Please help with 12 day sleep loss from oxycontin

[bronzeback75]

I have been 12 days since cold turkey quiting of 160 mg daily of oxycontin,I need serious help in the sleep department I beleive i am throu the worst of the physical withdrawals but need sllep soon or will have another nervous breakdown please help i also have lost 14 lbs due to lack of appetite

[Seamstress]

Call your doctor and get a prescription sleep aid. There's Ambien and there are benzodiazapines like Xanax, Ativan, etc., that will put you right out.  Just be careful using them because they're also addictive.  My experience has been that doctors readily prescribe these drugs for insomnia.  They usually don't give you a hard time like they sometimes do with opiates.

[Seamstress]

Just read you other post.  Are you taking the prescribed amount of Ambien?  I've always had to triple the dose for it to work for me.  Anyway, the benzos are stronger and if you tell your doctor the Ambien isn't working, he would probably prescribe one of those.  The other thing that's bad about Ambien is that it wears off in a few hours and you're wide awake again.

[OxyDout]

ahhhhh!!!! just kidding, calm down, I know it can be SO tough at times, keep up the good work, you are doing so well, try the recipe, the l-tyrosine, zinc, 5htp, it actually helps with your mentality.  Other then that, you just have to wait it out.  We are all here for you

[bronzeback75]

Thanks I am so glad i found this forum I never have used drugs in the past and really didnt use oxycontin for the high i used it to deal with pain from a two level fusion on my lumbar spine
the reason i choose to come off the oxycontin was my soon to be wife does not  like the drug and works in the medical feild my sex drive fell to nothing and i started withering away from activity, I choose to try the summer with no oxycontin and try other remedies for pain, with the help of you guys and girls i have been strong enough  so far my dr thinks i should stay on it for qualities of life issues,how long does the sleep dep last for
I have starting eating again but lack the sleep i have ambien 10mg is it safe to take double dose  thaanks

[Seamstress]

Like I said, I have to take 3 Ambien for them to work.  They'd be very hard to OD on and since they are short acting shouldn't give you much of a hangover.  I've never been able to take just one and have it work.  I know they're the latest sleep aid but to me they seem kinda weak.  I always wake up a few hours after taking them too.  I prefer something stronger like Ativan or Xanax or even Valium but with them you sometimes have a little grogginess in the morning although it goes away. What I do is keep taking em til they knock me out. Try doubling your dose. Ambien should work quickly.  If you're not asleep in an hour take another one.  One caveat:  Ambien causes amnesia so make sure you go to bed when you take them.  It's very embarrassing to find out you called 6 people the night before and don't remember a word you said.

[Unwise]

I am also on Ambien and have to take at least two to go to sleep. You are right about it wearing off quickly, because last night something woke me up around 4 and I had to take another one.  I alternate the Ambien with either Restoril, which is stronger, or Sonata, which is also new and wears off very quickly but if effective if you can catch the wave and go to sleep.  My own personal experience is that restoril and dalmane are stronger and will help you sleep through the night, though the latter does leave a strange taste in your mouth.  With any of these, though, I have to take at least two to get to sleep, and have had chronic insomnia for 23 years.  Tough getting the docs to understand that and prescribe enough sleep pills to last a month.  Another alternative is Tylenol PM or any other over the counter sleep aid (you can save money by buying the generic brand of benadryl--same thing).  Although these take longer to work and will leave you somewhat groggy in the morning, I have almost always had success with them in a pinch.  Funny that the doctors prefer you to be on benzos than benadryl, because when I told my doc, he immediately raised his eyebrows and gave me an Rx for restoril even though I didn't ask--the Tylenol PM was working fine.  Anyway, take what you need to get to sleep, but as others have warned, be aware that the benzos are addicting.  It's a double-edged sword for someone like me who simply cannot sleep without medication.  I've tried, and gone 72 hours without sleeping before I finally had to take something.  So be careful, but for god's sake, get some sleep!  Good luck!

[Nod]

Just checking in to see how your doing?  Still on the Bupernex? Is it still keeping the WD's away? Keep me posted oin how your doing.

I went in today for a Cryoablation procedure (where they freeze the damaged nerves to kill some of my pain.)  The procedure sucks to say the least but it works.  I'm sore as hell from the entry site and will be for week or so.  The doctor asked if I wanted pain meds (narcs) and I said no.  Asked if wanted Ultram, said no. Walked out a "free" man.  I'm still on my tapper down which is going okay so far and said "NO don't want any more"  today for the first time!  Think I'm making progress, Schlub!

Thanks for your help.  Hope your doing well.   Nod

[Jack Frost]

I must take issue with some of the advice given above.

This is why I have often said on this site

[friend o bill dub]

Friend,

I have been through the hell of MS Contin and OC withdrawal. If you are able see a family practioner(sp) or shrink immediatly and tell them the honest, emphasise on HONEST truth, some of your pain can be reduced. I know what you are going through, as it took me only 90 days of subligual, and nasal MS/OC contin use to go through the pain you are no doubt experiencing. It is in essence a classical connudrum that you may to get more "meds" to get you through the dark days, but, if you are honest with an MD, they will usually help.

A long acting benzo such a Librium and sleep aid such Ambien...or Sonata should buffer the agony. These drugs are indeed addictive so you must be serious about wanting to stop the insanity and let them guide you.

Any addict with a little cash and some time on their hands can fenagle a family practicional until the cows come home, so don't switch poisons. If you are serious, 25mgs of Librium QID (four times a day)...and 10mgs of Ambien at bedtime will reduce the hell. People talking about Methadone are full of ****, that is a long acting fillubuster for more trouble. DO NOT go the Methadone route, as you will be adding fuel to the fire. Methedone clinics are the devil, in this junkies opion.

