Aa
Tapering from Hydrocodone
I have been taking 3 to 4 10/325 Hydrocodone for 6 months due to a lower disc herniation and sciatica. I am in good health, exercise 5 days a week and take nutritional supplements. I want to get off the hydro and would like to know the best way to limit the withdrawal symptoms. I have about 35 pills left as of today. I am a strong Christian and feel guilty that I have let things get to the point where I think I am addicted. I feel with God's power and a good plan I can overcome this. I have at least one good friend that I can look to for non-judgemental support. I can't tell my spouse because I don't think my spouse can handle the stress. I would like to know if anyone can tell me how likely and how severe the withdrawals may be given the fact that I have not taken more than the prescribed amount and it has been six months. I would also like to know how I should taper (how much less per day, etc..) and what else I can do to minimize the effects. I do have a small supply of Xanax that was prescribed to me some time back for occassional use and wonder if that will help. This is a great forum and I look forward to hearing from someone. God Bless!
I have a confession now.....I slipped. I was clean for about 5 days and didn't have any real hard wd but them my back acted up again and my doc gave me a local steroid injection and some 7.5's and Soma. Needless to say I took them and burned through the 30 in a few days. I have 3 left and will have no choice but to go back to square one. I hope it won't be bad because I did have that 5 day break in between and wasn't taken that much before and these were even lower than my previous drug of choice 10/325 hydros. I have always felt taper is best but am starting to think I just need to down the last three......enjoy that last ride and then deal with the wd. Maybe if i have a harder time I won't be arrogant enought to think I can handle it and keep playing with fire. I have a xanax script and know that is also addictive but surprisingly enough it does so little for me in comparison to the hydro that i have never take much of it and just use it to help sleep at night.
One thing I have wondered in reading all the posts on this board is if any of us have really explored what is driving our addicitions. Lets be honest, it is a form of escape. I wonder what we are all trying to escape from? Certainly it is different for each of us but the common thread is that something is not right in our souls. I am a good example that is perplexed because I seemingly have it all. I am successful at work. I have a great marriage and kids. I spend time with them and to many of my friends I am a role model. If they only knew.......I am a devoted Christ follower but it seems my prayers are being answered as "I want you to go through this trial to learn something and gain strength!:. I want them to be answered as "I will take away your desire for this or any other drug that leads to escape and will help you uncover what it is you are running from". Sorry for the rambling but it seems like there are so many on this board that are husbands, wives, fathers, mothers with good lives and obviously an awareness that none of us are on a path that will lead anywhere but to destruction. I just want to know why? Are we a new trend in middle class, suburban addicts or has it always been that way? For those of us with a profound faith is it a failing somehow on our part to connect with and listen to God? I have gotten over the guilt because of the wonderful people on this board. Now I am more interested in discovery of what drives us to these points. Of course it usually starts with some type of pain but most of us are honest enough to admit that we keep taking well after the pain is subsided. I guess I am in a philosophical mood today but I would love to see some replies to this one. I know I put alot in there and the main thing I started out to say is that I feel off the wagon but am one or two days away from getting back on. I just wish this stuff wasn't so easy to get.
One thing I have wondered in reading all the posts on this board is if any of us have really explored what is driving our addicitions. Lets be honest, it is a form of escape. I wonder what we are all trying to escape from? Certainly it is different for each of us but the common thread is that something is not right in our souls. I am a good example that is perplexed because I seemingly have it all. I am successful at work. I have a great marriage and kids. I spend time with them and to many of my friends I am a role model. If they only knew.......I am a devoted Christ follower but it seems my prayers are being answered as "I want you to go through this trial to learn something and gain strength!:. I want them to be answered as "I will take away your desire for this or any other drug that leads to escape and will help you uncover what it is you are running from". Sorry for the rambling but it seems like there are so many on this board that are husbands, wives, fathers, mothers with good lives and obviously an awareness that none of us are on a path that will lead anywhere but to destruction. I just want to know why? Are we a new trend in middle class, suburban addicts or has it always been that way? For those of us with a profound faith is it a failing somehow on our part to connect with and listen to God? I have gotten over the guilt because of the wonderful people on this board. Now I am more interested in discovery of what drives us to these points. Of course it usually starts with some type of pain but most of us are honest enough to admit that we keep taking well after the pain is subsided. I guess I am in a philosophical mood today but I would love to see some replies to this one. I know I put alot in there and the main thing I started out to say is that I feel off the wagon but am one or two days away from getting back on. I just wish this stuff wasn't so easy to get.
