Day 2 taper off vicoden
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: san antonio texas
Posts: 78
Day 2 taper off vicoden
Hi all - Day 2 for a week long taper from 8 vicoden per day.
I'm gonna throw out my experience for the benefit of others quitting or advice for me this time around. This is my 3rd time trying to quit. The first time was cold turkey- you know, that strong will that says "that's it, I'm done with this!!- great idea but poor planning often leads to failure. It did for me. The second time trying to quit I did a taper with my doctor. Much better than cold turkey but I didn't put quitting as my #1 priority- that is, I tried to go to work, etc.
I hope I have a good combination this time. I have 3 weeks off from work with no responsibilities, Everything I need at the house (food, lots of fluids, muscle rub cream, electric blanket, etc.), a scheduled taper with doc., a support system, and a willingness to quit.
In addition, I think I have a better awareness of how powerful addiction is. The addict inside is a very powerful force and requires constant monitoring - denial works in mysterious ways. The biggest reason I failed the first 2 times was that I left myself a rescue rope- a supply if things got too much. That is addict behavior!!! I've cut the rope this time-no rescue.
Suffering with purpose and intention for a better tomorrow.
I'm gonna throw out my experience for the benefit of others quitting or advice for me this time around. This is my 3rd time trying to quit. The first time was cold turkey- you know, that strong will that says "that's it, I'm done with this!!- great idea but poor planning often leads to failure. It did for me. The second time trying to quit I did a taper with my doctor. Much better than cold turkey but I didn't put quitting as my #1 priority- that is, I tried to go to work, etc.
I hope I have a good combination this time. I have 3 weeks off from work with no responsibilities, Everything I need at the house (food, lots of fluids, muscle rub cream, electric blanket, etc.), a scheduled taper with doc., a support system, and a willingness to quit.
In addition, I think I have a better awareness of how powerful addiction is. The addict inside is a very powerful force and requires constant monitoring - denial works in mysterious ways. The biggest reason I failed the first 2 times was that I left myself a rescue rope- a supply if things got too much. That is addict behavior!!! I've cut the rope this time-no rescue.
Suffering with purpose and intention for a better tomorrow.
Member
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: middle earth
Posts: 1,002
Hi Free
I too am just starting to taper off an opiate addiction.
Equivalent to about 12 vic per day...............
You are starting at 8 per day? What's your taper plan?
Not decided on mine.......... have been told to reduce by 10% per week - but that is too long.................. I need to do something faster - but NOT c/t!!
Good luck!
I too am just starting to taper off an opiate addiction.
Equivalent to about 12 vic per day...............
You are starting at 8 per day? What's your taper plan?
Not decided on mine.......... have been told to reduce by 10% per week - but that is too long.................. I need to do something faster - but NOT c/t!!
Good luck!
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: san antonio texas
Posts: 78
Hi woops,
Actually, I was up to 10 per day last week.- I cut down to 8 for the last week. It's hard to say what the best taper is - for me, I want to get through this in 2 weeks without going nuts. I personally dont think I could do the long taper- I just don't have the will power for a long term schedule. It probably is the best way in terms of the withdrawals but it is also a longer period for your mind/addict side to lead you in another direction. Anyway- getting off sucks and won't feel good no matter what.
My doc.'s schedule is decrease every 2 days by 1. so, if your taking 12 then take 11 for 2 days, 10 for 2 days etc. Put pills aside for the day and work out the times you will take them- Take pills at regular intervals!!
My schedule is a little different but is as follows- from 8 to 6 yesterday, then starting today I will be on 4 for 3 days (12, 3, 6,and 9), from there it will be 3 for 2 days (1,5,9) and then 2 for 3 days (3,9). This is one week total- a hard week but one that i can manage. I'll have a couple bad days after I'm off totally but not bad. My body will have a very low level by then. I will probably need something for anxiety and sleeping along the way.
I hope this is helpful for you and I hope you can beat your demons and overcome this. - Being on this stuff is like being King Theoden in the Lord of the Rings under the spell of worm tongue
Actually, I was up to 10 per day last week.- I cut down to 8 for the last week. It's hard to say what the best taper is - for me, I want to get through this in 2 weeks without going nuts. I personally dont think I could do the long taper- I just don't have the will power for a long term schedule. It probably is the best way in terms of the withdrawals but it is also a longer period for your mind/addict side to lead you in another direction. Anyway- getting off sucks and won't feel good no matter what.