You must accept the fact that you will be uncomforable for 10-14 days, maybe less with the help of a liberal doctor, and very prone to relapse without the help of the two bridge meds I mentioned. Be HONEST, make sure you are ready to quit and go to NA meetings.

Read, watch bad movies, just do not call "the man" and do not become addictied to benzos, particurly Xanax and Halcion, as these are the lesser of two evils, they will keep you in the panic that you are in now if you use them "as otherwise directed.

Be honest with a doctor, put some controls in place to prevent the overuse of the "bridge benzos" and believe me. The pain can and WILL end if you give it some time and realize that there are consequences that we all have to face getting of the hillbilly heroin....but they can be minimized by an understanding doctor, a support group and time.

I thought I would die at one time, you have painted the picture of my opiod life, and I made it through just fine. I now have almost 14 months clean at age 29.

God speed and good luck...IT NEVER HAS TO BE LIKE THIS AGAIN. I PROMISE.

[friend o bill dub]

tori anne call

[friend o bill dub]

tori anne call

[friend o bill dub]

Any comment acceped. JustMY experiece.(again sp)v
LMH

[friend o bill dub]

Any comment acceped. JustMY experiece.(again sp)v
LMH

[friend o bill dub]

Any comment acceped. JustMY experiece.(again sp)
LMH

[friend o bill dub]

ta gve me

[friend o bill dub]

ta gve me sou5tv919-605-1011 or I can call U

[friend o bill dub]

ta gve me souttv919-605-1011 or I can call U at ___________________

[dunit]

160 mg of oxcy is tough to get off off--the phyisical flu like symtyms will last a week or so, but then you CANT sleep for another 2 weeks, mabey 2-3 hours a nite if your lucky. I did it without any meds, and will never attempt to do it alone again. Go to a detox center(for meds only) or a Dr. if you have one,tell him the truth, if he's a good Dr., and knows you have already gone through the hard "withdrawal part" he should be supportive and give you some Zanax,soma or similar to help you sleep. I found soma or Zamax to help a lot. Just be careful to takethem for only a few wks or then you can have another adiction prob! After I get the Zanax I slept 8-10 hours a night. After 25-26 days I got off the Zanax and slept naturaly. Take some vitamins too (see Thomas's recipe on the Oxcy posts) I've just startd taking them and feel better already. I know what your going thru cause I did it mayseld 21/2 mnths ago. Stay strong , the depression lasts a while longer. Get support from whooever you trust, and there is always this group thats here for you every day. My thoghts are with you

[Zeldagirl]

I totally disagree with the Methadone opinion given earlier.  Methadone is a life saver not the devil.  I have never been able to quit.  Because after the 10-14 days of detox the depression is hell.  Methadone has given me the oportunity to deal with a few issues at a time, not everything at once.  Even with the methadone quitting has been difficult, not getting high 5 or 6 times a day is hard to adjust to but I am doing it.  So in the 6 month to 1 year perspective I will be clean and I am hoping it will last this time.  I have been on many tapers, this is the longest I have stuck with it.  Good luck to everyone, I say, if all else fails, Methadone is a very good alternative......Zelda

[Seamstress]

It's almost impossible to OD on Ambien or any benzo for that matter.  You have to take really large doses which two or three aren't. Do not mix with any other drugs and you'll be fine. But unwise is right.  There are stronger sleep aids.  But all of these are addictive and should never be taken on a daily basis except short term. Even Ambien can cause dependency. I'm just assuming you need something to get you over the hump here.  I'd be willing to be most of us have popped benzos while going through w/d to get some rest and relief. I ate em like candy. And here I am typing away.

[bronzeback75]

Well I took 2 ambien last night and sleep 4 hours how long will this last i really need my life back I have no problems with going to get the 0xy its all around i have no interest to not to metioned i cant really even get off the couch because im so  weak, If it was not for this forum i wouldnt have the strenght to continue this hell but every day seems to get alittle brighter does any one if any of this will have a long term affect on me and the pain from my fusion has seemed to triple is this normal thanks

[bronzeback75]

I just read your piece on ambien do you really suggest it i will try it for no more then a weak I cant get the help from my pain mng dr he wants me to stay on oxy , i think I am through the worst of this nightmare but i am suffering from severe headaches and massive insomnia I greatly appriciate all of your help God Bless you all it still shows that their is still saints that walk this earth I have made a promise to god that if he gives me the strength to pull out of this i will be committed to helping others win there darkest battles like I have said to  of you we r gods children he hears everything open your heart and soul to him and he will shed ligth god bless all of you and my god give us all the strength to battle this demon

[Jack Frost]

How are you, any more sleep?

Why does your doc want you to stay on the oxys? You say quality of life. If you have a severe physical impairment that is legitimately causing your pain you may indeed need medication and there are many alternatives to oxys.

Does your doc know you are not sleeping and withdrawing? Is there a problem with him? I think Schulb posted elsewhere how much easier it is with a doc willing to help. I can't tell if yours is, but I would ask for HIS suggested sleep aids and dosage - although I found friends of b's suggested regimen reasonable. Still why can

[bronzeback75]

I have had two unsuccessfull fussion pain is really unbearable but dr would like me to refrain from another surgery by trying to manage my pain I do try natural remedies such as acupuncture,
willow leaf,exedrin,but i live in the state of Maine and during the winter months i can barely walk without a cain at age 26 and a former athelete I  lived one of the most active lifesdrug free but since being crushed by a 2 ton combat system for a goverment destroyer. since my injury i have lost over 35 lbs of muscle and look like and old man. I have found my faith again which I strayed for the last 6 years but I have found it deep inside me still lingering to come out and give me strength to go on, All i ask for r the simple things in life I want to have a faimly,I want to enjoy time with my parents while there still here,and i just want to smile again thanks guys your all soooooo strong keep it up