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?

[IBKleen]

Hi Bill and welcome to the substance abuse community. I assume you came in through a google search as you posted on a thread that is almost two years old. There is great support here for your questions and the members guide each other with help and getting and staying clean. Since this is an old post there is a chance it could get overlooked. I don't want to see that happen so scroll to the top of this page and hit the "Post A Question" button. Follow the instructions and start your own thread. That way we can talk to you direct and get to know you. I hope to see you in the forum and if you need any help just ask.

[BillSG]

For over 8 years, I have fibromyalgia and over time, my medication has increased in strength and variety, all prescribed by my neurologist. After an ACDF for cervical spine C5/6/7, my concoction consists of Lyrica, Lexapro, Cymbalta, OxyContin, Oxynorm, acroxia, Ultracept, Febtanyl patches etc.

I felt the increase in variety and strength has not improved by pain situation but instead, has caused more disruption to me and my lifestyle. Recently, I got more and more withdrawals of cold sweat, chill, irritability and uneasiness and I've refused to increase my dosage. I spoke to my neurologist about the problem but he seemed unaware about these. Seriously, why do they prescribe something which they are not familiar of the sides?

I have decided to go off all the meds since I do not know what's causing all these aides and withdrawals. I've read that clonodine is useful, spoke to several doctors about having it to help with my withdrawals but clonodine is not available in my country, none has offered any other help.

I managed to purchase clonodine online and have started on it today. I took a whole tablet and was sleepy immediately and have slept twice in the last 10 hours, each lasting an hour plus. I hope that with the help of clonodine, I will be off all the meds and I'll then find other ways to manage the pain, certainly not with any more of these crap meds.

Will appreciate advice on taking clonodine, my blood presaure was on the high side 140-150 and this evening, when I measure after having taken clonodine this afternoon, my blood pressure is a healthy 120. Appreciate also your sharing on the meds I was on, pain management for fibromyalgia and post ACDF, any help that I can get to rid myself of these meds and conditions are appreciated.

[gamblinggal]

my mother..age 100...was given hydrocone for pain in her wrist that she broke..she started on this in March 2014...I just found out that her doctor has never stopped the prescription...her pain has been gone for months....but he neglected to review her med list at the nursing home and kept it coming...he is on the medical staff at the same facility by the way...what recourse do I have? legally...

[trixie4ever]

I HOPE I AM AS BRAVE AS U ARE       DID IT WORK FOR U ,  I AM SURE IT DID U SOUND LIKE A STRONG PERSON    NOW ITS 2014 AND I STOP TODAY

[Fduprn]

I am going through withdrawls right now. I've been on pain Meds for 5yrs. Started with hydrocodone and ended up ANY pain med I could get my hands on. I was taking up to 30 tabs a day, sometimes more if the mg was low. This is HELL but I will get through! Praise God I have a husband that loves me so much, that even though he wasn't aware of the extent of my addiction until I finally told him, he still loves me and understands my addictive personality, and is helping me through this. Stomach cramps are rough, nausea is rough, sweats and panic are rough, but I will overcome this and so will you!!!!!

[hersheybrowndog]

I'm on my 10th free of Hydrocodone and by far I did not take much heavy dose as most people in this forum.  I tell you the WD  was not better than what everybody said in here.  I thought I was being cautious take 1 -2 10mg a day so I should not have a problem.  In last five years, I live in guilt because I felt bad using them to numb my pain.  It all started with knee replacement, back injury and not to mention to Tbone mc accident.  I still felt carving at a time if I have a quiet moment and it led me to become anxious and want to get back to my pill  I found something it was helpful, keep yourself busy whether it is at work or outdoor.  My GP told me in fact my tranquilizer can do the trick if I felt shaggy but strongly discouraged if you can avoid.  I dont know my future will hold for me.  Just remember take one day at a time.  One other trick I did for myself, like I will have a chiropractor tomorrow, my goal is keeping myself away from taking a pill at least through tomorrow.  This month, I will have another appointment with my knee surgeon, so I strive not to taking any medication so I can brag to him not taking pill even though he is the one keep refilling my meds. Take a short benchmark as a goal, that will make easier for you to keep yourself thinking about taking pain pills!