long term dxm use.....

[acapaul]

I've been taking robitussin gel caps almost daily for the past 8 yrs. 20-60 pills a day. Anyone out w/ knowledge of long term effects or how to quit?

[acapaul]

The only reason that I ask is that I've heard on of the long-term side effects on dxm use is being a bit lathargic. I'm that way now and the VA did an MRI of my brain and found that my adrenal glad had begun to shrink so, it wasn't producing enough of the thyroid hormone.....I can already tell I'm got some defects from the long term use in my cognitive abilities. I'm down to 18 pills day. 1 pill every two days. The morning w/draws have pretty much stopped. That was mainly a rapid heartbeat, tightness in chest, almost like having a panic attack. I'll be glad to be off this stuff but, also a little scared. I've been doing it for so long that ......well, I'm sure I'll be fine....

[bahamamama13165]

I've had my thyroid tested and they say it's fine.

[acapaul]

As a result of your DXM use in the , do you also suffer from hypothyroidism?

[acapaul]

I bought the benzo's off the internet and only take them when I feel like I can't do anything but the dxm. I'm careful w/ them and don't use them to get buzzed, ( not that they do that for me anyway). It's just to relieve the tightness of the chest and rapid heartbeat that sometimes accompany the w/draw. Maybe once or twice a week. I'm working w/ a therapist thru the VA who specializes in 'harm reduction'.I've already have mental health issues which complicate the issue but, I'm on my prescribed meds and going thru therapy also. I know the dxm has taken it's toll on me mentally already. Lost thoughts, trouble traking conversations, etc. I would like to talk w/ some other long term user's and see what they've been thru.....

[Jinx_777]

here is a search link from this site with very good info in it..

http://www.medhelp.org/search/expanded?cat=posts&query=Coricidin

[Jinx_777]

benzo withdrawal is the worst of ALL withdrawals.  i would really try to stay away from them if at all possible.  i have seen posts on this site about people who had permanent damage from using dxm long term.  some had actual psychosis and pretty severe mental impairment that will be with them forever.  it is really a dangerous drug that most people don't think twice about.  

[bahamamama13165]

Glad your making progress. Just be careful with your new meds. I've gone threw WD from both of those tranquilizers and it's a nightmare. Don't trade one addiction for another one. And Xanax and diazepam do the same thing, don't take them together. I'm surprised someone would even prescribe you both.

[acapaul]

Thx for the feedback. Right now I'm trying to cut back 1 pill every 2 days. So far it seems to be working . I've had to substitute Xanax & diazapam to help w/ the morning panic attacks. I'm down to 32 pills a day. Hopefully, I'll be completely off by the end of August. I'll be glad to be rid of it.

[bahamamama13165]

I had the same addiction but just for a couple years not 8.  There is physical withdrawal, do not listen to doctors. They don't have a clue about this addiction.  I had to go in patient to finally get clean. I just celebrated 1 year sober. It can be done. If you can't go to rehab  use NA meeting. L-tyrosine helped me with the major fatigue and crankiness. you can buy it off Amazon and have it delivered in 2 days... Or look in health food store. Feel free to email if you need help.