Vicodin withdrawal symptoms...how long?

[ALreins]

I am a 40 yr old male and I have been taking 2-4 Vicodin a day for the past three years. A medical doctor prescribed it for me after it was discovered I suffered bone degeneration in my lower 2 disk vertebrea. At the time I thought little of taking a prescription painkiller. Now after my first 6 days of no longer taking Vicodin I am realizing how powerful of a substance it actually is. I'm having withdrawal symptoms I didn't expect. Light headedness, the runs, blood pressure going up, and general fatigue. Lots of fatigue. And some irritability. I am hoping that these symptoms begin to decrease soon. Well, they have gotten better than it was in the first 2 days. I am still wondering how long I can expect to have these side effects of withdrawal?

[SwtLdyAurorah]

Your definitely not alone. I to have been on these damn things for 4 years for pain from being so obese and then I had gastric bypass surgery have lost a ton of weight and have had plastics surgeries for skin removal. Still in pain from having been so heavy....buttt!
I wish I could find something to help with the withdrawals. I'm going to quit, try again!
They are crazy addictive! I had no idea that it could be so bad. I didn't believe people when they told me it'd be this awful to quit.  When I take them I can function. When I don't I can't. I have nearly quit several times, then my refill comes up and I just want to feel normal again. I hate the diahrea! The flu like symptoms the lack of energy and motivation. Its all such a nightmare.
Just day two for me....I have to find work too! How am I going to do that when I can't even stop going to the bathroom or shaking!!!! My head hurts and it feels lie I have a fever....Lord help us!
I have a family I need to help support.
Your not alone, not by any means.

[Chipmonk10]

I'm a drug counselor and 10years clean.That is the best analogy I have heard yet. I plan to quote you a lot. (The juice isn't worth the squeeze). That was real good thanks. I love hearing success stories, and I am really partial to hearing how recent abusers look back at active use. This is for newbies to clean and sober. "It truly helps to clean by helping others to make that commitment. You have a recent memory of the real "HELL' it is. and speak in a way that active users understand. Thank you

[906catherine]

This may help you there is a miracle drug to get off them called suboxin not sure of spelling my cousin was taking up to 6 Norco 10/ at a time soboxin saved his life try it it takes away the cravings and keeps you drug free.

[Zeller]

I have been on vicodin for 5 years or more..hmm cant remeber..I sudden started getting nerve pain shooting through my body a stiff neck and body started getting very stiff especially fingers painful!!!!!!!needless to say at this point im not sure if i am sick or its the vicodin the sick part is I cant stopwithout help i get up and say int the morning i am not taking them and 1 hour if that later there I go popping 1 then 2 so is the vics causing this brain nervous system pain is my mylin sheathe gone i feel like i am not going to be able to move any part of my body soon i went to er and the shot me with dilaudid and right before i left I stared feeling weird .. half way home i starte with bad tremors lasted 20 mins i was o scared thought i was having a seizure I think time is up my body cant handle thesse drugs any more im scared i will die can anyone give me any advice on how to stop ? im scared i will have seizure or something i need help but every detox center does not have medical people in it and the ones that do dont take my ins.. im screwed!!!!!!!

[Joanie0918]

Of all the remedies here, I am encouraged by your post. I am a professional person with an awesome life. I have always enjoyed the high from an occasional vicodin. All the energy to do the mundane things with gusto. Since July I have been taking 3-6 10 mgs a day. I am scared and need to stop.

[PurrfectlyKrazy]

This is a very old thread.  Please go to top of page and click on "ask a question".  You will get a lot more responses that way :-)