Quitting Hydrocodone. Best way to do quietly??

[maintexas214]

  Eh.  So I come here hat in hand to admit I goofed.  Back around 15 months ago I began taking hydrocodone for mild pain.  Probably didn't even need it but knew it would take out the pain.  At the time I started I was not in a good place job wise and found that the drugs were an escape for a very boring situation.  Long story short I have been on hydro since.   At this point I take 1 or 2 10/200's a day.  Based on what I read that seems fairly low, but still I don't want to be on ANY.  I can and do go 48 hours without. I would be lying if I said that was a piece of cake.  After 36-48 hours my body aches and I feel a bit irritated.  I figure that is the WD's.  Lately (last couple of weeks) depression has started to be an issue.  

Anyway I am ready to jet this stupid habit.  No one in my family knows about it and I would like to try to kick this without anyone knowing.  Can it be done?  Am I in better shape because of the low amount I am on??   I am getting ready to take a tropical vacation with family and don't think that is the best time to cold turkey it.  But, once back I want to stop this habit.    I am going to be a daddy in 7 months.  I don't want this pill in my life.

I would appreciate any input, assistance, moral support for this dumb decision I made.

[Defcon]

You are correct. It is a low amount. I'm sort of in the same boat. A low amount for me. To be honest with you I would take the vacation and then come back with a commitment to stop. I don't know if I've fully made that same commitment so take that for what it's worth. But I do want to stop. Read the forums and you will get a good idea of what it will be like. Mostly flu like symptoms for a few days.

[LeaAnn807]

Hey, you can totally do this and have a great vacation!  I'd go ahead and just flush them and get it overwith.  IF you don't have underlying health issues??  You're looking at a few days of feeling flu like.  You are on a fairly low amount, so the WD should be manageable.  Go to the health pages and read the Thomas Recipe.  It has helpful info!

Congrats on being a daddy soon!  You can do this!!!!

[maintexas214]

I thought about flushing,  but I do have anxiety issues.  Especially flying.  So I take xanax on an as needed bases..  either .25 or .5.   I do NOT take these two medications at the same time or even within a 24 hour period.  That is my concern about flushing as I know that when I have not taken for 36 hours or so I get agitated and anxious.  That coupled with being on a plane could be a challenge.  That is why I was going to continue only until I get back.

[LeaAnn807]

Ok, well then do that and stop when you get back.  We will be here to support you!

When do you leave?

[donewitis]

I hear it doesn't work for many here but I tapered because I didnt want/was scared to go c/t. Simple as that. If that didn't work, obviously I'd have to do the c/t. I made myself a chart: Time/dose/ and I went from 45mg oxycodone down to 3.75mg within 7 days. It was mentally and emotionally more troublesome for me. Thankfully, so many here reached out, prayed and encouraged.
I wish you well.

[maintexas214]

I leave Saturday.  8 hour flight..  
Fortunately (or unfortunately) there won't be any tapering due to the low dose.  From reading it looks like the second-fourth day will be the toughest.  Is that a correct assumption??   How long before you start to feel normal again. Not obsessing about your next chemical vacation?  Would exercise help?  How about melatonin to sleep at night?

I appreciate the responses and compassion.  Hopefully I can be able to repay or support in the future.

[LeaAnn807]

Well, I'd say that is a correct assumption, but you may be dreading something that's not that bad.  Yes, exercise helps a LOT!  Melatonin may or may not help.  Just kinda depends.  Not too much works for that first week.  Sorry, that's just how it was for me!  Most people say that energy and sleep are the last to return to normal.  Do you take vitamins?  If not, you should start now.  Super B Complex is good for some energy.  I can tell when I don't take it even after a year plus off of pills....I still take it!  

Since you have some time to plan and think, get your supplies ready.  Stock up on gatorade, apple juice and imodium.  Nyquil helped me some with restless legs and arms.  That was the worst symptom for me.  Drove me NUTS!!!!!!!!  

You'll do fine!  Promise!  If you're scared, talk with your doc.  That's never a bad idea!

[fla1470]

I have and am currently doing the slow w/d. I have dropped from 120 mg oxycodone a day (12  10/325) down to nothing since 9pm last night. I feel pretty good! I have went C/T on my first go round with this, and that was pure hell..but really only lasted about 48 hours. This type of detox, is not for everyone I dont think, as you need to have very strong will power...and Prayer to be able to succeed!! I wish you all the best! God Bless!

[killmypain]

I would go ahead and flush them. You might feel a little rough but hell, you'll be on a tropical vacation! You have every reason to relax and lay around. Go for it! You're not on a very high dose so I seriously doubt that you will have severe symptoms. Take some vitamins, drink lots of fluids and find a way to get in some exercise. Melatonin does help some with sleep but really not until after the first 4 or 5 days.... Immodium if you have stomach issues. Look at Thomas recipe, some of those really help. I just finished day 38 and am goin to sleep now. Tomorrow is day 39! Making the decision NOT to use EVERY day is very important. After you get through the detox, find some sort of after care. AA, NA, anything... have someone to talk to when you hit the rough patches.... make sure you have NO pills left in your house, car, whatever. Good luck! You can do this!

[maintexas214]

I will reserve talking to the doc about this.  I dont get these things from him.  I know you should be able to confide in your doc etc.  But, I would like to avoid it as I know hydrocodone is actually a decent medication for pain and should I have a need in the future I don't want this tool off the table due to a past "history" with them.  Not sure if that is something I should be thinking about.

