Oxycodone Withdrawal Symptoms + Duration

July 30, 201416 min read

Oxycodone is considered a semi-synthetic opioid drug that is typically prescribed for relief of moderate or severe pain. It was originally created in 1916 as a drug with newer semi-synthetic properties to help improve upon existing opioid treatment options. The drug has been clinically used to treat both acute and chronic pain since 1917, but wasn’t introduced in the U.S. until the 1930s. Many people find that the drug works better than any other on the market for helping them cope with the pain that they experience.

The bottom line is that when this drug is used properly in a controlled setting, it can significantly improve the quality of life for those with chronic pain. Most people with extreme pain would not be able to function in society without assistance from medications like Oxycodone. This is certainly not something most people want to stay on for life though due to the fact that the initial effects wear off as it is easy to build a quick tolerance.

In addition to being used for chronic pain, some people take Oxycodone recreationally to “get high.” Many people begin taking it for a condition like pain, but become addicted to the effects of the drug – and continue taking it. Although many people take Oxycodone for chronic pain, others use this drug recreationally to “get high.”

Taking enough of the drug typically results in feelings of euphoria, relaxation, anxiolytic, and analgesic effects as a result of stimulating endorphins. Since it’s easy to quickly build a tolerance and become dependent on this drug, many people have a difficult time coping with the withdrawal symptoms upon discontinuation.

Factors that influence Oxycodone withdrawal

It is important to recognize that there are factors that can have an influence on both the severity and duration of withdrawal from Oxycodone. These include things like: time span over which you took the drug, your dosage (which influences tolerance), whether you are addicted, how quickly you tapered off of the drug, as well as other individual factors such as withdrawal sensitivity.

1. Time Span

How long did you take Oxycodone? In general, the longer you have taken this drug, the more likely it is your body has built up some sort of tolerance. Those who take it for extended periods of time are typically going to have a much longer and protracted withdrawal than someone who took it for a few weeks. Some people are on this drug for years (or decades). Keep in mind that the shorter the duration you took the drug, the easier time you should have coming off of it.

2. Dosage + Tolerance

Immediate Release (IR): The typical starting dose for the immediate-release (IR) form of Oxycodone is 5 mg to 30 mg every 4 hours. Those who have never taken any form of opioid drug are advised to start with lower doses of 5 mg to 15 mg every 4 to 6 horus. Certain individuals may need up to 30 mg every 4 hours.
Controlled-Release (CR): For the controlled release (CR) form of Oxycodone, the average starting dose is 10 mg taken once every 12 hours. Some refer to this as “extended release” as well. It is marketed under the brand OxyContin – with the primarily active ingredient being Oxycodone. The controlled-release form of the drug is utilized when a person needs pain relief over an extended period.
Tolerance: Individuals that have developed a tolerance to opioids or Oxycodone may be prescribed doses of 60 mg, 80 mg, or 160 mg tablets. These are individuals that have been using these drugs for an extended period of time and aren’t getting the same effects. Starting a person who has never used opioids at a dose greater than 40 mg could lead to depression of breathing (a major concern).

In general, when people have built up a significant tolerance to Oxycodone, the withdrawal process becomes more difficult. The person’s nervous system has become used to receiving the effects of the drug at higher doses. When the person withdraws from the drug, it takes the nervous system awhile to reset itself back to sober functioning. The greater the dose that you took over a consistent period of time, the more difficult you can expect the withdrawal.

3. Addiction

Many individuals have a tough time coming off of Oxycodone because they are addicted. They have taken this drug for such a long period of time, that they cannot cope without it. In addition to providing pain-relief, this drug also can provide a significant boost in mood. Although the mood-enhancing properties may wear off once tolerance is established, many people aren’t able to come off of the drug because they cannot face the inevitable drop in mood that accompanies withdrawal.

In addition to becoming addicted to the lucrative “high” that accompanies Oxycodone, those who have taken it for chronic pain may have a very difficult time reestablishing normative endorphin function. When a person uses an opioid for an extended period of time, the body’s natural endorphin supply gradually diminishes. It will take months before the endorphin levels begin to increase following Oxycodone discontinuation. The lack of endorphins can make it especially difficult for someone who is addicted to withdraw.

4. Cold Turkey vs. Tapering

When it comes to withdrawing from Oxycodone, there really isn’t a “best” way to discontinue. Some individuals insist that tapering down your dosage gradually over time is a good approach. However, a lot of people struggle with this method simply because it’s difficult to avoid the temptation of taking extra pills if you have them around. For those that can handle gradual withdrawals, it may minimize withdrawal symptoms by giving your body more time to adjust.

If you need a good tapering protocol, work with your doctor or other professional. You can cut your current dose by whatever percentage you’d like assuming you have enough of a supply. For those with limited supply of the drug, you may want to reduce your dosage by about 25% each day until you are down to nothing. Although this reduction scheme is relatively quick, it can still give your body more time to adjust than “cold turkey” withdrawal.

Some people swear by the “cold turkey” withdrawal method because they can quit, and never look back. Although there could be some potentially dangerous side effects associated with a cold turkey discontinuation, most people are able to do it successfully. The cold turkey method from a low or moderate dose may be your best bet. Although the acute symptoms are typically the most extreme when a person quits “cold turkey,” many people have success.

A third option is that of opioid replacement therapy with a substance such as Suboxone or Methadone. The thinking behind this is that a person stops taking their current more powerful drug, Oxycodone and transitions to a less intense substance. Once they’ve made the transition, they can then gradually withdraw from the opioid replacement drug – which has potential to make for a smoother withdrawal.

