MY GOD !!! THIS SUCKS.  I wish you can go down to the damn store and just buy'em like smarties or pez.  I hate this , how do people get like... so many at a time? ***@**** I wish I had a hook up.

[Lynn to Neena]

My hook up always has something for me on Fridays and today he doesn't and I'm in the same boat as you. I played piggy with the 15 vicodin I got yesterday, because I thought for sure something would come in today. I wish I could just go to the F#*%@+ store, I have money in my pocket and all I want to spend it on is percs.  I HATE THIS FEELING!! I have a knot in my stomach. ****. **** ****

[The Dude]

No ****, I love Percs.

[Mike P. to Ken]

You know, it's funny (not really) but AS SOON as you find out you have no more pills - and you're not going to be getting any, anytime soon - the withdrawals seem to start IMMEDIATELY. Even if you just took 2, that "What the HELL am I going to do" feeling is remarkably similar to the start of withdrawals which are just around the corner. I've been lucky lately and have had my pain medication. I know one thing for sure - Pain meds lead to obsessive/compulsive disorders and obsessive/compulsive disorders lead to Pain Med disorders. What a rat race. I feel for both of you. I don't know why we COUNT on whoever it may be - doctor, friend etc. - every time we think we're going to get more. As soon as we think we've got it in the bag and finish our supply - sure enough, they don't come through. It's hell. Hell on earth.

[Lynn to Neena]

I'm so scared. I just started sweating and had my first run to the bathroom (diarehea). My brother is an addiction counseler and he gave me some clonopin to take for the anexiety and discomfort I am about to face. I have no pills, no resources, no way to get any more pills for at least a week. This is my first detox.  I am a little afraid to take clonopin, I'm so used to the high the percs gave me, I don't want to take high blood pressure pills! Has anyone tried clonopin for detox? I'm gonna keep checking this board all weekend, I'm in for the long haul. No morning percs, so I'll just sit and check the board for help. Thanking you all in advance for helping me through this. I knew this day would come, I just was not prepared for it. Should I take the clonopin or just sweat it out???

[Mike P. to Ken]

I wish there was something I could do to help you. I've never tried Klonopin. If you lived around the corner I could figure something out for you...but alas, you probably live in Maine. Good luck, and I'll be thinking about you. If you make it through it, stay off if you can.

[Lynn to Neena]

I live in New Haven, and I'm gonna TRY to sweat this out. I just made some chamomille tea, gonna take a shower, and shake, rattle, and roll through the night. I'm going offline until tomorrow. Good night, Mike.

[J.B. to Brian and Vicky]

As a fellow detoxer with quite some experience, my heart goes out to you!  I know all about that panic we feel when we realize that there is no more.  Are we ever prepared for the inevitable?  Get some Immodium AD if you can for the runs. Hot baths help.  Drink as much liquids as you can stand.  
The long weekend is upon you.  You will either detox or find more pills, that's a given.  Remember that your mind will play tricks on you and your body will ache and all you will want is relief from the monster.  I wish I could wave a magic wand and make things better for you(and me too).  Keep posting!

[tom to Lynn]

I echo J.B. Get the Imodium NOW. Don't wait. Take it aggressively, not sparingly, also. Two at a time, as many times as it takes. Get the brand name. It's much more potent than the generic. Imodium is loperimide, which is an opioid. It won't get you high (don't even try), but you will notice some relief beyond just relief from the runs. Also, Klonopin is perfect for withdrawal!!!
You're really fortunate in that. It's a benzo like Valium, but lasts much longer. I recommend taking a relatively high dose (sleep inducing) and then tapering down over several days (depending on how many you've got). But, hell, your brother did you a major solid with that one! Go get the Imodium. Take it at the store. Run a hot bath and take a good shot of the klonopin. Don't overdue it. You don't have a tolerance for Klonopin as you do with the percs. A high-normal dose, then see what happens. But those are the ABC's: a benzo, Imodium and hot baths. Pick up some enteric aspirin, too. It must be enteric. Aspirin is a surprisingly good "ache and painer." You'd be surprised. So, Lynn, get to work and do your ABCs. We'll check back in a bit (after dinner), if you want to talk. If you're drug is perdcodan, it's not going to be easy, I won't lie to you. Anyway, go get the Imodium. A-B-C. see ya in a bit. (high to J.B., too)

[tom to J.B. and all]

woops. I meant "hi" not "high." By the by, ever try Valerian root? Brian said it had properties similar to Valium. And lo and behold, it does. Really quite an effective anti-anxiety and sleep aid. It's available at the health food store.