[1spartan]

From the sound of it going 36 to 48 hours only gives you body aches and irritability?  If these are the only symptoms, stop now.  Use an otc pain med for the body aches, st. john's wort for the mood, and if you have a little trouble sleeping,... melatonin or valerian.  If your legs give you some cramping,  try hylands for restless legs.  You can also try alka seltzer daytime/nighttime flu symptoms meds... they help with pain, mood, sleep, and since w/d's are a little like flu symptoms..... you are in the clear.  But the sooner you stop, the better you will be!  The pills know just what to say and when to say it... especially during a boring or stressful moment during vacation.  "Just take one of me and this will be soooo much more fun."  That is usually how the pills talk.  Whatever you decide... you have all my best wishes.. spartan

[killmypain]

If you really want to quit, they can't be in your house.... at least that's the case for me. I would not be clean for all this time if I had any pills in my house. Maybe you don't think that you have a problem.... I had to quit and get worse like 4 times before I recognized that I have a real addiction and cannot ever use narcotics again.

[gnarly_1]

hi your habit is light you should be able to kick in 48hr like you said with some mood swings and mabe some depression or lack of sleep probable this is nothing you want to put off for very long also you may consider where your going on vacation hydros arnt legal everywhere and it dosent sound like you got a script.....they check you over prity good at most airports especially international ones just some food for thought dont want to see you on that show locked up abroad....anyway there is never a good time to detox I would leve the pills home its not uncommon to not sleep well in a hotel and you could pawn it of as that also you can eat bad food on vacation and get the runs again a reason to be sick ....although the best course of action is tell your wife the truth our secrets keep us sick let us know how all this turns out for you good luck and God bless.....Gnarly

[abmetalman]

Ok you and I are in the same boat. Well I have three kids with my last just coming. I am( was) a 2 10mg a day an just didn't want to do it anymore. We are low usage but not to be taken lightly. It is still a commitment to quit I you are here so check one. I'm 48 hours in and I did have some irriataion and since no one know of this in my family I blamed it on work. I have a vacation coming up and also have to travel on business for a night. I decided I was going to quit and get through the tough part before I leave. I am a little nervous about traveling and will have xanax but might put one in my bag just in case. I look forward to have my vacation with my family with out the demon with me. What ever you decide good luck but if you wait make sure you are back here day one when you get back. Again you low dose is not too bad the worse is the legs feel like you ran 50 miles and sleep. Also I used acupuncture.

[maintexas214]

all good suggestions.  I wrestle with telling the wife.  At this point, and this may be just me being an idiot, I am not seeing this as a super strong addiction.  More of an answer to extreme boredom at work.  After returning from vacation it will be a full on search for a different job.  I find that when I have something to do the pills don't "talk to me" like Spartan eludes to.

[happynessbythekilowatt]

In my opinion, buy a couple of suboxons and take em for the worst of your wd's then jump off. A real fast regiment will cut out the worst of it.

[LeaAnn807]

Gnarly brings up a good point about airport security!  You have to have a script for any med you're carrying....period.  Not just controlled ones.  Unless it's OTC, you have to have it in a labeled bottle.  

[abmetalman]

I'm into day three and feel very good and since your your dosage is about the same as mine it will probably be about the same. I did use some Withdrawal Ease they have daytime and nighttime I have acupuncture scheduled today and a massage tomorrow. My wife does not know and for now I have plan to tell her. I know I'm going to be a better husband after this. If I slip or fail this time around she is the firt person I'll turn to. Good luck to you. I think posting here was the driving force with me. Makes failing less of an option.

[maintexas214]

Well.  Tuesday the 6th has a red target on it.  I am planning on that being day one..   I will post back with progress.

[Tattoo67]

I am on day 5 cold turkey from 10 to 12 7.5/750 Vic's a day.  The first fours days were rough but i would try to get over it as soon a possible.  It took me two years to get to this point.  I know its only 5 days but if you are committed to stoping its not that bad.  I started out like you taking 2 a day and got up to 20 before working my way down to 10 and then zero.  Hang in there, best of luck.

[donewitis]

That's GREAT! So glad to hear this news!

[maintexas214]

Nothing like a curve ball.   Just found out I will be laid off on the 15th.  Still plan on stopping though.  Probably even a better idea to stop now.

[vicki595]

Here's my opinion:  Stop now. You CAN taper if you want to. Those 10's can be broken inb half and in quarters. Also, don't dismiss the rx thing at airport security. You need to have a prescription if they see loose pills! Take it from a pro!

It doesn't matter how much or when you take these to have a problem. If you take them everyday and when you're bored...that's a problem.

The Xanax you have(hope it's a legal rx) will do just fine for the flight and for anxiety and then dump that,too. There are other ways to deal with anxiety.

If you're on a tropical vacation, that should distract you enough and as you say: the pills don't talk to you...

Taking a couple of Suboxone is not a good idea in my opinion.

Setting a future quit date almost never works. That day can come and go a hundred times!

"Alteril" is a good OTC for sleep issues.

It's a great idea to stop now!

Good luck!!

[maintexas214]

Can't really taper as these are 10/200 compounds in capsule form.  The xanax is mine and in a clearly labeled bottle.  Never thought about airport security before.  It is a domestic flight so should catch too much harrasment.  May leave them all the same.;