Withdrawals

[karlee]

I am addicted to opiates. I usually take methadone, but will take other opiates. I also take valium(spelling) and abused other prescription medications prescribed to me. I am really trying hard to cut down and hopefully quit. I do deal with severe chronic pain. So, I am not sure if that will be totally possible. I also have Elipsey(seizures) . I am attending a attentions program through my church. They advice me to slowly cut back on the opiates because quiting the opiates all at once would be dangerous. I guess the same could be true with the alcohol. My family doctor knows about my opiate addiction and alcoholism. He said that my church couselor was correct in telling me to slowly cut back. I was used to taking probably 30+ pills a day. It could of even been 50 pills some days.I have finally cut down to no more than 5 pills daily. Yesterday, I went all day without having any opiates. In the evening I started having minor seizures.So, I took 2 Loritabs. Shortly after I took the Loritabs the seizures went away. Is seizures a possible withdrawal from opiates? I tried to get into see my family doctor today. However, I owe them $25. I had to have the $25 and the co-pay to see my doctor today. I have an appoinment with my neurlogist on Thursday 11 Mountain Time..

[Ten Chips Down]

Hi Karlee...

Mmm. I ain't touching this. Since you have epilepsy, well that changes things (and I'd advise others to be cautious before addressing that as well).

If you wanna get clean and do it safely, it really seems to me that medical attention and supervision is the only way to go.

Being broke can't keep you from good basic medical care in this country, and others will be along I'm sure with suggestions about where else to look and how to start.

Ten

[karlee]

can withdrawaling from opiates cause seizures? If not, then perhaps my elipsey medication is not working....I did say my family doctor knows about my addictions and my elipsey. I tried to get to see my doctor today. The receptionist was very clear. I had to pay the $25 I owe plus a $30 copay. I only had $20 of which my mom loaned me. It really is getting harder and harder to get medical help unless you have the money. I really do know about this because I have a son that is autistic and has speical health needs and my other 3 kids have health problems like asthma etc...Plus, my parents have fragile health with lots of health problems..I have also dealt with family and friends with cancer and oher health issues..You will be amazed how people are turned away because they don't have their copay. My youngest son at age 3 had a severe alergic reaction to his seizure medication and he was almost turn away. However, his doctor intervene and told the
receptionist that he would pay the copay if need be..

[Phinneas]

Yes, yes, yes it is possible to have seizures with opiate withdrawal! Please contact your Dr. right away or go to the ER if it happens again or you feel seriously unwell. I am glad you have an appointment this week, but please call or go early if you can. This is nothing to mess around with.

My best advice is to medically detox because the whole detox process can be dangerous and your epilepsy only complicates it. The second reason I recommend a medically supervised detox is that, as an addict, I could never, ever, not once titer myself down off of pills. I may do well for one or three days, but inevitably my addict starts screaming in my head and I end up taking more and more. I don't know if you have the same pattern, but if you do, I hope you will consider complete abstinence with a strong recovery program.

Wishing you the best, Karlee. You CAN do this. Hang in there and keep posting, ok?

[Ten Chips Down]

I understood you, Karlee.

It is impossible for us to address you here and determine if coming off your opiates is causing what you feel are seizures, or if it is your native epilepsy. This is why I advised the group to tread with care. We cannot make such differential assessments on a discussion board.

The option for inpatient treatment is available to anybody regardless of ability to pay.

Emergency treatment, whether for your son or you or your parents, cannot be legally withheld. The subject of financing and/or copay is never discussed as a first requirement in an emergency. I am of course, speaking of the ER here.



I think overall, you're guessing at too much in the way of safety. With your pre-existing conditions, a medical detox is the way to go.

Ok? Keep us informed. Keep posting.

Ten

[racegirl2448]

I had a hard time titering down.... I was up to 200-260mgs a day of Oxycontin and now I am at my perscribed dose of no more than 120-150mgs a day. These doses include any breakthrough pain pills I may need. Good Luck though it seems as if you are on your way to being pain pill free.I would still be caucious and do this under Dr's watchful eye due to your epoliepsy condition. Yet again...another post that is just my personal opinion.