What are the withdrawls like from percocets 5-6 a day taken in halves throughout the day. I know anxiety is a big one. started 1-2 a day and increased to 5-6 in a years time. Never did this before and have no idea what to expect. I do not want anyone to know and want to do it at home. Should I decrease slow or what. I have refused to do oxy and heroin in the past and will never do these in the future but these percocets are trouble. What can anyone tell me I have had it and don't want to do this anymore. But would like to try without outside prof, help first. Any ideas will be greatly appreciated.
Hope all are doing well with this problem.
Josh
Hi Josh, I am not a good one for giving advice, but wanted to say hello and let you know someone will respond to you soon. There are some very wise people here who can give you some good information. I will tell you to expect to be sick like having a bad case of the flu and then some, but it passes after a few days. Your intake is relatively low....not making light of it at all, cuz you will still be very uncomfortable..but nothing you can't get past with a little immodium, lots of fluids, hot baths, exercise....and the unconditional support here on this board. Good luck....hang in there.
Thanks Betsy I do appreciate it. I do know I am on lower doses than others and some days a little more and some days a little less it depends on the day more the same or less and I stop at a about 7:00pm as I feel it is stupid to take them to late sometimes I think I am crazy. About how long should I expect to be sick. A week or two I have no idea but want to get off asap. Just nervous with the withdrawl once off I am sure I can stay off as I hate to be sick and will not want to do it again. I started reading the heroin posts and was sent to this post. I see the people here are very helpful and supportive. I await the replys and am thankful to all with helping me with this.
Josh
Josh
Hi Josh, I don't think it will be more than a week, although everyone is different. Personally speaking, the worst was over by day 4 or 5 for me and I was taking way, way more than you have been. It is fear of the unknown that makes it harder for you right now....you will get through this, I promise...and you will be so glad you did after the first few days are over. Keep posting....stay strong...you are doing the right thing by just coming here in the first place...good start!
Hey josh I detoxed my self from 10 percs a day several years ago and it wasnt to bad IF you can disapline yourself . The doctor I was seeing told me to take one less a day till I was down to zero. This seemed to fast for me so I went down 1 every 2 days so 10, 10, 9,9, 8,8 and so ontillI reached 1 which I took for about 3 days at night. If you are capable of it (If I could hopefully you can also) you will find that you will have no withdrawl whatsoever. The first couple days with out anything is of course anxious but you can handle it . $ to % a day is not much only 20 mgs. You can do it . Best of luck Ray
Dear Josh,
First of all, I commend you on wanting to end your addiction to opioids. There are several ways to withdraw from opioids: (1) Inpatient - Hospital (various methods such as: Ultra Rapid Detox, Rapid Detox, etc.); (2) Inpatient - Residential Treatment Center; (3) Outpatient; (4) Weaning, at home; or, (5) Cold Turkey, at home.
From your post, it looks like you want to try (5), first. Symptoms of opioid withdrawal are dependent on certain factors: (1) The medication used (oxycodone - in your case); (2) The strength of the medication (5/325, 10/325, 5, 10, etc.); (3) The quantity used (5-6/day); (4) The length of time used (5-6 years); (5) How tolerant you are to the medication; (6) Other medical conditions that exist, such as: pulmonary, heart, blood pressure, kidney, liver, psychological disorders, etc.
Opioid withdrawal symptoms usually appear within 4-6 hours following the last dose of an opioid. Withdrawal symptoms may appear 12-24 hours, if one uses a longer-acting opioid such as: levorphanol, long-acting oxycodone and morphine, methadone, and fentanyl, to name most. Withdrawal symptoms include, but are not limited to: (1) Runny nose; (2) Sneezing; (3) Goosebumps; (4) Muscular aches; (5) Deep 'bone' pains (which are muscular aches that are so intense and deep, that it feels like the bone is hurting); (6) Feeling the need to kick your legs to relieve (4) and (5) - this led to the term: "Kicking the Habit"; (7) Anxiety (feeling the need to 'crawl the walls'; (8) Inability to concentrate, such as: reading, watching television, sitting in one place for an extended period, etc.; (9) Gastrointestinal cramps; (10) Diarrhea; (11) Nausea; (12) Vomiting; (13) Insomnia; (14) Dilated pupils (when using opioid, pupils will constrict and become very small); and, (15) The over-bearing, psychological need, to use 'just once more,' and others.
