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Hydrocodone withdrawal
I am 55 almost 56 yr old female and I have lived on hydrocodone 10 and 15 mgs for the last year.. I have 4 left in my pocket and can get no more until next friday... Please help me... I am scared to death.. No one but my doctor knows I take these but I can't imagine getting up in the morning without them. My knees and hips hurt me so bad but I am taking 30-40 a day and I know I am addicted... What am I facing here? Can I do it alone? Could I possibly have someone on here to help me by just talking to me on line to help me thru it.. I am really scared... Please pray for me. I don't remember what my life was like without hydrocodone... Please help me
i was taking about 30 hydocodones a day 10 mgs. i have gone cold turkey untill i got more the first couple days are not so bad we still have a lot in our systems, but after that it sucks. i will be here for you it is hard to get to the computer sometimes so do not think i have for gotton about you. but on a more sreious note do you want to live like this? i am in the process of weening i just started. i have gone from 30 to 16 to today 12 i will stay on 12 for the next 4 to 6 days, its a hard process but do you know what it is doing to our liver. if you want to get off there are alot of really sober people to help, i am not clean but i will help you.
please keep posted.
lol jill
please keep posted.
lol jill
Hi, I hope you're doing ok. You have so much responsibility and pain and the pills that made it easier are now making it harder. Would your insurance pay for inpatient rehab? If you want to do it at home,are you able to take more days off work, maybe the family leave act would work, you could use the grandkids as an excuse, no pay but you can withdraw? I became suicidal through my pill usage, now I feel so much happier, it does get better, and I'm older than you, so you can do it and everyone here will help. Sometimes the pain gets better off opiates, it's a strange thing how, with some people, opiates actually cause your body to feel more pain--it's called opiate-induced hyperalgesia, I hope you're one of those, but if not, you still need help because your pill usage has gotten out of control and your pain isn't being helped anymore, not really.
Hi, I hope you're doing ok. You have so much responsibility and pain and the pills that made it easier are now making it harder. Would your insurance pay for inpatient rehab? If you want to do it at home,are you able to take more days off work, maybe the family leave act would work, you could use the grandkids as an excuse, no pay but you can withdraw? I became suicidal through my pill usage, now I feel so much happier, it does get better, and I'm older than you, so you can do it and everyone here will help. Sometimes the pain gets better off opiates, it's a strange thing how, with some people, opiates actually cause your body to feel more pain--it's called opiate-induced hyperalgesia, I hope you're one of those, but if not, you still need help because your pill usage has gotten out of control and your pain isn't being helped anymore, not really.
if you have been using 30 to 40 per day and you plan to go c/t then the best thing you could do for yourself is to get into a clinic for detox under professional care. if that is not an option then your best bet is probably to taper and for that FLaddict can probably give you some pointers.
the first thing you need to do is though is calm down and realize that you didnt get this way overnight, it took time, and its going to take time to get back life without hydros.
if you have been taking 30+ per day you can consider tapering. i realize you only have 4 but if you have been doing this amount you know how to get more until friday. why not consider taking only 28 tommorow - then 27the next day - and so on. maybe you get down to 8-10 per day and go for a week or two then taper down some more.
my wife just got her lifetime free membership at weighwatchers and they never focus on more than 5 lbs at a time! if a person weighs 350 lbs they dont focus on getting down to their ideal weight - they are taught to focus on losing 5 lbs! why - because 5 lbs is an achievable goal and once they succeed at losing 5 lbs they focus on the next 5.
you need to see addiction as something you can eventually beat.... but forget about looking at the end game .. just focus on something you know you can achieve and you know you can go with 1 or 2 less pills tomorrow. set goals that you can achieve little by little and quiting beating yourself up with how useless you are.
you will find plent of help on this forum. stick around and you'll get through this.
the first thing you need to do is though is calm down and realize that you didnt get this way overnight, it took time, and its going to take time to get back life without hydros.
if you have been taking 30+ per day you can consider tapering. i realize you only have 4 but if you have been doing this amount you know how to get more until friday. why not consider taking only 28 tommorow - then 27the next day - and so on. maybe you get down to 8-10 per day and go for a week or two then taper down some more.