5. Individual Factors

Why do some individuals have an easier time coping with withdrawal compared to others? In many cases it boils down to individual circumstances. Those who have been taking high doses of the drug for long periods of time may have a significantly higher tolerance or dependency on the substance. Additionally it is important to consider that each person’s nervous system will adapt to the withdrawal process differently. Some people are naturally more sensitive to drug withdrawals than others.

Other factors that could influence withdrawal include: environment, social support, and daily habits. Someone who is in an environment around other addicts or that have an Oxycodone supply may have a difficult time resisting temptation to quit. It should also be noted that some people have a better social support system that will encourage them to stay strong during withdrawal. Things like eating a healthy diet and getting light exercise may also play a role in speeding or slowing withdrawal.

Oxycodone Withdrawal Symptoms: List of Possibilities

Below are a list of possible symptoms that you may experience when you stop taking Oxycodone. Keep in mind that not everyone is going to have every symptom listed below when they withdraw. It is also important to realize that the severity of these symptoms will differ in both intensity and duration based on individual circumstances.

Abdominal cramps: A very common withdrawal symptom is that of cramping. You may notice that you get cramps in many places, but the abdominal region is the most common. This may be painful and annoying to deal with, but you will eventually recover completely.
Agitation: In the early stages of withdrawal, you may notice that you are extremely agitated. This means that you find yourself feeling bothered by the nervousness that you’re dealing with. As time passes, you should notice this symptom and other mood-related symptoms improving.
Anger: It’s possible to get very angry and throw fits of rage during the withdrawal process. This may be due to impaired cognition that a person experiences when they stop taking a drug that they’ve become dependent upon. If you notice yourself feeling especially angry, do what you can to take some deep breaths, and realize that it’s merely withdrawal.
Anxiety: An extremely common symptom during withdrawal is that of anxiety. Opiates like Oxy tend to provide anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) effects in users. In part this is due to stimulation of the endorphins, but serotonin and dopamine are also thought to be affected to a lesser degree. When you quit taking them, you may experience extreme discomfort in the form of anxiety – this will not be permanent.
Body aches: It’s common to feel some sort of body aches and pains when you discontinue this drug. The aches may be minor or pretty severe during the early days of withdrawal. These aches may take awhile to get over for some, but may go away quickly for others.
Chills: Feeling chilled all of a sudden after you discontinued this drug? It’s very common to experience this in addition to many other flu-like symptoms.
Concentration problems: When you have become dependent on a drug, your brain expects to receive it for functioning. When you stop taking the drug that the brain is expecting to receive, you may notice impaired concentration for awhile. Your brain will have to relearn how to function and concentrate in a sober state.
Confusion: A combination of concentration problems, feeling sick, and mood swings can contribute to feeling confused. The confusion is more of a concentration and cognition issue, but can be influenced by physical symptoms as well.
Cravings: If you have taken the drug for a significant period of time, you may experience cravings once you quit. These cravings can be tough to resist, but as you resist them, they will gradually lessen over time.
Crying spells: Many people become very depressed and cry as a result of the depression that they experience during withdrawal. However, it is also known that people withdrawing can experience watery eyes for awhile. Both the crying from depression and runny eyes will ease with time.
Depersonalization: Initially you may feel as though you are no longer yourself when you come off of this drug. The combination of anxiety, depression, and physical symptoms may make it seem as though you feel numb or like someone has invaded your brain. This feeling of depersonalization is a result of activity changes in the nervous system and the brain.
Depression: Most people experience some form of depression or low mood during withdrawal. In some cases the depression only lasts for a couple weeks and then fully improves. In other cases, people remain depressed for months following their last dose. In any event, assuming you didn’t have major depression prior to taking Oxycodone, your mood should gradually improve.
Diarrhea: While taking opiates, constipation is commonly reported. When you withdraw from them, the exact opposite happens – diarrhea. If you experience significant diarrhea, you may want to consider taking some over-the-counter Imodium to help rectify the problem.
Dizziness: When withdrawing from most drugs, among the most common symptoms is that of feeling dizzy. If you notice yourself experiencing dizziness and/or vertigo upon discontinuation, just know that it’s normal. It should improve as you come out of the acute phase of withdrawal.
Fatigue: It is very normal to have extremely low energy and nearly chronic fatigue when you initially come off of Oxycodone. This fatigue may make it difficult to get out of bed in the morning, complete work or school-related tasks, and simple tasks may seem impossible. Do your best to cope with how you feel and realize that fatigue is normal to experience as your body adjusts to functioning without Oxy.
Flu-like symptoms: These are especially common during the acute phase of withdrawal and may be intensified if a person quits “cold turkey.” The combination of symptoms including: vomiting, nausea, dizziness, headache, chills, etc. – make it feel as though a person has the flu. These can be difficult to deal with, but once this stage passes, you should feel much better.
Goosebumps: Some people get “goose bumps” across their skin during withdrawal. These are involuntary sensations that occur while the nervous system is readjusting.
Headaches: When you come off of this drug, you will likely experience some degree of headaches. These may be severe (e.g. migraines) or of lower intensity. To reduce these make sure you are staying hydrated, getting plenty of sleep, and doing your best to stay relaxed.
High blood pressure: Taking opioids tends to result in lower blood pressure. When you come off of them, your blood pressure may temporarily increase. This spike could be significant, so if you are prone to blood pressure problems, work with your doctor.
Hormone imbalance: Temporary imbalances in hormone levels have been reported during withdrawal. The body will eventually reset its normal hormone production following discontinuation. If your hormones are imbalanced, it could be due to your opiate usage.
Insomnia: It is important to realize that you may have to deal with some insomnia during your discontinuation. The insomnia can be influenced by anxiety, but in general your sleep patterns may be thrown off as a result of the symptoms that you experience. If you cannot fall asleep at night, it is recommended to focus on relaxation exercises – these will lower your arousal and allow you to sleep.
Irritability: You may feel especially irritable during the initial days of withdrawal. This irritability may be intense and difficult to deal with. Every little thing may start to get on your nerves. Instead of embracing this emotion, take a step back and realize that it’s all just withdrawal – this too will pass.
Itching: Another symptom people report is sensations of itchiness throughout their body when they discontinue. If you feel as though your skin is crawling with itches, tingles, or as though you have a rash, recognize that it’s just part of discontinuation. The intense itching shouldn’t last more than a few weeks.
Mood swings: During withdrawal it is common to experience changes in mood. One moment you may find yourself anxious, the next angry, and the next optimistic about your recovery. The changes in mood may be significant and revolve around mostly negative emotions in the early phases. Eventually your demeanor should stabilize.
Muscle pain: You may notice that you feel muscle pain when you stop taking your Oxy. The pain can be a reemergence of the initial pain that caused you to go on the Oxycodone in the first place, or it can just be a withdrawal pain. Since your body’s endorphins may be depleted, it can be difficult to cope with this pain in the early weeks. As your natural endorphin supply rebuilds itself, your pain should subside.
Nausea: You may find yourself feeling nauseous, especially during the first few days of withdrawal. If intense enough, it could lead a person to experience vomiting. The nausea may keep up for a week or two, but should gradually decline.
Night sweats: It’s common to sweat excessively during the night. You may wake up in the middle of the night and notice that you are covered in cold sweat. This is thought to be part of your body’s natural way of detoxifying itself. Additionally you may notice that you sweat profusely throughout the day.
Panic attacks: If anxiety reaches an extreme, it is possible to experience panic attacks. Your nervous system is highly sensitive during withdrawal, which may lead you to have a panic attack. These attacks are essentially surges of debilitating anxiety that result in panic. Do your best to engage in relaxation techniques to calm your nerves if you are prone to panic.
Pupil dilation: While you use Oxycodone, your pupils naturally constrict as a result of their effect. During withdrawal, it is natural to observe dilation of the pupils.
Rapid heartbeat: You may notice a rapid heartbeat upon withdrawal. This is essentially a counter-effect to what you experience while taking the drug – your heart rate slows. You may also notice palpitations or sensations that your heart is racing or pounding – which can be exacerbated by anxiety.
Restlessness: It’s possible to experience restlessness after you’ve discontinued Oxy. The restlessness has a lot to do with your brain and nervous system being hypersensitive. In many cases this is linked to the increased anxiety that people experience.
Sleep problems: During the initial few weeks of withdrawal, your sleep patterns may be crazy. You may sleep extensively throughout the day or have difficulty sleeping at night. You could experience crazy dreams or wake up constantly in the middle of the night. Your sleep will eventually normalize after you’ve made it further through withdrawal.
Spasms: You may notice that your muscles spasm during withdrawal. Although most people experience these spasms while they are taking their opioids, it is possible to deal with them to an extent during withdrawal.
Suicidal thinking: Some people get extremely depressed when they come off of Oxycodone to the point of experiencing suicidal thoughts. If you find yourself feeling suicidal, it is important to recognize that its a result of chemical changes during withdrawal – this is a phase that will pass. If the thoughts are unbearable, make sure you get yourself into a therapist and/or talk to someone about them.
Vomiting: Sometimes nausea can reach a point that causes us to vomit. Many individuals feel very sick (almost flu-like) when they stop taking Oxycodone. The vomiting should gradually subside as you make it through the acute phase of withdrawal.
Yawning: Some people end up dealing with constant yawning when they come off of Oxy. Some have stated that these yawns can last over a month since their last dosage. Don’t be surprised if you are yawning for awhile after you’ve discontinued.