A simile for opioid withdrawal is "flu-like symptoms, just worse," which is not a bad example. Many of the symptoms are similar to the flu. Opioid withdrawal, compared to alcohol and benzodiazepine withdrawal, is not life-threatening; however, one must take into account other medical and psychological conditions when considering withdrawing cold turkey. It is also important to take into account other prescribed medications that you are using for medical or psychiatric conditions, to make sure that adverse reactions or contraindications will not occur.
Acute opioid withdrawal usually lasts from 7-10 days. Days 2-4, usually, are the worse. A secondary syndrome, however, has been documented. Although nowhere near the physical and psychological pain that acute withdrawal brings, the secondary syndrome, which can last from 3-6 months, can bring bouts of: (1) Fatigue; (2) Depression; (3) Anxiety; and, (4) Insomnia.
Remedies to assist with opioid withdrawal are: (1) Using ibuprofen to assist with muscular aches and pains; (2) Immodium A-D, for diarrhea; (3) Benadryl (diphenhydramine) can assist with sleep, for several nights; (4) Kava Kava, an herbal remedy, is extremely useful in helping with anxiety; (5) Valerian Root, an herb, is helpful with insomnia; (6) Vitamin B-12 is excellent as an energy booster; and, (7) Magnesium can helpful with anxiety, also. These are just a few of the OTC medications, herbs, and vitamins that are useful in minimizing the symptoms of opioid withdrawal. There are prescription medications, too; however, I do respect your choice to try detoxifying cold turkey, first. If, however, you find that prescription medications would be of help, asking your physician and/or pharmacist will be invaluable. I used a combination of prescription medications, herbs, and OTC medications. I would also make sure, again, that none of your current medications (if you use any) will have any adverse reactions with OTC, herbs, or vitamins would occur. I'm sure a pharmacist would be able to assist you with this information.
I think that any person going through opioid withdrawal, or any withdrawal, should inform a trusted friend or family member, so they can make sure you are okay. Some people prefer to be left alone during withdrawal, others need lots of support. Nevertheless, if one person knows what is happening, I think you'd be in a much safer environment throughout the frist 7-10 days.
I don't want to overload you with too much information; however, attending therapy and/or NA meetings can be invaluable for some people, to assist with the psychological aspect of recovery. Neither NA, nor therapy, may be your first choices; however, finding what does work for you, will be extremely helpful in the long run.
You are making a great choice to stop using, Josh. This forum is a great place to express your fears and your accomplishments, since there are so many wonderful people here that can offer hope, support, and inspiration. You are taking the first steps to begin recovery. Something that I know you will not regret. Keep us posted. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Josh.
Ben
First of all, I commend you on wanting to end your addiction to opioids. There are several ways to withdraw from opioids: (1) Inpatient - Hospital (various methods such as: Ultra Rapid Detox, Rapid Detox, etc.); (2) Inpatient - Residential Treatment Center; (3) Outpatient; (4) Weaning, at home; or, (5) Cold Turkey, at home.
From your post, it looks like you want to try (5), first. Symptoms of opioid withdrawal are dependent on certain factors: (1) The medication used (oxycodone - in your case); (2) The strength of the medication (5/325, 10/325, 5, 10, etc.); (3) The quantity used (5-6/day); (4) The length of time used (5-6 years); (5) How tolerant you are to the medication; (6) Other medical conditions that exist, such as: pulmonary, heart, blood pressure, kidney, liver, psychological disorders, etc.
