How to withdraw from long-term hydrocodone use

[Hydrocophobic]

I've been taking hydrocodone for the past five years, and at maximum prescribed levels (1-2 tablets every 4-6 hours - - which, naturally, means 2 every 4 hours) for the past two.  How do I get off this stuff?  Cold turkey?  Phased withdrawal?

[Desperate4HelpPleaseeee]

Hi ; I'm new to this post and have Rhuem. arthritis ; Fibromyagia ; Tendenitis ; and Degenerative Deteriating Disk Disease , I was diagnosed with all of this 5 or almost 6 yrs ago ......the docs and specialist started me out on lortab 5 mgs / every 4 to 6 hrs daily as needed for my pain , i'm now on norco 10 mgs every 4 to 6 hrs daily but have been abusing them for over 5 yrs now taking anywhere from 6 - 20 ct. of 10 mgs per day or more depending on my work . I ended up having to quit work trying over a yr ago off and on too many times to count to get off of them or to get back under control of only taking what i was prescribed but when i asked my pain management for help .......he didnt even come into the room to see me instead he sent a young assistant in there to me and wrote a refill on the perks 10 mgs he had me on .......THEN DISMISSED ME !!!! Yes I was very angry bc it took all i had with-in myself and all my beings to break down and ask him for his help ........it caused me to slip into a depressed state of mind ; going buying them from other people etc ....found another pain management ......he put me on norco's 10 mgs ; I ran out and decided to go cold turkey trying my best to quit or get under control but on my 9th day w/o anything for pain .......still throwing up ; diahreah ( dont know how thats spelled lol ) ; hurting like living hell ; hyperventilating ; shaking so badly today i had a spell with tingling and numbness all over my whole entire body crying not knowing what to do .....couldnt move nor quit shaking , it made me feel even worse seeing the hurt in my husbands eyes wanting to help me but not knowing what to do nor wether to take me to a hospital or not .....i told him to just let me sit in the truck alone and would be ok but he never left my side ( I THANK GOD IN HEAVEN FOR HIM BC W/O HIM AND GOD BY MY SIDE I COULDNT HAVE DONE THIS AND STILL NOT KNOWING IF I WILL HAVE THE WILL-POWER TO STAY STRONG BC IVE BEEN WEAK IN THAT AREA ALL OF MY LIFE ) But does it get any better as far as the sickness & so weak that i cant sleep nor get up off of the sofa / bed plus everytime that i eat it doesnt stay down .....im hurting so bad still after 9 days clean .....

sincerely ;
Desperately4MajorHelpPleaseeeeeee

[yelapa]

I am one of the lucky ones who took massive amounts of hydrocodone for over 8 years. Withdrawals were bad for only 48 hours. Then I started exercising and playing music again. I had tried tapering but it just seemed to prolong the unpleasantness. The cold turkey method is scary, but if you plan to take a few days off work, have Immodium and Gatorade and your favorite foods on hand I suspect you will do okay. I have been off the stuff for over three months. Quitting cigarette smoking 20 years ago was more difficult for me. Cheers and good wishes for all who decide they have had enough and want to get off the awful merry-go-round of opiate drugs!

[Sadie_alana]

I've been reading a lot of comments.  I saw a commercial on tv for this site and went on for a min.  I am on A LOT of lortabs a day.  No reason...just helps me get by.I don't even get high on them anymore.  It helps my body not hurt.  IDK why I hurt so bad.  I've been taking them on and off 4 15 years, mostly on...I want to quit so bad but can't seem to do it on my own. Thank u for your talk.  I hope one day I can b like u with it on hand but untouched.  I wish you well.  Please send positive energy my way...u don't have to kno me to send it.  My name is Sadie.
Thank u all 4 sharing.  It helps to kno I am not alone.

[Thomas_Disciple]

I'm on week 2 and things are getting better. This is what you really need... Imodium, L-Tyrosine (GNC), Vitamin B6, a multivitamin with the best mineral supplement you can get, 400mg Sam E tablets (GNC), and lots of good pot. After day 4, you'll start seeing the world in a whole new light. Make yourself go outside at this time, and try your best to stay active. You'll naturally detox faster if you can make yourself get up sometimes. Be strong, and you can do it. Good luck.

[godsontime]

Ps sorry about all the mispelling i was trying to reread but pressed post instead!

[godsontime]

I've never posted on herr before, although i have come to thid site many many times. I have cried so much reading all yhese posts and have been so ashamed that I let myself get to this point in my life.  I was diagnosed with congenital spinal stenosis and have endometriosis. I statrted taking lortab in 1998 and have since than taken darvocet until 2I years ago when i found a doctor that would give me lortab again. I was taking 8-10 10mg lortab a day and justified it because of the pain i had. Well my dr called me and told me she couldnt prescribe the meds anymore and thats when i had to face the truth that im addicted to these pills. The thing is this whole time i thought i could stop by.myself and would pray for God to deliver me from this.  But i had too much pride to actually tell anyone i needed help.i know that God answered my pray by having someone call me out on my addiction. In 1the week i have gone from my regular amount to 2 pills a day and with strength from god and members of my church i plan to get off these things for good in this next week. Everyone on here is an inspiration to me! Im so glad this forum is here even though ive never posted before your words of encouragement have been an i.spiration to me