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Tramadol & oxycodone dependent. Want to stop!

Posted , 3 users are following.

craig33246
craig33246

In 2005 I had maxillo-facial surgery that went wrong, needing 2 further corrective surgeries, spanning 18 months in total. All that time I was taking Dihydrocodiene 4 times a day. No doctors ever told me I needed to stop taking it. With my tolerance levels to my analgesia gradually increasing and my chronic arthritic and neuropathic pain getting worse I was put onto Tramadol 100mg four times a day in 2008 and my Dihydrocodiene were switched to oxycodone 30mg twice a day in 2010. Now I want my life back! I am a total couch potato, not due to mobility problems or pain I think, but the meds I'm on! I switched Doctors and was referred to the pain clinic who put me on an anti-epilepsy drug Gabapentin-also really useful for neuropathic pain. The plan, it would seem, is for me to keep taking the opiate analgesics for life!! I'm not happy with that at all! I am TOTALLY apathetic. Even everyday self care like showering is a real struggle and chore, walking the dog is impossible. I did a self referral to the Community Addictions Unit for help after I tried going cold turkey. I lasted only 36 hours before I had to take my meds to stop the horrendous withdrawals. I was in so much pain from head to toe, muscle cramps, anxiety verging on full blown massive panic attacks, nausea, insomnia, restlessness.......the list goes on! Now I'm terrified of going through withdrawal in about a months time. I have just given my first urine sample of 3, which must all test positive before I see the Dr. to start treatment. I've heard talk of Methadone treatment, which I find alarming! I am a recovering alcoholic and battled for years to get and stay sober. I had my last drink over 4 years ago. This all makes my alcohol dependency seem like a walk in the park! No real questions there so 1. Has anyone experienced similar apathy from these drugs or am I just bone idle & lazy! 2. How long can I expect to have withdrawal symptoms and 3. What would ex-dependent people consider the best way to stop (cold turkey, medication assisted (which?), home or in-patient treatment etc. Sorry, I know it's very general but any info', advice would be sincerely appreciated. Thanks.

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • daniel19546
    daniel19546 craig33246

    Posted

    Hi Craig. I was taking so much Vicodin at one point in my life I thought I was done for and needed help. I was so embarrased but because the pain was there it made me think that I really needed it, but I didnt and you dont either. I believe doctors keep giving you this witout any regard for how the patient will eventually get off it.... Heres what I did. My last prescription I received 180 pills. These 180 lasted me four months because I just kept taking less and less. By the time the pill bottle was empty I was good to go and didnt have any withdrawls at all. It's a lot easier than you think my friend and I suggest you do it this way as well. I took Vicodin for 10 years and have not had a craving and have been off this for a long time now. I'M DONE! You can do it. Be strong and do this for you and your family. Live with the pain. It's much better than being a weak person. You will love yourself and have the confidence to continue and enjoy life.
  • pmcg21
    pmcg21 craig33246

    Posted

    hi Craig- i too am an alcoholic-i have been in recovery since 2005- i was given Tramadol after back and shoulder surgry, on the basis that they were non-addictive-as the doc new about my problem with addiction to alcohol- i was also given solpodol(codeine and paracetamol) i began abusing both and ended up taking 1000mg Tramadol a day and 20 solpodol - i quit last september-cold turkey-it was a nightmare, but i managed to stay off them - the WD's took about 12-14 days to pass-i am amazed you were on Tramadol & oxycodone together- i know what you mean about being apathetic when taking these pills, i was the same-couldnt get enthusiastic about anything-the big problem with Tramadol is it is a synthetic drug and has a unique pharmacology, so it is hard to replace it with anything to lessen the WD's- especially when you are taking something else-i would not recomend doing it cold turkey and without medical advise- the best method may be to taper off it slowly over a couple of months- whatever way you chose the benefits of getting of that drug (TRAMADOL) makes it well worth the pain of WD's-my life has changed so much for the better since i quit- it can be done-best of luck with it-
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