my wife just got her lifetime free membership at weighwatchers and they never focus on more than 5 lbs at a time! if a person weighs 350 lbs they dont focus on getting down to their ideal weight - they are taught to focus on losing 5 lbs! why - because 5 lbs is an achievable goal and once they succeed at losing 5 lbs they focus on the next 5.
you need to see addiction as something you can eventually beat.... but forget about looking at the end game .. just focus on something you know you can achieve and you know you can go with 1 or 2 less pills tomorrow. set goals that you can achieve little by little and quiting beating yourself up with how useless you are.
you will find plent of help on this forum. stick around and you'll get through this.
sweetheart... anytime.
listen, anytime you wanna talk, you just holler. I will be on and off tomorrow, but I'll keep an eye out for ya, in case ya need.
as well, there are many, many wonderful people here to help you. just say the word. posting here, being here - helps immensley. PLEASE don't hesitate to come and post if you need help...
God bless...
mj
listen, anytime you wanna talk, you just holler. I will be on and off tomorrow, but I'll keep an eye out for ya, in case ya need.
as well, there are many, many wonderful people here to help you. just say the word. posting here, being here - helps immensley. PLEASE don't hesitate to come and post if you need help...
God bless...
mj
HI... listen, I know that feeling. The only time I ever considered not wanting to live anymore was at my worst with the pills. I had never felt that way before in my life.. that is the pills making you feel this way.
I too, was scared. Everyone here was so, so scared to quit. And while I am certainly not nearly as experienced as most here, nor know as much, I do know your fear.
You WILL survive. And you CAN quit. It's no walk in the park, I'm not going to lie, but it can be done. Many have done it before you, and many will continue to do it. So can you.
Know we all felt the same way you do. You are not alone. And being addicted does not have to be your destiny, I promise you...
We are here...
with luv,
mj
I too, was scared. Everyone here was so, so scared to quit. And while I am certainly not nearly as experienced as most here, nor know as much, I do know your fear.
You WILL survive. And you CAN quit. It's no walk in the park, I'm not going to lie, but it can be done. Many have done it before you, and many will continue to do it. So can you.
Know we all felt the same way you do. You are not alone. And being addicted does not have to be your destiny, I promise you...
We are here...
with luv,
mj
I am a very strong person and I will not let hydrocodone get me down. I agree, taking hydrocodone made me like a super women and I like that. I want to do everything in my power to help everyone and I mean everyone who needs help, then I have a wonderful husband who I try my dead level best to keep happy, I have a Father with MS and a Mother who just turned 78 and I try to help them as much as I can.. When my son-in-law (29yrs old) died, I promised him Iwould always make sure his little girls would be ok and they were until they have had to go thru this colon removel. That is the oldest one who is 14 has had hers so far and working 40+ hrs a week with the mentally handicap, I just kept taking more and more.. I need knee and hip replacement but I can't take the time right now.
Today I have drank lots of water and taken my xanax and tried to rest as much as posible. My legs cranp and the whole left side of my face hurts. I guess I have an ear infection.. I worked a 12a-8a shift last night but Ijust had to call in tonight... And on top of all this I have vit B12 def. and Iron def. anemia so I guess I am just screwed... Today honestly if it had not been a horible memory for my family, I would have used my husbands gun while he was gone and Ihave never thought of this before but I am no good for anyone anymore.
Today I have drank lots of water and taken my xanax and tried to rest as much as posible. My legs cranp and the whole left side of my face hurts. I guess I have an ear infection.. I worked a 12a-8a shift last night but Ijust had to call in tonight... And on top of all this I have vit B12 def. and Iron def. anemia so I guess I am just screwed... Today honestly if it had not been a horible memory for my family, I would have used my husbands gun while he was gone and Ihave never thought of this before but I am no good for anyone anymore.
If your going to fill a script Friday why put your self through all the hell for a week.......unless you truly want to quit......
Christ go to the ER and lie get a script to hold you over............
30- or 40 a day for a long time you will have severe diarrhea a lot of hot and cold sweats sleepless nights your hair will even hurt......
Is it possible to check into a professional detox center so that you will have doctors who can give you subutex to ease you through your W/Ds........
Christ go to the ER and lie get a script to hold you over............
