Withdrawal From Tussionex

[chris]

Dear Dr. Steve,

A few days ago I posted a question regarding withdrawal/detox from Tussionex suspension. I used the name rcm; I wanted to know how I could stop taking Tussionex suspension, a potent cough medicine which contains hydrocodone polistirex. I've been taking this medicine for three years now, nearly everyday, and I wanted to know if you or any of the other doctors could help me with this.

I've come back to this site often since I posted that question, and nobody seemed interested in what I had to say, since there weren't any answers to my question for maybe two to three days now. So I asked the question again, and labeled it as such: detox from Tussionex, second question. Imagine my consternation when I logged in today to find my questions regarding the Tussionex deleted! Why was this done? Just because nobody else does Tussionex, because it isn't as popular as, say, Vicodin or Oxycontin?

Well, doc, you should know I think that even if my drug of choice isn't as popular as the others, the addiction is just as real. I would appreciate it if you could take the time to answer my question, even if my drug isn't as popular as the others.

To repeat my question: can you suggest the quickest, most painless way for me to detox from Tussionex? I've been taking it for 3 years now; my dosage is 60 to 90 ml per day, making my total daily sustained-release hydrocodone consumption from 120 to 180 mg.

Your advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Chris

[Katie to Tom]

Thanks Tom.  This info was actually for my brother...he is the addict.  From what I understood, Vicodin is similar to heroin in that they are both opioid drugs, (I am learning as I go) and that is why the methadone treatment was recommended.  Apparently the md tried clonidine and it wasn't working for my brother - he was hallucinating.  I may not have all of the info and he could also have been dabbling in heroin as well as the vicodin.  I am trying to educate myself as much as I can, so I really appreciate the information.  In addition, remarkably he had a liver function test and everything appears to be fine.  He is also going to meetings...Thanks for your input.

[Tom to Katie]

Congrats on it not being you! May it ever be so. I never tried Heroin and have no plans to. But I found injected Demerol so overwhelming it really scared me. If your brother is using Heroin, then he's taken a major step up the narcotic food chain. His detox could be rough. Everything I know tells me Heroin withdrawal is appauling. I hope your brother is coming down in some kind of medical setting. The hallucinating part worries me. Could he be involved in a few other drugs on the side? Most of us are. Whatever he's been into, steel yourself for an ongoing thing. This is going to be with you for a while. All my best to you and your brother.
tom

[[email protected]]

Hi Chris, Well I really could relate to your email, I have had the same addiction myself.  I tried to gradually withdraw from it many times but always ended up going back to it.  The only thing htat worked for me was kicking it cold turkey.  You have to go somewhere where you CAN"T get any for at least a week, maybe a friend you can trust, relative etc.  If you can get some sedatives (prescription or over the counter) it will help you.  It's rough but not as bad as like alcohol withdrawal.  The important thing is to be somewhere where you can't get the drug, because I've found from multiple failures that when I tried to kick it, if the drug was available I ALWAYS went back to  it! It's just too hard to resist in the detox stage.  But when you are off it you will be suprised how clear your mind will be, you will be able to feel like yourself again.   It's worth it I promise you! If you need any encouragement or support, send me an email.  I've been there and you can get through it!! Good luck, Cheri

[bob]

Could anyone tell me a 50 year old user of oxicontin (80mg) PER  day. IF IT IS possible to quit. When i do make it for a few days I realize why I started in the first place. Also does anyone know just how bad this much painkiller is hurting me i just had a physical and they say i am in good health. thank you

[buzz wilson]

physical withdrawl from hydrocodone is the easy part the hard part is controling relapes,i cAN GO COLD TURKEY AND STOP FOR AMONTH BUT I ALWAYS THINK ICAN USE AND CONTROL IT EVERY TIME THE TOLERACE GETS WORSE AND THE PROBLEMS GET WORSE NOW IAM PROBALY GO TO PRISON.

[to buzz wilson]

Buzz,
I take it you were arrested for something vic related and are waiting to appear in court. If so - and you're on-line somewhere in the USA - try to bargain it down to a 90-day in-house (that is, house arrest) drug treatment program. It's expensive but with a little help you could do it. The powers that be will usually settle for that if you don't have something heavier than, say, an Rx-related charge. Nothing is worse than "quitting" by going to jail. It's a false sobriety which ends in a big way the second you get out. Then you're back where you started, only now you have a record ... Anyway, a program that includes 90 AA meetings in 90 days plus an electronic form of house arrest will give you some sobriety that may last. If your offense puts you beyond this, then I hope others that are facing the usual script forgery charges read this. Good luck, buzz.