OxyContin Withdrawal

Question

9 months ago I had my first knee replacement, I was actually prescribed 30mg 4x per day for pain management. I actually, found the meds to be to strong and requested a lower dose of 10mg 3x per day. I continued to take this dosage ip until my second surgery in April. My tolerance level was high and the pain was horrible, as a result I was prescribed 30 mg 4x per day and this time the dosage wasn't too strong. Since that time with the help of my physician, I am on the week of weening down to 2x per day 30mg then the next day 1x per day 30mg. This one day is kicking my but, I just seriously struggled to make it until 4pm to take the one dosage. By Sunday I will be on one 30mg per day for 7 days. At this point I just want this over is there anything I can do to make this easier? I still have but I don't like this feeling and I can't seem to deal with the withdrawal.

VICourageous · Answer

GREAT JOB!!! Now it will only get better..Make sure not to take the Benzo for very long..This was one of my 3 drugs I went c/t from and it was the worse. I know now the High Anxiety forever was not the Methadone so much as it was Benzo. Be very careful...Other then that you are doing a good job..Ya!!!!

Bless

Saynit · Answer

Last dose was the 31st!! Wasn't easy though, I had to have one ER visit for Zanax to decrease my anxiety. My poor hubby was so freaked out. I am feeling better but can not sleep!!! I will be glad when that stops. Thank you for giving the support to go c/t. My Doc wasn't to happy but whatever!! I may need another surgery but I know I will Neva take OxyContin again. Just for a lol, when I Went to the emergency room they actually tried to give me the OxyContin again so that I could go back to my doctor and taper off they were shocked when I told them no I had a whole bottle at home I was throwing it away and all I wanted was something to call my anxiety.

EvolverU · Answer

HI, Saynit! So good to see you back. Congratulations on your leap of faith! You CAN do this. 

When did you take your last dose? How are you doing, tonight, my friend. Stick with it & post for support/advice or just to vent whenever you feel like it. Also, it might help to read the other threads of people going through or who have been through the same thing you're doing right now. 

I'm here if you want to talk.
Annie

Saynit · Answer

Well I took your advice and instead of taking 1 30mg per day for the next 7 days, I just stopped today. It's been rough but I am doing it.  I can't believe it's 8:30 pm...whew. This is serious.

michael1953296 · Answer

Gabapetin

Saynit · Answer

Thank you so much!! And yes my knees are healed now. I will probably on line next week. I just don't see how I can go from 30mg to none, but I am willing to try.

allmymarbles · Answer

Ask to go a little slower. Getting off it is the main thing. If it takes a little longer it doesn't matter.

EvolverU · Answer

Hi there & welcome! Thanks for posting. 
The really good news is that from what you've described so far, you sound like you're 'medically dependent' as opposed to an addict. (ie. you never took more than prescribed, in fact, you requested less.) So, if you can just get through the w/d's there's every chance that you'll walk away & never look back. (Good news, indeed.)

I hear you when you say that you're sick of feeling this way & you just want it over with. Are both knees fully healed? (I'm assuming so, otherwise, you wouldn't be coming off the meds yet.) If you're already down to 30 mgs. you might just want to go c/t as opposed to dragging it out & continuing the taper. Would it be possible to hit your Dr. up for some 'comfort meds' like Neurontin & clonidine? (These will help with your w/d symptoms.) Also, it may not sound like much but proper hydration is key in detox (as in everything else!) That would be 2 to 3 liters of plain water per day. Avoid caffeine, sugar & processed foods wherever possible. Exercise speeds detox & helps with mood & sleep, even if it's just walking in the fresh air & sun. Hot salt baths as needed help w/ body aches, anxiety & sleep. If you go to the search box & type 'Thomas Recipe' it's full of excellent tips to help with w/d symptoms. Try to plan ahead & stock up with what you'll need in terms of food, meds, etc. A good plan is key to a successful kick. (So is determination/desire) Remember, a week of acute w/d is a small price to pay to get your life back! You CAN do this. Stick close to the forum as the time approaches & post for support. There are many wonderful folks here who'll offer you their shoulders & share their advice & experience with you. Wishing you all the Clarity & Strength to see you through this. We're here & we're pulling for you.