Oxycodone Withdrawal Duration: How long does it last?

The withdrawal timeline from Oxycodone is subject to variation based on the individual. One person may experience less dramatic opiate withdrawal symptoms and a quicker recovery, while another person may have protracted withdrawals that last for months. There’s really no telling how quickly you will recover until you have gone through the withdrawal for yourself.

Although the drug itself has a half-life of 2 to 4 hours and will be cleared from your system within approximately 8 hours, being drug-free doesn’t mean that withdrawal symptoms are over. All this means is that the drug has been cleared from your body. On average it can take up to 2 weeks for the most severe physical symptoms to pass. Most people notice that severe physical symptoms last about a week and a half following the last dose.

Psychological symptoms can linger for a longer period of time. When your body and brain have been under the influence of an opiate like Oxycodone for an extended period of time, it may take awhile for them to readjust to sober functioning. It is thought that things like: adequate rest, proper sleep, healthy diet, and light exercise may facilitate a quicker healing process.

It is important to do what you can during withdrawal to stay optimistic and understand that although the symptoms may be uncomfortable, you will eventually recover. During this time you may want to seek out some sort of therapy and/or guidance if you are struggling. Take withdrawal one day at a time and recognize that you will eventually get better. If you have successfully come off of Oxycodone, sharing your experience in the comments section below may really help another person dealing with the same struggle.

Reader discussion (155)

Previously published reader comments are preserved below. New comments are not currently being accepted.

