withdrawel and anxiety

[jen52]

Hi There,
This is the first time I have ever submitted on a message board, but this board has been a lifeline for me the past 8 days since I stopped taking darvocet.  I keep checking for todays postings and finally decided to jump in.  The biggest problem I am having is waking up with such dread It takes everything to get out of bed.  This continues but lessens as the day goes by, I also feel like crying all the time.  I have an anxiety/depression disorder and it is really working a number on me.  I am trying to stay positive, but this is far from the first time I have stopped the narcotics and I wonder if it ever will end. Just wanted you all to know how much help you've been and thanks for being there!
jal52

[lynnepoo35]

Im 36 yrs old.  Been married for 18 yrs now.  I have a son and a daughter.  I started using lortabs about 2 yrs ago.  At first they were the 5 then went to 7.5 and now they are the 10s. At first just when needed for back and pelvic pain.  Now, I have to take at least 3 to 4 a day, or I shake and get all dizzy.  I still have pain even on pain pills.  I want to quit, but I dont know how!  Can any one tell me what to do? I want to quit so bad.  I just cant handle the shakes or the legs cramping at night.  I already stay up late, im a night owl, but when i want to sleep , I cant.  Can any one help?

[Calzy]

I am sure people would be glad to respond to you but you posted on a very old post from 2002 and it will get skipped over. Why dont you start a new post about yourself and people will see it then.

[drugstorecowboy]

this is the first time i have ever written on  a forum like this ,but it does help to read what every one eles is going through what helps and what dosent. Im in my second week of w/d and i can finally sleep ( F?#kin .A )  i was using H & methadone on and off for over ten years the first time i detoxed was in rehab which seemed like a breeze to later detoxes my next big detox was going cold turkey from 50mls of methadone,which i wouldnt recomend i wasin hell for a month and in a foreign country and couldnt speak the language . I was clean for 3 untill i went back to London ,its funny how the addict in you only remembers the good times and not the (kluk ,english term for w/d ).Now  Im back to the that old same place w/d but this time it hasnt been as harsh  .First I stoped tacking methadone and swicthed back to H lowering my self until I said this is the day admitidley  the first two days were like dantes inferno ,but then it tapperd off . Im not 100% yet but getting there.  dont want to sound like kliqshe ,**** i dont how you spell it  But one day at a time does work

[Setanta]

I am male, 24 and suffer from severe anxiety attacks, as a result of 2 criminal injuries in which I was assalted in Belfast's student area, while living in Belfast (Northern Ireland) 4yrs ago, for which I get perscribed half inderal la (daily) and 5mg diazepam (for when I have an anxiety attack.)

I just completed a masters degree at the end of June and found that coming towards the end of my masters I had frequent panic attacks for which I was taking the inderal la daily and the diazepam increasingly due to the stress I was under.

I moved house after my masters was finished and thought that the panic attacks would lessen, but unfortunately I am still getting them quite often.  I feel frightened to leave the house now in the fear of having a panic attack and am getting pressure from my friends and family to get a job now, which isn't really realistic for me at the minute as I can't even leave the house without fear of having an anxiety attack.

I have been prescribed the half inderal la and diazepam for a couple of yrs now, and although I realise it helps in the short-term, I am very aware that this is not a long term solution.

It would be great if you could give me some advice on how I can overcome this terrible affliction.

I'm not sure if the diazepam is getting a hold on me as I was taking at least 5mg every day for about a week coming up to the end of my masters in june, I only ever take the diazepam when needed, but after the masters, I found the anxietay attacks increasing.  It's got to the stage where I'm finding it hard to leave the house as I'm trying to stay off the diazepam as much as I can.  

I've been off it 'cold turkey' now for the 4th day, but I don't know for certain if it's diazepam addiction or if it's all in my head with the panic attacks and all... ???

I was wondering does anyone know if it's safe for me to go with such long periods with not taking the diazepam, as I read death due to dt's etc can occur??? I'm feeling pretty **** today... Anyway - any information of response to this would be great.  I've just finished a masters degree and am really unable to do anything with it at the minute due to these circumstances. Not nice at all. My father is a real tough man - used to be a boxer and has cancer now, so I tried tellin him about it (after 4 yrs) but he really doesn't understand/ accept what I tried to tell him. Anyhow, i'll stop goin on...

[Setanta]

I am male, 24 and suffer from severe anxiety attacks, as a result of 2 criminal injuries in which I was assalted in Belfast's student area, while living in Belfast (Northern Ireland) 4yrs ago, for which I get perscribed half inderal la (daily) and 5mg diazepam (for when I have an anxiety attack.)

I just completed a masters degree at the end of June and found that coming towards the end of my masters I had frequent panic attacks for which I was taking the inderal la daily and the diazepam increasingly due to the stress I was under.

