Had NO idea at first, but I believe it's withdrawal... HELP?

[JenKitty92]

Coming off hydrocodone and I pretty sure I'm withdrawing. No appetite, stomach upset, racing heart (which is freaking me out) insomnia, no energy basically (from what I've read, withdrawal)  Anyway,  I've been taking Kava Kava root, SAM-e, and a vitamin B complex.  I can deal w/ the rest of the symptoms but the racing heart is what's freaking me out.  Is there another 'over the counter' supplement that will help w/ this?  The Kava Kava DOES help a lot, was just wondering if there's another option. Thank you!

[marycarmel]

Try some Imodium.  It helps with stomach issues but also with all withdrawal symptoms.  Google imodium and withdrawal and it will explain it.  My hands hurt too much to do a lot of typing right now.  I use valerian root and the bottle I have says take five.  Maybe you have a different dosage.  There's a product called Calms Forte by Hylands, all natural, and it helped me with that racey feeling.  I've had a lot of luck with Alteril for help with the sleep.  It's all natural and doesn't cause dependency. I hope you get some sleep.

[Sonrissa]

Hi, the Immodium is a great suggestion. That really helped me not only with the stomach/bathroom issues, but other things as well. Also, try to eat something to keep your strength up. I know it's difficult, but try bland things like soups, crackers, toast, yogurt, etc.  When you can, get yourself outside in the fresh air and take some short walks. Even if you can't take a walk, just sit outside for about 30 minutes and breathe in the air. This will really help with fatigue.

Best wishes and keep posting. You can do this!

[happypill]

the KAVA KAVA IS LITERALLY KNOWN FOR THE RACING HEART SIDE EFFECT!!!!!!

[ROSYouralright]

Have you tried sleepy time tea at night?

[JenKitty92]

Actually, Kava root is known for it's calming effect.  I've done so much research on anything herbal because I DO NOT want to go on any kind of anti anxiety drug, I found a bunch of supplements that help w/ anxiety, restlessness, etc.  St. Johns wort, Kava, valerian, melatonin, passion flower, to name a few. Kava widely talked about because of the bad rap it's gotten when it first came out.  That it ruins your liver.  That's not true at all.  The kava ROOT is perfectly safe and has been used for hundreds of years on tropical islands for it's calming effect.  If you research and get a good brand, it does wonders.

I did sleep last night for a few hours (thanks to hubby and some extra curricular activity, lol)  This morning, took some Sam-e and a super B complex and ate a little.  Have little to no appetite still.  I'm trying to snack thru out the day on little bland stuff and I'm also drinking a protein shake for extra good nutrients.

I know everyone goes thru withdrawal differently.  I think I've read every post on this forum from years ago. lol  It's helped tremendously.  Part of me can't believe I'm actually withdrawing from the hydrocodone.  Yes, I've been taking it for years.  I take 1 MAYBE 2 10/325's a few times a week.  Sometimes more................sometimes less, just depends on how my neck pain is and if it's caused a horrible migraine or not.  I've never gone up in dosage, never changed scripts.  It's never made me feel groggy or sleepy, when it kicks in, it's like ahhhhhhhhhhh my migraine is gone, I can function now. I will admit, I DO like taking them, because I KNOW it will take away my physical pain.  A prescription of 100 will last me 4 months and I have 3 refills.  I think to myself..............an addict would take 100 pills in a week or less.  That's not me. HOWEVER, I realize that my body has other intentions.  My body, I feel, wants it to now. I woke up on Friday morning and said, I'm not taking this crap anymore..............I don't know if my withdrawal is a mild one.  I've read so many have awful experiences that lasts weeks and I feel for them.  I can't imagine.  So far, I had about 2 days of "bathroom" issues, no real appetite, pulse is racing (not all the time) upset stomach (but NO nausea or vomiting) insomnia and a general feeling of blah.  I'm having NO cravings for the hydro.  Which I'm glad for. This is day 3 so I'm thinking, I should start to feel better tomorrow maybe?

The SAM-e has helped so much, because it's known for a general good mood feeling but also as help w/ osteoarthritis which it has. Maybe, that's why I woke up on Friday and didn't want to take any more of the hydro, because something else was helping.  I don't know.  I have other issues going on to consider why my heart is racing tho.  I'm EXTREMELY dental phobic. From horrible experiences while we lived over seas.  I'm in need of some work and I go in next Friday and my hubby thinks, I'm working myself up.  Anyway, sorry for the ramble. lol Just writing down some things on my mind................I gave my husband the hydro and told him to hide them.  I don't want to see them.  I'm also going to call the doc tomorrow and set up an appt.  I want some blood test done, to check my levels, and some other things.  If I get past my dental apt on Friday, I'm home free. lol  I'll post updates a few times a day so I can read where I'm at.............

[ROSYouralright]

http://www.personalhealthzone.com/kavakava.html

some info on Kava... It does actually have alot of side effects especially for the long term user.