Tapering from Morphine - sick of feeling like a zombie

[Overthereandroundthecorner]

Hi All. I have been on time release 40mg morphine 2 x daily with Oramorph for breakthrough pain for 5 months for degenerative disc disease and bulging discs.  Was in so much pain I could barely walk and couldn't work.  But I hate being on morphine and hate the side effects and hate how it makes me feel.  I feel like a numb zombie and hate how desperate I am when my prescription is nearly gone and I might run out.....the desperateness.   I have decided to stop them.  I have tapered down to 30mg 2 x daily and have planned to drop 10mg per 24 hours every 4 days with no oramorph.  Already I have cramps and pains and weird feelings in all my muscles, especially in my legs and hands.  So, if I do this, how bad will the withdrawal symptoms get? Will it be bad or will tapering like this make it ok? I need to keep going to work, and I am very determined.  Any advice will be greatly appreciated. Love to you all x

[Overthereandroundthecorner]

Struggled to find a Calmax supplier for the Uk, but now found another brand which is the same ingredients in a powder form which should be delivered Tuesday.  It sounds just what Im after.  Thanks again x

[Overthereandroundthecorner]

Thank you so much for your advice.  Your words and story are very inspiring.  I am certainly going to track down some Calmax and powdered ginger caps.  I have sleep time tea with valerian and ginger tea in my extensive herbal tea collection - I'm off to find them now! I will also look at the magnets and copper supports.  Thank you so much for giving me these natural alternatives - it's the way I want to go.  Your story will certainly inspire me over this difficult time.  I will not let my mind get the better of me I hope! Thank you so much. X

[nonny419]

I was in Dilaudid for 6 month after they had to remove my lung due to lupus.My doctors told me I only life I had left was "Jesus and Morphine ,I stopped an yes I got sick but my friend suggested Methadone,a 30 day detox ,well 14 years later after being put on a mind numbing dose, I ended it with a slow detox. I a m a Naturo-patic practitioner,sadly it wasn't until I got low enough that my brain kicked in.I will tell how to rest. ! Calmax has been a savior .It is calcium and Magnesium and relaxes your muscles.I would fall asleep with it in my hand .It is a powder added to water ,I add sleeptime tea and drink it.Valerian works the same as Xanax but don't have the additive properties.If you have cramping Catnip tea work great for tummys ,Ginger Pops or tea for nausea .Make sure you drink and keep moving. Don;t let your mind fool you ,most said I could never come off methadone without suffering worst withdrawal than heroin ,but I did. For your pain use powdered ginger caps ,it is a great anti- inflammatory .therapeutic Magnets work well for pain also copper infused back supports. Pain pills mad my pain worse ,it is gone after being off meds.

[Overthereandroundthecorner]

Thanks so much for your advice. Down another 10mg a day and doing ok apart from night time. Struggling to sleep and can't find a comfy position.  I will make sure I keep walking and drinking water.  I would like to go cold turkey but I've had that much time off I can't risk any more at the moment.  Getting used to being in pain all the time and have got some meditation book and tapes coming in the next couple of days from a woman who has used this to cope with being in constant agony from an serious injury.  Need to find another way to cope with my back when I get these painkillers out of my system.  I'll let you know if they help.  Thanks again.  You take care x

[ouchie1987]

I think everyone is different. I personally could not taper. I would hurt so bad then take more, I didn't want to prolong my wd so cold turkey worked for me. It was hell but ppl on here helped and also I did the Thomas recipe.
I too didn't want to take time off work but ended up taking 2 days in the beginning.
The wd will get worse for you. Be ok to not feel ok for a while. Go for lots of walks.
Good luck!! Let us know how you are feeling