I moved house after my masters was finished and thought that the panic attacks would lessen, but unfortunately I am still getting them quite often.  I feel frightened to leave the house now in the fear of having a panic attack and am getting pressure from my friends and family to get a job now, which isn't really realistic for me at the minute as I can't even leave the house without fear of having an anxiety attack.

I have been prescribed the half inderal la and diazepam for a couple of yrs now, and although I realise it helps in the short-term, I am very aware that this is not a long term solution.

It would be great if you could give me some advice on how I can overcome this terrible affliction.

I'm not sure if the diazepam is getting a hold on me as I was taking at least 5mg every day for about a week coming up to the end of my masters in june, I only ever take the diazepam when needed, but after the masters, I found the anxietay attacks increasing.  It's got to the stage where I'm finding it hard to leave the house as I'm trying to stay off the diazepam as much as I can.  

I've been off it 'cold turkey' now for the 4th day, but I don't know for certain if it's diazepam addiction or if it's all in my head with the panic attacks and all... ???

I was wondering does anyone know if it's safe for me to go with such long periods with not taking the diazepam, as I read death due to dt's etc can occur??? I'm feeling pretty **** today... Anyway - any information of response to this would be great.  I've just finished a masters degree and am really unable to do anything with it at the minute due to these circumstances. Not nice at all. My father is a real tough man - used to be a boxer and has cancer now, so I tried tellin him about it (after 4 yrs) but he really doesn't understand/ accept what I tried to tell him. Anyhow, i'll stop goin on...

[sadad]

Hello everyone this is my first time commenting. I have been batteling drug addiction for 20 years on and off. I am currently addicted to oxycontin and hydrocodone. I am terrified of the withdrawels but I realize this is something that I must face because the walls are crumbling around me. My wife has left me with my two year old daughter and that in itself has devistated me. I want to quit the drugs but I am also in fear of loosing my job if I miss any more work. I am financialy, spiritualy bankrupt and am so frustrated that the substance that has ruined my life is the only thing that seems to help me with the quilt and anxiety. I truely want to quit but I would appreciate any suggestions to help with the withdrawls. I wi8sh I could check into a detox/rehab program but again I am afraid of being fired from my job. Thanks for your time.

[vikequeen]

Hello, I too have a great fondness for Soma. I get some once a month from my OB/GYN. Drs think this drug is harmless but its not. I have been doing Soma about 5 years and I would not go as far as to sat there is no withdrawl from them, nothing physical but It will screw with your brain, I have memory loss from them and if I have taken like 15 a day I feel like my brain is damaged.
I used to get such a high from them but no more, it just relaxes me but it takes more and more to do so, Soma has a mind of its own, one day you can take 3 and feel nothing and the next 3 will make you falling down drunk, I remember one day not even being able to walk, and my speech was slurred. I always say I wont call for my refill but I always end up doing so. Be very careful not to mix other drugs with it also. Soma and Vikes killed that chick from "different strokes" ( old tv show). Just be careful.
they will suck you in
Baddgirl

[YellowDog]

Jen,
Day 25 clean for me. Damn, what a difference 3 1/2 weeks makes. I feel about as good as I can remember feeling in the last several years. I wake up now with ZERO anxiety. I don't crave opiates at all. It's amazing how resilient[sp?] the human mind and body are. For me, my recovery was more about recovering from a mental breakdown after using than anything. Jeezus, I started withdrawl before I even missed a dose!!

If anyone reading this wants to kick - that's the first step. I never wanted to quit until last month.I would have always relapsed within days otherwise. Now, I'm re-learning my life. What I like to do, what I like to eat, what's funny to me, etc. I really feel like I got a second chance. I'm fortunate to have such a supportive family - they helped me through every step - made sure I was comfortable, and also kicked my ass in gear when I needed it.

Anyway, I thought I'd post a positive story here - I know that when you're in the early stages, reading this forum can make you feel rather hopeless. Just get past those first 10 days or so. That's the worst of it. Take back your life!

[Naven]

Hi.  This is my first post here.  It said the question area was too full, so I have to ask for help in this comment area.  7 months ago I was taking 240 mg of oxycontin a day.  Towards the end (when I knew I would have to stop) I could actually crush 7 80 mg oxycontins and swallow the powder.  It was bad...very bad. With the help of the clonadine cocktail I saw posted on the net somewhere I stopped using.  I tried to taper of but my last (step) was 120 mg a day.  It was a huge leap.  I will not bore you with all the typical withrawl symptoms because they are all posted here a lot.  It took about 30 days to feel well enough to work.  I now have a diffent addiction of sorts.  I see my doc ever two months and he prescribes me a lot of Soma.  It's funny how one drug seems easy for some people to conquer and yet others, like myself battle with this one.  I crave soma like a fish craves water.  When I get a new presctiption I feel high knowing what's coming and then down once I've used it all.  I kicked one of the most potent narcotics in the world but I am still drawn back to that appointment with my doc who give me tons of Soma.  How do I stop.  When I run out(which is usually within the week) I just can't wait to get that refill.  Is it just me?  is there anyone out there who is hooked on soma as well...or was hooked?  Reading this forum makes me feel some hope but also lonely.  I worship as the throne of a non-narcotic god called Soma.  I wouldn't touch anything narcotic for any amount of money, but for some reason this pill has it's hooks in me...the eupohoria, the sleep, and the escape from daily pressures.  Does anyone else know about Soma or been through this?  I know the withdrawl from Soma is totally non-physical, but the mental part is hell.  I want, I want, and want some more of my Soma.  I am afraid that I will one day o/d on them.  I am a big guy and I take 8 pills and sleep for half a day.  Any info or personal experience with Soma would be greatly appreciated


