tell me about Clonidine, etc.

[meemums]

I went to see my pain management doctor today to talk about getting me off hydrocodone.  So, he's prescribed clonidine:  0.1 mg tab, 2 times a day to help with the withdrawal symptoms.  He's also prescribed Tramadol 50 mg tab, 4 times a day.  I also told him I had been depending on the hydrocodone to get to sleep, so he prescribed Ambien to help with that too.  I showed him my plan to step-down off the hydrocodone by decreasing by small increments every three days and he was very impressed with my plan.  They I sheepishly smiled and said, "IF I can stick to it."  I've got to find a place to put my hydrocodone where I won't be so tempted by it!!!  I need to give these other medications a chance to help me get through the cravings and withdrawals.

I read that clonidine can lower blood pressure, so I think I'll lay off my blood pressure medicine tonight until I talk to my regular doctor tomorrow.  I'm only on a very small dose of blood pressure medicine as it is and, in fact, the doctor has taken me OFF blood pressure meds THREE times in the last year because he thought I didn't need it anymore.  Is there anything else I should know about clonidine?  or tramadol?  or ambien?

Oh yeah, I think I have a crush on my pain management doctor.  *grin*  LOL!  Ya know, this makes the 3rd time I've seen him and I hadn't felt like this until today.  He's not that handsome, but I like him a lot. He's very sweet and cheerful.  Listen to me;  I sound like a teenager!  I'm 49 and married!  Like a friend of mine once said, "You put all your money on one horse, but you watch 'em all run."  In other words, it doesn't hurt to LOOK, right?  Don't worry.  I'm not gonna act on my little, girlish fantasy.

[bodegirl]

Hi there,
Be very careful with Tramadol!  There are tons of us on here addicted to it and struggling to get through some of the most horricfic w/d's ever, maybe worse than any other opiate out there.  Check out EmilyPost's journal on this site and you will understand what I'm saying. It's an evil, evil drug....

Wishing you all the best.

[meemums]

**blushing** Of course, I have a crush on you!  So glad you're 7 days clean!!  I wish I was there.  I wish I could just take an Ambien and sleep through the entire withdrawal process.  I feel so sluggish and tired tonight.  I've cut down my doses to 7.5 ml and it seems like such a small amount.

[Radiostar55]

And I thought you had a crush on me?  7 days clean!!  Feeling much better today  Let me know how it goes

Grant

[Sjoggie]

I used the clonidine patch .01 and it really helped to calm me down.  I did have to invest in a blood pressure machine as since I tend to have low blood pressure, I didn't want to have a problem.

I actually had to quit the patch once but then my blood pressure took off again and so I put the patch back on.

I think being on the pills would be better because you can monitor your blood pressure and just skip a pill or two if needed.

Lizzy

[kona2009]

Clondine has helped me alot thru the WD's.  It keeps you relaxed and calm.  I also had .1 but every six hours if needed.  I would just take one in the morning and one before bedtime and they really help.

And yes it's ok to look even if your married.  Thank god for sunglasses!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Kona