Pain meds and sleep meds withdrawal??

[danter1]

After having total knee replacement 2 months ago, I was given hydrocodone 10-325, Tramadol 50mg and then eventually Trazodone 100mg (for sleep).  At first I was taking max dosage of hydrocodone and supplementing with the Tramadol between dosages.  I was in a lot of pain and not sleeping, so was prescribed Trazodone about 2 weeks into recovery.  Over the two months, I began to have terrible stomach issues..constipation, nausea and general malaise.   After talking to my Dr. I began to cut back on everything (about 2 weeks ago).  I am now 48 hours in to taking nothing for pain and nothing for sleep with the exception of 1 Benadryl.  I am still having terrible fatigue, malaise, stomach pain, Eating is difficult.  It is always worse in the morning, but by dinner time, it has started to subside.  I go to bed feeling ok, but wake up with upper ab pain, low back pain and nausea through out the night.  By mid morning, I am usually miserable.  When will this go away?  Because I never felt addicted to any of these meds and I did not take them for extended period of time, I am not sure if this is normal.  When should I consult my Dr again?.  

[meegWpaw]

hi danter, I would keep in touch with your doctor, ie now, I mean you had major surgery.  why not keep him in the loop?  although you did not have a long history of taking any of this, they are narcotics (at least two of the substances) and they are effective / invasive to the system.  not trying to contradict anyone and I know a lot of people take it but I hate Trazadone.  it has a couple of really scary side effects ... just my .02.  you are only 48 hours into what sounds like withdrawal.  give it more time, get in touch with your doctor.  good luck

[NeverAgain127]

HI danter:

I'm curious: why did you stop the Trazodone?  This is a non-narcotic sleep aid and it is, as far as my doctor tells me, safe to use for sleep.  I would ask your doctor if you can take it at bedtime to get some much-needed rest.

I have not revealed this before now...my first husband was a doctor (a shrink, no less) and while I wasn't addicted to any pain meds while married to him (it was over 18 years ago; I'm since remarried) I learned a lot about psyche meds from him.   He prescribed Trazodone a LOT for people who started on anit-depressants like Prozac, since it can cause insomnia for a few months.

Trazodone was originally developed as an anti-depressant but was SO very sedating that it was remarketed as a sleep aid. I know a ton of people who take it very safely.   Again, I don't know your particular health history...maybe your physician had a good reason for you to be OFF them, but please ask.  

You were not on opiates very long, so I suspect your withdrawals won't be bad as mine (8 years of use!!!!) But stomach pain was my #1 symptom and still is (I have irritable bowel syndrome too...lovely, huh?)

You'll get through this...you will.   I'd agree and call your doctor about the various issues you are having.    That is what they are there for.

Good luck, sweetie.   Keep posting here.  It's a wonderful place....

God Bless,

-R.

[Sonrissa]

Hi danter, it sure does sound like you are going through withdrawals. I would give it a few more days, and if things dont improve, you may want to see your doctor. Make sure to keep yourself very well hydrated, take a good multi vitamin, and get outside for some mild exercise. Getting outside in the fresh air will help with the fatigue. You can try a natural supplement for sleep, like Melatonin or Alteril. Also, Ibuprofen may help your pain.

Hang in here, and take care. Keep posting with any questions, or if you would like some support. All the best!