Good luck LTG,
You sound like you have a firm grasp on the situation and you should do well in your recovery. Planning ahead for you WD's will make a big difference. Having Ensures, vitamins and a hot shower handy will do wonders. I've come off a similar dosage several times and time is pretty much all that will heal your addiction/dependancy. Generally speaking, around day 4 or 5 I always begin to feel mildly better. Like previously stated, it feels similar to the Flu. I personally have never experienced diahrea or the like, but 30-45MG of oxys (generally just 2 15MG pure oxys) is the most I have ever taken. Of course, 30MG a day is still 30MG a day. I purposely come off the pills every 5 months so they remain effective for me and I don't feel the need to take more for my back/hip pain.
Am I an addict, or just dependent? I don't know, but taking my 2 15 MG Oxys a day is something I feel I need with all my pain and pending surgeries. That said, I don't feel guilty taking them and freely admit to my doctor that I'm somewhat hooked. These pills are terribly addictive. No need to feel guilty about taking something you need, or that helps your daily activities. Naturally it's a fine line that is easily crossed. Still, if you feel it's time to quit, then best of luck, We all know you will succeed.
BTW, I've also decided to quit once and for all. I'm 2 days into quitting and am feeling it, but it is managable. I usually do little until day 4 or 5, but I may try to take a small walk tomorrow. I'm basically quitting because of chest soreness on my upper ceneter/right side of my chest. It's hurts more when I touch it and my doctors don't see anything on my ehco. Gallbladder attacks, GERD, or connective tissue in my ribs have all been to blame. Diet/pliss are a possible cause, but no one is sure. I guess it's time to see if I can quit once and for all and alleviate this pain. Still, not being able to take aspirin or Tylonal will make the transition difficult. Still, we can do it. No worries.
You sound like you have a firm grasp on the situation and you should do well in your recovery. Planning ahead for you WD's will make a big difference. Having Ensures, vitamins and a hot shower handy will do wonders. I've come off a similar dosage several times and time is pretty much all that will heal your addiction/dependancy. Generally speaking, around day 4 or 5 I always begin to feel mildly better. Like previously stated, it feels similar to the Flu. I personally have never experienced diahrea or the like, but 30-45MG of oxys (generally just 2 15MG pure oxys) is the most I have ever taken. Of course, 30MG a day is still 30MG a day. I purposely come off the pills every 5 months so they remain effective for me and I don't feel the need to take more for my back/hip pain.
Am I an addict, or just dependent? I don't know, but taking my 2 15 MG Oxys a day is something I feel I need with all my pain and pending surgeries. That said, I don't feel guilty taking them and freely admit to my doctor that I'm somewhat hooked. These pills are terribly addictive. No need to feel guilty about taking something you need, or that helps your daily activities. Naturally it's a fine line that is easily crossed. Still, if you feel it's time to quit, then best of luck, We all know you will succeed.
BTW, I've also decided to quit once and for all. I'm 2 days into quitting and am feeling it, but it is managable. I usually do little until day 4 or 5, but I may try to take a small walk tomorrow. I'm basically quitting because of chest soreness on my upper ceneter/right side of my chest. It's hurts more when I touch it and my doctors don't see anything on my ehco. Gallbladder attacks, GERD, or connective tissue in my ribs have all been to blame. Diet/pliss are a possible cause, but no one is sure. I guess it's time to see if I can quit once and for all and alleviate this pain. Still, not being able to take aspirin or Tylonal will make the transition difficult. Still, we can do it. No worries.