Opioid withdrawal symptoms usually appear within 4-6 hours following the last dose of an opioid. Withdrawal symptoms may appear 12-24 hours, if one uses a longer-acting opioid such as: levorphanol, long-acting oxycodone and morphine, methadone, and fentanyl, to name most. Withdrawal symptoms include, but are not limited to: (1) Runny nose; (2) Sneezing; (3) Goosebumps; (4) Muscular aches; (5) Deep 'bone' pains (which are muscular aches that are so intense and deep, that it feels like the bone is hurting); (6) Feeling the need to kick your legs to relieve (4) and (5) - this led to the term: "Kicking the Habit"; (7) Anxiety (feeling the need to 'crawl the walls'; (8) Inability to concentrate, such as: reading, watching television, sitting in one place for an extended period, etc.; (9) Gastrointestinal cramps; (10) Diarrhea; (11) Nausea; (12) Vomiting; (13) Insomnia; (14) Dilated pupils (when using opioid, pupils will constrict and become very small); and, (15) The over-bearing, psychological need, to use 'just once more,' and others.
A simile for opioid withdrawal is "flu-like symptoms, just worse," which is not a bad example. Many of the symptoms are similar to the flu. Opioid withdrawal, compared to alcohol and benzodiazepine withdrawal, is not life-threatening; however, one must take into account other medical and psychological conditions when considering withdrawing cold turkey. It is also important to take into account other prescribed medications that you are using for medical or psychiatric conditions, to make sure that adverse reactions or contraindications will not occur.
Acute opioid withdrawal usually lasts from 7-10 days. Days 2-4, usually, are the worse. A secondary syndrome, however, has been documented. Although nowhere near the physical and psychological pain that acute withdrawal brings, the secondary syndrome, which can last from 3-6 months, can bring bouts of: (1) Fatigue; (2) Depression; (3) Anxiety; and, (4) Insomnia.
Remedies to assist with opioid withdrawal are: (1) Using ibuprofen to assist with muscular aches and pains; (2) Immodium A-D, for diarrhea; (3) Benadryl (diphenhydramine) can assist with sleep, for several nights; (4) Kava Kava, an herbal remedy, is extremely useful in helping with anxiety; (5) Valerian Root, an herb, is helpful with insomnia; (6) Vitamin B-12 is excellent as an energy booster; and, (7) Magnesium can helpful with anxiety, also. These are just a few of the OTC medications, herbs, and vitamins that are useful in minimizing the symptoms of opioid withdrawal. There are prescription medications, too; however, I do respect your choice to try detoxifying cold turkey, first. If, however, you find that prescription medications would be of help, asking your physician and/or pharmacist will be invaluable. I used a combination of prescription medications, herbs, and OTC medications. I would also make sure, again, that none of your current medications (if you use any) will have any adverse reactions with OTC, herbs, or vitamins would occur. I'm sure a pharmacist would be able to assist you with this information.
I think that any person going through opioid withdrawal, or any withdrawal, should inform a trusted friend or family member, so they can make sure you are okay. Some people prefer to be left alone during withdrawal, others need lots of support. Nevertheless, if one person knows what is happening, I think you'd be in a much safer environment throughout the frist 7-10 days.
I don't want to overload you with too much information; however, attending therapy and/or NA meetings can be invaluable for some people, to assist with the psychological aspect of recovery. Neither NA, nor therapy, may be your first choices; however, finding what does work for you, will be extremely helpful in the long run.
You are making a great choice to stop using, Josh. This forum is a great place to express your fears and your accomplishments, since there are so many wonderful people here that can offer hope, support, and inspiration. You are taking the first steps to begin recovery. Something that I know you will not regret. Keep us posted. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Josh.
Ben
What a great response I was getting nervous checking that only Besty was watching for me ( thanks Betsy). I never expected that much information that I am totally greatful for. I am using 5/325 only the 10's when all are out and can't get the others and then I cut them in 3. I am going to use all this great information and try I am nervous but this is something I must do. To all who have responded and to any who wish to ( I will gladly read all who reply) I thank you very much. I will continue to keep everyone informed as to my progress I think I am going for the cut down day by day. That I hope will work the best. Thanks again everyone you are all great on this board. I am thankful I have kept my doses low and hope that helps me to get off easier. hopefully anyway
Thanks
Josh
I will keep you all in my prayers as we all need them no matter recovered, in recovery or never used and just watching.