P.S.  Maybe Aldous Huxley was on to something when he wrote Brave New World.  He even got the damn name right!

[big_dave]

Hi folks. I'm brand new here - I'm going through a fight with the bottle, but I'm over 4 months clean, and feeling great.  The reason I am posting is one of my dear friends is addicted to percs, and I am standing by her and trying to help her get off them.  The problem is, she has convinced herself that if she quits cold turkey, she will have convulsions or a heart attack.  She says she is dropping her dosage, but I don't believe it - she gobbles anything she can get - percs, valium, lorazepam. She can't work, suffers from severe anxiety disorder and heart palpitations (which may be side effects of the abuse).  When she can get percs, she is doing 10-15 a day!  That should tranquilize a horse!  Last week she got 12 Lorezepam from the emergency and the following day was scrounging for more (she knows I take them, by prescription, as a sleeping aid - I'm a pretty big guy, and 12 of them would knock me out for days!!!). I'm rambling a bit, but looking for advice and support.  Anybody know what the effects of perc withdrawl are?  Anything out there that can lesson the effects (lets keep it legal - she's on enough junk anyway)?  Any advice is welcomed.

This is a great group.  Keep going folks - rememeber, the light at the end of the tunnel may just be you.

[lifeisbetter]

Hi Soccy welcome. Everyone here is in various stages of addiction/recovery. So you fit right in with us. Anyway try to post up at the top so people will read your posts they tend to get missed this far down. Don't worry about breaking a thread we do it alot when we need to.

[soccy]

hi everyone, was just reading thru the forum and decided to sign up, going thru a battle with hydrocodone myself, I'm still using because of severe pain.  The bad part of it is I need to have the meds even if I'm not in pain or I have severe depression.  Few other physical symptoms other than that.  Anyway, my main reason for writting is to tell everyone about Hydroxyzine (atarax).

I have an anxiety disorder and was prescribed hydroxyine.  I have been taking that for years now (I only need about one a week).  This is a wonderful medication!  It is not a benzo, it is not habit forming, I have no GI side effects from it and it has completely eliminated anxiety for me at times that was so severe I was close to suicide.  The medicine is also an anti-histamine and anti-pruitic (anti itching).  Maybe to those that are concerned about other addictive meds during opiate withdrawl should ask a doctor about hydroxyzine.  I know everyone is different but let me tell you it works wonders for me, and when I finally have the source of my physical pain (prostate issue) resolved and have to kick hydrocodone, you can bet hydroxyzine will make a world of difference for moving on with life.  Take care!

[lifeisbetter]

Laura, Don't ever give up. I never thought I could stop and I did. Please just have faith that all of this has a purpose that you may not know about now. Just, whatever you do, don't take too many, you were doing so great on the patch. Read back through some of your posts when you were on it. You sounded so much better. What happened with your Dr. who prescribes it? Is he still out of town?

[oh please already]

i wasa only going to take the oxy for three days untill it was time for a new patch and here it is  a week later.  my md is on vaction and so so i went to a old md and got a refill of the oxy ,i had ran out 2 days ago and was so sick i couldnt take it and now im taking the oxy again and discusted with  myself  and so sad. i dont think i am ever going to lose this demon he has a hold stronger then  my breath on me,I hate him,but i need him. Im just doomed--I dont want to start complaining on this forum,i know u all must be sick of hearing  me,i know im pretty discusted with my self- i am just so lost- you would think i would bring a map,lord knows ive been here enough but my brains to shot to remember. sorry for whining- be well friends and find your peace.              laura

[oh please already]

to tell the truth im a liitle(ALOT lost
)im just so depressed lately .im slipping up alot lately.,i am glad your all doing so well but i have seemed to sinkk into a well of depression-you all know that he took my patch and i wish i could tell u all i stopped the oxy but i havenent- its my own fault and i kkdont need any one to yell at me- im beating myself up enough lately.  i hate begin lost and and alone but here i am again    laura

[angst]

