I have a chronic disease with my bladder and I have been prescribed hydrocodone 10/325 for over a year. Thankfully I had a procedure done to alleviate most of the pain that I have been experiencing [ the pain probably will return in 3-6 months--I will have to have the procedure done again ]. The problem is I have become highly addicted to the pain medicine and I did not take it as prescribed. The doctor doesn't know that I have been abusing it and now I cannot get any refills. If truth be told, I really don't want to take this medication anymore, however, I am scared to death to go through the withdrawl. I have gone through withdrawl a couple of times but I always managed to get some meds so it would stop. It is excrutiating and I know that in order to kick this habit I need to do this. My question is, is there any way to get through this with as much comfort as possible? Please don't give me a hard time about this as I already hate myself because of this addiction.
2007-03-23 03:36:47 · 5 answers · asked by oneontaw 4 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Pain & Pain Management
Opioid withdrawal should be done by gradually tapering down the dose over a period of time ranging anywhere from 1 week to 1 month,depending on the dose & duration in which it has been used.......so for starters,I think u should try to slowly decrease the dose.....just to play it safe, try lowering the dose every week or so.........but I highly recommend that u consult ur doctor first........drug metabolism may differ from one person to another, so u really have to have ur withdrawal tailored to ur needs, especially opioids. Best of luck.hope this helps somehow.
2007-03-23 04:11:30 · answer #1 · answered by pharmacy b 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have yet to find anything that helps. I have been taking 10/500 for 2 years now. When I run out, it is the most miserable thing I've ever experienced! I've heard from different people that the withdrawals only last a week or so, but when you're going through it, every single second is painful and miserable. I would love to get off of them also, but I can't imagine going through that for a week or more. I've had multiple sclerosis for 5 years and have horrible headaches, hydrocodone is the only thing that helps, but of course, after awhile, I liked the way they make me feel....more energy, happy, and I started taking them several times a day. If anybody knows of any over the counter detox programs that really work, please let me know! My doc has already tried xanax to relieve the symptoms...didn't touch me. Also I'm a nurse, so if I get out of control, I don't want to be tempted to steal the meds from work and risk my whole career! Any help is appreciated! Thank you
2007-03-23 03:56:52 · answer #2 · answered by Leslie 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Are you completely out now? If so you're going to need help. By that I mean coming clean and telling your doctor. He'll likely give you enough to taper off and get you additional help if needed.
When you had the procedure, how did he tell you to stop taking these? Had he given you a plan for tapering? I doubt he would have simply told you to stop all of a sudden.
2007-03-23 05:33:04 · answer #3 · answered by Dib 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have the same problem. I have endometriosis and have been taking 10/325 for about 4 years. I have decided to ween myself and in doing so take 3 pills/dose, for two days, then 2 pills/dose for two days and then 1/dose for two days and then finally, stretch out the hours between until your done. You are NOT alone. God speed.
2007-03-23 10:56:47 · answer #4 · answered by melisker 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You might need to seek medical assistance for withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal from opiates and benzodiazepines can be very dangerous for some people. It can cause seizures, in fact. Please try to seek some help, even if it's not from your regular physician. Good luck, and take care of yourself.
2007-03-23 03:42:33 · answer #5 · answered by Libby 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