How long should I take to safety wean myself off of hydrocodone?

[A6ft6inguy]

Hello, I am tired of dealing with Dr.s and the greater than thou attitudes. I am on 6-20mg hydrocodone caps a day. My Dr has the pharmacy compound them because I can't take acetaminophen or ibuprofen because of a liver disease. I want to be "me" again. I am self employed so I don't have to stop but am tired of the addiction controlling my life.
I am 57 and I am in fairly good health. Any advice would be greatly .

[Pat1956100]

Hi there
You will totally take control back if you go in and tell your doctor you want off of the hydrocodone.  You tell him before he tells you.  
We can't give out taper plans here as it's against forum policy and we don't know your medical history so it wouldn't be safe.
The most important thing is that slow and steady wins the race if you do decide to do your own taper.  
You should reduce your intake by a small amount and then stay on that until you are comfortable with it.  Then reduce a little more.
There are many different things that we can suggest to help ease any discomfort you may have as they come up so let us know what you decide.
You can do this!!!

[IBKleen]

Hi & Welcome,

The safest way to do a taper in under a doctor's care. Explain to him that you are looking to stop the medication and you would like a taper plan. If you have someone who can hold the pills and dose them to you according to the plan, that would be very helpful. Do a safe, slow taper and you should have minimal withdrawals. Congrats on wanting to get off the pills but what will you do for pain mngt in the future?