oxy withdrawal

[oxyhelp1234]

Dear dr.,
I have been taking pain pills for quite some time now. I started off taking lortab 10s and would take these whenever i could find them. i would buy a few weeks worth of pills and eat them every day until they run out. (about 3-4 a day).  then i would go sometimes 6 months before i could find any more.  I would then repeat the process once i found some over and over again.  I did this for about 3 years taking pills for weeks then not using for a few months.

About 5 months ago i was introduced to a Roxy 30's dealer that was pretty reliable.  Because i could find these so reguarily, i ate them everyday for 5 months.  Started out with 1 a day and up to a week ago, i was taking about 7-8 a day.  This was ruining my life, not to mention my bank account, and i knew that I had to quit.

So, exactly one week ago today I officially quit cold turkey.  It was the WORST week of my life but i made it.  My physical WD started to subside around day 4-5 but will sometimes flare up here and there even today.

My questions are:
1. When can i expect the physical WD to subside completely?
2. I am now very concerened by the mental side effects that are to come.  When can i expect those to end?
3. How will i feel during the PAWS stage?
4.  Is there anything that i can do or take to help with the symptoms in the weeks coming up?
5.  Given my addiction level, can you predict how long the PAWS will last?

Thanks for all the help!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[oxyhelp1234]

Thanks so much for response. I have just one more question.

I have many social engagements coming up in the immediate future and will more than likely need alcohol to help with social anxiety. Is there a major negative effect in drinking a few days here and there during this withdrawal process?

[Julia M Aharonov, DO]

I am truly happy that you made it through the first week. Congratulations. I admire your commitment and tenacity. The worst is over,now you will have to deal with the 6 to 8 weeks of sleeplessness, restlessness, creepy crawlies and depression. So here is what we can do:
See if your doctor can write you a prescription for some Requip for restlessness, Neurontin is a great help for anxiety and malaise, some Flexeril or Soma for a few weeks for muscle spasms and maybe some Seroquel low dose for sleep. Clonidine regulates blood pressure, creepy-crawly feeling and  will make withdrawals easier.  Please don't start taking the opiates again as it will only throw you back into withdrawals once you stop again, or make you relapse.  Valerian and Magnesium is sometimes helpful remedies over the counter for mild sedation, sleep and muscle relaxation.
But, seriously, you must be completely committed to the goal of quitting.  I have written a blog that has rather detailed information about options for detox. If you click on my name and then click on blogs you will see one under that heading.  Take a minute to read it. I hope you will find it helpful.
The main thing of course is the decision that you make and making it a priority in your life, because that will determine what your life will actually be and mean in the end.  I don't want to sound preachy but it is not a decision you make one day, it is a decision you will make every day for the rest of your life.  
Think carefully about getting a Naltrexone implant or an injection of Vivitrol to stave off future cravings and keep that going for about a year to break the psychological cycle of addiction. It may be costly, but worse it in the long run. If you have major medical insurance, and don't mind them knowing about your addiction, Vivitrol may be fully covered.
Good luck to you and take a look at my blogs and my clinic website for even more info on narcotic detox and naltrexone therapy at my clinic website at www.mdsdrugdetox.com