Paulyd.October 31, 2014
Hi. There peeps. I Was hit by a semi head on in 2007. I was busted up pretty bad. Lower back 4 ribs shoulder torn. Cuts glass even 3 years later picking glass out my head. Well I tell you about oxycontin. It ruined my life. Lost so many jobs and self respect. Doctors in Canada gave me 2 20 mg Oxy a day. Well within 1 year I was taking 6- 40s a day and always runnin out a week early. I am 44 now and fighting this habit now. That's all it is... the last week my beautiful 26 year old lady is tired of me taking that sh#t. So I got my doses dropped to 2- 40s a day fot 2 weeks then the past week I gave my meds to her she's cut me down to 10 mg 5 times a day. Thursday I toke my last 2 10s at 2 o'clock. And I am taking vitamins a glass of water with 1/2 teaspoon baking soda and T 1s. I never slept much last night but got up at 630am. Had my vitamins, my drink, Imodium and I feel lost. I know I can go get more but why prolong this hell of a life. They did ban real Oxys up here in Canada but you can get generic Oxys. I wish they never did have this brand it should be banned. Anyway, I am not going to get more pills today I'm going to get it out of my system.
KevinBDecember 8, 2014
PaulyD, I hope you're doing better than your last post. I just saw this and had to comment. I was on 30 mg 3 times a day of Oxycodone. I have really bad back. I came to realize that as you pointed out in your post, your body needs more and more to get the same pain relief. It gets to the point that you end up in pain anyway, and you end up,yakking he meds to keep the withdrawals at bay. It's like they create a nre problem instead of solving the original one. Stay at it bro. It's not easy and it's not quick. But it took a while to get here so you need to measure your progress in small,increments. Tis Tuesday 12/09 will be 5 weeks and I'm still anxious and have trouble sleeping. But the symptoms have gone from unbearable, to just annoying. Take your life back and learn form this. I know I have. I thought I was the one in control, boy was I wrong. I did it for me, and I did it for my wife and two daughters. It effects everyone so everyone is rooting for you as am I. Let me know how you do. -Kevin
Laurie michelleJanuary 27, 2016
My husband was on Oxy extended release 30 mg 2 times a day for about 5 years for chronic back pain. He went through a detox facility for 2 weeks. He is home now starting week 4. He has insomnia so bad. He is not sleeping at all and hasn't in about 2 weeks. He might doze off for 15 minutes if he is lucky. He is getting so frustrated. We tried melatonin and another natural herb that was suppose to help him sleep but they made him feel jittery and didn't not help him sleep at all. Does anyone have any suggestions of anything he can do to help him sleep?? He is so frustrated and going crazy. Thanks!!
JamieFebruary 7, 2016
Laurie Michelle, I went through the same thing as your husband. Sorry to say, there's really nothing you can do. Your body you not let you sleep at this time. It is going through a lot pushing all of that poison out of his system. The best thing he can do is get up when he can't sleep and find something to do even in the middle of the night. He will be a lot less frustrated and it will take his mind off of not sleeping. Officially your body will rest for a nighter to attend the assembly will come back for a few more days. I truly hope this helps.
Dick PervisApril 22, 2016
Of course that's not my real name - but in my house we use UniSom Sleep Gels as a sleep aid. UniSom and marijuana. I generally take it around an hour before bed and it works like a charm. It's probably good for at least a five to six hour nap. Shampoo, rinse, repeat... you should probably drop it after catching up on your ZZs (a week?) as it too can be dependence-causing.
RainNovember 6, 2015
I was in a car accident and took oxycodone for about 3 months. The most I ever took was 5 mg 5 times in a day and that was early on. I tapered back to 3 a day then two then 1 1/2, then 1, then 3/4, then 1/2. I asked my doctor for something to help and was given clonidine. It might be helping. I'm not sure. But I have all these symptoms everyone else is describing - anxiety, palpitations, stomach pain, no diarrhea, which surprised me, but I have insomnia and night sweats. I've been on the clonidine for 3 days and stopped taking oxy at 2.5 mg that I had taken in the morning the two days before. These drugs are horrific. I cannot imagine what those of you who have had higher doses have gone through because I'm having a really hard time. In fact, I'm writing this because I woke up at 3:15 in the morning with sweats and wide awake. I am going to exercise tomorrow. The best thing about reading the withdrawal symptoms is that I no longer feel like I'm dying - I see these are normal symptoms, but they still suck.
CateJune 28, 2016
Wow. So glad to have just read this. I had ACDF surgery six weeks ago. The doctor had put me on OxyContin and oxycodone for good reason - pain. I asked after one week if I could stop and switch to something and the nurse insisted I stay on it. At three weeks (only three weeks!) I tried to just stop. It was AWFUL. I had almost every symptom listed. I had no idea that could even happen. The nurse told me to stay on but the doctor said I could wean off the OxyContin and then the oxycodone. Not succinctly. I am STILL weaning off - down to 2 of the 5 mg per day and believe it or not I still have withdrawal symptoms but I figure I have to suffer a little or else I would have to take another to get rid of the symptoms. Tomorrow I go to one a day then I am just stopping. This has wreaked havoc on my life in such a short time at such low doses. I can't imagine the suffering others must have on higher doses for extended periods. I wish someone had informed me sooner. I was lucky to speak to someone who could assure me this is temporary and I wasn't losing my mind!
KentJuly 2, 2016
Hi, I am currently (today) where you were on the 28th, how are you doing, I would like to know just for the fact as what I went through last night. I gave up at about 1 am this morning and took another 5mg and finally calmed down enough to sleep for about 6 hours. First of all I hope you are doing better, secondly what can I expect. I will know now to never take this drug again, the pain will be lots easier to deal with then this drug (oxycodone).
