vicoden

[stooeastah]

what are the symtoms of vicoden addiction? Can you show signs of withdrawel after just two weeks 4 times a day 50mg?

[earlygrayce]

yes you can. signs are aches+pains, dizziness, severe depression, twitching(restless-leg-syndrome), and trouble sleeping. there are probably several i've left out. what you need to understand is some people's experience with withdrawals from opiates are reletively uneventful and almost easy, while for others it is the worst exeperience of their life. no one can tell you exactly what you will have or how long it will last. In most cases, I believe the safe bet is a week until you feel like you're getting better. But you might not even feel terribly bad to begin with. it is somewhat of a **** shoot.

if you are really concerned about your withdrawal situation, talk to your doctor and tell him everything. they can really help out.

i tapered off my vicodin addiction and it was very painless in terms of withdrawals. but it was still very difficult. there are medications out there that your dr. can give you to ease the process, but i'm not educated enough on that to speek on it. maybe someone else on this board could offer an experience and another opinion on vicodin withdrawal, especially one that was aided by other medications given by a doctor for detox?

Good Luck.

[Waking up]

I lost my mother last night to a cocaine overdose, i too have an addiction, only to pain killers and i'm very afraid of what to do next.

[chasers]

hi. I just wanted to put my input in for ya, hope it helps. Everyone is different though. I was taking 4 Lortab(same as vicodin) 10mg./500  for about 4 months. I really wanted to quit before I got any worse, I was noticing my tolerence going up. So I spoke to the doctor and he said at the dose I was taking , to just quit. So I flushed em. The next morning, I felt kinda crappy, my legs were achy and just kinda no energy. Then at about 27 hours since my last pill, I got A HORROBLE stomach ache with diarreah. The next day still alittle tired but felt pretty normal. Its been a week now and I feel great! I have to say though, my hat goes off to all  of you out there that were on much more higher daily doses than I, and have quit cold turkey. I cannot even begin to imagine what you  had to endure! You people are SO strong to get through it!I truly am in awe of those of you that held your ground through 3 times what I went thru! I salute you! LOL (really)

[SmokethisVette]

Hello there,
First of all I wanted to say that I am very sorry to hear about your mother!! My deepest condolences.....I will pray for you and hope you find this board/forum to be of some help to you!! You mentioned that you have a pill addiction...may I ask to what medicine you are addicted too? Coke is a very scary drug for I picked up the habit back when I was like 17 and it lasted for 4 months...until one day I came near killing myself...I had taken 2 hits of acid, smoked some weed, drank alcohol, and snorted coke all in the same night and like I said nearly killed myself!! Again I am so sorry to hear about your loss and I hope this forum can be of some help to you!! Keep your head above water during this tradgic time for we are ALL here for you!!! God bless you...

[Waking up]

My addiction is to methadone, i took oxycotin for a little while but i had problems with anxiety so i switched to methadone for a chronic pain condition. I have been taking more than i should just to feel good, after my mom passed she was only 44 i have been trying hard with drugs just to forget, i'm afraid i will have an overdose also. i have small children, and i want to be here for them, but i don't know if i can deal with this, my mother was also my best freind, now i'm alone.

[Bodymechanic]

You are not alone.  We will help you get through this but it will not be easy.  We need more information.  How much methadone are you taking? How long have you been taking it? How do you plan to handle you pain once you are off methadone. Have you been addicted before? Have you withdrawn before? How old are you?


Bodymechanic

[Phillygal]

It has been one week since my last vicoden.  I was up to 30 a day and being in the medical field and also coming from a family of addicts, I have come to the realization that I have one chance on this earth.  I have family, pets and friends and a job that needs me.  I do not want a liver transplant by the time I am 35!  Although I was able to function with my addiction, I KNOW, deeply that I am destroying myself and am hiding from something within that the Vicoden 'appeared' to help me deal with.

How long will I feel crappy?  Will I ever be able to get a natural high from Life again AND, most importantly, how do I stay clean?

