Oxycodone cold turkey questions?

Question

Hi. I was wondering how long do these symptoms last? And how is the best way to go cold turkey? When will you start to feel better? How bad are the cravings for pills when you are completly off of them? Anybody have any stories about when you did it? Been off of them for 3 days...would tapering down still be a good idea when you had 0 now in 3 days? If so how many could a person have to start out with so that it doesn't become a problem again? Any advice/help would be appericated. Thanks.

So it is safe to just suffer right? One thing is that if you are really dang sick and you got more pills and tapered off would u still have to go through all this again or would it be milder? I most likey agree since it has been 3 days it is probally better to keep going with the sick right? I think the docs should warn people about these pills b4 they give it to you. Does anybody agree with that too or is it just me?

And btw we went to the doc and they said that they were not going to do anything just gave clozampam drug. I know everybody says just see your reg doc...but he was out and then went to see other doc in office and then said he talked to him and he wasn't going to do anything either! I just donno it is just causing me alot of stress. btw this is not me that is going through the withdrawls, it is my hubby. He also went to detox place and they told him that they probally wouldn;t give him the subtex because he wasn;t getting sick enough. He went to an assiment and they lied. I just don't understand all of this. Anybody else gone through anything of the sort like this in thier lives???

Answer 1

I am a Pain Management Specialist who was prescribed methadone for severe pain for 5 years and had to go through the withdrawal process.

There are medical issues related to coming off any opiate which make a detox center the best. However, some doctors won't do the work to get their patients in and a lot have to withdraw on their own.

The main concerns are high blood pressure, stroke, heart attack and seizures. Have your husband's blood pressure checked occaisionally and if too high during this process seek medical attention. If you notice any change in behavior or signs of a stroke or heart problem call 911.

Most of the issues with "cold turkey" withdrawal are pain, body aches, nausea, vomiting, itching, insomnia, anorexia, and depression.

Short acting oxycodone the withdrawal process is short 3-5 days, though some counselling may be needed afterward. Extended release oxycodone (like Oxycontin) takes longer to leave the system and the withdrawal length is system dependent, but usually 5-8 days. (methadone is worse at usually 15 days)

I found that warm baths are calming, as well as warm/hot liquids are better than cold to drink. Also carbonated beverages are usually bothersome but if you let 7-up or ginger-ale sit out for a while and flatten they can be helpful.

If eating is a problem (I lost 24 lbs in the 3 weeks it took me to withdraw) take protein powder and add it to a shake made with ice cream, skim milk, chocolate syrup (if preferred), peanut butter, and banana. This provides nutrition without the heaviness of solid food. Protein is very important during detoxification.

I have found (and personally used) the information in the following site helpful during the process. It speeds the detoxification and deminishes the symptoms.

http://www.dpeg.org/methadone_withdrawal.html

(though the site refers to methadone, it works for all opiates, methadone is just a little tougher to kick)

I know the process is tough, but it is worth it. Remember tapering just extends the withdrawal symptoms.

Also, try to think in terms of physical dependence rather than addiction. Most people who take the medications as prescribed for pain develop physical dependence due to habituation. Most do not develop psychological addiction.

Of your husband wants to go back on the medication he needs to look at whether it actually helped his pain or just dulled his perception, there are many pain management methods which use minimal if any opioid medications. If he finds he wants the feeling of the medication again, seek a support group or substance abuse counselor.

Also please have him see a specialist in pain medicine prior to going on any pain medication for an extended period in the future.

Answer 2

If your husband has already made it through 3 days of detox, then he should be on his way back to sanity!! By all means do not go back on them to taper off. I think when you say that you are worried about relapse, and if I'm right, good for you, because honestly it is a huge possiblity.There are a couple of components that you are dealing with when you are dealing with addiction, especially if the addiction happened while in chronic pain.
Not only is your husband gonna feel pain again that he hasn't felt in awhile (it didn't go anywhere, it was just masked) he now is gonna have to deal with the mental issues that addiction brings about. Luckily he has you, hopefully he will be able to open up with you and have someone to vent with, cry with, and I'm sorry, probably even yell at. I suggest that you seek another doctor to help with a new way to deal with his physical stuff, not the one that was prescribing narcotics because thats just his way and probably isn't effective any other way, and I would also maybe seek some sort of Intensive outpatient support group for Oxy users, they are becoming more and more common everywhere now. When you are a pain patient sometimes it easy to throw your hands up in the air and quit trying because you know that you can get your drug easily, these groups help with suggestions and stories about others who have been through it, and alot of times you meet someone who you can really relate to and can really help you.
Anyway, you guys just hang in there, sounds like the hard part is almost over, be sure to stay hydrated!!
I remember the morning that I woke up and didn't reach for my pill bottle and wasn't crampy, and desperate feeling and it was the most awesome beginning. I'm still in pain and I still have to deal with life but for some reason, having that behind me, gets me through.
Good Luck and God Bless

Answer 3

Tapering wouldn't be a good idea if you've been off them for three days already. Probably take a week for you to feel normal again. You'll want the pills each time life causes stress and it's something you will have to control the rest of your life.

Answer 4

I was perscribed the same medication and it took about 3 days to a week for the withdrawal symtoms to subside. U didn't mention why u were taking the mediication to begen with. If it's chronic pain then just tell ur doc to change ur meds, I did. Just hang in there, 3days and your almost there. Go c ur doc and tell him what ur doing and he can help u kick it in the !@#$.

Answer 5

I was addicted to Prescription pain medicine. I went cold turkey. It took me about 5-7 days to be okay then Depression hit. So i Think maybe you should find a mentor, Or a counseler to help you through. It may Be different with you, But you could so it!!!
Good luck
Everything will be okay

Answer 6

You should never self -medicate or self- unmedicate. You could have seizures!! Have your doctor help you!! I recommend you call your pharmacist. They are so smart and can answer this question better than most doctors. Call a 24-hour pharmacy NOW! Thank you. -L