Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

vicoprofen withdrawal

Hello, this is my first post. I am a 53 yr old female with an addiction to Vicoprofen. I suffer from spinal stenosis at C3-4 as well as L4-5, degenerative disc disease, and most recently I had a total knee replacement. I started taking Vicodin and Vicoprofen approximately six years ago when I had a herniated disc. I had surgery for that and have been taking, mainly, Vicoprofen since. My job requires me to stand (on concrete floors) for 9.5 hrs a day, so I take the pain meds to make it through my work day. I've been off work since October when I had the knee replacement done. Obviously, a knee replacement is a very painful surgery and I did need to be on meds. But, since the surgery, I've really become dependent on the Vicoprofen. What are the withdrawal symptoms and how long will it take me to shake this drug?  I still feel as though I need it to control pain, but when it's time to stop taking them, how is it going to effect me?  And how long does it take for the body to detox? Thank you so much for any advice you can offer.
2 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
666151 tn?1311114376
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Read up on the difference between  physical dependence and addiction.  Physical dependence to vicodin is  best handled by tapering off the medication at some slow rate-- take a period of about two months and and reduce the dose according to a  pre-planned schedule.  Once you start to taper off, you will want to stick to the schedule without any variation. If you start to make exceptions for avoiding a dose reduction you will never get there.

If you have become addicted, things will be more difficult.  Consider 'addiction' if you cannot reduce the dose to taper off, even after several tries.  If you are addicted, seek the help of a doctor specializing in addiction.

As for symptoms of withdrawal, they will be less if you taper slowly, but will include chills, diarrhea, sweating, body aches, cramps, depression...    The intensity will depend to some extent on the level of tolerance you have established.  But if we are talking just about pain pills, seizures are rare, and the withdrawal is not generally life threatening.
Helpful - 1
Avatar universal
thank you for your response. i will begin tapering and see how that goes. i already have been reducing my afternoon dose to just one pill. i appreciate your help. thanks!
Helpful - 0

You are reading content posted in the Addiction Forum

Popular Resources
Is treating glaucoma with marijuana all hype, or can hemp actually help?
If you think marijuana has no ill effects on your health, this article from Missouri Medicine may make you think again.
Julia Aharonov, DO, reveals the quickest way to beat drug withdrawal.
Tricks to help you quit for good.
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.