You were right Betsy I waited and the answers came thanks
Thanks
Josh
I will keep you all in my prayers as we all need them no matter recovered, in recovery or never used and just watching.
You were right Betsy I waited and the answers came thanks
You're welcome, Josh.
Dear Josh,
Cutting down, day-by-day, is an excellent choice. This allows you some control over your symptoms and, if they become too bad, you can slow the weaning. If you are handling the withdrawal well, you can, perhaps, increase the weaning schedule.
You are so right. We are all in this together. It doesn't matter if one has 5 minutes of clean time or 5 years, we all need help and support.
Stay in touch! Day or night, there are people posting and reading, so you'll never be alone - figuratively.
Ben
Cutting down, day-by-day, is an excellent choice. This allows you some control over your symptoms and, if they become too bad, you can slow the weaning. If you are handling the withdrawal well, you can, perhaps, increase the weaning schedule.
You are so right. We are all in this together. It doesn't matter if one has 5 minutes of clean time or 5 years, we all need help and support.
Stay in touch! Day or night, there are people posting and reading, so you'll never be alone - figuratively.
Ben
Dear Betsy,
Great support that you gave to Josh. How are you doing? I hope your weekend went well, and that you had a wonderful Halloween!
My thoughts and prayers are with you, Betsy.
Ben
Great support that you gave to Josh. How are you doing? I hope your weekend went well, and that you had a wonderful Halloween!
My thoughts and prayers are with you, Betsy.
Ben
Hi Everyone,
I have will power and have not done anything since 4:00 pm and the anxiety is slowly setting in I have done 4 today and will do no more instead I think I will go to bed and see what the morning brings. Thanks to all have a great night. I will see you all tomorrow.
Thanks
Josh
I have will power and have not done anything since 4:00 pm and the anxiety is slowly setting in I have done 4 today and will do no more instead I think I will go to bed and see what the morning brings. Thanks to all have a great night. I will see you all tomorrow.
Thanks
Josh
Bender..you're are so amazing. You are starting to sound like another amazing person I know, August. You put things into terms that people can wrap their brain around.
We're so lucky to have you here.
Josh..pay attention, darlin...the people that have answered your post have given you excellent information.. you're going to get through this, jsut remember to be kind to yourself.
Cowgirl
We're so lucky to have you here.
Josh..pay attention, darlin...the people that have answered your post have given you excellent information.. you're going to get through this, jsut remember to be kind to yourself.
Cowgirl
Dear Cowgirl,
Thank you so much. Being included with names such as: Bob, Rus, Jackie, and August, especially, means the world to me. Certainly not in an egotistical way, though. August has an wonderful ability, as you said, to put words into a meaningful, supportive manner that everyone can understand and relate to. And, of course, there is another person that I show great deference to, for all of her learned abilities and tremendous wisdom. That person is Cowgirl. If you chat with her, tell her what I think - LOL.
Certainly the people above are not the only persons that offer great support and hope to others in need. There are so many, I couldn't name them all; however, you all know who you are.
Knowing that I can help people, and that people can help me, means the world to me. I've learned so much in my fourth month here, support and words-of-wisdom that will stay with me forever.
I have class at 10am, so I'm going to head off to bed. Thanks, Cowgirl - for everything. As always, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ben
Thank you so much. Being included with names such as: Bob, Rus, Jackie, and August, especially, means the world to me. Certainly not in an egotistical way, though. August has an wonderful ability, as you said, to put words into a meaningful, supportive manner that everyone can understand and relate to. And, of course, there is another person that I show great deference to, for all of her learned abilities and tremendous wisdom. That person is Cowgirl. If you chat with her, tell her what I think - LOL.
Certainly the people above are not the only persons that offer great support and hope to others in need. There are so many, I couldn't name them all; however, you all know who you are.
Knowing that I can help people, and that people can help me, means the world to me. I've learned so much in my fourth month here, support and words-of-wisdom that will stay with me forever.