30- or 40 a day for a long time you will have severe diarrhea a lot of hot and cold sweats sleepless nights your hair will even hurt......
Is it possible to check into a professional detox center so that you will have doctors who can give you subutex to ease you through your W/Ds........
This is a work in progress...something I've been working on off and on for the last couple of weeks. It's not considered complete, but has lots of info from lots of sources. If any of the "old timers" have anything to add, let me know and I'll add it to the document. I hope to use this to post a general "how to" every couple of days or so.
Listed below are suggestions for detoxing and quitting an opiate addiction. They are just suggestions compiled from the detox plans of people that have gone through cold turkey detox before. They are just that, suggestions, and any detox plan is best when done under a doctor's care. Consult your doctor before trying any of the suggestions below.
This is prewritten for anyone who is beginning, or planning on beginning, a cold turkey withdrawal to opiates. This includes drugs such as tramadol (Ultracet and Ultram) codeine (Tylenol #3, #4), Darvocet, Hydrocodone (Vicodin, Norco, Lortab and derivatives), Oxycodone (Endocet, Percocet, Oxycontin), Morphine, Demerol. Fentanyl, and Dilaudud. There are many other opiates not listed, so if you don’t see it listed, you can still use these suggestions if it’s an opiate based addiction. None of these apply to benzodiazepine based addictions. These addictions should never be dealt with by going cold turkey. Always consult a doctor for a detox plan for benzos.
First of all, opiate withdrawals are uncomfortable, but rarely life threatening. You may think you’re going to die, but most of the withdrawal symptoms are just very uncomfortable. If possible, take some time off work or schedule a week or so in order to fully detox. You will honestly not feel like doing much anyway. Opiate withdrawal symptoms usually start 12-24 hours after your last dose. But, the timing of withdrawal symptoms depends upon the drug taken, length of time you’ve been taking it, and how you react to medications. The physical withdrawals usually last 3-7 days, with days 3 and 4 being the worst. Once again, this is all dependent on the person. You can expect these symptoms. Dilated pupils, diarrhea, runny nose, goose bumps, abdominal pain, stomach cramps, sweating, agitation, anxiety, nausea, vomiting, leg cramps, general aches and pains, and sleeplessness. This list is not absolute. You may experience all of these symptoms, only some of them, or other symptoms. Again, we are all different. Below is the famous Thomas Recipe. It gives some general information along with supplements that help with the withdrawal symptoms. The only thing I would add to this list is a blood pressure drug named clonidine. It effectively lowers the blood pressure and lessens many of the withdrawal symptoms. Most any doctor will prescribe it if you’re honest as to why you need it. Discuss dosages and frequency with your doctor.
Thomas Recipe:
1. Valium (or another benzodiazepine such as Klonopin, Librium, Ativan or Xanax). Of these, Valium and Klonopin are best suited for tapering since they come in tablet form. Librium is also an excellent detox benzo, but comes in capsules, making it hard to taper the dose. Ativan or Xanax should only be used if you can't get one of the others.
2. Imodium (over the counter, any drug or grocery store).
3. L-Tyrosine (500 mg caps) from the health food store.
4. Strong wide-spectrum mineral supplement with at least 100% RDA of Zinc, Phosphorus, Copper and Magnesium.
5. Vitamin B6 caps.
6. Access to hot baths or a Jacuzzi (or hot showers if that's all that's available).
How to use the recipe:
Begin your detox with regular doses of Valium (or alternate benzo). Start with a dose high enough to produce sleep. Before you use any benzo, make sure you're aware of how often it can be safely taken. Different benzos have different dosing schedules. Taper your Valium dosage down after each day. The goal is to get through day 4, after which the worst WD symptoms will subside. You shouldn't need the Valium after day 4 or 5. During detox, hit the hot bath or Jacuzzi as often as you need to for muscle aches. Don't underestimate the effectiveness of hot soaks. Spend the entire time, if necessary, in a hot bath. This simple method will alleviate what is for many the worst opiate WD symptom.
