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How do I start my withdrawl from Dihydrocodiene ?

Posted , 6 users are following.

Cassandra1990
Cassandra1990

I'm 24 yrs old and for about 2 years I've had problems taking pain killers it initially started with me taking my Granddads pain medication Co-codamol 30/500, I then discovered that tramadol was a pain med and started to take these instead of the cocodamol, I started work as a health care assistant and was prescribed Dihydrocodiene 30mg which I gradually increased myself, I went to my G.P. And told her I was dependant on Dihydrocodiene and she prescribed me 120mg of Dihydrocodiene and amytripiline.

I have now found myself taking 5-6 Dihydrocodiene in the evening in the space of 4 hours. I have 2 children and would really love another 1 but my periods have stopped I don't know the reason for this but feel it could be down to the painkillers I take. I'm wanting to withdraw myself off them how long would it take if I go cold turkey or is it better to gradually reduce my intake ?

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • pootle71
    pootle71 Cassandra1990

    Posted

    Hi there , So glad you've decided to get help. I was addicted to Dihydrocodeine, tramadol and benzo's for approx 15 years but have now been drug free for just over 2 years.At my peak I was on approx 40/50 x 30 mg Dihydrocodeine a day and supplimenting it with Heroin.It takes a while to build up that tolerance level but if you continue to use you will find yourself in the same position. I didn't have periods for approx 12 years and have only started again in the l8 months !.            I ended up going cold turkey having cut down to 20 x 30 mg a day but I wouldn't recommend it for everyone as I was extremely unwell for the first 2 weeks.              The reason I never stuck with getting clean before is that it actually takes weeks for your'e body to return to normal. Man made painkillers have a nasty habit of sticking around in your'e body !                                                                                However do not let this put you off , it's the best thing I ever did getting clean and as you can see from my story it's a slippery slope.                                                  Do you get on with your'e GP , are they sympathtic ? If so I would turn to them , they would probably advise you to cut down gradually and could give you something to help with the withdrawal symptoms ! Your'e going to feel pretty unwell for at least a week , so will need to take time off work or have help with the kids. But with a GP's help you can releave alot of the symptoms.                             Substance misuse centres are also great , they won't judge you and will give lots of support - you don't have to tell anyone your'e going to them.                              I hope this helps ! It is tough to start with , but theres help for that and you won't regret it ! Hope all goes well and write again if you need to talk. x
  • apostoloss
    apostoloss Cassandra1990

    Posted

    hi , my opinion is to visit again your GP and talk about to make you a schedule for stoping painkillers step by step and DEFENATELLY NOT cold turkey ... 

    and ofcourse your period has lost its rhythm,but that can be fixed because you are young woman 

  • andy98288
    andy98288 Cassandra1990

    Posted

    I was addicted to Dihydrocodeine for 35 years and tried EVERYTHING to come off it. However, without the support of qualified addiction specialists, I failed every time. The good news, however, is that I am now in treatment and on a prescribed tablet called Suboxone which has transformed my life into something far less chaotic and much more 'liveable' .

    i wish you all the best but PLEASE don't repeat my mistakes of thinking "I can beat this on my own".... Seek confidential help from a proper NHS Drug Misuse Centre and they'll be of enormous NON-JUDGMENTAL assistance to you. DONT GIVE UP ON GIVING UP!

  • katz31
    katz31 Cassandra1990

    Posted

    You are better tapering down your dose,cut down by 1/2 a tablet every 3/4 days, you will find that when you first drop you will feel a little unwell but when you stabilize you will feel better. I would suggest seeing your local drugs centre, its confidential and going to NA meetings will help you not to relapse.

    You are better doing this through your GP so you can get your tablets daily/weekly to stop yourself taking more.

    hope this helps and good for you in admitting you have a problem thats the biggest step.

    goodluck,

    Kate.

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