I have class at 10am, so I'm going to head off to bed. Thanks, Cowgirl - for everything. As always, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ben
Well after getting great advice yesterday today is my start to get off these percs. I have split them in two and have only done 4 halves today and have been up since 4:30 am and it is 1:25 now. That is great for me I would have done more by now. Everytime I go to get one I think of you on this board and stop myself. So I hope if all goes like this I will be done in a week or two. I appreciate everyone helping with their replys after reading all the posts I feel kind of I don't know how I feel with the amount I do in a day I think it should be easier than what you all have been through. But I guess all are different.
Thanks for all your help
Later
Josh
Thanks for all your help
Later
Josh
Way to go Josh! You got awesome advice from Ben and others, and it sounds like you have a well-grounded plan. I've tapered successfully twice in the past, the difference for me is I needed someone to manage the pills for me as my mind was too weak when the urge to use came along.
Anyway, if you have the willpower that's great. If you have any reservations consider asking someone you trust to hold your pills for you. Take what you'll need for the period you'll be tapering, and flush the rest. Just a suggestion.
And finally, I've found NA/AA to be a Godsend with recovery this time around. I've failed before because I didn't have a plan for recovery after I got the pills out of my system.
But whatever way you do it Josh I commend you. We're all different, yet we all want the same thing - freedom from pills and a life well lived. Stay strong!
Jim
Anyway, if you have the willpower that's great. If you have any reservations consider asking someone you trust to hold your pills for you. Take what you'll need for the period you'll be tapering, and flush the rest. Just a suggestion.
And finally, I've found NA/AA to be a Godsend with recovery this time around. I've failed before because I didn't have a plan for recovery after I got the pills out of my system.
But whatever way you do it Josh I commend you. We're all different, yet we all want the same thing - freedom from pills and a life well lived. Stay strong!
Jim
Hey Josh, that's great that today is the start for you. You sound determined to follow through on the taper. Jim gave you some great advice on that. My own experience with tapering was that I could follow it for two weeks, then I had to just flush the rest of the pills and endure some flu-like symptoms and restless nights for 3-5 days. Keep up the great work!
Jim, you sound great and you sure are a great addition to this Board. I read on another thread that you're going through a down time right now, and yet you are reaching out to others here and offering encouragement without reservation. That, to me, is true character.....and recovery. M.
Jim, you sound great and you sure are a great addition to this Board. I read on another thread that you're going through a down time right now, and yet you are reaching out to others here and offering encouragement without reservation. That, to me, is true character.....and recovery. M.
Josh, you are in my mind and in my prayers..I know I don't know you, but I do know how you feel. I was there. Please remember that you can do it, and when you wake up free one morning, it will be way sweeter of a high than any pill can give you.
Hang in there...
just take it one minute at a time...
this side is much better....
kerry
Hang in there...
just take it one minute at a time...
this side is much better....
kerry
Dear Josh,
Jim, None, and Kerry have all offered you excellent words of support and hope. As Kerry said, "You can do it." And you can, you will.
You are on your way, Josh. Great job! My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ben
Jim, None, and Kerry have all offered you excellent words of support and hope. As Kerry said, "You can do it." And you can, you will.
You are on your way, Josh. Great job! My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ben
Josh,
Ben gave you the best information I have seen on here so far.
I personally would recommend the detox at home cold turkey throw them in the bin and just do it it only lasts a few days and when you come out of it you will feel so much better.
Rhonda
Ben gave you the best information I have seen on here so far.
I personally would recommend the detox at home cold turkey throw them in the bin and just do it it only lasts a few days and when you come out of it you will feel so much better.
Rhonda
Josh,
I also had a percocet addiction - only ALOT more. I was taking at least 20 10mg percs a day.
Ben gave you excellent info (way to go Ben). I wish you all the luck in the world. Take it one day (or minute) at a time. You will find alot of support on this board. Please keep posting. Take care.
Love,
Marie
I also had a percocet addiction - only ALOT more. I was taking at least 20 10mg percs a day.
Ben gave you excellent info (way to go Ben). I wish you all the luck in the world. Take it one day (or minute) at a time. You will find alot of support on this board. Please keep posting. Take care.
Love,
Marie
