Vicodan Withdrawal

[Jen7467]

I have been taking vicodan 10/325 up to 20-25 a day for the last two years.  The higher dosage has just been in the last couple of months.  I take them for pain as I have had two knee replacements on the same knee in the last six months. I have been getting them from two different doctors and one found out recently what I was doing and stopped my pills cold turkey.  I am out of pills from the other doctor so I have found myself going through withdrawals.  I am to embarrassed to call the doctor and tell them I took to many and am now having withdrawals but this is horrible!!!! The problem that bothers me he most is that my legs are cramping so bad I cannot be still!!!! I am so embarrassed and ashamed about the pills but I don't know what else to do for my chronic pain.  Can anyone help!!!!

[BarbRTR]

Unfortunately, with only two weeks off, you'll only lower your tolerance by one or two days if that.. I mean, the first day you get them back, you'll  think you've dropped tolerance, but not really, so be careful!

As far as how long until out of body, everyone differs. Half life is around 4-6 hours and it takes about 5 half life's to eliminate. But all that means is you could pass a drug test. Doesn't have much to do with how your feeling ( Wds)
Those acute ones last 3-6 days, then mental starts.

I'm glad you have a plan in place. Good luck to you.

[Jen7467]

I did finally break down and call my doctor. He was very understanding and proud of me for being honest with him.  However, he will not give me any more pills until time for my refill.  The plan is that he continues my pan management until I follow up with other doctors to find out what the cause of the pain is.  I do not just have pain from my knee I have severe chronic pain.  My doctor will be setting some conditions on my use though such as giving the pills to my husband and have him giving me my daily dose which we have done before.  The reason I take so many pills is because I have easy access to the bottle.  I have to weight about two weeks until my refill and I have no idea how to buy pills off the street or I think I would try that.  The only good thing about going through this is that hopefully my tolerance will go down and it won't t,are as much for the pain.  I also have cloundine, neurotin, and leaving which has been helping but it turns me into a walking zombie.  I want a pill so bad right now it is unbelievable.  Today is day three and I am struggling! I know when I make it through this day I will get better. I am so ashamed of what I have turned into.  I never thought I would turn into a person whose world revolves around pills.  Hopefully this will change my outlet on needing the pills and lowers my tolerance.  Does anyone know how long it takes to get all of the drug out of my system.

[kyle505]

As Vicki said, get your doc involved. Forget the embarrassment - all of us, hundreds, have been there, done that. It's likely that your doc will be familiar with your issue.
Now what you have to deal with is WHY you were taking so many pills. If you really have legit pain issues, then you may need something to manage the pain, however, I'd lay you odds that you've bypassed using the meds for legit reasons and are now at the point of abuse/addiction.
But, if you really need that many pain pills daily to manage your pain, then that's yet another reason to see your doc. Something isn't right, and the soon you're seen the better.  Be very careful; you are at a crossroads. Addiction (or abuse) is a hellish path to take.
K

[HappyDays2Come]

Hi and welcome. I'm sorry you're in so much pain but there are some red flags here that make me inclined to think that you may need to stop the pain meds and reevaluate the pain after seeing how you feel without the pills. Go through the w/ds and then work on finding alternate pain management techniques that will help build your knee back up. There are many other options besides the pills (and many on here that can help if you decide to go that route). Let us know how you're doing.

[ricart70]

Hi and sorry you are feeling so bad. It sounds like the vicodin is no longer working for you because you are taking way too many per day than should be needed.  **  sorry just wanted to correct that .   The way I wrote it up there it read like the vicodin was not working because you were not drinking enough water.  I meant stay hydrated during withdrawal . oops sorry

[vicki595]

It sounds like you're going to continue pain meds because of your chronic pain but there are a lot of concerns here that need to be addressed once you're feeling better...

For now, give the doctor a call and make an appt for as soon as possible. If they can't give you one, tell them you're in too much pain and need a different pain med. He/she might write for something stronger until you can be evaluated...(Although your other doctor may have informed this one...)

Please examine your motives. If you're an addict looking for a high, leave the doctor out of this activity. If you're truly in severe pain on a daily basis, get that looked into ASAP.  The amount of Tylenol you're taking on a daily basis is toxic to your liver and could kill you.

[Ann2497]

I had the same question as Barb.  Are you looking to stop completely or cut back since you only have one source now?

When do you get your next refill?

Do you have Clonidine?  It is a blood pressure med that is a life saver in opiate w/d.

[Heather8448]

Do you get your liver checked thats a LOT of Tylenol a day. I am sorry your withdrawling. Sounds like you have a tolerance, IF you want to stay on the pills I would ask for something stronger or to go with it thats long term release
If you want to get off which is what i suggest just know the w/d are temporary and from MY personal exp my pain which the dr said should and one day would be cripling is almost NON existant...
When i was on pills I ALWAYS hurt...
Best of luck

[BarbRTR]

Hi there. Are you wanting to stop totally or just until your refill?
The Thomas Recipe at the bottom has some things that can help through WDs. Use Valerian Root instead of Valium.
Lots and lots of water. Immodium is a life savor.

[ricart70]

Hi and sorry you are feeling so bad. It sounds like the vicodin is no longer working for you because You need to stay hydrated. That will help your symptoms a lot.  Just hang in there and take it hour by hour. I'm sorry I don't have time to address your other concerns. I am on my way out the door. I just wanted to say that most people experience less pain when the get off of the pills and and stay off of them. the pills actually create more pain after you have taken them long enough. Hang in there friend