You sound like you are right about where I was a few weeks ago. I would say you are ready to stop. I doubt the 1/4 of a pill is doing much physically. I would just stop and take the xanax if you need to sleep. You didn't mention if you exercise or take supplements. I would highly encourage you to start some exercise as it will help your body release the natural endorphins that you have been missing. Have you thought about what you are going to do when the headaches come back? That is always the problem with most of us who have become addicted to hydro. Usually it started with some type of pain. I will be praying for you and hope things work out for you. Your family needs you.
You should do fine and not have much withdrawl . It's not like you were taking heroin or a lot of oxy. The time you were on it and the does is manageable. Stick with the Lord and if you need to take a xanax.
I did forget to mention that I went to my doc yesterday and told him that I tapered down to a minimum and feel the w/d symptoms, hoping he'd recommend something, but his words were "there are going to be withdrawls when you don't have to take the hydros, so that's expected..." and that was it... <=\ Am I crazy or did he just give me refils so I don't withdrawl or end up in rehab? all he recommended was antidepressents and I refused because of the side affects it has on me. All he said was come back in a month when you need refils and expect withdrawls if you stop. Like he was having a bad day. He's a great doctor though, but did not recommend anything like Suboxone. Just therapy. I'm a bit confused on that. He knows I have pain and I do need something for my head exploding migranes that happen at least twice a week.
I'd also like to know, if anyone knows, how close I am to being done with my taper. Like I said, I'm down to less than a single 10/500 a day broken up into 1/4s with a little xannex and lunesta right at bed time.
thank you everyone!! and god bless... <=D
I'd also like to know, if anyone knows, how close I am to being done with my taper. Like I said, I'm down to less than a single 10/500 a day broken up into 1/4s with a little xannex and lunesta right at bed time.
thank you everyone!! and god bless... <=D
it is absolutely amazing how helpful a forum of good people with support and stories is. I'm a newbie here, but have read through a lot already. I am currently doing a taper, completely influenced and driven (not only by me wanting my soul and my life back) by the people here and their wonderful words of advice and support. All of you are angles, whether you are dependent, addicted, recovered... you all give life and hope.
So, this is my first post, (hopefully it's cool to do it here) and here's me in a nutshell. Chronic migraine headaches and anxiety disorder. Lost my mother and have never been the same. So depression is a huge factor in my hydro career. Since losing her, I'm lucky to be alive, as I totally lost touch with god, myself, my reason for being.... so I would take zoloft (which i do not take now. i only used it to get through a period of time that I didn't want to even live) But, my mother would kick my *SS if she was here. She'd smack me upside the head and ask me what the heck am I doing?!!
So after talking to the doctor and trying every migraine med under the sun, and antidepressant, I found the Loritab 10/500 to be best fit as it would save days when I would wake up with mild headaches that would lead to unbearable migraines. I was perscribed 2 a day, or as needed. Used as needed (believe it or not) and used it when I just felt like I was afraid of getting the headaches and body aches that come along with anxiety and depression. I'm talking serious headaches. Puking, not even wanting to open my eyes on days that I had to work. So it really saved me being on the recommended dose. Well, it's been roughly 2 years. I am given 60 pills a month. 60 10/500 Loritabs. 2 years of that? well, that's going to cause problemos right?
my current status, as of June 10th, I started taking 1 pill in the morning, and half after lunch time around 2pm. So w/d's came on like anxiety hell. ( i do get panic attacks).. June 18th to this day, I am taking half a pill in the morning and half after lunch hour. I feel so close to being to the end of this. (god only knows) but I do have bareable discomfort.
July 6th will be my step down to 1/4 pill in the morning (just to get out of bed and to my insane engineering job) 1/4 pill at lunch after meal and 1/4 in the afternoon. This hurts a little but you know what friends? Everybody hurts... everyone has anxiety. It's just so much harder when you're trying to kick this pill out of your life.
so now, I'll be doing the 1/4 pill schedule, with a part of a xannex when anxiety gets bad, and I'm confident that I'll stick with this.
I'm guessing I'll feel bad as the week goes by doing this, but I feel like I have a leap to the other side of that canyon that I'm afraid of seeing what's on the other side. Fear of shriviling up and looking bad, feeling bad and being sick. I talk to no one about this, and that *****. I have a trip to Hawaii to look forward to at the beggining of August, so I've set a date to be clean, at least for the week before, and hopefully for good.
