Vicodin Withdrawal - RLS question

[MaryScott]

I have a question. I was taking 8-10 vicodin per day and tried to quit cold turkey, which I realized was WAY too hard for me to do. I have extreme RLS through my legs, arms and back. After 36 hours it was so intense that I thought I was going to loose my mind. So I’ve ordered a new prescription and have plotted out a course to taper down over the next few weeks so that it’s not unbearable. I feel very solid on this plan and ready for it.

My question is, I’ve taken the vicodon again beginning this morning, but the RLS hasn’t gone away. It’s just as strong as before. Has anyone had this experience? I’m scared something happened permanently from me trying to stop cold turkey – like I damaged nerves or something. Is that possible? I can handle all the other detox symptoms, but this is just insane.

[MaryScott]

thanks Brian. I have never tried to taper before, but I know I can do it this way. :) I feel really good about it. I'm exercising, feeling happy in general for the first time in a while and working hard with a therapist to stay that way. the only thing that makes me want to take a pill at this point is the crazy RLS - not the high anymore - so if I can get that under some control I feel confident. I just started panicking when it didn't settle down after a few hours. thanks again!

[bmdad]

It will go away. It sometimes takes a bit for it to build back up in your system. You didn't damage any nerves either.
It can be so hard to stick to a taper. It takes sooo much willpower. Do you have anyone to hold on to the pills and dole them out to you throughout the day? When I tapered I swore to myself that if I veered off the schedule that I would flush the rest and go cold turkey because I know how difficult it can be. It's all too easy to say "I'll just take one extra one today and take one less tomorrow". The problem is the next day you will continue to take that one extra. So just stay strong and stick to it. Be sure to eat healthy, check out the amino acid protocol in the health pages here, push the good fluids, and exercise. This will help to get your body back on track. Your doctor could also prescribe something like clonodine to help with withdrawals if you do go cold turkey. There are also things to help with the rls.
Best of luck to you.
Brian