Ive quit vicodin. How to deal easier?!
Question: Well, Ive done it. Ive QUIT vicodin FOR GOOD. I was taking it because it was prescribed to me for my lower, chronic back pain. But it was getting out of hand. I built up a tolerance and took A LOT (lets leave it at that) in a two week period. Today is my second day without any. The only thing that really seems to be bothering me is falling asleep. I also get these little twitches. But other than that, its going pretty easy. Sure my body is hungry for it, but its better without it. Im just looking for any pointers you may have for me. Anyone else been through this recently? Care to share?
Answers: Well, Ive done it. Ive QUIT vicodin FOR GOOD. I was taking it because it was prescribed to me for my lower, chronic back pain. But it was getting out of hand. I built up a tolerance and took A LOT (lets leave it at that) in a two week period. Today is my second day without any. The only thing that really seems to be bothering me is falling asleep. I also get these little twitches. But other than that, its going pretty easy. Sure my body is hungry for it, but its better without it. Im just looking for any pointers you may have for me. Anyone else been through this recently? Care to share?
Vicodin has a short half-life, and therefore your system will be clear within a couple more days. The falling asleep is unusual as most people coming off opiates have insomnia. The twitches will pass. Soaks in a warm bath, drinking warm drinks, especially herbal or green teas will help. It is important that you have good hydration and good nutrition and a vitamin supplementation is good.
If possible watch your blood pressure, and don't drive due to the possible risk of seizures when coming off opiates (this is small, but can occur)
Exercise will assist you in getting through the period, but may aggravate the pain, so usually I advise swimming if possible. This will also increase the metabolism of the drug.
If you had been on a longer acting medication, I would advise a group of supplements to aid in ridding the toxins from your system, but this would be a waste of money with Vicodin.
Most importantly, you need a plan for managing the pain issues, now that you have decided not to use opiates.
There are behavioral pain control centers which specialize in relaxation, yoga, physical therapy and modalities and even use acupuncture and other non medication techniques to help control these pain issues.
I have been in pain management for many years, and use narcotics when needed. But I prefer to use all other techniques first or in addition to decrease the need for the opiates.
I wish you the best!
Ok A good way to help cope, for starters, would be to just take up a simple hobby. Something you may be good at and want to give it a try. Keep that hobby to help keep your mind off your want for vicadin. And slowly you'll hopefully forget about it and not want to take it anymore.