I love being able to go somewhere like here to get some of this out since it is my little secret. I also have a friend that I support who is on the same boat. I've told her that I tapered and that I'm done and doing better with just anxiety remaining. This is a lie, but I'm trying to help her as she is my best friend and I am her confidant since she is stuck with this poisonous habit. I got her down to 1 pill a day after daily use for years. I'll never tell her that I'm still tapering, but I want to show her that it can be done, although, I haven't finished yet. So, it's good and bad. <=\
So, can anyone give some advice on how to get past this last bit of tapering I'm doing? I wake up to withdrawls, runny nose, gagging, sleeping bad.. this is because my last dose is just after lunch hour, around 2.. so I go all night with it probably out of my system by the time I wake up. I have to do this for myself. I'm 34 and would love to be clean. Time off work is out of the question. They need me there and I need to be on my toes.
thank you everyone in advance for welcoming someone like me into your community and if you read through this babbling novel, thank you for that too.
I have not tried the Thomson Recipe, although I am a single dad who has full custody of my son. He needs me, I need me...... and I break my own heart knowing I have this hydro habit. I pray for everyone on here and hope that you pray for me and my family as well. I'm focused and would wish nothing more than to get this drug away from my daily life.
thank you so much for reading, and you guys and girls rock big time....
p.s. It will also take some time for me to understand the do's and don'ts about where to post, how much info. to give (if i should keep it to a minimum) and all that, but I will get the hang of it. Feel free to shoot over some advice if I ever post wrong or don't follow the rules, as I am just learning. I'm not on any forums. This is my first... =D
take care everyone and Have a Happy 4th of July!!
So, this is my first post, (hopefully it's cool to do it here) and here's me in a nutshell. Chronic migraine headaches and anxiety disorder. Lost my mother and have never been the same. So depression is a huge factor in my hydro career. Since losing her, I'm lucky to be alive, as I totally lost touch with god, myself, my reason for being.... so I would take zoloft (which i do not take now. i only used it to get through a period of time that I didn't want to even live) But, my mother would kick my *SS if she was here. She'd smack me upside the head and ask me what the heck am I doing?!!
So after talking to the doctor and trying every migraine med under the sun, and antidepressant, I found the Loritab 10/500 to be best fit as it would save days when I would wake up with mild headaches that would lead to unbearable migraines. I was perscribed 2 a day, or as needed. Used as needed (believe it or not) and used it when I just felt like I was afraid of getting the headaches and body aches that come along with anxiety and depression. I'm talking serious headaches. Puking, not even wanting to open my eyes on days that I had to work. So it really saved me being on the recommended dose. Well, it's been roughly 2 years. I am given 60 pills a month. 60 10/500 Loritabs. 2 years of that? well, that's going to cause problemos right?
my current status, as of June 10th, I started taking 1 pill in the morning, and half after lunch time around 2pm. So w/d's came on like anxiety hell. ( i do get panic attacks).. June 18th to this day, I am taking half a pill in the morning and half after lunch hour. I feel so close to being to the end of this. (god only knows) but I do have bareable discomfort.
July 6th will be my step down to 1/4 pill in the morning (just to get out of bed and to my insane engineering job) 1/4 pill at lunch after meal and 1/4 in the afternoon. This hurts a little but you know what friends? Everybody hurts... everyone has anxiety. It's just so much harder when you're trying to kick this pill out of your life.
so now, I'll be doing the 1/4 pill schedule, with a part of a xannex when anxiety gets bad, and I'm confident that I'll stick with this.
I'm guessing I'll feel bad as the week goes by doing this, but I feel like I have a leap to the other side of that canyon that I'm afraid of seeing what's on the other side. Fear of shriviling up and looking bad, feeling bad and being sick. I talk to no one about this, and that *****. I have a trip to Hawaii to look forward to at the beggining of August, so I've set a date to be clean, at least for the week before, and hopefully for good.
