How many days to adjust to dose change?

[lene54]

Thanks to the new regulations, my clinic has decided at this time not to continue prescribing hydrocodone. I was prescribed 3 10/325 per day, but took 2 1/2 per day.  I have never taken more than this, and it was taken for pain from 4 back surgeries.  Two of which were very painful fusions.  I have arthritis really bad in my spine.  I don't want to go back to the pain specialist because of horrible experiences with them.  I want to see if I can come off the hydrocodone.  I want to try to taper.  One reason for taper, instead of ct,  I have experienced really awful panic attacks and anxiety attacks.  I'm at a good place with that now, and don't want to bring that back. I have a few pills on hand.  I need to know if I cut a half a pill , how may days will it take for my body to adjust.  I know everyone can be different.  Is there a general rule? Thanks for any information.

[newbloom]

We can't really give specific advice for that you would need a doctor. This post may be too old to be helpful, but the pain med training guide for doctors says to go down 1/2 a tablet every three days. Others are telling you to jump, and that's fine if it gets it over with, but it sounded like you could use the slower pace. Hope that's helpful.

[Katiebug46]

I'm you in a nutshell.   Private message me.  We can encourage one another.  Xoxo

[lene54]

Thank you.  I feel like you.  It may just be 2 1/2 pills, but I have been taking hydrocodone for 6 yrs.  I didn't start at that amount. I have been on 2 1/2 for about 2 yrs.   As I said, I have dealt with awful panic and anxiety attacks. My system is so sensitive to any changes.  I can't take anything much without problems. I hope now, I don't have to stop until maybe I can get some help with my back.    

[lene54]

I'm so sorry to hear this.  Please talk to your husband.  He is going to know something is wrong. Since his job is dealing with these issues, he should be able to see what is wrong with you.  I don't know enough about it to tell you what will help.  I have been told that multi vitamins and hot baths help.  I know there are others like gnarly_1 that can give you good information.  I take lyrica also and I have increased it by one pill.   That has helped me. I got a prescription today for a refill of hydrocodone.  This experience has made me want to get off hydrocodone even more than before.  I hate to rely on something that controls my life like this.  Believe me, if it wasn't for chronic back pain, I would never take one. I am going to see my 5th doctor for my back, and am praying he can help me get out of chronic pain.   Maybe someone will see your post and help you. I sure hope so.  

[Merri123]

For me it depended on each time. Sometimes the drop was easy, other times it would take a couple days to feel ok again.

And I would keep tapering down to 1 pill a day. Many say you are low jump jump. I know that when you taper jumping at 2 like no different than 5 etc. your body is used to your 2 1/2 so wd will be just as bad.

From experience, Get as low as you can and walk off instead of jumping.

[wowser12]

I'm on day one of wd from hydrocodone and feel like hell.... no energy, body aches, chills, etc.  No one knows of my addiction and I could lose my job if I told anyone.  Six pills a day was my max and my doctor cut me off until next Tuesday for a refill.  How do I get through the rest of the week and weekend just to get to Tuesday and have them refilled after suffering like this.  I just need to talk to someone who understands what I'm going through.  Ironically, my husband is a therapist who deals with clients who have these issues all the  time - yet I can't or don't want to tell him.  Please help.  

[gnarly_1]

Hi well your only on 2 and 1/2  it is time to jump tapering any more will not help time to jump ship and swim you will get threw this....Gnarly