Codeine Withdrawal

[Sonya]

I recently (two weeks ago) had microscopic back surgery. Although the surgical procedure was successful, I believe I am now paying the BIG price for those "wonderful" little pills that "held me over" in the interim for the severe pre-op pain that I experienced as well as the short period of post-op pain that I endured. I was prescribed Tylenol#3, Lortab 7.5, Lortab 10 and Percocet and LOTS of it. I was legitimately in a GREAT deal of pain! The problem was, the more pain medication I took, the more I needed (and the more I TOOK). NOW, I don't HAVE anymore. I also have no legitimate NEED for the pain medication to ask my physician for. It's not that I "want" to take the pills - but my "body" is telling me otherwise. I can't sleep at night. I'm breaking out in sweats and chills simultaneously throughout the day AND night. I'm extremely irritable, depressed and cranky. I am convinced that these are the symptoms of codeine/hydrocodone withdrawal. WHAT do I do about this? I can't STAND it!!! I have three children to take care of (two of them are babies). I can't take care of myself now because I am "sick" so to speak. I have been completely honest with my husband about this. He agrees that this is probably withdrawal, I need to do "cold turkey" (what choice do I have anyway?) and tough it out for the next week or so. IS THIS WHAT I HAVE TO DO or SHOULD I INVOLVE MY PHYSICIAN WHO PRESCRIBED THESE NASTY DRUGS IN THE FIRST PLACE? Like I said, what choice do I have but to do "cold turkey" and SUFFER anyway? You're prescribed all these highly addictive pain medications pre and post operatively. Then you're "cut off." Two days ago, he told me that he was "concerned that I was becoming addicted to pain medication." I think we're way beyond "becoming." I had my husband tell him that we were already concerned about addiction and I had my husband ask him what the symptoms of addiction and withdrawal were. All he told him was "daily, ongoing use." That wasn't the answer I was looking for. I wanted to hear PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS! Should I call my physician back and tell him that I am SUFFERING here??? My husband and I like and respect my doctor SO VERY much. We're not angry nor do we hold him responsible for this. We just want help in getting me "back to normal." I am TERRIFIED that I am going to go back into a "withdrawal" state again today. The last time I had codeine was 5:00 PM yesterday and I have NO more resources to prescriptions. I WANT TO STOP TAKING PAIN MEDICATION NOW! Would you please give me some GOOD SOUND ADVICE RIGHT AWAY SO THAT I MAY GET MY LIFE BACK??????? Thank You SO MUCH and GOD BLESS YOU!!!!! Sonya :-)



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[pebbles360]

Hi all went for a day and night without codeine and brought some the next day.trying again tomorrow will i ever get off this merry go round i am so sick of i just need to tell my brain i don.t need them i don't want them...im looking to go to ameeting next week ...This forum is a godsend to no that i am not on my own..Goodluck to you josie-marie your going great

[matrixopal]

very good luck to you, you can do it the depression is only a sympton it will go soon and then you will be the happiest you have been in a long time

[JosieMarie]

Thanks to all of you......day 11 of cold turkey for me; its been SO reassuring reading about other people with MY symptoms. Nobody warned me what to expect (even though I'd paid for a private consultation) but Dr did say 'You'll hate me for 2 or 3 weeks'  
Anyway Ive had most of the symptoms mentioned but was really concerned about the pains in chest/shortness of breath thing but now I feel calmed. Still not sleeping well and keep feeling nauseous but hopefully it can only get better.
Any suggestions what to take for my chronic migraines now!?
Thanks again for the help Josie-Marie

[Designerforyou2]

I have been using Tylonel 3 for almost 2 years.  I was taking 7-10 pills daily.  I have weened myself down to one a day over the last week.  Question.....how long does it take to feel "normal" again???!!!???  I keep having hot & cold sweats night & day, and my body feels like crap!!

[pebbles360]

hi your going great ...i no when i went cold turkey i didn't sleep a wink and the restless legs drove me crazy...but tomorrow i am going to try again and think positive thoughts and keep reading peoples posts as it makes you feel that were not on our own...and i keep trying until i do it...Goodluck....

[BuddyBreak101]

Hi there, to all: It is day 3 now from being on  a Codeine kick for 6 months. It was one of the worst  things i have felt. but now being 3 days sober  and it is going away.
Keep going....the worst thing is just the no sleep part...and ur going to be very hyper and your going to think it will never be over...but the 3rd day when u sleep for the first time rather if its a hr or 4 and wake up Sober!!! You feel so different. even though I know im still in withdraws still on hyper side but hey im a 105lbs 33 woman so yea im naturally hyper doesnt help but i do know im going to wake up even better tomorrow...