You are a good mother and person.  I have washed all kinds of things in Isabel's clothes.  I hate it when I dry them.  Then I have a real mess to clean.  Sometimes I forget to check her pockets, esp. since she now carries a purse.  
How are you doing?  You are not stupid or lazy.  The best of us mess up now and again.  What is important is that you are doing well.  How goes it with the patch.  Still working?  Has that man of yours been reading your posts again?  I think a few people got their position clear to him.  Personally, I understand how it is when you love somebody.  But your life, children and survival come before anyone else.
I miss talking to you.  Keep posting.  You always have an interesting post.  Good luck and Blessings,  Ava

[oh please already]

what to talk about a bad day? s*%$  moral=AWAYS check the pockets of a four year olds pants before doing the laundry- least they have hidden a super sized charlston chew bar in one. I would lol if i could stop crying-  what a #@%$ mess.and whos fault is it? mine for forgetting, I was just too lazy-GOD HAS A WICKED SENCE OR HUMOR !!!!!

[angst]

You are going through the worst of it.  You will hurt in places you never knew existed.  The klonopin will get you to sleep, that I know.  It is also long acting, so you'll get a good nights sleep.  It should help with the anxiety some.  There are some feelings nothing helps except talking good talk to yourself.
Like Skipper talking about his OC demon.  You have to get strong and mean about drugs.  Anybody who offers you drugs is not your friend.  Change people, places and things.  I found my 4 legged friends are better than many of my old 2 legged friends.  If you can escape the terrible feelings by reading, or watching movies, or write about how shitty you feel.  You might find a poet in there.  I like to draw and paint.  I am the worst insomnic.  That is when I do my best work.  Hang in there, you are almost over it.  Keep posting

[Rob2626]

I know that you are going through a rough time right now as well as I am.I know what you mean when you just start to cry,I have been at work and done this and didnt know why.Anxiety is a killer for us all and it doesnt matter how hard you try it just seems unbeatable.Believe me it can be beat.Keep your head up and dont give up.I couldnt tell you how long your withdrawls will last,I dont even know how long mine will last.My whole body aches so bad and the anxiety comes and goes but when it comes it really comes.I feel sick,weak and sometimes feel like giving up but I refuse to give up because im not going to let this finish me off.the kava kava and celexa and clonzapaem are the only things that I have to help me.I take enough to try and knock myself out .Last night I actually slept all night but when i woke up this morning I felt like I have had my ass beat with a bat.My hips hurt,my ass cheeks hurt,my legs hurt,basically I hurt all over and Im so weak I can hardly stand up.Keep your head up and we can all help eachother through this.Im glad to have found this place,I think its a lifesaver.I wish you the best HighonLife and let me know how you are

[skipper]

jessarpy:
having day from hell. also can't get to e-mail til tuesday- system
being what evered over long weekend. the way things are going to-
day...i might as well be helping.
call me 3902615

keep an angel on your shoulder
kip

[HighOnLife]

Hi there,

Just wanted to thank you for your advice with taking the recommended dosage of KavaKava. I wasnt sure how much to take.
Since uping my dosage, I do feel alot better than I did!!

I have a constant fever that wont subside though, and get very dizzy when I stand up. Do you have any idea how long these withdrawl symptoms will last for me? Im sure every individual is different.
I was a steady user for close to 2 years with Lorcet 10/650's.
The last few months I was taking 10 to 12 a day,,,sometimes more.
I just need something to look forward to and know this will end,,,,but when? My patience is growing thin and I know I have no one to blame but myself for abusing my meds.
I started to cry today clear out of the blue. Is this normal?
Do you know how long these emotional moments will last??? Days,,weeks,,months??

I am truly hangin in there:)
Look forward to hearing from you again.

Lisa

[jen52]

Hi,

It's day 16 clean for me. The Physical stuff has passed pretty much, but still wake up with the dread, somewhat less though yesterday was rough.  I feel a little down too.  I'm taking the kava kava. Went to an na meeting.

Yellowdog-How are you doing?

[Rob2626]

I finally got my hands on some kava kava and I cant beleive that you can actually buy this over the counter.It really does work. It has helped me more than I ever thought it would.Im feeling alot better, my anxiety is alot better right now. Im just dealing with the pain.I feel like I have been beat with a stick.
Last night I actually slept all night thanks to the kava kava.
tex3,thank you for your last comments,It feels great to know that people actually care about others.If only everyone else were like you guys.This forum is the best thing I have found on the internet.I wish you guys the best of luck.Ill keep posting.

[GOD]

Regarding the Kava-Kava [I'm the one who posted that info..] I recommend 6 pills morning, 4 lunch, and 6 before bed...

As far as I'm concerned, it is a miracle drug [for me]--
Anyhow, Try that dosage that I recommended, and PLEASE post back here! I want to know if it worked as well for you as it did for me....;

Good luck!
Jess