I love being able to go somewhere like here to get some of this out since it is my little secret. I also have a friend that I support who is on the same boat. I've told her that I tapered and that I'm done and doing better with just anxiety remaining. This is a lie, but I'm trying to help her as she is my best friend and I am her confidant since she is stuck with this poisonous habit. I got her down to 1 pill a day after daily use for years. I'll never tell her that I'm still tapering, but I want to show her that it can be done, although, I haven't finished yet. So, it's good and bad. <=\
So, can anyone give some advice on how to get past this last bit of tapering I'm doing? I wake up to withdrawls, runny nose, gagging, sleeping bad.. this is because my last dose is just after lunch hour, around 2.. so I go all night with it probably out of my system by the time I wake up. I have to do this for myself. I'm 34 and would love to be clean. Time off work is out of the question. They need me there and I need to be on my toes.
thank you everyone in advance for welcoming someone like me into your community and if you read through this babbling novel, thank you for that too.
I have not tried the Thomson Recipe, although I am a single dad who has full custody of my son. He needs me, I need me...... and I break my own heart knowing I have this hydro habit. I pray for everyone on here and hope that you pray for me and my family as well. I'm focused and would wish nothing more than to get this drug away from my daily life.
thank you so much for reading, and you guys and girls rock big time....
p.s. It will also take some time for me to understand the do's and don'ts about where to post, how much info. to give (if i should keep it to a minimum) and all that, but I will get the hang of it. Feel free to shoot over some advice if I ever post wrong or don't follow the rules, as I am just learning. I'm not on any forums. This is my first... =D
take care everyone and Have a Happy 4th of July!!
Awesome! I am so proud for you. It is always great to hear good news on here. Keep posting.
Susan
Susan
Hey good for you. The mental really is the hardest part.Set your mind against ever using them again. You can do this.
Wanted to give you all an update. I have succeeded in tapering down to 1/2 a 10/325 per day and only have one full pill left so after Sunday I will be done. So far the wd effects have been minimal. I am a little more on edge, a little tired (though who isn't these days) but nothing too severe. The most difficult part is psychological. I have really wanted to take them when extra stressed at work or home and somehow knowing I don't have them makes it harder. It has taken all of my will power not to have just taken the few I had left for my taper. The only thing that kept me from doing it was the fear of the wd symptoms and the support, information and encouragement I received on this board. Thanks again and I hope to check back in a week or so to let you all know I am officially clean. God Bless.
Lots of support here...whether u taper or ct...and I think God loves addicts..I really do...he will forgive usanything we have done that was out of line due our addiction if we want im to
I was in the same boat you are except different pain. I talked with my doctor about getting different meds and he told me not to just stop the Norcos but to taper and here is the taper he put me on and it worked beautifully. (I had been taking 6 -8 7.5's for 2 years straight...the last 2 months went down to 6 a day only.)
I had about 30 pills left too when I did my taper:
5 pills for 2 days ( 2 in morning, 2 6 hours later, then 1 pill with a Tylenol 6 hours later)
4 pills for 2 days ( 2 in the morning, 1 + 1 Tylenol 6 hours later, 1 + 1 Tylenol 6 hours later)
3 pills for 2 days ( 1 + 1 Tylenol- repeat every 6 hours)
2 pills for 2 days ( 1 + 1 Tylenol, 1 + 1 Tylenol 6 hours, then 2 Tylenols 6 hours later)
1 pill for 2 days ( do the tylenol again with it)
1/2 pill for 2 days ( with Tylenol)
He also gave me a NSAID that he told me to take along with this 2x a day (once every 12 hours). I tried taking 2 of those, but after a few days it hurt my stomach. So I cut back to only one a day on those NSAIDs. Now, I find I cannot take those at all. So I am down to only Tylenol and my pain is bad (and mine is never going to get better..but I do not want to be a slave to narcotics for the rest of my life.) It would be different if I were only going to live a few more months but the pain is not going to kill me. And I too, never really took the narcotics to get high but I didn't like how I built up a tolerance to the drugs.
I have learned so much from people here about this medication.