MannyMarch 5, 2017
I have been taking oxycodone (q.i.d.) for the last 25 years. I am in day 3 of quitting. I am struggling but I will make it. Don't know what the other side looks like. I will let you know when I get there. Thanks for the forum.
interixJanuary 26, 2016
They didn't ban oxy in canada... that's false information. Purdue had to reformulate oxycontin to make it more tamper-resistant. It's now called oxyneo. Or oxypurdue in the states (hence the OP and ON markings on the pills). Generics aren't available in the states but thank God they are in canada, because the new oxyneo formula isn't nearly as effective and makes me extremely nauseous. I get the apotex generics which are almost identical to the original oxycontin, and are half the price of the new oxyneo. Way more effective, way less side effects, and way cheaper. Oxyneo is trash.
MonicaMay 7, 2016
I hope you are doing well now! May GOD be with you. I'm on my second day and it feels like hell.
MonicaMay 7, 2016
I hope you are doing better today!
toughloveSeptember 18, 2016
Thank you all for posting. I feel better about fighting this garbage. I was only on the stuff for 3 days as I had surgery on my neck...I am dealing with the first 24hrs after stopping at this moment and thought I was dying. I went from 2 5mg oxycodone 4 times a day, dropped to 1 4 times a day, then a half on the 3rd day. All in all I only had 20 tablets and I never want to see this stuff again. God Bless you all. Stay strong. Keep fighting. Pharmaceutical companies are just profiting off of their own produced pain. I love you all.
AmyDecember 8, 2014
I am on day nine. I have fibromyalgia and i had been taking 20 mg every 3-4 hours, usually 3 times a day and sometimes 4 times a day. This drug took over my life. I have taken Oxy for 15+ years. I started out taking them for migraines occasionally, but have been taking them on a daily basis for fibromyalgia about a year now and I started requiring more and more for the past 6 months. I quit cold turkey. Day 1 was agonizing! I couldnt get warm no matter how many blankets I piled on me. The pain was so intense I pretty much cried every waking moment. Day 2, I was so exhausted and anxious, and the pain was still excruciating. I had been staying with my mom so she could watch me to make sure I was ok. The anxiety and pain were still very prevalent on day five, but I missed home, and my memory foam bed, so I went home. For a few days I had to stay in my bedroom with relaxation music ( Pandora is awesome!) and my xanax because I was so hypersensitive and out of sorts I couldnt handle anything. On day 7, I woke up pain and anxiety free, which felt so amazing! I didn't realize how addicted I was to this drug and how it had taken over my life. What a blessing it was to have a clear head! I feel so very happy now and im am actually begining to function like a human being again....amazing! So, as I mentioned earlier, I am on day 9. The majority of my withdrawal symptoms have ceased. I am still experiencing horrible night sweats, nerve pain (the fibro will never go away), anorexia, restless legs, some anxiety, headaches, a stuffed up runny nose, and extreme insomnia. I know these things get better with time, so I keep reminding myself of that. My pain level has gone from way beyond a 10 to mostly just a 2, which is very tolerable. I'm just waiting for the rest of my withdrawal symptoms to go away....maybe by day 14. I just want you all to know that there is life after oxy withdrawal, and it is wonderful not to be a slave to the oxy! Hang in there! -Cakegirl
5150 rockerApril 10, 2015
That's great after 15 years. Really brave of you. I've been using 20 mg 3 to 4 times a day for a year and half. I know what you mean about being cold especially when it's 80 degrees in CA. Well it's day 4 for me after a week of prior tapering because my doctor took a two week vacation. What a blessing I want my life back. I'm sick of begging for it from the doctor and then the pharmacies won't fill it anyway and you have shop around. I'm so damn tired of it. I'm going to make it. -5150 rocker
GaryMarch 24, 2016
Amy I too have fibromyalgia and I also suffer with migraines. I have had the migraines since I was six and the fibro started back in the late 90s. About 10 years ago I was taken off Vicodin and put on Oxycontin. I started at 40mg 2 times a day and ultimately reached a max of 200mg a day (4 - 20mg and 3 - 40mg). I am now down to my last 2 20mg pills which will be gone by Friday. I have many of the symptoms listed above, but right now the worst is the tingling/crawling feeling that is going through my body and on and under my skin. It is keeping me awake and is active 24/7 now. Having taken the large quantity I was taking seems to conclude that I will be going through withdrawal for a long time. I am not sure I can take a week of this feeling. I don't mind the cold flashes, it is the constant feeling like something is crawling around on my nerves and I can't get to it to get some relief. I am also on Clonidine because my doctor said it have been proven effective in helping with withdrawal problems. Initially it did as I was coming off the 20mg pills while staying on the 40mg version. I set out a plan with my doc to eliminate the 40mg pills (3/day) over a period of a month. To further extend an easy way to gradually get off the drug, I then went from 3 40s a day to 3 20s a day. Then we went to 2 a day and now I am down to 1 20 a day. I am praying that once the last pill is taken on Friday my recovery will come quickly. I truly empathize with your problems and condition. I am seriously thinking about joining one of the many groups pushing for medical marijuana because people with cancer, fibro, headaches, etc should be able to use the medicines within plants that God placed on this earth. Hopefully you will completely whole soon. Thanks for your input.
KAJuly 3, 2016
I agree with you so much I have went through throat cancer never smoked and definitely not against smokers. I've had 3 fusions in my back and most recent 4 weeks ago and a year ago one in my neck. So for the ones of us that truly need something to alleviate the pain why not use something God put on this earth to use for all kinds of good things? Why not legalize it? Dr's are telling people with chronic pain over 15 years oh your just addicted we need to take you off of it. When I'm supposed to be getting exercise all I want to do is stay in bed and hope I can make it through another one. I broke today I had to get something done. Instead you're not hurting we're going to totally cut you off... have fun with the withdrawals. To those that have made it and feel better congratulations. For the ones of us without a choice, what do you do? If it was grown here to use, let's use it... Thank you for your post.