[Waking up]

Thanks for responding to answer your questions:I am 29, i was never addicted to meds before this, i've been using pain meds for about2 years for chronic back/leg pain, i really am not planning on quitting drugs, just trying to use responsibly, only for pain issues and not mental issues, iv'e never had withdrawel symptoms before ( i know they are coming soon because i'm almost out of medication and an't refil my meds for 2 weeks) currently i'm using 12omg+ per day. (i'm only perscribed 60mg per day) and i'm scared to death that when my meds run out, i am not only going to be dealing with the physical withdrawel but the greiving process of losing my mother is going to be worse, because i'm not dulling my sesses with meds.

[ChiTownGirl]

Waking Up, I am so sorry about losing your Mom.  I can't imagine how difficult things might be for you right now.  Have you tried contacting any "bereavement" groups also?  It might help to have other people around that have lost a loved one recently too.  Anything you need though, please dont hesitate to ask, we are all here for you and are saying special prayers during your this emotionally difficult time for you.

Philly Gal, When I read your post, I could relate to everything you said, it's almost as if you were saying everything Ive been feeling these last few months.   Thats the great thing about this forum, we can always find someone out there who has been in our shoes.  Hang in there.   Chi Girl.

[Bodymechanic]

First you should know that methadone addictions are one of the most difficult addictions to shake.  They have typical opiate withdrawal but the duration is much, much longer. Methadone withdrawals are typically 1-2 months.  Symptoms up to 6 months - 1 year are not unusual. Are you absolutely determined to do this right now?  The reason I ask is because considering the loss of your mother it might be better to postpone doing this. If you have the slightest doubt I think you should wait because you probably won't make it.  I have done the methadone thing. It is very difficult.

Let me know what you decide, I will help you as will others on this board.


Bodymechanic

[SmokethisVette]

Hey there Phillygal...
Welcome to the forum...you will find everything you need to know right HERE!!  Oh and by the way...these people are soooo great here....!!! Ok, I am very experienced with the Vicodin thing...and I too was eating 30+ pills...and the last time I went through the WD's...I felt better arond a week and a half...I had the dam chills for like 8 or 9 days...it was crazy!!! You should be feeling better soon enough, but I will warn you (even though I haven't felt this) DEPRESSION will set in soon enough!! I haven't been off my meds long enough to actually feel this...and I am not sure if you are planning on STAYIN' clean...I hope you are...but I have heard that almost everyone falls into this depression!! In the past 2 years...the longest I have gone without my meds was 3 weeks...so what is your story? I am just trying to get a feel for what you are facing!! I know of certain people here who are dealing with the depression thing right now and could give you better advice than I can, but I hope I can help in that I am too a Vicodin user!! I must tell you though, in those 3 weeks that i was clean I felt BETTER than ANY time on those dam pills!! It was soooo awesome to laugh and actually FEEL...cause the Vic's do nothing but make everything worse...even though we feel sooo good when we are on them!! Keep posting and you will find the answers you are seeking...but in the mean time keep your head up and know that soon enough everything will be alright!! I am a strong believer in the man upstairs....so give him a chance to help you and then you will know FOR SURE that it is soon going to be okay!! Oh by the way...how old r u? I am 25...soon to be 26...I just like to know the age thing 'cause I love relating to peole who are roughly exactly my age!! I will say a prayer for you Phillygal...and do the same for me!! LAters.....
CHristine

[luvgordo24]

Diarrhea, hot and cold sweats, insomnia, leg cramps, all over body aches, anxiety, depression.  You have been on it long enough I know you will experience it all. The worst of it for me lasted five days.