You should have very minimal w/d by tapering. I too prayed about my taper program and my prayers were answered. The worse part will be on the days you step down..the first day of the step down..then it gets better.
Good Luck to you.
I had about 30 pills left too when I did my taper:
5 pills for 2 days ( 2 in morning, 2 6 hours later, then 1 pill with a Tylenol 6 hours later)
4 pills for 2 days ( 2 in the morning, 1 + 1 Tylenol 6 hours later, 1 + 1 Tylenol 6 hours later)
3 pills for 2 days ( 1 + 1 Tylenol- repeat every 6 hours)
2 pills for 2 days ( 1 + 1 Tylenol, 1 + 1 Tylenol 6 hours, then 2 Tylenols 6 hours later)
1 pill for 2 days ( do the tylenol again with it)
1/2 pill for 2 days ( with Tylenol)
He also gave me a NSAID that he told me to take along with this 2x a day (once every 12 hours). I tried taking 2 of those, but after a few days it hurt my stomach. So I cut back to only one a day on those NSAIDs. Now, I find I cannot take those at all. So I am down to only Tylenol and my pain is bad (and mine is never going to get better..but I do not want to be a slave to narcotics for the rest of my life.) It would be different if I were only going to live a few more months but the pain is not going to kill me. And I too, never really took the narcotics to get high but I didn't like how I built up a tolerance to the drugs.
I have learned so much from people here about this medication.
You should have very minimal w/d by tapering. I too prayed about my taper program and my prayers were answered. The worse part will be on the days you step down..the first day of the step down..then it gets better.
Good Luck to you.
I started my taper yesterday (went down to 3 a day) and have lengthened the taper because I have an important business meeting next week that if I tapered faster would likely mean I would experience any withdrawals during that time. So, it will be slower and so far I have not had any problems going from about 5 a day of 10/325 to 3. I have been breaking some in half to spread it out more during the day at work. My end date if I stick to my schedule (I wrote it out) will be taking my last 1/2 of a 10/325 on Thursday, June 25. I hope to be able to share with you all that I was succesfull on that day and the days after. In the end I don't have much choice as I will run out then and have no other way to get any more. Thanks again for the support, encouragement and advice I have received on this site. God Bless!
Can't say my taper was the best, but it worked for me.
First i cut down to only 2 doses a day. Waiting as long as possible in the morning for the first. I was taking 3 pills at a time so that cut out quite a bit just doing that.
Yours doesn't sound real bad and i am sure you can do it. It also helps to set a date for quitting altogether.
First i cut down to only 2 doses a day. Waiting as long as possible in the morning for the first. I was taking 3 pills at a time so that cut out quite a bit just doing that.
Yours doesn't sound real bad and i am sure you can do it. It also helps to set a date for quitting altogether.
Wow, every now and then you come across someone that is in the exact same boat! I totally understand and hear you. I've been on 5mg/500 (8-10 per day) which is about the same dosage as you.
I tapered down to four or five per day (5mg - 25mg total) and then quit C/T. I definitely have had some withdrawal...I'm on Day 4 today. Even with clonidine .1mg. However, your xanax will come in handy. I would take one at night before bed for 3 or four night max. I would recommend tapering down further than I did...I have some pretty major withdrawals. But, I've also been taking it for back pain for about 18months so I'm sure that has something to do with it. I was on oxycontin before, but kicked that and tapered down to 5mg lortab, so I think I've made some progress. Now I'm on day 4 and it's tough, but I think I can do it...I'm praying for you and for myself.
I would just be as judicious as I could with the taper and hold yourself to it. Also, I would start the taper on a Thursday each week...that way if you feel bad for a few days, you can feel bad on a weekend (if you work during the week). You can do this, and I suggest you post quite often...it's been helping me to talk about it with others and discuss everything. There are a great number of supporters on here.
Also, be careful with Tramadol. Don't take more than prescribed (50mg every four hours) and I would not recommend it longer term. I am taking it too to help with withdrawal, and the form that came with it from the pharmacy says that abruptly stopping it can cause severe withdrawal, and that it is naroctic like. Be safe, my friend, and stay in touch.