[Vicodin Gurrl to Dan]

Hi guys, Im feelin' your pain, I thought I would have to face that last week, and thankfully found a way to get through...Its a DAMN shitty thing, having no pills...And I totally hear that whole money in the pocket thing.  I make a mighty fine living and it doesnt even matter sometimes cuz no amount of money can bring me any closer to the thing I want more than enything else when there is no hook up to be found. Have any of you ever thought of frequenting an E.R. with a complaint of pain and trying to get something to tide you over, even if it is just a one-time narcotic injection?  You can ease your conscience about faking them out...you are TRULY in pain, maybe not the type of pain you CLAIM to be having (migraine, pulled back muscle, etc...)but no less real.  That's how I have justified it in the past anyhow.  Good luck ya'll, and if you have any suggestions on easy scores, pass 'em along as I have.  Happy trails...  :)

[To sick and scared from Neena]

I came clean....with everyone regarding my addiction to Vicoden.  I am being weened off the **** for several days.  The withdrawals are horrible.  I am here to say, don't EVER get hooked on Codiene period.  Withdrawal from Codiene will not Kill you, but you will want to die while suffering through it.  I almost had my husband take me to the hospital.  The nights and early mornings are the worst.  Each day i get stronger.  I wonder how long til' I feel at my best.  I am taking Xanax to help with the withdrawals and an antidepressent to help maintain my sanity throughout my cleansing of my body and soul.  As much as I am suffering...everyone is seeing a new me, the Old Me slowly returning.  Pray for me and my freedom from addiction.  Thanks for all of yall's support and information, Neena

[C.]

First time I have checked out this forum, also badly hooked on pain meds.  Have went through w/d many times, and in my opinion, Klonopins make you feel like **** if you have to work or do anything the next day.  However, I drink too much also so that may have something to do with it.  Anyway, my major problem is that I can get them but don't have the money.  Have spent WAY too much on pills lately.  HELP!!

[R.]

i have been reading the forum all week, why, cause i have been on vicodin for 5 yrs now. Clean for seven days and yes it has been hell but dam it i will make it. I'am 59 and would do anything to get my meds filled (did alot of lies)amd took advantage of my age and the trust my drs. had for me.  I hated that the most.  Please GIVE THEM UP KIDS, if i can do it you guys can too..my best to you all and GOOD LUCK

[J.B. to Brian and Vicky]

R,

Stopping is the easy part even though it hurts sooo bad. Staying stopped is the mental anguish we can go through for months and even years. It can be pure hell. Best wishes to you!

Tom,

It's a pleasure to hear from you again. Yes, I've tried Valerian Root and it seemed to work. But it did give me the runs! I've also tried melatonin which worked and no side effects. I'm taking Kava, Ginko Biloba and once in a while Ephedrine when I'm wiped out. As I understand it, ephedrine can be dangerous to some people. It's sold by the herbal store I go to so it must be legal. Someone told me that GHB used to be sold as well OTC but now it's a federal offense to possess it?  With me it's always been "if it feels good, do it". Must be one of my few shortcomings,he,he!

[Lynn to Neena]

Hi guys, I'm alive (although not well) I got what I deserved. I will stay away from the klonopin because I don't want to feel any worse than I already do. This is by far the hardest, shittest, most disgusting thing to go through, and I know once the physical pain is gone I will have to deal with the cravings. Listen, if I don't respond, its because its hard right now, but I am here reading all your posts. You guys have guided me through my first and (god willing) last detox. Hugs to all.

