Should I go off my lortab prescription?

[misomissy]

I need to know if I should go off my prescription of lortab. Currently I am on 7.5/500 three times a day. I started taking them 4 years ago. I have had neck and back pain for 14 years. I was in a car accident in 2000 and couldn't find any relief after going from doctor to doctor, and that is why I finally decided to try prescription pain killers. I just recently found out I have hyperthyroidism, and that may have been the reason doctors couldn't make any progress with treating me. My thyroid meds are kicking in and helping a bit but I'm wondering if I will be able to fully get better if I'm on the pain pills. I feel that maybe my dependency on them may be causing me pain, that my body is used to having them so maybe I will always have pain when its time to take the next pill. If I go off of them, it will be cold turkey. Please offer any advice, I really need it. Thanks, Missy :)

[jpunclepeter]

Opiates attach to receptors in the brain and over long term it will numb them out. The best way to judge true pain is to stop them for 30 days. After that you can judge it more accurately. You have to be realistic in what you are doing as a disease like MS would be much more painful than say arthritis. Watch out as your tolerance level raises you will need more and more just to get basic pain relief. Studies have shown that after 8 weeks of continous use the body will become physically dependent on opiates which is a different scenerio than mental addiction. I have seen case studies that show physical dependence can set in faster (say a few weeks in a hospital) but the person usually thinks that they have the flu when they are withdrawling due to the lack of knowledge that opiates would make them feel better. Hope that helps good luck.

[misomissy]

If I run out, it's just a day ir two early. I only take the pills in my prescription, I don't get them from anyone else. I don't know if I'm addicted or dependent, but so far I'm staying within the limits of what I'm prescribed. I promise I'm being honest. I watched a friend who was addicted to heroin, and I watched him withdraw and I never wanted to put myself in that situation. I'm still in pain so that is my dilemma. Am I in pain because my body is used to this amount or do I honestly have legit pain? I'm trying to understand too how lortab works long term, what it does to my body and pain psychologically and physically. Thanks for helping you guys, I really appreciate any input.

[Spike2654]

Hey there! Everyone is different, but there is a lot of science behind that we often have more pain with long-term use of opiates. I had my spine fused and have always had pain up until the surgery, and now, definitely a lot of pain after the surgery. was on oxycodone for 4 years to 'help' (yeah, right). anyways, I'm at 35 days off of them, it was brutal at first and yes, the pain got worse for a little bit, but now has leveled off and is definitely livable.
There is a fine line between being dependent on the opiates and addicted to them...do you ever run out early? need to fill scripts early because someone "stole your purse?" every buy some from friends or off the street so you don't run out early. Those are things that addicts deal with. If you stay within your allotment and feel that you just want to get off of them then you may try to taper off of them with your doctor's help. I went from being dependent to being addicted so I could not taper, didn't have the discipline, if I had them, I took them. so, I just cut them out and went cold turkey.
What is your final goal? This site is a plethora of information to help you with the tools to reach that goal, and it's a HUGE support system. Let us know, keep posting!

[Ldytaz]

T to took lortab for 8 years.I was fine with the 3 a day til about year 6.Then they no longer did the trick.I would run out at week 3 and be so sick .I started calling friends and family every month,looking for more.I just needed enough to get to next script.fast forward 2 years,I could never have enough.I only took 3-6 a day depending on my pain.but,I was so afraid of running out it controlled my whole life.fast forward 2 more years.I am no trying to taper off Methadone.I would not recommend anyone take any pain meds.Everyone is different.ou can try talking to your dr.It didnt work for me that is y I went to the Methadone clinic.Good luck with your quest for answers.keep on here it helps.