hello everyone, hope all is well in your lives. Mine is just great (yeah right I wish) anyways my question is does weaning off of pills really help after taking them for over a year. I take about 8-10 percs a day and it's been that way for as long as I can remember. If I weaned off of them and didn't cheat would I still get the withdrawals after getting off of them completely. If so how many should I take and for how long. Please I do know the process of weaning I just want to make sure I"m right and that I won't suffer in the end because thats whats making it so much harder to become clean I hate the withdrawals and I don't have any desire to take them anymore. It got to the point where I don't even get a high from them. I just feel normal so to speak.
thanks guys
- stacy
Hi and welcome, yes you can taper off of them and it will help with the w/d I was taking perc and loratab and I tapered off of them I just started cutting down on them alittle a day, but you have to really want to. I was taking around 6 a day, and I started cutting down the first day I went to 5 and did this for a couple of days and then down to 4 for a couple a days and so on and so on, I finally got to 1/2 a day and when I quit I did not have hardly any physical w/d, I had the mental w/d, the cravings.. I am not sure if this will help. There are alot of people on here that can help you, just keep comming back.
Tapering down will definitely help you.... (the only drug I think that it doesn't work well with is methadone).
By tapering, you are lowering the dose that your body needs to function. It gets used to having a lower and lower dose in your system so that, when you quit taking them completely, your body has already adjusted to that lower dose and withdrawals will not be as hard.
I would recommend doing a slow withdrawal...... taking one less pill every week so that your body gets used to that amount. When it gets down to one pill a day, after that break it in half and take just 1/2 of the pill. Do that for a week. Then break that 1/2 into another half so that you're only taking 1/4. Doing this, you probably won't get sick at all.
Of course, this rarely happens.... most people are not good at tapering because they cannot stick to their taper schedule. They'll do things (like I've done in the past) like say to themselves "I'll take more today to get a buzz and I'll just take that many less tomorrow" or, when my husband would write my taper schedule and were down to 2 pills (and I knew I needed at least 3 1/2 to feel anything,) I would bug him and beg him and tell him about how bad my back hurt until he gave in....
THe one time I successfully tapered, I did it really fast. My friend had just died from liver failure and I wanted to quit. I was taking between 12-15 pills a day. On Wednesday, I took 6-8 pills total (and even substituted some of those with Darvocet because it's not as strong as what I was taking). On Thursday, I took about 5 or 6 pills. Friday and Saturday I was down to 3 or 4. Sunday I was down to 2 and Monday I was down to 1 pill (now, when I did this, I didn't take all 5 or 6 pills at a time or even the 2 or 3 pills all at once. I divided them and took the pills whenever I felt like I needed it, waiting as long as possible between doses.)
That Monday, I took 1/2 Vicodin when I got up and the 1/2 Vicodin in class at noon...... and right then I decided, "that's it". I evacuated a hurricane the next day and so I took 10 pills with me "just in case".... I was scared of going through withdrawals on the road, but made a promise to my husband to at least bring some back.... But the more hours I had clean and sober, the more I didn't want to screw that up by taking another one.... I stuck to it.
If you are a strong willed person and can stick to tapering, then this might be the best way to do it. You may still have some mild withdrawals (I had only slight diarrhea and then only once, no vomiting, my stomach wasn't cramping, I didn't feel like I wanted to die..... Now, my blood pressure was up; I had this tingling feeling on the top of my head and then felt like electrical jolts were going through my body. It felt very weird. I got panic attacks, restless legs, and night sweats, not to mention the cold that nothing takes away except a hot bath.... but when I compare it to what others went through, mine was a lot simple, because I tapered.
You can do this!
D
By tapering, you are lowering the dose that your body needs to function. It gets used to having a lower and lower dose in your system so that, when you quit taking them completely, your body has already adjusted to that lower dose and withdrawals will not be as hard.
I would recommend doing a slow withdrawal...... taking one less pill every week so that your body gets used to that amount. When it gets down to one pill a day, after that break it in half and take just 1/2 of the pill. Do that for a week. Then break that 1/2 into another half so that you're only taking 1/4. Doing this, you probably won't get sick at all.
Of course, this rarely happens.... most people are not good at tapering because they cannot stick to their taper schedule. They'll do things (like I've done in the past) like say to themselves "I'll take more today to get a buzz and I'll just take that many less tomorrow" or, when my husband would write my taper schedule and were down to 2 pills (and I knew I needed at least 3 1/2 to feel anything,) I would bug him and beg him and tell him about how bad my back hurt until he gave in....