I tapered down to four or five per day (5mg - 25mg total) and then quit C/T. I definitely have had some withdrawal...I'm on Day 4 today. Even with clonidine .1mg. However, your xanax will come in handy. I would take one at night before bed for 3 or four night max. I would recommend tapering down further than I did...I have some pretty major withdrawals. But, I've also been taking it for back pain for about 18months so I'm sure that has something to do with it. I was on oxycontin before, but kicked that and tapered down to 5mg lortab, so I think I've made some progress. Now I'm on day 4 and it's tough, but I think I can do it...I'm praying for you and for myself.
I would just be as judicious as I could with the taper and hold yourself to it. Also, I would start the taper on a Thursday each week...that way if you feel bad for a few days, you can feel bad on a weekend (if you work during the week). You can do this, and I suggest you post quite often...it's been helping me to talk about it with others and discuss everything. There are a great number of supporters on here.
Also, be careful with Tramadol. Don't take more than prescribed (50mg every four hours) and I would not recommend it longer term. I am taking it too to help with withdrawal, and the form that came with it from the pharmacy says that abruptly stopping it can cause severe withdrawal, and that it is naroctic like. Be safe, my friend, and stay in touch.
You will be fine, loose...
Your dose is pretty low (compared to what I was taking!!!)
And, I really believe you will be ok.. You might have some minor withdrawal, but if you are like I was at that level (a bit hight actually), your symptoms should be manageable.
They were for me.
Everyone is different. Still luckily you sound more like someone who wants to quit a dependency rather than an addiction.
Keep posting and let everyone know how you are doing....
Your dose is pretty low (compared to what I was taking!!!)
And, I really believe you will be ok.. You might have some minor withdrawal, but if you are like I was at that level (a bit hight actually), your symptoms should be manageable.
They were for me.
Everyone is different. Still luckily you sound more like someone who wants to quit a dependency rather than an addiction.
Keep posting and let everyone know how you are doing....
Thanks for the encouragement and the advice. I will have to do some quick math but I am pretty sure I have enough left to do a 25% taper schedule. I would think even if I start breaking them in half that I would not experience that much wd. I am really glad I found this forum and will definitely try to keep posting. I just took a new job with my company that really has me hopping so my posts may be sporadic in timing.
I agree that you are more dependent than addicted.
Your dosage is not much compared to many as has been posted already.
I believe if you are dependent, you will have the will powet taper off.
At your dosage, your taper should be easy. But I am using myself as the example. Some people may have difficult withdrawals from such a "low dose". But IMHO, most people can get off fairly easily at this level ,, ASSUMING you are not mentally addicted.
Tapering requires discipline. You must stick to the taper, and then let it go.
You have 35 pills, enough for a fairly quick but successful taper.
Try to even out your taper doses to 3 a day, and reduce your dosage each 5-7 days, by about 20%. So if you are at 4 a day, then drop one pill for the start of your taper.
This is a 25% drop, but I have heard/read, that is not too much for your situation.
Your dosage is not much compared to many as has been posted already.
I believe if you are dependent, you will have the will powet taper off.
At your dosage, your taper should be easy. But I am using myself as the example. Some people may have difficult withdrawals from such a "low dose". But IMHO, most people can get off fairly easily at this level ,, ASSUMING you are not mentally addicted.
Tapering requires discipline. You must stick to the taper, and then let it go.
You have 35 pills, enough for a fairly quick but successful taper.
Try to even out your taper doses to 3 a day, and reduce your dosage each 5-7 days, by about 20%. So if you are at 4 a day, then drop one pill for the start of your taper.
This is a 25% drop, but I have heard/read, that is not too much for your situation.
It sounds to me more that you are dependent, not addicted. Dependent is more of you "think" you need them and addicted is where you do need them to feel "normal".
I would think since you are now taking Tramadol you could easily wean yourself off. My hubby's doctor has done the same, but until yesterday, he got no comfort using the tramadol over the HC. Me? I'm addicted and know it and have been tapering off slowly. I am down to 3 a day, spread out and that just gets me through the day. My habit was not as horrible as some of these other fine folks here. I feel for them and how long it takes them to get off of their HC. I am also going to follow the Thomas recipie the best I can.