Use the Imodium aggressively to stop the runs. Take as much as you need, as often as you need it. Don't take it, however, if you don't need it. At the end of the fourth day, you should be waking up from the Valium and experiencing the beginnings of the opiate WD malaise. Upon rising (empty stomach), take the L-Tyrosine. Try 2000 mgs, and scale up or down, depending on how you feel. You can take up to 4,000 mgs. Take the L-Tyrosine with B6 to help absorption. Wait about one hour before eating breakfast. The L-Tyrosine will give you a surge of physical and mental energy that will help counteract the malaise. You may continue to take it each morning for as long as it helps. If you find it gives you the "coffee jitters," consider lowering the dosage or discontinuing it altogether. Occasionally, L-Tyrosine can cause the runs. Unlike the runs from opiate WD, however, this effect of L-Tyrosine is mild and normally does not return after the first hour. Lowering the dosage may help. With breakfast, take the mineral supplement. As soon as you can force yourself to, get some mild exercise such as walking, cycling, swimming, etc. This will be hard at first, but will make you feel considerably better.
Listed below are suggestions for detoxing and quitting an opiate addiction. They are just suggestions compiled from the detox plans of people that have gone through cold turkey detox before. They are just that, suggestions, and any detox plan is best when done under a doctor's care. Consult your doctor before trying any of the suggestions below.
This is prewritten for anyone who is beginning, or planning on beginning, a cold turkey withdrawal to opiates. This includes drugs such as tramadol (Ultracet and Ultram) codeine (Tylenol #3, #4), Darvocet, Hydrocodone (Vicodin, Norco, Lortab and derivatives), Oxycodone (Endocet, Percocet, Oxycontin), Morphine, Demerol. Fentanyl, and Dilaudud. There are many other opiates not listed, so if you don’t see it listed, you can still use these suggestions if it’s an opiate based addiction. None of these apply to benzodiazepine based addictions. These addictions should never be dealt with by going cold turkey. Always consult a doctor for a detox plan for benzos.
First of all, opiate withdrawals are uncomfortable, but rarely life threatening. You may think you’re going to die, but most of the withdrawal symptoms are just very uncomfortable. If possible, take some time off work or schedule a week or so in order to fully detox. You will honestly not feel like doing much anyway. Opiate withdrawal symptoms usually start 12-24 hours after your last dose. But, the timing of withdrawal symptoms depends upon the drug taken, length of time you’ve been taking it, and how you react to medications. The physical withdrawals usually last 3-7 days, with days 3 and 4 being the worst. Once again, this is all dependent on the person. You can expect these symptoms. Dilated pupils, diarrhea, runny nose, goose bumps, abdominal pain, stomach cramps, sweating, agitation, anxiety, nausea, vomiting, leg cramps, general aches and pains, and sleeplessness. This list is not absolute. You may experience all of these symptoms, only some of them, or other symptoms. Again, we are all different. Below is the famous Thomas Recipe. It gives some general information along with supplements that help with the withdrawal symptoms. The only thing I would add to this list is a blood pressure drug named clonidine. It effectively lowers the blood pressure and lessens many of the withdrawal symptoms. Most any doctor will prescribe it if you’re honest as to why you need it. Discuss dosages and frequency with your doctor.
Thomas Recipe:
1. Valium (or another benzodiazepine such as Klonopin, Librium, Ativan or Xanax). Of these, Valium and Klonopin are best suited for tapering since they come in tablet form. Librium is also an excellent detox benzo, but comes in capsules, making it hard to taper the dose. Ativan or Xanax should only be used if you can't get one of the others.
2. Imodium (over the counter, any drug or grocery store).
3. L-Tyrosine (500 mg caps) from the health food store.
4. Strong wide-spectrum mineral supplement with at least 100% RDA of Zinc, Phosphorus, Copper and Magnesium.
5. Vitamin B6 caps.
6. Access to hot baths or a Jacuzzi (or hot showers if that's all that's available).
How to use the recipe:
Begin your detox with regular doses of Valium (or alternate benzo). Start with a dose high enough to produce sleep. Before you use any benzo, make sure you're aware of how often it can be safely taken. Different benzos have different dosing schedules. Taper your Valium dosage down after each day. The goal is to get through day 4, after which the worst WD symptoms will subside. You shouldn't need the Valium after day 4 or 5. During detox, hit the hot bath or Jacuzzi as often as you need to for muscle aches. Don't underestimate the effectiveness of hot soaks. Spend the entire time, if necessary, in a hot bath. This simple method will alleviate what is for many the worst opiate WD symptom.
