Hydrocodone; me and my wife....help please....

[squirrel1970]

First-about me. I have been taking hydrocodone products on and off for about 5 years. I have been taking them DAILY for about 16 months-Vicodin ES and Vicoprofen mostly. I am at the point now where I take about 10 a day. I am just wondering, what is this doing to my body? My heart, brain, liver, kidneys etc.

Also, we just found out my wife is about 6 weeks pregnant. She has also been taking Vicodin ES, (but NOT Vicoprofen as much),  about 1-2 pills a day for the entire 6 weeks and even before that. Is there a risk the baby could be affected? She definitely does NOT take as much as I do.

Thank you all for your help.

[Tuberocity]

Hi again, seems as though I may have jumped the gun on confused's question and I apologize for this. I am just concerned about the possible abuse potential of Hydrocodone, and don't want any of the newbies to this drug falling into the pattern many of us have succumbed too. Those who can get high on a drug, and then put it down, I applaud you. I wish I were so lucky. Everything in my life is always at the extremes, never a middle ground. My habit started with one 30 Vicodin Perscription, then another, then another, all for different reasons, and none of them did I request! The third time was the charm, and I knew fully what I was getting myself in for, but steamed ahead anyway. I figured I could beat the drug when the time came, and I have to a certain dergree, but not entirely! I am sitting here waiting till the last possible moment I can stand the withdrawls when I will take 3-4 ES's for my escape from this painfull, feeling like your going to die syndrome. Well, Confused, If you still want this drug after reading the posts on this board, you should certainly be allowed to take your choice of pain meds. You know what works best for you, and I do agree Hydrocodone is an excellent pain releiver when in the hands of someone other than ME! :)
     I am having withdrawls like never before. I started combining Codeine #4's four a day with two a day of Vicodin. I started to become ill about two months ago, and figured it may be the Codiene as I wasn't taking but two Vicodins a day for months with no problem. I stopped taking the Codeine, and was soon worse than I had been. I am now taking the Vicodin at 6-9 a day. I fell into this on accident. I requested the Codeine because I did not want to take more than two Vicodins a day, now I am in physical pain like never before, and am forced to take more Vicodin. Does anyone know if withdrawls from Codeine are worse than Vicodin? I will get into detail about my dilemma in a future self help post. I am ready to get off this stuff for good, and hope I can glean some info from my fellow Drug Abusers. :)  Take care confused, and explain the situation to your DR. He/She should be willing to give you 5 a month of Hydros for pain management. If not go somewhere else. The Government is really cracking down on this Vicodin epidemic. This may be the reason she is reluctant to give you even a small supply. The manufacture states that Vicodin is not to be taken for longer than 2 weeks because of it's addictive qualities. A freind of mine is an Eye, Ear, Nose, and thoat Surgeon, he warned me about Hydrocodone, and he won't prescribe it period, so it may be with your physician. You may have to seek this drug out elsewhere. Be well   Tom

[Tuberocity]

Hi, new to the forum, and unfortunately have to much experience with Vicodin/VicoProfen to not comment, and ask for help myself. For Confused, You certainly have a right to a pain free life, and should have no problems getting 2-4 Vicodin ES 750's a day, let alone 6 or so a month. I also have back problems, 2 bad discs, and was on 10 ES's a day. After addmitance to my primary DR. that I thought I was taking far to much Vicodin, and wanted to back off, he worked with me on my own plan of action, and over a six month period I was down to one per day. I was then refered to a pain management clinic, and have tried various pain meds, including Tylenol 4's, and MS-Contin. I sense a pattern here that scares me, even though you say you have taken the drug responisbly I would take a real hard look at myself, and see if you are on the fringes of addiction. I am not saying you are addicted or ever will be, but this Hydrocodone is so addictive, you will not know what hit you. MS-Contin is a time release Morphine, and is much less addictive, If you have an inkling that you may have problems with addictive drugs, I would go the MS-Contin route. If you truely don't have an addictive personality, ie. cigarettes, daily beers/alcaholic drinks, etc. Then search out an understanding Physician, or possibly a pain managment clinic if all else fails. The fact that you require Vicodin, and didn't ask about allternatives has my bells and whistles going off, make sure you know what you are doing! Take care and be safe, as I am in a living hell right now with the dreaded drug Vicodin, may have to go on Methadone, or hopefully come clean again with my physician, and work my way back down, for the THIRD TIME!!! I wish you a pain free life, but be carefull what you take, and also stay away form OXY-Contin which is in all the papers as another extremely addictive drug. Be Well   Tom

[RobynBanks]

Thanks for the inspiring post.
I usually write very depressing and slightly morbid things while withdrawing.

[Obnoxious Bob]

Nice re-post, Thanks again for the inspiration. I know exactly how you feel/felt when writing that.Day 6 Cold T for us. feeling better to say the least. My drinking is still about normal (for me) Thinking of quitting smoking next week or do you think it may be too soon to takle that, so close to my Opiate detox? Opinions anyone? Taper method or Cold Turkey? Should I wait another week for that vice? I sure better keep myself busy when I do Its such a oral fixation for me.


Peace Love
Ob Bob

[Esmith28]

I agree it bites when a dcotor decides to stop giving you what works and gives you something else because they are worried about addcition, but he is doing what he thinks is best. He is right in the sense that he should worry about addcition. But it isnt fair when you know it is what works. Ultram on the other hand has even worse withdrawls for some people, depression ect. So be very careful with it, it doesnt even take a long term usage for this to happen. What did your doctor say when he took you off hydro?
Doctors are a dime a dozen...try another one or go back to your doctor and told him you tried it and it didnt work..

[confused_42164]

To Everyone Here,
  
  This is my first post and may be my last, but I was hoping you may shed some light on this whole thing.
  I use Hydrocodone medically, as prescribed. I suffer horrific pain during my menstrual cycle and I also hurt my back ( permanent damage, they say), but the thing is, even when I was on Hydrocodone everyday I never felt that I needed more than my recommended dose,nor do I feel I need to take them longer than the pain.My recommended dose was like 750 mg a day I think and that nearly zonked me.
  For about 6 months now,my Gyn will only give me Ultram ( which does not take care of this pain).My medicine of choice for pain is Hydrocodone. I can't take many other things because I had an ulcer.
  With this many people, having so much problem with addiction, where does it leave a person that knows what they need and use it responsibly?
  I am taking Ultram, which is such a scary drug ( seizure risk, etc) and I can't get what I choose for the pain. I am talking about 5 tablets maybe on a monthly basis.
  Where does it leave us? does anyone have an educated answer for pain relief simlar to the effects of Hydrocodone?