I think you'll do fine. ; )
I would think since you are now taking Tramadol you could easily wean yourself off. My hubby's doctor has done the same, but until yesterday, he got no comfort using the tramadol over the HC. Me? I'm addicted and know it and have been tapering off slowly. I am down to 3 a day, spread out and that just gets me through the day. My habit was not as horrible as some of these other fine folks here. I feel for them and how long it takes them to get off of their HC. I am also going to follow the Thomas recipie the best I can.
I think you'll do fine. ; )
Thanks to you both for your response. I am familiar with the Thomas recipe and will try that. I have fixed the back pain (for now) but it will likely come and go. I have Tramadol which hopefully will work in the future if the pain comes back. The reason I think I am dependent (or addicted.....is there a difference?) is that I am still taking them even though I am not in pain any more. The funny thing is that I am not taking enough to make me feel "high" at this point because of the tolerance i have built up. I have kept to the prescribed amount out of just that fear but occassionally have taken two at a time. I was hoping someone was going to tell me that given the small amount I have been taking and the short amount of time that I wouldn't have any problems. I have tapered down before to where I was only taking half of one pill at night but for some reason went back to taking more. I did that by going on a trip for business and only bringing a certain number....it sort of forced me to taper. Hopefully this time I can taper and not have any left at the end. I am beginning the taper today so pray for me (if you are so inclined). I am going to probably try doing it a little faster than lurker proposed. I have a pretty strong will and God has come through for me before so I am confident. I will let you all know how it goes and thanks again for the support and encouragement.
Addiction is a disease like diabetes - you wouldn't feel guilty if you got diabetes would you? Tapering is a challenge but there are ways to do it. You need to figure out how much you take per 24 hours and then spread the doses out evenly. So, if you take 4 of the 10mg Norco's a day that's one very six hours. I'd start by taking 1/2 every 3 hours for a few days, then make it 1/2 every 5 hour and so on until you've gotten to the end of your supply. Small doses of Xanax will help the cravings and anxiety. Search this site for the Thomas Recipie as it has a lot of things that will help you. The most important thing is not to take the drug to get high while you're tapering. So if you used to take them all at once, you have to stop that. You can do it and it sounds like you're motivated - good luck = keep posting, people here will help you
Hi there! Hydros were/are my enemy also.
Why do you feel addicted? Do you like the way they make you feel?
Did you fix your back, or not?
I'd love to speak with you. I did my detox in secret from my b/f who still doesn't know, so it can be done.
Can you go to the health pages and get the Thomas Recipe? It's at the top right.
Briefly, in a nutshell, you will feel like you have the worst flu ever. You'll be running to the bathroom with the big D, or to vomit. You will have anxiety, chills, a cough, sneezing, body aches, you won't sleep, etc.
You really don't take a lot compared to most of us, but will endure the w/d. If you can taper, I can't help you with that b/c I failed at that too many times.
There are people here now doing tapers. I'm sure someone will answer soon.
Best Wishes.
Why do you feel addicted? Do you like the way they make you feel?
Did you fix your back, or not?
I'd love to speak with you. I did my detox in secret from my b/f who still doesn't know, so it can be done.
Can you go to the health pages and get the Thomas Recipe? It's at the top right.
Briefly, in a nutshell, you will feel like you have the worst flu ever. You'll be running to the bathroom with the big D, or to vomit. You will have anxiety, chills, a cough, sneezing, body aches, you won't sleep, etc.
You really don't take a lot compared to most of us, but will endure the w/d. If you can taper, I can't help you with that b/c I failed at that too many times.
There are people here now doing tapers. I'm sure someone will answer soon.
Best Wishes.
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the Addiction: Substance Abuse Community
Is treating glaucoma with marijuana all hype, or can hemp actually help?
If you think marijuana has no ill effects on your health, this article from Missouri Medicine may make you think again.
Julia Aharonov, DO, reveals the quickest way to beat drug withdrawal.
Tricks to help you quit for good.
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