Use the Imodium aggressively to stop the runs. Take as much as you need, as often as you need it. Don't take it, however, if you don't need it. At the end of the fourth day, you should be waking up from the Valium and experiencing the beginnings of the opiate WD malaise. Upon rising (empty stomach), take the L-Tyrosine. Try 2000 mgs, and scale up or down, depending on how you feel. You can take up to 4,000 mgs. Take the L-Tyrosine with B6 to help absorption. Wait about one hour before eating breakfast. The L-Tyrosine will give you a surge of physical and mental energy that will help counteract the malaise. You may continue to take it each morning for as long as it helps. If you find it gives you the "coffee jitters," consider lowering the dosage or discontinuing it altogether. Occasionally, L-Tyrosine can cause the runs. Unlike the runs from opiate WD, however, this effect of L-Tyrosine is mild and normally does not return after the first hour. Lowering the dosage may help. With breakfast, take the mineral supplement. As soon as you can force yourself to, get some mild exercise such as walking, cycling, swimming, etc. This will be hard at first, but will make you feel considerably better.
You have been taking alot of hydro. This will make your withdrawal very unpleasant.
Do you have a plan? Have you been through detox before?
Do you have a plan? Have you been through detox before?
I took one of the hydrocodone I had in my pocket and layed down for awhile because I have to work
tonight a 12am- 8am shift.. I work with the mentally handicap. I use to love my job but now I don't know what I love. My son in law die with colon cancer 3 yrs ago and recently we had to have my 14 and 9 yr old granddaughters colon removed because of polups. On june 6 the doctors said I had a nervious breakdown and i stayed off work for 31 days before I went back to work.. I have to get off these pills but I really am scared.. I feel like my life is over and it is falling apart... I need you alls help so much. Thank You
tonight a 12am- 8am shift.. I work with the mentally handicap. I use to love my job but now I don't know what I love. My son in law die with colon cancer 3 yrs ago and recently we had to have my 14 and 9 yr old granddaughters colon removed because of polups. On june 6 the doctors said I had a nervious breakdown and i stayed off work for 31 days before I went back to work.. I have to get off these pills but I really am scared.. I feel like my life is over and it is falling apart... I need you alls help so much. Thank You
The intense focus you have on the approaching discomfort will only heighten the pain. It will not be easy, as your body will cry out for the drug, but the only way through to the other side is to JUST DO IT. I am sorry for you, but most here on the forum have experiance and can offer whatever advice you need at that moment. You must strengthen your resolve like never before.
Start your vitamen regimen immediately, as narcotic withdrawal will tax the essential chemicals that makes our bodies work.
Start your vitamen regimen immediately, as narcotic withdrawal will tax the essential chemicals that makes our bodies work.
Hey. I jusy read your post and I want you to know that you will be OK. It will not be fun, by any means, but this forum will certainly help you through it. Just be sure to read all about withdrawals and what to expect because it's much easier to handle if you know what you are faced with. Take hot baths, drink tons of water, try to take walks. The first few days are bad but when you finally get enough energy you should get out of the house, keep busy, and be around friends. Most importantly, reach out to others on this forum. I do it on a daily basis.
But I have to ask you, if you are going to go through all this will you be able to resist filling your prescription when you get it next week? I think, if you tell your Dr. next week that you have quit the pills she/he may be a good resourse to help you with some of the lingering symptoms of withdrawal (like depression). I never took pills for physical pain (but I took them none the less) but I know many on this forum have and they might have better insight about how to manage that and how to talk to your Dr.
We are all here for you and I will be looking for your posts. There is a light at the end of this tunnel.
But I have to ask you, if you are going to go through all this will you be able to resist filling your prescription when you get it next week? I think, if you tell your Dr. next week that you have quit the pills she/he may be a good resourse to help you with some of the lingering symptoms of withdrawal (like depression). I never took pills for physical pain (but I took them none the less) but I know many on this forum have and they might have better insight about how to manage that and how to talk to your Dr.
We are all here for you and I will be looking for your posts. There is a light at the end of this tunnel.
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