What's your opinion about this detox recipe?

[BayAreaPhoenix]

Hi, I see my AH has gone to his Dr. and gotten the following recipe to help him detox (opiate addict - codeine, at least 30mg tabs, mostly as far as I know, but think there's been some vicodin in there too, but I don't really know). I am not seeing any "recovery" going yet, but wondering what you all think about this:
Clonidin .1 mg
Diazepam 10 mg
Darvon N-100's
Dicyclomine Ben (something, I can't read my writing)

He started this Xmas eve as far as I can tell. The Friday after Xmas was not fun, he was a huge mess, crying and crying, now he seems calmer. Not sure what to expect, I know I've heard good things about Suboxon (or something like that) but nothing about this it seems like.

Thanks

[Jane63]

Welcome to SR!
I used the "Clonodine" in rehab and also for a few weeks upon discharge...It worked really well for the restless legs that come with withdrawal symptoms.
I am assuming the "Diazepam" is for anxiety which can be a real "killer" when you are detoxing from anything! Not sure about the "Darvon" or the other med you posted...Is he in any pain? Maybe those are to help with that until he can find other options?

If I were you, I would either call your husbands DR and ask to speak to a nurse about his medications or go in during his next visit and listen in/ask questions.
I think it is very important for our spouses to have an understanding of what we're going through, what's to be expected, what meds are given and what effects they may have and also be given access to counciling if needed.
In our vows we say "In sickness and in health"...so having a heads up on what's going in is crucial in times like these! {IMO}

Jane

[DevastatedJP]

Ditto what Jane just said. Ask the professionals to explain it all to you so you know what's going on with him. My AH is also an opiate addict. His detox was terrible but he didn't have to go on suboxone (it's expensive) and he refused to be on methadone (it's cheap and highly addictive too).

Let us know what you find out. You'll get more hits on your thread so keep checking back (and welcome!!! )

[windysan]

that is a doctor question. we ain't allowed to give medical advice. good luck with it.

[exjunky]

Windysan is right, we are neither permitted nor qualified to give medical advice. But it's your right to know what all these exotic ingredients are in this chemical soup:

Originally Posted by codeinewife

Clonidin .1 mg

That's an anti-hypertension drug that can cause drowsiness. One of its indications is opiate detoxification.

Diazepam 10 mg

That's valium, it will relax him and cause him to sleep easier.

Darvon N-100's

Darvon is "dextropropxyphene" and is technically a kind of an opiate. Wikipedia tells me it is sometimes indicated for use in opiate withdrawal, because it's very weak compared to the opiates that are usually abused.

Dicyclomine (?)

Your handwriting has me stumped there, but there is a drug called Dicycloverine which is a muscle relaxer often used to remedy problems associated with the bowels.

[Lily]

Ditto about the medical advice but I do know that

Dicyclomine (Bentyl), is a drug used in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome.

Talk w/ a Doc.

blessings, Sheila

[Pete The Addict]

You should know every single one of those drugs is listed as 'habit forming' and I just dont know what kind of doctor would give darvocet to a narcotic addict, but then again im not a doctor and am only familiar with self medication. Is he going to a family doctor, or an addiction specialist? Truth is most family doctors dont know a lick about addiction, and can actually cause more harm than good. You have every right to be concerned about this 'recipe', and my suggestion to you is to talk to his doctor and find out what kind of a grasp he has on your husbands problem. If he seems clueless, find another doctor, a real one who has experience with addiction. Good luck.

[kelsh]

I am not a doctor either but know the meds in that combo are not good at the dosages you wrote. The dicyclamine is for Irritable bowel syndrome but is a pain med for the stomach/area...but not addictive.

These meds may be okay short term but I would guess they should really be used in a supervised situation....all very addictive.

I do have to admit that I was given ativan when I first quit drinking after I was detoxed in a hospital setting...but I have never abused drugs. I still take Xanax 0.5 mg on a prn basis up to two tabs a day and don't take any most days.

I am an alcoholic in recovery 19 years now and do have chronic depression & anxiety and have cut way back on my Xanax with permission & a plan with my PsycDoc.

It takes what it takes and every one of us is different. I wanted to be sober more than anything else in my life and I also wanted to help my depression & anxiety so I could feel better and have a life....much of which was wasted with depression and self-medication with alcohol.

I went to AA and followed the suggestions to get sober and stay sober and learn how to live a sober life and it worked.

kelsh

[BayAreaPhoenix]

Thanks to you all. I know you're not to give "medical opinions or advice" and I really wasn't looking for anything medical (technically anyway), it's just you all have more experience with this and I was interested in opinions.

[exjunky]

Originally Posted by Pete The Addict

Truth is most family doctors dont know a lick about addiction, and can actually cause more harm than good. ... If he seems clueless, find another doctor, a real one who has experience with addiction. Good luck.

You have a good point but I think at this point the best idea is to stick it out. Suppose a week goes by, he quits the codeine, he stops taking these comfort pills (let's hope!!) and then the problem is under control and there's no need to get a second opinion.

In fact, I don't think the specifics of the detox recipe are really that important; what's important is his willingness to quit. If he's willing, he'll make this recipe work. If he's not willing, there's no recipe on earth that will help.