Off of pain mgt. 3rd. week. I feel so dark?

[Alaskabum]

I am 47yrs. old who has succesfuly tapered off of a hi dose of Roxxycotton and Norco's for the last 4+ years. My back is feeling fine and I am so happy to have those drugs out of my system. The only problem is I feel like I have not bounced back. I have been thinking wow I have so much to be thankfull for but I am so DARK. I feel low and lathargic.But I keep reminding myself to look up. any sugestions, or hopeful words....? Please

[Alaskabum]

Thanks for the good info. I will try the protein shakes and look at the Amino Acid link

[Alaskabum]

Thanks for the good info. I had taken my last dose about 3weeks ago. I feel mostly better just not 100% no energy or real drive. It is summer in Alaska so I have been getting lots of SUN. I'm going to get some protein shakes in me... I hope that will help.

[atthebeach]

Congrats on your clean time. Yes after 4+ years of using it is going to take time for all your natural brain chemistry to produce on its own again.

Keep a positive attitude. Exercise is very important it will help to repopulate those natural chemicals. A healthy diet, fruits, veggies and protein.
Are you taking any vitamins? Look at the bottom right side of this page under the health pages.  There is an amino acid protocol. Drinking protein shakes is also good.
Please be patient, time will be your healer. Keep yourself busy, get some sun. Keep living forward you are doing great.
Keep the faith...
Debbie

[FourJays]

Hello and welcome to the forum.  And congratulations on your taper off of the opiates.  How long ago did you finish your taper?  Are you taking any other kinds of meds now like any benzo's or sleeping aids?  I ask about those because I know they can tend to cause a little bit of depression and/or lack of energy; especially after quitting opiates.  At about 3 months clean (from opiates) I was feeling similar to how you are now.  When I talked to my doctor about it he told me that the Klonipin I was taking could be causing the lack of energy and some depression as well.  At that time I was also tapering down off of Ambien; which he said can also cause the daytime lack of energy.  I have since stopped both of those meds and do feel better.  It could also be symptoms of PAWS.  Are you familiar with this (Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome)?  You can find info on this right here on MedHelp in the health pages.  I am 51, and have found that 'bouncing back' from all of this has been more difficult than when I was younger, so that may even play a part in it.  In any case, it is likely temporary.  Have you talked to your doctor about these feelings, and if not can you make an appt. to do so?  I am sure that he/she would be able to shed some light and/or offer some suggestions to help you out.  In any case, I hope you start feeling better soon.  It is hard work to come off of those meds, you deserve to be happy and enjoy the clean life!  Hang in there; hopefully more members will be along to give you some additional input :))