My doc.'s schedule is decrease every 2 days by 1. so, if your taking 12 then take 11 for 2 days, 10 for 2 days etc. Put pills aside for the day and work out the times you will take them- Take pills at regular intervals!!
My schedule is a little different but is as follows- from 8 to 6 yesterday, then starting today I will be on 4 for 3 days (12, 3, 6,and 9), from there it will be 3 for 2 days (1,5,9) and then 2 for 3 days (3,9). This is one week total- a hard week but one that i can manage. I'll have a couple bad days after I'm off totally but not bad. My body will have a very low level by then. I will probably need something for anxiety and sleeping along the way.
I hope this is helpful for you and I hope you can beat your demons and overcome this. - Being on this stuff is like being King Theoden in the Lord of the Rings under the spell of worm tongue
Member
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: cyberspace
Posts: 83
That is a great plan and taper schedule. Especially when you have 3 weeks off- I only wish I had a week off but can't.
Totally doable and you can do this- fight the depression and anxiety by EXERCISE. I know , I know, its redundant, but very necessary in getting yourself stablized.
Good luck.
Totally doable and you can do this- fight the depression and anxiety by EXERCISE. I know , I know, its redundant, but very necessary in getting yourself stablized.
Good luck.
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: san antonio texas
Posts: 78
Having time is important. Are you planning a taper agent?
Thanks for the advice on exercise- you are right- i think it is a good way to fight the depression and anxiety- just not easy to get motivated to do it. It has to be done though-so i'll write it in my plan/schedule
take care
Thanks for the advice on exercise- you are right- i think it is a good way to fight the depression and anxiety- just not easy to get motivated to do it. It has to be done though-so i'll write it in my plan/schedule
take care
Member
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: middle earth
Posts: 1,002
Hey free2see
Nice to hear from you and about your taper. Sounds a great plan.........I simply cannot take a long slow taper - I just know I cant - not the will power. Your plan sound A OK. I will attempt to do much the same..............
So - we travel like Frodo and Sam to the gates of Mount Doom? Avoiding the eye of Sauran........................and hopefully those orcs of Mordor will not cause us to waiver..........?? LOLOL
Woops
Nice to hear from you and about your taper. Sounds a great plan.........I simply cannot take a long slow taper - I just know I cant - not the will power. Your plan sound A OK. I will attempt to do much the same..............
So - we travel like Frodo and Sam to the gates of Mount Doom? Avoiding the eye of Sauran........................and hopefully those orcs of Mordor will not cause us to waiver..........?? LOLOL
Woops
Member
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 79
I'm on day 10 after a daily habit of 8 10/325 hydros per day. Mine is a 4 year on/off habit and in the past, I never got beyond 4 per day and never for more than 3 months or so. It was easy then to taper off. Tapering from 8 takes nerves of steel, but it really can be done, though I didn't do it the last time and, to be perfectly honest, I'm glad I didn't.
Going through the accute withdrawls is what made me really, truly understand that I can never put myself through that pain/suffering again. By tapering off in the past, I'd go through a couple uncomfortable days, then a day or two being bummed out/depressed, then things would get back to normal fairly quick. And I'd say to myself, "Hell, if that's all there is to kick this stuff, I can take it again." Going cold turkey from 8 per day is very different. I feel great now - and have had absolutely NO craving for another pill.
Anyway, my advice for anyone tapering off is to wrap the day's supply of pills up in aluminum foil or something and put them somewhere that's hard to get to. Take one pill out at a time. When you want another, try to drag it out as long as you can before heading off to the place you stashed your pills (I would keep them in the car if I was at work and the garage was a 5 minute walk). Sometimes once I got the pill from my car, I'd make myself walk back with it in my pocket, then see just how long I could go with it in my pocket. Doing that every day for a week or so would get me off of them with very few real problems.
Good luck to everyone going through this! You CAN do it!!
Going through the accute withdrawls is what made me really, truly understand that I can never put myself through that pain/suffering again. By tapering off in the past, I'd go through a couple uncomfortable days, then a day or two being bummed out/depressed, then things would get back to normal fairly quick. And I'd say to myself, "Hell, if that's all there is to kick this stuff, I can take it again." Going cold turkey from 8 per day is very different. I feel great now - and have had absolutely NO craving for another pill.