toughloveSeptember 18, 2016
I'm not sure family. I feel for you though, and my thoughts and prayers are with you. You can do it brother!
DrewJuly 3, 2016
After injuring my back and having to cease work I went on the medication roundabout. 14 years on oxy, Gabapentin, Valium, Norspan, endone, left me wracked in pain needing more and higher doses until I decided to bite the bullet and go cold turkey. It's been 8 weeks now and I feel like death warmed up with chronic relentless pain, stomach feels like it's been turned inside out and I'm so sick of having the runs. I also picked up dengue fever from a trip to Bali 8 weeks ago, so combine the two and I understand how you are feeling Cake Girl. I am still frozen to the bone even now and even though having hot bath twice a day. The GP tells me that things will come good in time but it's already been 2 months of suffering chronic fatigue symptoms. Only got out of bed to go to the toilet and have just started walking the block and it feels like I have never walked before. Hang in there folks and I will keep you posted. Good luck!
KristineJuly 16, 2016
I hate to tell you this, but the Xanax you are taking is harder to get off of than Oxycodone and heroin. Your head is far from being 100% "clear". Ask me, I was turned away from 4 Behavioral Clinics, as I begged them to help me get off Xanax that was prescribed incorrectly. "We do not want the liability of the doctor that did this to you"....that's rich! That doctor got several Consent Orders by CT PUBLIC HEALTH, as he did it to many. All they did was switch me off of Xanax to Klonopin. It's still a benzo. Funny doctors have zero concern for people taking THE MOST PRESCRIBED addictive drug on the planet. Steven Tyler went to rehab a half a dozen times, and he can afford the best out there. Shame on all the doctors out there that put us on this crap, then insult and label us. NOT one of you would help me at all, and of course my insurance does not cover in patient detox. I am in my first 24 hours of taking last 10 mgs of oxycodone, after 20 years. I tapered very slowly and this time, I do not feel that achy feeling, that made me so miserable. Using my cannabis vape pen that has high CBD's in it. If I was not in our states medical MJ program, I would never be able to do this myself. Redirect yourself to go outside and walk or ride a bike.
JenniferOctober 24, 2016
I needed to read this. I'm on day 3 and I feel like I'm dying and it's never going to get better. The physical and mental effects are brutal!! One day at a time, one hour at a time.
SteveDecember 1, 2016
Hi Jennifer. I am on day 8 >the first 5 days are hell. This is one nasty mean drug. It doesn't like to let go easy.Lots of hot baths and try to walk it off, little by little we will win. My prayers are with you along with everyone on this site.
KneesurgeryDecember 16, 2014
I had knee surgery earlier this year and was on oxycodone for the pain. Ever since I no longer needed them I have had panic attacks. I stopped taking them back in May of this year. Is it normal for this to happen? I was really intolerant of Vicodin and wonder if this could be related to my sensitivities. If you have any answers for me I would appreciate answers.
Amy MiamiJanuary 8, 2015
I'm on day 5 of self withdrawal. I've been having extreme anxiety, insomnia, restlessness, nightmares, leg pain, diarrhea and mood swings. Crying bouts to calmness back to crying then anger or feeling like I'm going to lose my marbles to suicidal thoughts like shooting myself in the head of finding a bridge to jump off of. I was taking 40mg a day for 3 months. Been taking half of celexa to limit panic attacks and mood swings. I have 2 kids that depend on me so I have to kick this. It is awful. Hopefully in another week and a half I will be myself again. My skin crawls and it feels like someone invaded my brain for the worse. I feel OK right now and it's 9 PM. Most of these effects happen in the morning and continue into the afternoon, tapering down by 6 PM. Keep optimistic folks, it's a hard road quitting cold turkey, but it's the only way IMO to take your mind and body back and rid it of this crap. Good luck to all and God bless.
JudyOctober 24, 2016
Hi all, I have been reading all of your posts and I'm getting scared. I am a quadriplegic so cold turkey is out of the question. As a quadriplegic you already have night sweats, spasms and intended feelings of cold from dysreflexia (causes blood pressure to drop or go extremely high) and you can die from it. So getting off four 30 mg. of oxy will be difficult. I feel like dying when I go down just a little. I am so afraid to take this step. I am used to feeling sick but I can't take the depression, insomnia and no energy. Do any of you take methadone? Any advice would be welcomed. I am very proud of those of you getting off this horrible drug and will pray for you.
NatoshaJanuary 26, 2015
I'm on day 3 of oxycodone W/D. Today is definitely better than yesterday! I been using anywhere from 30-60mgs a day for about 6 months. The stomach stuff wasn't too terrible. It's the sweats, body aches, sleeplessness, & restlessness that's really getting to me. How long is it going to take before I actually feel tired? I close my eyes after a long day with 2 babies & fight to get some sleep!
DavidMay 22, 2015
Hot bubble baths, with epsom salt, help so much with the restlessness.
BarryFebruary 1, 2015
Due to severe radicular pain in my shoulder, arm, and hand resulting from a back problem, for the past three weeks I was taking 5 mg Oxycodone two to three times a day. I finally convinced my neurosurgeon to prescribe a tapered dose prednisolone pack and within 24 hours the severe pain was gone. Last Thursday (today is Sunday) was the last day I had any and that was just one 5 mg pill. All weekend I have been feeling a very high level of anxiety, depression, and angst; emotions I usually do not experience to such a prolonged extreme. I initially attributed it to the very stressful job I have but the thought crossed my mind this might be Oxycodone withdrawal. Relative to the doses I understand others have taken, would 10-15 mg a day for three weeks be enough to cause such a high level of anxiety, angst, and depression? If so, typically how long for it to settle down? Also, do Hydrocodone and Tramadol, albeit less effective, have such unpleasant withdrawal symptoms?