THe one time I successfully tapered, I did it really fast. My friend had just died from liver failure and I wanted to quit. I was taking between 12-15 pills a day. On Wednesday, I took 6-8 pills total (and even substituted some of those with Darvocet because it's not as strong as what I was taking). On Thursday, I took about 5 or 6 pills. Friday and Saturday I was down to 3 or 4. Sunday I was down to 2 and Monday I was down to 1 pill (now, when I did this, I didn't take all 5 or 6 pills at a time or even the 2 or 3 pills all at once. I divided them and took the pills whenever I felt like I needed it, waiting as long as possible between doses.)
That Monday, I took 1/2 Vicodin when I got up and the 1/2 Vicodin in class at noon...... and right then I decided, "that's it". I evacuated a hurricane the next day and so I took 10 pills with me "just in case".... I was scared of going through withdrawals on the road, but made a promise to my husband to at least bring some back.... But the more hours I had clean and sober, the more I didn't want to screw that up by taking another one.... I stuck to it.
If you are a strong willed person and can stick to tapering, then this might be the best way to do it. You may still have some mild withdrawals (I had only slight diarrhea and then only once, no vomiting, my stomach wasn't cramping, I didn't feel like I wanted to die..... Now, my blood pressure was up; I had this tingling feeling on the top of my head and then felt like electrical jolts were going through my body. It felt very weird. I got panic attacks, restless legs, and night sweats, not to mention the cold that nothing takes away except a hot bath.... but when I compare it to what others went through, mine was a lot simple, because I tapered.
You can do this!
D
Stacy congrats on coming to the conclusion that you need to quit, im unable to assist you with your question but wanted to wish you luck anyway hun jackie xxxxxxx
Stacyn, just wanted to ditto what was said above. Tapering will surely help in the w/d. Good for you for wanting to do this! Good luck with it! Keep reading and posting, there are many here to help you with it!
How is your sister? Is she really upset with you and/or us?
Hi Stacy - I will offer my experience from the last time I tapered off pain pills. I was taking 10-12 10mg hydros a day. My psychiatrist had me do a "fast taper" and immediately cut that dose in half to 5 per day. I spent 2 days at 5, then 2 days at 4, etc. At 3 I jumped off and went ct due to the emotional strain. I just wanted to get it over with. It sucked, but after a couple of days I was starting to feel better. Also, we counted out the pills I'd need and flushed the rest. This may not be for you, just thought I'd toss it out to consider. Good luck to you! Jim
Thanks for your post . I had a very easy and successful taper off of 10 percs a day several years ago. My shrinks advise was to just drop one a day. This was to much for me so I dropped one every 2 days till I got to three, stayed on that for 3 days, two for three days and one for 3 days and stopped no problem and no discomfort. The main thing she suggested and I did was to Make sure I took at least one before bed as that is the longest period. When I got to 1 pill a day I took that before bed and incredibly I had no problem. I found it helpful also that I had her to " check in with" at the end of my taper. You might find and have a friend you can do this with ,I respected her a lot and I believe it helped in the respect that I knew I was going to go back to her after I stopped( Altho I dint have to and could of skipped out) but my intentions were sincere. so when the moments came that my mind screwed with me as far as taking more than I should on a given day I was able to let it go. I also was on pers and other things for well over a year and had tapered somehow to 10 percs a day . If you are already there and have the willingness to follow the plan I did ( not that I know everything and realize everyone is diferent and have done it different ways) I can vertually garentee you wont suffer at all. My best wishes to you , you can do it if your heart is in it , best wishes Ramon
I REALLY like reading these taper success stories. I am more determined than ever to switch from methadone to norco for a taper. Thanks for sharing these inspiring stories.
Thanks guys for your replys. For the ones that remember my post about my sister and I agrueing about the withdrawals and how fast they come. I emailed her everything and she still doesn't care she still feels how she feels. I don't really care about her at this time anyways were not getting along so........
Anyways I made a plan for myself and wrote it down so I dont' forget.
Starting Tom. Since today's almost over I take about 10 percs a day so this is my plan please reply so I know this sounds ok.
