Hydrocodone Addiction and alcohol, etc!!!

[Mark]

I am very scared of the possibility of having done serious damage to my liver or kidneys!  If anyone could please help with some advice or info I would greatly appreciate it!
I had some serious back problems about 2 1/2 years ago and was given Norco (10/500) for the pain.  I was taking 3 per day for pain even after the pain was gone for 1 year.  When that source ended I got a hold of Oxy IR (Oxycodone 5mg) and was taking 6 a day for 6 months.  Then I started the Norco again- at least 2 a day for another year.  Now, last month my doctor was shocked when he realized that "I was taking 2 Norco's a day and that was WAY TOO MUCH!"  (He didn't know about my supplemental supplies) Now I  am panicked about my past dosages and what to do.  My doctor has prescribed 2 Vicodin per day to reduce the amount of Hydrocodone intake.  On top of all this - I a have been on Prozac and Wellbutrin for 5 years and have a drinking problem (2-4 beers per day).  I know I need to just STOP and I am trying.  Reading the posts here have really helped!  I am down to 1 Vicodin per day and 2 Wellbutrin and I try to not drink at all - IT IS HARD!!!!!!!  I really want info on the possibility of permanent damage and should I try to get a blood test for it? and is there anything I can do to help the situation? (ie.  drinking excessive water, certain foods, vitamins, etc)

[marcatj]

i will say a prayer for you tonight...

please post tomorrow and let us know how it goes, ok?  also, if you start a new thread (you posted on a very old one) more people will see it.  often times people post on old threads and get overlooked.  so please create a new one.

fow what it's worth, alot of folks were on hyrdro's for a number of years and didn't do any serious damage.  hopefully you have not either...

i wish you well.

-mj

[Nyteviolet]

For two years, I took anywhere from 5-10 hydros per day.  I was not a heavy drinker, but would occasionally have a few beers on the weekends... BIG MISTAKE.  This all began innocently enough with me taking 1-2 hydros for back pain and fibromyalgia (but of course my tolerance grew).  Oh God.

For about 5 days, I have had fairly dark urine, light stools, and the very slight beginnings of jaundice are showing in the corners of my eyes.  I have an appointment with an internist tomorrow afternoon and I AM SO AFRAID I CAN BARELY BREATHE.   Today I visited the health food store and talked to a friend of mine who manages the place... she also noticed the slight yellow in my eyes, and has placed me on a 2 week cleansing program which includes milk thistle... but is it too late?

I am 42, happily married and have otherwise always been healthy... I can't believe that this could be the beginning of the end (I am sooo incredibly sad).

I will try to remember to post after all the tests are over with.  PLEASE SAY A PRAYER FOR ME AND WISH ME WELL.

[logistics]

i got addicted while taking hydros for tooth pain (i have a bad mouth)...what will help with withdrawls are METHADONE/DOSE...it's the stuff they give to heroin addicts to help them get off the drug...  take a minimal amount, ONLY enough to help you sleep..  roughly 10mg at night for 5 days...then take 3/4 of 10mg pill for 3 days..then 5mg...slowly work yourself to 2mg....you will feel crappy for a couple days no matter how well you wheen yourself...i've done it many times...like someone said up top, STAYING CLEAN IS THE HARD PART... an.d do NOT get addicted to methadones...you'll get yourself in a messed up downward spiral....  good luck everyone, and God Bless....

[Brian to Sick and Scared]

Having done this more times than I wish to remember, I can advise you of the following.  You are taking a relatively low level per day, so you can taper.  The best way is to start by going from 8 per day to 7.5 per day for a few days, then down to 7 for a few days, etc.  Divide the dosage as you normally do, although best is to evenly divide during day (if taking 8, take 2 every 6 hrs.)  At the end of this detox you will likely feel like you have a mild flu, some agitation and depression for 3 days.  It will then get better around day 4 and most symptoms will be gone in 7-10 days.  Many people have a mild or moderate depression following the detox.  This can last for a few months.  You may want to try to get clonidine and a benzodiazepine for the end of the detox.  Finally, if you want the true pain free and easy way to get of painkillers, find a doctor or outpatient program using buprenorphine.  A taper using buprenorphine will, at your level, get you off the narcotics with little or no withdrawal.  Good luck.  Brian

[DENISE]

i want to wean myself off of vicodin es i take from 6 to 8 a day, what withdrawls will i have please help i have been doing this for 2 and a half years

[Brian to Sick and Scared]

The real problem starts slowly as it did for all of us who got addicted to painkillers.  There was a time we ALL got off on 1 or 2 a day.  The problem is it NEVER stays at that level.  You will gradually increase until you get to a level you never imagined was possible.  When I heard people took 30 or more Vicodin a day I thought "they're crazy!"  Eventually I was taking almost twice that amount per day!  And, you can't look at me and say I'm some drug addict idiot or loser.  I have a post-graduate degree and am a highly paid professional.  This disease does not discriminate.  Please stop now while you can easily.