Anyway, my advice for anyone tapering off is to wrap the day's supply of pills up in aluminum foil or something and put them somewhere that's hard to get to. Take one pill out at a time. When you want another, try to drag it out as long as you can before heading off to the place you stashed your pills (I would keep them in the car if I was at work and the garage was a 5 minute walk). Sometimes once I got the pill from my car, I'd make myself walk back with it in my pocket, then see just how long I could go with it in my pocket. Doing that every day for a week or so would get me off of them with very few real problems.
Good luck to everyone going through this! You CAN do it!!
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: san antonio texas
Posts: 78
Good woops. I hope my combination works for you. and for me! Anyway, we can travel together down this rocky road. Actually, I often think of the lord of the rings as a good an analogy to quitting. The ring is the drug-the burden, the heavy weight that we carry. Suaron (the eye) the addict, the temptation. and yes, we, feeling so small and hobbit-like must suffer through a place like mordor, climb up to our mountain of doom and rid ourselves of the weight we carry-all the while thinking of the journey home, the light out of darkness and despair.
illbeback-congrat's on day 10. I think for some people the cold turkey route can work- If you can get through it it is a very powerful reminder for the future. For me though, it was too much.
I'm on day 3 of total taper, and day 2 of 4 per day down from 8. I don't feel good when I take my dose but it gives me a couple hours of relief from the WD symptoms. That helps alot-to be able to look forward to an hour or two of relief every 5 hours or so. It will get more difficult but by wed. (last dose day) I'm hoping that the amount of vicoden in my system will be low enough that the WD there after won't be that bad. We'll see- Anyway, I'm done with this s**t. I called my source of med's yesterday and cut the cord-so, no rescue, no life line for the addict.
Thanks all for your support
illbeback-congrat's on day 10. I think for some people the cold turkey route can work- If you can get through it it is a very powerful reminder for the future. For me though, it was too much.
I'm on day 3 of total taper, and day 2 of 4 per day down from 8. I don't feel good when I take my dose but it gives me a couple hours of relief from the WD symptoms. That helps alot-to be able to look forward to an hour or two of relief every 5 hours or so. It will get more difficult but by wed. (last dose day) I'm hoping that the amount of vicoden in my system will be low enough that the WD there after won't be that bad. We'll see- Anyway, I'm done with this s**t. I called my source of med's yesterday and cut the cord-so, no rescue, no life line for the addict.
Thanks all for your support
Member
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: middle earth
Posts: 1,002
Hi guys
Nice to hear from y'all ........... especial thanks to illbeback for such encouragement - and congrats on day 10!!!! Hopefully in a couple of weeks - I'll be able to say the same. So - you went c/t?? That takes some ......... Did you find anything to help with the withdrawals?
Free2see - day 2 - and how ya feeling? Well - I guess I am on day 2 of my taper. Started off at 10 per day (an instant drop of 2) - so I am feeling OK just now - a bit tired and sniffy - but nothing else.
My p lan? Dont think I will be too definite about it........... I aim to reduce by say 1 pill every 3/4 days - I'll adjust it as I go - see what I can take without risking caving. Would like to go faster - but dont want to risk collapse. If I see Shelob along the way - then I will know to slow down and let the symptoms settle! LOL
Good luck to us all!!
Woops
Nice to hear from y'all ........... especial thanks to illbeback for such encouragement - and congrats on day 10!!!! Hopefully in a couple of weeks - I'll be able to say the same. So - you went c/t?? That takes some ......... Did you find anything to help with the withdrawals?
Free2see - day 2 - and how ya feeling? Well - I guess I am on day 2 of my taper. Started off at 10 per day (an instant drop of 2) - so I am feeling OK just now - a bit tired and sniffy - but nothing else.
My p lan? Dont think I will be too definite about it........... I aim to reduce by say 1 pill every 3/4 days - I'll adjust it as I go - see what I can take without risking caving. Would like to go faster - but dont want to risk collapse. If I see Shelob along the way - then I will know to slow down and let the symptoms settle! LOL
Good luck to us all!!
Woops
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: san antonio texas
Posts: 78
Good luck to you woops!! glad to here your on your way. Not moving forward leaves you the same place. I felt like crap all morning and took my dose at 12. I feel much better. I think there is a "best way" to do this but it may be different for everyone. If you can stick with your taper you won't have much physical WD symptoms but it will take a while longer.- I personally don't trust myself to make it over a long period of time. Also for me, I need to, like illbeback, make this an experience that is somewhat "memorably painful". I hope your plan works but I would suggest that whatever you do that you have a plan and a schedule. I've tried without one and it was very easy to give up when it got hard. That's my experience anyway. Shelob is quite scary but perhaps an offensive vs. a defensive stance might be more effective in beating her. LOL 
Anyway keep posting as will I.
illbeback-Yes, I have divided my daily doses into bags to help with temptation and it works for me. Thanks!!