DavidMay 22, 2015
Yes smaller doses over a short period of time can cause withdrawal but they should stay fairly mild and over in five or six days, 10 at most. Hang in there you'll be OK real soon. Because you know you didn't take much Oxy your brain tricks you and makes you think you have the flu or something. You never suspected it was the Oxy doing it to you. Been there. done that, many time. I wish you a quick recovery. High dose withdrawal is a different ballgame, you'll know real fast why you're so sick.
AnnJune 25, 2015
I thought taking only 5 mg twice a day wasn't much. But for two days, I didn't have any in my system and I was really sick. I was on Amox/Aug antibiotic for a sinus infection and I thought me feeling really bad was due to that - taking an antibiotic and steroid for the sinus/ear infection was making me nauseated and feeling bad. But on first full day without oxy, I was yawning a lot and runny nose. Then today, I had severe nausea, stomach cramps, lots of lower GI distress, joint pain. Could this be withdraw from such a low dose of oxy? I'm sure it could be a combination of things.
DeeJuly 21, 2015
Hi Ann, I am in the process of weaning myself off 60mg of oxycodone per day. Have got down to 30mg in a week, and am having all the same symptoms you describe. Looking at all the info on the net they seem to be pretty standard, just got to stick with it. Good luck. -Dee
BlutoJuly 10, 2016
09 orthopedic surgeries since 2012. Former US Army Ranger. I am wrecked. Was on Cotin for 6 months. Stopped. Almost died. On 4 X 15 Oxycodone a day plus patch a day since 2012. Pain Vs Oxy? Not sure where to go. What is the answer? When will they cut me off? Who knows. Probably when I suck start a model 1911.
JeffFebruary 11, 2015
Day 10 for me. I have a business and family that depend on me so am doing it myself. Started slow about a year ago when my father passed away. Increased to 100 to 150 mg per day. I made a very solid commitment to quit, I will never take another opiate in my life. Maybe end stage cancer or the like. Day 1 and 2 were bad, days 3, 4 and 5 were really bad. I don't remember much of that period. Day 6 was way better, day 7 was great comparatively. Last night (day 9) I actually slept 4 1 /2 hours. Evenings and nights were worst for me. Cramps, RLS, extreme fatigue. near manic restlessness. I would fight my best then go jog around the block off and on all night. I am not a very strong person but when I finally hit the end I somehow found it. I have had no craving at all which surprised me. I am improving daily and in a few months I believe this awful time in my life will be a receding memory.
MeghanMSeptember 21, 2015
Great job Jeff! Day 4 for me. Started from a severe car accident that I miraculously lived through. I started with oycontin 20s, and climbed as I became more and more tolerant. 60mg Oxycodone along with a handful of other junk to keep the pain at bay. Day 1, I made it though, didn't do much. Day 2 & 3 were OK during the day, restless and darn uncomfortable. But night, nights are horrible for me!! Restless isn't the word...it's far worse. Anxious... I hope this goes away soon... ?
MonicaMay 7, 2016
That's awesome!
JudyOctober 24, 2016
That is awesome.
Kellie812February 12, 2015
It's 1 am so technically I'm on Day 6. I have been on pain pills for over 4 years - 10 mg Hydrocodone 4x/day for over 2 years then I had back surgery in March of 2013. I started on 60 mg a day after surgery, gradually going down to 40 after a few months. I did really well taking as prescribed for the first 5 months, then started taking an extra one at night to relax after my husband and kids went to bed. Long story short, I started taking more, lying about losing pills and taking up to 100 mg one day. The usual day was 40-60 mg. For the 3 out of the last 4 months I was coming up a week short (28 pills). I started living for them instead of using them to live comfortably without pain. I have quit cold turkey and have been nauseous and restless since. The leg cramps are getting a little better, my pain levels aren't great but are tolerable. I've got Xanax so I don't climb the walls and I'm still restless, irritable and discontent. I'm not eating much or drinking much either and falling asleep is a challenge. I know once the physical symptoms subside, the mental part will be the hardest. Right now I'm just taking it one moment at a time. When I do finally go to bed, I know that in spite of the withdrawal, it has been a great day because I survived without any Oxy. I'm going to get to a 12 step program BC I need to be around like-minded people who have already gone through this. I need to draw from the experience, strength and help. Best wishes for long-term recovery to all on this path of sobriety and self-discovery. God knows I'm not who I used to be 5 years ago before this saga started. I want to be her again. I want to LIVE not merely exist.
BeckySueMarch 21, 2015
Kellie I would enjoy writing with you and would welcome any or all responses from you. I too am a mother and it sounds like we have a lot in common except my daily mg intake is a bit higher and it has been a 10 year saga of pills for me. I would say it didn't get "bad" for me until they moved me to Oxy's. I ran out this month 2+ weeks early and decided I was not going to go find or buy any more to get me through. I am on day 7 only you have a month on me. I also take Xanax but only the lowest form. It was ok for me to use them to cope until now that I'm quitting the Oxy's. I have not talked with my Dr. about any of this yet because I need the Xanax especially now and the Soma's I take for my back that the DEA decided to classify as a narcotic Jan. 1st. If I do he will probably do to me as he has others and cut them off of everything cold turkey. I can't handle all at once. I am curious about the meeting and since I have no support at home I also need a 12-step program and/or support group or at least someone who understands. I am married by he works out of town and his only comment when I said I am going to quit was, then just stop, why are you read about it? He has no clue what it feels like nor how hurtful it was for him to show no care or understanding. I will offer you my email if you would like to chat about this or maybe the children to take our minds off of the other. Whatever, I will leave it up to you. pcaselman1975@gmail.com. I hope this finds you well and still on the way to recovery.