[Lynn to Neena]

See, my mind is playing tricks, I read the posts too fast. Tom said take the klonopin, C said don't. Oh this is awful. I'm sorry for being such a pest. C, I'm going with Tom and my brother on the klonopin.

[To sick and scared from Neena]

Hi.  I too, am alive.  God, what a shitty week it has been.  Spent most in bathroom.  With support of family and friends, I will survive this.  I am wondering though...Once the physical withdrawals begin to fade, when will I begin to crave the Vics again or will I at all?  Right now, I would not take my usual if it would given to me, but I need someone who knows about addiction to help with the long term.  What the heck is Klonopin and why wasn't i given it?  I am under my hubbys and a therapists watchful eyes now...are they letting me suffer at will?  Neena.  EVERYONE HERE...GET OFF THIS ****...IT IS KILLING YOU...NOTHING IS WORTH THE PAIN AND AGONY AND EMBARRASSMENT OF THE ADDICTION TO CODIENE.  Neena

[Lynn to Neena]

Guys, correct me if I'm giving Neena the wrong info but klonopin is used to lower your blood pressure, to take away the anexiety your experiencing. I took one already today and I feel wishy washy, I'm having my doubts on this med. My biggest fear is the insommnia that lies ahead, I'm told the klonopin will help but I don't like the way it feels during the day. O puuuleasssee get me through these next few days.

[To sick and scared from Neena]

I am taking, given by docs, of course, xanax 1 4 times a day, plus have now tapered to less than one half of a Vic ES.  That's the last of it. I even poured out some cough meds with codiene, so i would not use.  My hubby did not even know they were in the house.  The xanax helps alot.  For vomiting, I have Phenergan suppositories, but they make me tired and wacked out so, I use only if unbearable and alone with my baby.  Last Friday was my bottoming out day...no booze since then.  God give me strength.  Lynn, let's keep in touch with our sobriety and addictions.  Do you want to share E mail addresses?  If so, let me know.  Neena

[The Dude]

Hey Lynn, How have you been doing?  I am still in Bad pain as well, mental and physical.  Oh god it sucks doesn't it?  We'll make though, but take my word.  I'm not stoping because it's my choice, I just ran out and my doctor is out on business for a week and a half.  Damn.  Take Care of yourself ok. I love you all.

[TO EVERYONE]

I come here frequently to gain knowledge and comfort in trying to beat this awful disease.  What I have become increasingly amazed about is the discussion on this board has now become less about helping each other to stay off drugs, and more about 1) how to make it through withdrawal until your next refill; 2) how to fake symptoms to get more drugs; 3) complaints about why this person's doctor won't give them even more or better narcotics, etc.  My point is, you folks should really look deep inside yourselves and decide whether you REALLY want this monkey off your backs.  If not, fine.  That is your choice.  But for those of us who do, this forum SHOULD be a way of helping each other get clean and stay clean.  It should NOT be a forum for sharing tips on using.  It should NOT be used to comfort people who don't want to get off the drugs that are killing them, but simply want comfort while they go through withdrawal simply waiting for their next refill.  PLEASE, look inside yourselves and decide whether you are helping anyone by encouraging continuing drug use.  This post is not directed at those VERY FEW people here with true serious pain issues.  It is directed to the vast majority of the posters here who seem totally unwilling to confront their addictions in a responsible and productive way.  God bless you all.

[Lynn to Neena]

24 hours has past. I still can't believe I feel so shitty but,like Chad, had no choice in this detox because my dealer let me down Friday. **** him. I hope he chokes on all the pills he was hoarding for himself. Took another klonopin, to see if I would feel any different. NOPE. Still makes me groggy, would rather deal with this myself. I'm still frettin over the insommnia, I'm thinking that far ahead. Neena, hon, its not that I don't want to share my E-mail, but I've been lyin to my husband (nice, huh?) about the amount of pills I have been taking and he has no idea how bad I'm hurtin. I'd rather keep it between us.