I used this vitamin recipe and I truly believe it minimized my withdrawl symptoms and keeps me from going through them when I use.  Use my variation on the Thomas recipe (i call it the Melissa recipe):

Prenatal Vitamins, 1 daily  (You can find a generic kind at Walmart, these are the BEST but if you can't find prenatal then just get a multi like Centrum)

1 Extra Vit A tab - 8000 IU
1 Vit C/Echinacea tab - (500mg Vit C/100 mg Echinacea)
1 Extra Vit E tab - 200 IU
2 L-Tyrosine tabs 500 mg
1 B-Complex tab (should include Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, B-6 and Panto)
2 Cranberry tabs
1 Extra Calcium/Magnesium/Zinc tab

The following herbs are also VERY helpful but should NOT be taken if you are currently on an antidepresant or taking Xanax or Valium (there could be BAD side effects):

KavaKava (as directed on bottle)
Sam-E - very expensive but VERY helpful for depression and leg cramps
5-htp - a little expensive but good and works a lot like Sam-E

I added 5 htp and SAM-e, that help with the depression quite a bit.

Prenatal Vitamins, 1 daily  (You can find a generic kind at Walmart, these are the BEST but if you can't find prenatal then just get a multi like Centrum)

1 Extra Vit A tab - 8000 IU
1 Vit C/Echinacea tab - (500mg Vit C/100 mg Echinacea)
1 Extra Vit E tab - 200 IU
2 L-Tyrosine tabs 500 mg
1 B-Complex tab (should include Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, B-6 and Panto)
2 Cranberry tabs
1 Extra Calcium/Magnesium/Zinc tab

The following herbs are also VERY helpful but should NOT be taken if you are currently on an antidepresant or taking Xanax or Valium (there could be BAD side effects):

KavaKava (as directed on bottle)
Sam-E - very expensive but VERY helpful for depression and leg cramps
5-htp - a little expensive but good and works a lot like Sam-E

I added 5 htp and SAM-e, that help with the depression quite a bit.

[silkie]

My husband truly wants to get off of this drug, he has been taking it for about 3 years for severe pain from fracturing his ankle.  My question is, what in the world do you take for pain, just because you quit the Vicoden doesn't mean the pain goes away.
What does everyone do ?
Thanks for your time and help.

[Phillygal]

Thank you for the words of encouragement.  Let me tell you, I need them today.  This w/d is horrible!  Crying all the time,can't function at work, can't sleep at night and have not eaten in 3 days as the runs keep me running!  I am soooo close to calling it quits and calling for a script! This is my 3rd time trying to get off these things.

Has anyone ever had any problems with liver damage?  I know that the tylenol in Lorcet is so bad for you and when you are doing 30 pills/day, you are more than tripeling your daily reccomended dose of tylenol.


How long until sleep returns?

I am 33 yrs old and started on Vic about 10 yrs ago for migraines.  Between Life and work and responsibilities, I felt they helped me get thru.  Now, I can see why people do drugs.  Life is not easy and circumstances are often sub-optimal.

PLEASE tell me that this will pass!  Please!

Also, what is Sam-E?  Can I get it in a drug store?  Rite Aid?

Thanks to everyone and of course, my prayers are with ALL of you!

PGal

[luvgordo24]

Sam-E is a vitamin/herb (all natural).  It is a powerful antidepressant and is taken but a lot of people with fibromyalgia for general depression and body aches.  I have not taken it myself because I am on Zoloft and you are not supposed to take it with prescription antidepressants or benzos because it causes a very bad syndrome called Seratonin Cascade Syndrome.

BUT I have heard of many people on drug abuse boards takin it for WD's and they swear by it.

Nedver hurts to try!

[?]

What do you do, when you know you need to quit drinking, and taking Vicodin, but your husband who has a worse problem, and refuses to admit it, continues to dangle the proverbial carrot in front of you?

[kell737]

First of all, That is very cruel on your husband's part.  He's needs to be a man an admit he has a problem or the LEAST he could do it get the **** out of your face!   I'm sorry to sound like that but he has NO respect for you at all!    Don't give up because of him,  Good luck to you

~kell

[alexandra_r]

My husband, whom I loved dearly, was very detrimental toward my getting clean.  And I'm sure that the situation was vice versa--when I wanted to stop, he didn't and when he wanted to stop, I didn't.  It was a never ending cycle.  My husband died of an overdose--it destroyed me at the time, but honestly, I think this might just have saved my life.  My relationship with my husband was only ever based on chasing drugs, lying to each other and generally treating each other with very little respect.  When I stopped using, I was single for about 7 years and during this time, I learned to respect and love myself.  Today, I am in a relationship with just about the greatest guy in the world and our relationship is based on love, respect and support for each other.  When I started loving and respecting myself I was able to love and respect another person.