Sunday- afternoon 2 pills
7pm- 2 pills
Monday- 2 pills
7pm- 2 pills
tuesday- 1 1/2 pills
7pm- 1/12 pills
wednesday- 1 1/2 pills
7pm- 1 1/2 pills
thursday- 1 pill
7pm 1 pill
friday- 1 pill
7pm- 1 pill
Saturday- 11/2 for the day but I'll take it at night so I can sleep okay
Sunday- same thing
Monday- 1 pill at night
Tuesday- 1 Pill at night
Weds- 1/2 pill all day
Thursday- 1/2 pill all day
Friday- 1/2 Pill all Day
Sat- 1/2 pill all day
Then No pills. I will post everyday so I can write how I'm doing and get some support cause I know I"ll need it.
Please reply so I know this is the right step.
thanks guys take care my prayers are with you
- stacy
Anyways I made a plan for myself and wrote it down so I dont' forget.
Starting Tom. Since today's almost over I take about 10 percs a day so this is my plan please reply so I know this sounds ok.
Sunday- afternoon 2 pills
7pm- 2 pills
Monday- 2 pills
7pm- 2 pills
tuesday- 1 1/2 pills
7pm- 1/12 pills
wednesday- 1 1/2 pills
7pm- 1 1/2 pills
thursday- 1 pill
7pm 1 pill
friday- 1 pill
7pm- 1 pill
Saturday- 11/2 for the day but I'll take it at night so I can sleep okay
Sunday- same thing
Monday- 1 pill at night
Tuesday- 1 Pill at night
Weds- 1/2 pill all day
Thursday- 1/2 pill all day
Friday- 1/2 Pill all Day
Sat- 1/2 pill all day
Then No pills. I will post everyday so I can write how I'm doing and get some support cause I know I"ll need it.
Please reply so I know this is the right step.
thanks guys take care my prayers are with you
- stacy
i am just curious why are you going from 1 pill for 2 days on thurs and fr1 and then up to 1 1/2 for the weekend then back to 1. i am confused on that.
terrianne
terrianne
Stacy
Tapering worked for me but I needed help. See I couldn't have them around without abusing them. My wife held them and gave them to me. I did this over 2-3 weeks. I didn't have a percise scheduld like that but I went from 25 + to 2-3 a day. On the last day I took only 1. That was Friday so I could have the weekend to feel terrible. And i did. But it was so much better than 6 mos ago when I tried to stop ct while taking 25 + a day. That did not work at all. You have a plan. Stick to it and you will make it
Good luck
Your friend
Frank
Stacy, are you going from 10 percs a day to 4 the next day?
hi everyone thanks for the replys. Okay I looked back at my post a saw that I did screw up with the number of pills lol. I tried!!!!
I am going from 10 percs a day, I think I'll be okay with going right down to 4 because I don't get withdrawals as long as I take atleast 4 so I'd rather take the plunge down to 4 that way it's a quicker weaning process.
BUT I already messed up today I'm going to have either my boyfriend or parents hold them for me so the temptation isn't there. Although my boyfriend is an addict also so I'd rather stick with my parents, he'll end up taking them on me rather than holding them. So thats my new plan I want to stop so bad and it's either doing it this way or going to the emergency room and telling them about my problem so they can admit me to a detox center. I really dont' want to do that. It's consuming my whole entire life and I can't do anything during my day without having some pills. It's sad I never thought something so stupid could control my every move like this. My dad calls me a drug addict and I hate it cause I"m not. I think a drug addict is someone that does cocaine, herion or other things not takes pain killers. But whatever I know he's trying to help he loves me and wants me off of this s*** and I can't blame him.
thanks guys keep in touch I'll be praying for you all
- stacy
I am going from 10 percs a day, I think I'll be okay with going right down to 4 because I don't get withdrawals as long as I take atleast 4 so I'd rather take the plunge down to 4 that way it's a quicker weaning process.
BUT I already messed up today I'm going to have either my boyfriend or parents hold them for me so the temptation isn't there. Although my boyfriend is an addict also so I'd rather stick with my parents, he'll end up taking them on me rather than holding them. So thats my new plan I want to stop so bad and it's either doing it this way or going to the emergency room and telling them about my problem so they can admit me to a detox center. I really dont' want to do that. It's consuming my whole entire life and I can't do anything during my day without having some pills. It's sad I never thought something so stupid could control my every move like this. My dad calls me a drug addict and I hate it cause I"m not. I think a drug addict is someone that does cocaine, herion or other things not takes pain killers. But whatever I know he's trying to help he loves me and wants me off of this s*** and I can't blame him.
