Tapering?

[Bordeaux]

Hello all, I am 60 years old and have been taking 6 - 7 lortab 10's per day for 4 years now. My pain has not diminished at all but I can no longer stand being dependent. I  can not tolerate the panic attacks and depression associated with CT so what I am considering is to go from 6 per day to 5 per day for 1 month then 4 per day for a full month, and so on until I no longer take any.

My question is has anyone tried tapering this slowly and if so how did it go? Thank you very much for any response.

[clean_in_ks]

We were typing at the same time and cross posted....LOL

Good for you!!  Glad you have your dr on board.  Another you can try if it is a Siatica issue is to youtube "siatica stretches, or exercises" and you will get a lot of good tips.  There are even massage therapists specifically trained to do trigger point massage for siatica.  Books on "Pilates for Bad Backs" and all kinds of good info.  I wish you well....let us know how it's going.

[clean_in_ks]

Thanks for asking, Bordeaux....yes I am totally pill/opioid free....a little over 2 yrs now.  I never ever even attempted getting off pain meds when I could just take 3 or 4 a day.  I took them as prescribed and as needed for many yrs.

After a serious car wreck, being bedridden, and then later some major back issues that required surgery, my use and tolerance escalated to the MOON!  I crossed that invisible line...brain chemistry-wise from dependent to addicted during that time.  I was a MESS by the time I committed to quit.
I only attempted quitting one time....and that was June 23, 2012.  I have been clean ever since.  Telling my dr's and dentist that I am a recovering opiate addict...cutting off ALL sources for pills, sharing my addiction w/my closest loved ones for accountability and getting involved in aftercare is what I've done.

If you can taper even 1/2 a pill rather than a whole pill...the drop won't be felt so much.  A true taper is VERY SLOW and gradual....but planned.  Once you begin a taper, it is imperative you NEVER go back up on your dose.  And it's best not to drop again until your body levels out from the drop in your dose.

Hope that helps explain what you asked.  I'm an open book, really.  You can message me or ask anything you like here on your thread.  I wish you the best.

  

[Bordeaux]

Thank you for replying. I agree with you about leaving you leg in a closet. I've said I would almost be willing to amputate my leg if the pain would stop.

As for my pain, ice packs help a lot but I just can't stand being dependent on a Doctors good will. Also every month the anxiety of wondering if your fresh supply will arrive on time or be a couple days late.

I couldn't wait and I talked with my Doctor today and he is totally on board with the tapering I want to do. I am hoping by stepping down by just one pill per month the WD will be bearable, I believe it will.

I will keep everyone updated as to my progress.

[Jinx_777]

don't be afraid to ask your doctor for an anti anxiety med short term.  
valium is the least evil of the benzos, but i can almost feel your anxiety from here.  sometimes the anticipation of what is to come is worse than what actually happens.  
also beware that not all doctors know how to taper a patient.  my doc sure did NOT and well,,,, i will spare you those details.  lol
clean n kansas had very good advice.
good luck and don't anticipate the worst.  
what will you do for your pain in your hip???  we shouldn't have to live in pain so if you NEED to take medication then you need to.  
i also have hip pain and it IS like a toothache.  sometimes i wish i could just take off the bottom half of my body and stick it in the closet

[Bordeaux]

Thank you very much for taking the time to comment on my situation. The reason I am able work out on the treadmill is because my pain occurs when either I am sitting or laying on my back, then it's like your worst toothache only it's in my hip.

Also thank you for sharing your story. I'm not sure though from reading, are now clean and pill free? I hope so mid so how did you accomplish this the second time?

It is amazing how even going from 6, 10mg per day to 5, 10mg will give you WD symptoms. Although mild they are uncomfortable, hot flashes, nausea, and anxiety.

[clean_in_ks]

Well, if you never took the morphine and still have 6 bottles in your home....plus you never took the Tramadol (glad you didn't)....I'd say you ought to be able to formulate a taper plan and stick to it.  People like you AMAZE me, really...LOL  
Since you already exercise.....if you begin to taper yourself as you suggested above, you should do just fine.  In fact, the whole purpose of a taper is to drop your dose in small increments.....let your body adjust and adapt....and then do it again until you are totally off the medication.

I will just share what my dr told me back in the day when I was only on 3 Lortab 10 mg/day......she told me to cut a half a pill a week.....and when I leveled out and felt ok....to do it again.
Did I do it?  Nope....and then I was in a very bad car accident and back surgery 3 yrs later so I was on a VERY HIGH dose by the time I quit.  I was no longer dependent on my pills.....I was addicted.  So glad you are getting off of them NOW.....you'll do GREAT.....I just know you will.

[Sonrissa]

Hi Bordeaux, and welcome.  Tapering is difficult at best. However, if done properly can significantly lessen withdrawal symptoms, and is easier on your body.  As stated above, we are not allowed to give any specific tapering schedule.  Slow and steady is best.  I would get your doctor involved if possible to help monitor your progress and deal with any pain issues. Also, if you can have someone help you with a taper by holding your pills and dispensing them to you per your taper schedule.  I recently had to taper off of pain pills, and I could not have done it by myself.  

I wish you all the best, please keep posting for advice and support. Let us know how you are doing. Take care!

[Bordeaux]

Thank you for your response. I do take my pills as prescribed. My Dr. Has attempted to increase my pain meds adding 15mg twice a day of morphine then increased to 30mg. I never took any of the morphine, I still have 6 full bottles in my cabinet. You asked if I take them for reasons other than pain and I will admit I do enjoy the energy boost they provide. I am very active I am on the treadmill 5 days a week for 4 to 5 miles each time. My Dr. Also prescribed tramadal which I also never took once. The only reason I didn't take more than prescribed was because the thought of running out terrified me. I have an appointment with my Dr. In about 3 weeks and at that time I will ask his advice for detoxing. My one fear is that he will suggest a faster taper.

[clean_in_ks]

Hi there and welcome to the forum~

You say you are on 60/70 mg/day now and have been on pain meds for 4 years and yet your pain is not better.  I can relate....one thing I wanted to suggest is reading about opioid-induced hyperalgesia.  Wikipedia has a great article about it.  It may explain why your pain is not getting better.

Do you take your pills "as prescribed"?  Ever run out early?  Take them for reasons other than physical pain?  Is your dr the source for your pills?
How about asking for a taper plan from your dr?  
There are comfort meds that can be given to assist in getting off opiates....and we will be here to help you all the way.
As to your specific question above (sorry I got sidetracked)....I was NEVER able to taper myself.....though my dr suggested it.  

[Jinx_777]

we cannot give specific tapering information here, but i can say i have done it that way with little withdrawal.  you seem to be dependent rather than addicted so that is in your favor.  
you should seek the advice of your doctor because there are physical reactions from our bodies during detox like increased blood pressure, etc so it is ALWAYS recommended to ask your doctor