Anyway keep posting as will I.
illbeback-Yes, I have divided my daily doses into bags to help with temptation and it works for me. Thanks!!
Member
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: middle earth
Posts: 1,002
Well - I take your point about getting on a schedule - but I simply have no idea as to how I will feel as I go along - and I want this to be successful - so will try an listen to my body as I go along. Its the best I think I can do - for me. If I can reduce every 3 or 4 days - then I will reach my goal in a time acceptable to me (I hope!!!!!!)
This morning - felt rugged - but I have dropped the equivalent of 2 vics in the last few days - and maybe that is way too much? But - I will tough this out - until I find the withdrawals easing...............then taper again - by 1 pill.
For me - the worst is the muscle/bone ache - I HATE it - can put up with the fatigue/sweats/insomnia.............but I hate those fluey aches. Hot baths are heaven sent!!
So - how ya doin today free2? Did a big drop of 2 on Thurs? That is some drop? But you are sticking at it tomorrow and then reducing again? By 1?
You aiming to be at 1 by the end of next week - and then just jumping?
Would like to hear how you are - and just hope that you are managing to keep focused and keep going forward............
woops
This morning - felt rugged - but I have dropped the equivalent of 2 vics in the last few days - and maybe that is way too much? But - I will tough this out - until I find the withdrawals easing...............then taper again - by 1 pill.
For me - the worst is the muscle/bone ache - I HATE it - can put up with the fatigue/sweats/insomnia.............but I hate those fluey aches. Hot baths are heaven sent!!
So - how ya doin today free2? Did a big drop of 2 on Thurs? That is some drop? But you are sticking at it tomorrow and then reducing again? By 1?
You aiming to be at 1 by the end of next week - and then just jumping?
Would like to hear how you are - and just hope that you are managing to keep focused and keep going forward............
woops
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: san antonio texas
Posts: 78
Woops- yes, the schedule was only a suggestion- I think quitting is very individualized in terms of success. Sounds like you have a plan that is working and that's good.
I talked to my pain doc. He was supportive and suggested a slow taper of -1 every week. I started taking pills for my back but when my back got better, i kept taking them. I think his plan is the least uncomfortable way to go but i'm not just getting off a phyically addictive pill, i'm dealing with an addiction. My behavioral history surrounding this drug doesnt gel well with 6-8 weeks of weening.
So, I'm keeping with my schedule. I'm taking 4 per day. I cut my intake in half within 48 hours. It has been rough these last few days. I have felt a the flu symptoms but nothing like a cold turkey experience-sweats, insomnia, severe bone pain. Today is much better than the first day stepping down. The worst is the morning when i wake up. 4 seems to be a managable number and i think my body is adjusting. tomorrow is 3 for 2 days then 2 for 2 days then I'm jumping off. I'm skipping the one per day. Thursday will be day 1 without any and I hope to feel better by monday.
The good news- I woke this morning with a clear head- no fog!!! what a great feeling.
This is sooo worth the pain. Keep going woops as will I
I talked to my pain doc. He was supportive and suggested a slow taper of -1 every week. I started taking pills for my back but when my back got better, i kept taking them. I think his plan is the least uncomfortable way to go but i'm not just getting off a phyically addictive pill, i'm dealing with an addiction. My behavioral history surrounding this drug doesnt gel well with 6-8 weeks of weening.
So, I'm keeping with my schedule. I'm taking 4 per day. I cut my intake in half within 48 hours. It has been rough these last few days. I have felt a the flu symptoms but nothing like a cold turkey experience-sweats, insomnia, severe bone pain. Today is much better than the first day stepping down. The worst is the morning when i wake up. 4 seems to be a managable number and i think my body is adjusting. tomorrow is 3 for 2 days then 2 for 2 days then I'm jumping off. I'm skipping the one per day. Thursday will be day 1 without any and I hope to feel better by monday.
The good news- I woke this morning with a clear head- no fog!!! what a great feeling.
