Detox from Hydrocodene Syrup for COPD smoke...

[syrupmom]

Pulmonologist prescribed Hydrocodene, I've been taking 3-4 years!  I recently stopped coughing due to quitting smoking via Chantix.  Time to stop the cough med...but, major withdrawls when the insurance doesn't renew.  I had been taking a Pint every 14 days....so of course it's hard for the Detox Psych. to figure out my intake.  I ran out on Saturday and by Tues & Weds I was climbing the walls although, I never took a ton - maybe 3-5 Tablespooons in the AM and a few later in the day for a total maximum of 6 Tablespoons a day and minimum of 2 Tablespoons.  So....I got my insurance to approve med on Thurs. and called DETOX Doc to see me and he said "how much did you take and don't take anymore" I took 2 teaspoons and 1 tablespoon and I was no longer anxious with all the side effects within just a teaspoon.  His answer is SUBUTEX which of course insr. didn't cover and was a fortune, however IF I don't have major side-effect withdrawls I am not suppose to take it.  He believes I might have gone through my major withdrawls at this point but, not certain....I am so upset with my PULMONOLOGIST for telling me it was not addictive and continuing to CONDONE and prescribe this for years on end in such quantity...it was a temporary "bandaid" for the COPD - stopping smoking and Advair was the answer to end the constant cough!  I no longer need Advair or take it.

I've never been addicted to any other medication just cigarettes and the Hydrocodene in more than usual quantities but, not outrageous amount.  Still I'm a petite woman and been on it wayyyy too long for certain.  Once COPD was under control the Pulmo. should have tappered me off I understand now.  In the meantime I'm the one who has gone through withdrawls when she runs out and has to wait 3 days to get it from the pharmacy.  

Any advice in regard to this?  In terms of what to expect etc...???  

[mtgoat911]

i can relate to what you are going through, i loved that cough syrup in active addiction
i also had very bad asthma and respiratory problems from smoking
but i did a workbook, 12step in quiting smoking and i have not had a ciggerette in 3 yrs
my lungs have healed, no more advair, steriods or nebulizer
i never thought that my lungs would get better, it still amazes me, i had a long history or getting repiratory infection, and asthma attacks
there is nothing scarier than not being able to breath
unfortuantly my youngest son has asthma, and this year he was taking a zpac for a respiratory infection, and he had to take the narcotic cough medicine, it was so hard to have that stuff in the house
i cannot tell you what to expect, everyone heals from addiction at a differerent rate, just keep an eye on your breathing, by using a peek flow, the only concern you may have other than typical wd symptoms would be related to your breathing issues
good luck
xo

[10356]

Hello and welcome to the forum.. Your Dr. was right you were just about over the major pain of wd... I would not go on sub or subtex for this addiction.. They are addicting in themselves and the wd much longer and harder... the amount you are taking does not warrant something as severe.. You do not sound like a addict as you were not guzzling your med.. To regain your freedom I would dump the rest and start over.. It should not be as bad but you will still go thru some wd.. There are things that the Dr. can give you to help with the sleep and anxiety.. Also the have a med for your legs, when the feel like they are going crazy.. It is called restful legs it works well enough to give some relief.. Hot baths and showers..
Going thru the process will bring you back to the life and freedom you enjoyed before.. Please keep posting and others and I will help you through the process.. I wish you well on regaining your freedom... lesa