[High Doser]

I feel your pain (literaly). I have used for 8 years. I can tell you first hand every case is different. Your general health, lenght of use, dosage, and type of opiate or sythetic your physicly tolerant to will effect your withdrawal. I have kicked tylox 10 mg 20 caps per day cold turkey. oxycontin 160 mg per day and eventualy herion also the same way. I am currently kicking methadone 80 mg. If you feel your life is in danger, by all means go to the hospital and at least let them check you over. Phenergan 25 mg will eliminate nausia for a day or two. short term opiates (Morphine,Herion,Oxycodone,Hydrocodone and a host of others is intense, like hitting a brick wall. But withdrawals will go away in two weeks time. Methadone is a different ball game all together. It can be so lengthy that it becomes torture. I Am currently kicking Benzo's,Methadone,Alcohol and cigs. Ballzy, But a little on the stupid side. Sleep deperavation for 8 days and severe dehydration can do strange things to your mind and even be life threatnig,I do not encourage it. But I like many have tapped ALL resources and have no other choice. Got some liquids down yesterday and ate a few bites today. I have Hep c, and will most surely die in a short time if I don't stick to this. I watched Hep c take a young mans life in less than three years. I have had it for at least seven years and show no symtoms.I almost feel guilty.In my personal opinion, there is no such thing as medical detox. You NEED that pain. It will come in handy after you get on your feet again, get a job and try to bullshit yourself into thinking you can chip around. I will not wish anyone luck. It's going to take a lot more than that to stay clean. If you your taking meds for REAL pain, please don't ruin your life over what Ibuprofin can do as well as dope. Sincerly Jaded.....Jeff

[WildCinnamon]

Hello everyone, my name is Billie.  I am a 27 yr old female and I have been taking Vicodin for about 4 yrs for a back injury and I no longer have anymore.  I had to go to a new doctor and he wouldn't write me a script for Vic's; he wanted to try a new non-narcotic drug.  
I haven't admitted to anyone that I'm addicted; now I'm going through HORRIBLE withdrawals.  I don't know what to do.  I woke up this morning after maybe 3 hrs of sleep, and I hurt EVERYWHERE.  Not just my back, but every inch of my body.  I can't eat and I am constantly going to the bathroom.  My fiance told me that my pupils looked huge.  Is this normal?  Will it ever go away?  I've read the posts here, but it's like I have ZERO concentration, I'll be in the middle of a sentence and forget what I was going to say.
I'm so thankful that someone understands where I'm at, although I wouldn't wish it on anyone.
I just really need to know if this is ever going to get better.  If it is, I'm going to try to tough it out; if not....I don't know.  
Thanks for listening.

[percsnomas]

Hi Billie and welcome.
YES IT GETS BETTER!!!!
Thats pretty harsh, 4 years of vikes then non-narcotics...ouch!!
First off, i know your concentration is poor(thats common w/d symptom...as well as the others u described), get this w/d recipe, called the "Thomas Recipe" here, immediately.
It's posted very clearly in one of the threads at the top just yesterday by Thomas.  It really helps.
I don't know what your doseage/useage was, but the good news is, you've already suffered through some of the hardest physical w/d's , and things should start to improve very soon!!!
Hang in there!!!!!
Post up higher, most people don't read way down here.

[percsnomas]

...it's posted under the question "Good Morning Everyone", third from the top(currently)and is C18 by Thomas02

[WildCinnamon]

Thank you so much.

[percsnomas]

Anytime!!
After i got through the horrible w/ds(3-4 year percocet use, from two back surgeries, plus that "little Extra"), i was left with the realization/question; can i live again without the meds and be happy?  I found out you certainly can!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!