This is sooo worth the pain. Keep going woops as will I
Member
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: USA
Posts: 14
Hello free2see, I'm very glad to read your posts. They are actually giving me hope! I'm on suboxone now for 2 years at a high level, and before that i was taking about 20-30 vics a day, plus oxcicotin, and methadone. Being on the sub is alot better than all those other things but it is a opiate, and i'm trying to taper down and i dont have the self power, I 'm scared to get off these pills and i dont have any support my family dosent even know im on these. Well keep us informed on how you are! your an inspiration to me and everyone else! Thanks
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: san antonio texas
Posts: 78
i dont have the self power, I 'm scared to get off these pills
Fear makes the wolf bigger than he is."
---- German Proverb
"What we fear comes to pass more speedily than what we hope."
---- Publilius Syrus - Moral Sayings (1st C B.C.)
Sheat-It sounds to me that you have come along way from where you began. That is inspiring enough for me. Though you may not be where you want to be, you are in such a better place than where you were. Wow. I'm sure you can go all the way when you are ready!! Take care
Turkish proverb:
Things never go so well that one should have no fear, and never so ill that one should have no hope.
Fear makes the wolf bigger than he is."
---- German Proverb
"What we fear comes to pass more speedily than what we hope."
---- Publilius Syrus - Moral Sayings (1st C B.C.)
Sheat-It sounds to me that you have come along way from where you began. That is inspiring enough for me. Though you may not be where you want to be, you are in such a better place than where you were. Wow. I'm sure you can go all the way when you are ready!! Take care
Turkish proverb:
Things never go so well that one should have no fear, and never so ill that one should have no hope.
Member
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 79
This is a great thread for me. Lots of encouragement and it sounds like everyone here's on the right track. For the record, my cold turkey was totally unplanned and unwanted. I'd been getting my pills online and had everything set up perfect for my refill...then BAM! something happened at the pharmacy and I find out the day my refill is supposed to arrive that it may be a couple days. OK, I can handle a couple days being uncomfortable...I've done it before. Then 2 days delay became 4 days...then it was the weekend! Holy s**t, when I realized that my pills weren't coming until the following week, I really lost it. But, by Saturday, I made peace with the fact that I had a problem and that I never wanted to put myself through that again. It's been totally liberating. Honestly, if I realized that my refill would be delayed that long, I would have gone to a local doctor to get more pills (or perhaps to get something to help with the detox), but I thought every day that the refill would come. Sigh. Best thing that ever happened to me and all due to some fluke in the system.
Member
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: middle earth
Posts: 1,002
serendipity, illbeback!
someone's lookin out for ya!
what a break.
ok - so that bit's over - now - got anything in place to help you keep sober?
free - well - today has been a bit better for me - so I'll drop another tomorrow..................... you have approached all this in a very sane manner - you have obviously weighed all in the balance and decided to get off asap - but not c/t. I dont have specialist medical help - in fact - any medical help at all - just know I have to be off.................. well - I guess you will know what i mean? You are soooooooo right about the addiction thing................ now how on earth does an addict deal with sloooooow withdrawal?
hope you're doing well - lookin forward to hearing.........
nice to see you, sheat.......
woops
someone's lookin out for ya!
what a break.
ok - so that bit's over - now - got anything in place to help you keep sober?
free - well - today has been a bit better for me - so I'll drop another tomorrow..................... you have approached all this in a very sane manner - you have obviously weighed all in the balance and decided to get off asap - but not c/t. I dont have specialist medical help - in fact - any medical help at all - just know I have to be off.................. well - I guess you will know what i mean? You are soooooooo right about the addiction thing................ now how on earth does an addict deal with sloooooow withdrawal?
hope you're doing well - lookin forward to hearing.........
nice to see you, sheat.......
woops
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: san antonio texas
Posts: 78
illbeback- goes to show you how much the mind is at play here when it comes to addiction. Great that you are 10 days clean and feeling good. Congrat's on a strange twist of events!!
woops- Yeah, The addict is most of the battle!! I think you better your chances when you have a plan, support, and are honest with yourself. My plan is mostly based on what I learned by failing. Glad your going down one tomorrow and feeling good about it!! Fast or slow at this- they are both hard as hell. The important thing is success.
I'll keep on chuggin - down to 3 tomorrow
woops- Yeah, The addict is most of the battle!! I think you better your chances when you have a plan, support, and are honest with yourself. My plan is mostly based on what I learned by failing. Glad your going down one tomorrow and feeling good about it!! Fast or slow at this- they are both hard as hell. The important thing is success.
I'll keep on chuggin - down to 3 tomorrow
Currently Active Users Viewing this Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
