Need a taper plan

[tobybear]

Hi.,

It's been awhile since I have posted on this forum.  Boy has it changed. The looks and way the pages are organized, really had me wondering if I was in the right place.  MY question, is that I need help tappering from a hydrocodone addiction.  Anyone have one.  I have been taking 4 10mg a day from pain management, and a few extra whenever  I can get my hands on.  The problem is that I don't want to be dependent on the pills to live my life.  My youngest daughter is having my 4th grandchild next month.  She is pregnant and can so to everything, and I am 50 years old and don't say no to pain pills. I wish I had her courage. I need to taper because I am babysitting next month and need to be in control.. Please let me know of any way to taper or who to ask.  Thank You. Tobybear

[Debbie814]

this is my first post although I've read all the posts I think. I am looking to see what type of taper would be best for me, I'm sure I'll need one. first a little background. I'm almost 50 about 115lbs - I had a neck & shoulder injury back in Jan this year with nerve damage. In March neuro doc put me on neurontin and hydro 7.5/750 8-12 hrs (severe-no sooner than 5-6hrs.)  I have a healthy respect for meds, working in health-care for over 30 yrs I have seen many friends & colleagues go down because of it and it scares the life out of me. I never take more than prescribed, I take it only when brought to tears from pain. well, I can deal with the neck & shoulder pain the arm is numb and tingling so some pain but tolerable. neurontin was for the nerve damage and I only got up to 400mgs before I started having problems-affected side swelled and started having indescribable pain in both legs and lower back, he told me to wean down too 100mgs and stop, well I did that last week-NEVER again for the neurontin- thats supposed to be safe??? Really? and the leg/back pain ( deep bonal ache and burn) is even worse. so I have been taking the max hydro of 3/day for probably about 2-3 wks-my usual 90/month would last anywhere from 6-8 wks I'm scared to think of going through hydro WD with this-I've never experienced it but have seen it through my yrs in healthcare. Huge kudos to all those who do large doses with CT. I hate the thought of even taking it when I need it. but it does help and I can get my college work done (looks like I may have to change careers) and take care of my family.

Any and all suggestions would be so very welcome- Oh, I should probably include the fact that I am 3 yrs (Nov) recovery from alcohol- saw the problem, did what I needed to do and NEVER looked back, absolutely the best feeling in the world! I  love my life now that I have it back- medicine is sometimes a necessary evil-and this is one of those times. Thank you all so much for any help sent my way. I truly appreciate it and this forum!

Have a wonderful holiday weekend too!

[FLaddict]

40 mgs is not a hard taper. If you need help I am great with making tapers.

[worried878]

very do-able...40 mg is not a huge amount...i tapered from 80 quickly due to work....main thing is to cut your dose slowly and never spike doses...also depends on how many pills you have to work with and timing of the final quit day without any pills if u work or have any engagements..your discomfort should be minimal compared to many, but u will feel it...i felt much better by day 5...keep posting and keep moving forward

[avisg]

Tobey ,normally I would love right you one but right now i have stitches in my hand ,if you contact fl addict she is great with tapers as well.
avis

[worried878]

There is also an article on tapering in the health pages to ur right under DISCUSSION ...lots of good info there

[allaboutmary]

"Avisg" is our taper Queen. Send her a personal message. I'm sure she will help you with one tomorrow.  Welcome back !

[mimi1313]

Avis is the resident taper planner. But you could do something like this:
Week 1 1 pills 3 times a day
Week 2 1 pill 3 times a day
Week 3 1 pill 2 times a day or 1/2 pill 4 times a day
Week 4 1 pill 1 time or day or 1/2 pill 2 times a day.

Ideally you would want to start halving them at week 3.

This will make your withdrawal easier.