slowly getting off of hydrocodone

[cooper72]

I have been taking hydrocodone for several years now. Have NEVER taken more than prescribed . At most 5 a day-15/80. I do have a neck problem that will not go away by itself. c4 and c5 are bulging and i have arthritic problems also. I need something for the pain but hate to keep taking this ****. I know i am addicted. I want to slowly get off this pain medicine!!!!!! Any suggestions of how to taper off??

[addictednomore]

Hey Cooper

Congrats on your first step.  I have two bulging discs in my back (not as bad as in the neck)  I too was addicted to hydros.  By the way 15/80 refers to 15mg of Hydrocodone with 80 mg of Acetaminophin (tylenol)  THe good news is thats a very low dose of tylenol which is the part that is most dangerous to your liver.  Try weaning 15% each week and make sure you are on a regular schedule.  I learned this method by going through the myselfrecovery program.  To address your pain, try some over the counter remedies.  In addition, I strongly recomend a book by Dr John Sarno called The Divided MInd.  HE also wrote Mind BOdy Prescription and Healing Back Pain.  He is an MD who has spent his career working with chronic pain sufferers.  Your pain is real, but you can get it under control.  He changed the way I deal with my back pain.

Best Wishes

Addictednomore

[Sunnyd210]

Hi Cooper- I would start by taking 1/2 a day less. Do you think you can do a taper?

[cathy5841]

hmmm never heard of it, but hydros are hydros....talk to avisg and she can help with you with a taper.....no better time to get off than now.  you will be glad you did.

[cooper72]

the bottle says hydrocodone / apap 15/80 . it was my old pain mgt. dr . my new dr gave me  5mg/500 acetaminophen and it doesnt seem to be the same.

[cathy5841]

hi cooper, what is 15/80???  not sure what hydrocodone has 15/80.