vicoden-culprit?/mood swings from my loss could be it!?

Question

I have always been serious athlete. I set a # of steroid free deadlift records for my state from 84-90. three years ago I decide I wanted to deadlift over 700 or close before i was too old, am too old.

I have been training hard, and a new drugfree(steroids free) sanctioned organization has current state record for my bobyweight is 551. I have done five reps with that on many occasions in training. I have pulled a 635 x 1- raw(no equiptment) a number of times. That would be close to 700 with equipment, @47.
On Dec 5, 2006 I had a freak fall on ice from a big ice storm, and tore quad away from knee, all of it. Deppresed about the future of it. I am a cripple at the moment. Been taking about 6-8 vicoden a day, cut down to 4 and experincing bad mood swings and horrible deppresion. Vicoden or my complete life change? If it is the vicoden, I am still going to need it for all my rehab.

Answer 1

My mom has a form of dependence on vicoden due to her arthritis and fibromyalgia. Even if you are not mentally "addicted" per se, the body becomes dependent on it, and its obvious to me that it effects my mom's moods. When she is not on one she seems agitated and moody and varying levels of depression. Sometimes you have to make a decision- what's worse- the moods or the pain? Sometimes the medicine is just a necessity and you need it for some time, but when you want to get off it please wean yourself so its not so harsh, and seek out some medical assitance or counseling to get you through the tough time and "withdrawls" that you will experience. You may even need an antidepressant for a short period of time to help you. Definitely seek medical advice. Best of luck to you, and be careful because vicoden IS heavy stuff.

Answer 2

I have been taking 40 to 60 milligrams of hydrocodone a day (vicodin/norco) for over a year. You were taking 6 to 8 vicodin a day and I am assuming 5 milligrams per tab. You were taking between 30 to 40 milligrams a day and are now down to 20 milligrams a day. You are not taking an excessive amount, however you went from 40 milligrams to 20 a day, you cut your dose in half and are bound to experience withdrawal symptoms. Mood swings and depression are definitely a symptom of withdrawal. You should level out in a week or so. 4 vicodin a day is not a lot of hydro. Try to maintain the 4 a day dose and don't take any more not even a half of one. If the pain becomes unmanageable take some ibuprofen with your vicodin.You should be able to wean off of them easily when your ready. Hydro is an excellent pain reliever when it is used as prescribed. When it is abused it can be a ***** to get off of.