How long does vicodin withdrawal last?

[divaziva]

I am thrilled I found this website.  I am on day 3 of withdrawal from vicodin 10mg. 8 X's a day for 3 years.  It started out being prescribed for chronic back pain and am now taking it just to live.  I have tried unsucessfully in the past to stop and this time is the longest I have gone without.  I feel as though I am losing my mind, I am physically and mentally sick and haven't slept AT ALL!!!!! I have two sons and cannot interact or take care of them.  Thank God my husband is home and is filling in he is very supportive.  I want to be normal SO bad but the temptation to take them again just to stop this pain is overwhelming.  Any advise or information as to how much longer I'll feel like this would be most appreciated.  
Also, I cannot get any more from my doctor he shut me off and  told me to have surgery or go to pain management.  I am a social worker and have actually thought of asking around for street drugs!  How warped is that??? That would be the end of my marriage and he would take my sons, HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[merrymaria]

sleep is not so good the first week or so....but everyone is different...also motivation and lack of energy seem to last a bit...yes keep reading every day and post away...with strong will and determination we WIN this battle....this place helped me more than ever because i never felt alone..people all over the world are right there with me and it s a real comfort...have you tried melatonin (all natural hormone) for sleep?  it helps some...try motrin for pain and vitimin B12 subs (the kind that dissolve in your mouth)  they help with energy some...keep fighting...maria

[divaziva]

I am so messed up I actually think I forgot I had a daughted too and didn't mention her!!! My boys are the noisy ones that I hear ALL DAY, she is so quiet and sweet and plays well on her own.  God help me through this, I pray I don't lose my mind anymore than I already have!!!!!!!!!! Bless all of you.

[divaziva]

Thanks for your advise and taking the time to talk to me.  I don't feel so lonely now. I will keep reading all these wonderful posts and take it day by day.  I sure hope I sleep tonight, I feel like a zombie with no energy and pain, pain, pain!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[merrymaria]

hi and welcome...congrats on 3 days...wds last about 5 days as far as physical...then some depression might hit you....it took me about 7 to 8 weeks to feel pretty decent...i was using almost 4 years and eating 8 to 10 a day...stay focused and positive and keep the faith...have you read the health page?  lots of helpful info...i was in your shoes once and I know it s awful....thanks to this forum...lots of support I am over 600 days and they flew by...it starts slow then time really passes as we get to feel better...hang in there...keep posting and seek some kind of aftercare like meetings or right here at med help...good luck to you...take care...maria

[Frivolousz21]

you are at the end of the worst now..by day 5 you will feel much better....soon only energy will be lacking....by 2 weeks you will feel pretty normal..maybe a touch lethargic.