thanks guys keep in touch I'll be praying for you all
- stacy
Stacy,
I wish you all the best but you are a drug addict. Anyway you want to look at it you are. Admitting your an addcit is probably one of the first steps. Your taper plan sounds a little odd but whatever works for you. Giving them to your parents sounds like a great plan. If you are used to taking 10 a day. I would go to 9 then a few days later try 8 and so on. If going from 10 to 4 a day doesn't through you into severe withdrawls than good. Go from 4 for a few days then 3 1/2, then 3 and so on. Trying to go down at least 5 mgs every few days or a week should help a great deal. Best of luck to you.... Rae
I wish you all the best but you are a drug addict. Anyway you want to look at it you are. Admitting your an addcit is probably one of the first steps. Your taper plan sounds a little odd but whatever works for you. Giving them to your parents sounds like a great plan. If you are used to taking 10 a day. I would go to 9 then a few days later try 8 and so on. If going from 10 to 4 a day doesn't through you into severe withdrawls than good. Go from 4 for a few days then 3 1/2, then 3 and so on. Trying to go down at least 5 mgs every few days or a week should help a great deal. Best of luck to you.... Rae
Stacy
Give them to your parents. If your bf has a problem giving them to him is not an option. I also thought I am not a drug addict. After all I was just doing what my Dr said to do. I didn't do H or C either so how can i be an addict ? That was many years ago and when I realized I would do ANYTHING to get more pills I realized that yes I am a drug addict. I'm sure your parents love you very much and they will do whatever they can to help.
Frank
I have a question...Can someone tell me how one would wean themself off of the new Buprenex pills (suboxone) ....
I have never been on suboxone but wanted to ask you something.How long have you been on it? Are you under a doctor's supervision? Your doctor would be the first one to help you. If you are getting them elsewhere someone would need to know how long and how much you've been taking in order to help you! Good luck, Rae
76
I can't help you. I don't know anything about it but someone will be along shortly to help. Welcome. Thats the great thing about this place. there is always someone that can help you.
Frank
HELLO EVERYONE, I AM VERY NEW HERE AND I HAVE A QUESTION FOR TAPERING OFF LORTABS AND SOMAS. I WAS TOLD BT A DOCTOR THAT TAPERING OFF PAIN PILLS MAY CAUSE HEART ATTACKS, BRAIN SEIZURES AND WORSE. IT MUST BE DONE SLOWLY, VERY CONSISTANTLY, TAKING A ENTIRE WEEK FOR A DROP IN DOSAGE, THEN THE NEXT WEEK DROP AGAIN VERY SLOWLY. THIS IS NEEDED TO TRICK THE BRAIN INTO REALIZING IT WILL NO LONGER BE FED THESE DANGEROUS PILLS. I AM ABOUT TO TAKE ON THIS CHALLANGE MYSELF. I AM SO SCARED. BECAUSE THE FIRST TIME I CUT MY DOSAGE, IT WILL BE LIKE NOT EVEN TAKING THE PILLS . HAS ANYONE REALLY HAD SUCCESS? DIANE
STACYN, I READ HOW YOU PLAN TO DECREASE YOUR DOSAGE AND PLEASE READ MY ABOVE REMARK ON THE SAFETY OF TAPERING OFF THE PAIN PILLS. A DOCTOR TOLD ME EVEN YOUNG HEALTHY KIDS CAN HAVE A CARDIAC EVENT BY TAPERING OFF TO FAST. THAT IS WHY THESE BIG DETOX COMPANIES EXIST AND COST ALOT OF MONEY. MOST ADDICTS(AND YES AS HARD AS IT IS TO CALL OURSELVES THIS WORD) CANNOT CUT THE DOSAGE FOR A WEEK, THEN CUT IT AGAIN FOR A WEEK THEN CUT AGAIN FOR A WEEK. YOU SEE, THIS TAKES ABOUT 6 WEEKS AND THE MIRACLE OF JESUS TO SEE US THROUGH. THIS IS THE PLAN OF SATAN AND IF WE ALL BOND TOGETHER,BE STRONGER THAN YOU EVER HAVE BEEN IN YOUR ENTIRE LIFE AND DO IT......TAPER SLOWLY,DO NOT CHEAT EVEN ONE TIME, IT WILL WORK AGAINST YOU. SAVE YOURSELF NOW OR BUY SOME LIFE INSURANCE TO PAY FOR THE FUNERAL. GOD BE WITH US ALL........DIANE