RyanNovember 20, 2015
I'm from Florida, the "pill mill" of the US...essentially the world. I abused oxy for 3 years and one day I had 100$ to my name and week until payday. I was all alone in my addiction, I guess you could call me a functioning addict. The only person who knew was a buddy who I'd use with occasionally. I decided to go to a urgent care that day and tell someone the truth. It's so hard to do this by yourself and I recommend anyone to tell others even though it's embarrassing. The doctor was initially hard on me but after submitting to a urine analysis and seeing the true despair in my eyes he gave some options. 1st he said he Hates suboxone because anyone he ever put on it found a way to abuse it and/or discontinued soon after starting. 2. Methadone... I took this recommended option and over 9 months, including therapy I weened down to 0 mg a day. The withdraws in the end weren't bad, possibly causing me to seek OC again a year later once I moved to Oregon. However the mental aspect was terrible. Not always or even everyday but the cravings were horrible (I'M NOT A DR) but while getting degree in psychology I took a psychoactive drugs class...Mental issues experienced during withdrawals in the long run have been proven to as much 90% of what makes it so hard. So those still in great amounts of discomfort stay strong! A year after I moved to Oregon I met some people using opiates and BC of how easy my withdrawals were (my opinion) I couldn't help myself, I couldn't remember the BAD! That was 4 years ago, somewhere between 60-200mg a day, and thousands of dollars. I just moved back to Florida 2 weeks ago with the mindstate that it didn't matter how long it will take, 7-8 years spent clouded. It's officially day 11 for me and even though it's Florida I haven't craved at all except to be past the physical symptoms. (I will share those briefly for those out there with long term usage / denial). Stomach pains / diarrhea for a week. Knees and legs either ache or are restless. Sweats, irritability, anxiety...etc. The worst for me and it's still affecting me is the sleepless nights. Day 4-8 I slept only 2.5 hours and my head felt like it was on fire. I went to an urgent care and my blood pressure was 3 times what it should be for a 30 year old person. So be aware that your BP can too be affected and cause other issues like sleepless nights. I've done the ween method with a dr and I'm now going cold turkey. Only you know you and either might be better. For me, I know I'm not as mentally strong (not an IQ thing) as some of us, certain people can handle stress better than others so again I encourage everyone dealing with these issues to tell someone...show them the research and help them understand so they can truly be there for you. The first go-round my fiancé didn't understand and was angry. The second time she was disappointed (but so are you, we are all better than this) but she put the effort in to understand and it's made all the difference. Unfortunately for anyone who is reading this you and I will always be addicts and will ALWAYS struggle with sobriety. Last thoughts, as I read everyone's testimonials I still tear up because unless you are or have been an addict you truly can't understand and I can Feel your pain. For me cold turkey seems to have actually be beneficial to me for the mental stress BC after day 5 everyday is better! 5 days felt like 5 years but it's almost day 12 and I can live normally and truly the pain has made the difference. Who would ever want to put themself back In this position? Before now I was embarrassed to tell people or seek out NA or something like that but I'm attending a local NA at a church. I'm not religious, that's not what all NA's are about but not feeling alone does wonders for your mind. Know that thousands if not more people are struggling just like you and I, feeling shame and loneliness. Keep strong and find someone who you can trust. If I can, everyone can! Every story I've read makes me sad because I empathize so strongly with your pain and struggle, anyone who reads this is my brother or sister and I wish all of you courage and strength. 2 weeks to 2 months seems like eternity but when you consider the possibility of having control of the rest of your life, it's worth the struggle!
JaneJuly 31, 2015
I understand how horrible it is to get off of Oxy but I would like to warn you about Xanax. It also is addicting and trying to come off of that about drove me insane. I suffer with Panic Stress Disorder and was prescribed Xanax. It helped my Panic attacks but took all my energy. After 6 months or so I decided to come off cold turkey and was almost convinced suicide was the only answer. The doctor put me on a couple different depression/anxiety medicines that have helped me so much. I'm only telling you this because I would hate for you to go through all your going through only to have it to do again to get off Xanax. Best of luck to you!
JudithOctober 27, 2015
Please beware of Xanax. A much worse issue than oxy; I have had experience with both due to back pain so bad it forced me into early retirement. Xanax withdrawal can be fatal. I was on prescription Xanax, taking it as prescribed, and had no idea how dangerous it was. I got the flu and was so sick, I let my prescription expire. I had no idea that anything bad would happen. I have never been so sick in my life. I ended up spending 10 days in hospital, including three in intensive care. Beware Xanax. I think it is perhaps the most dangerous legal drug on the market.
ShirleyFebruary 27, 2015
Hi i have been on oxycodone for 7 yrs. Its been 1 month and I still feel crappy... Better in withdrawl, but still don't feel like myself. This is the worst medication on the market... I wonder when I'm gonna feel better.
BeckySueMarch 21, 2015
This is my 7th day a month later your own. I do hope your withdrawals have settled some by now. I have been doing a huge amount of research as an aid to help my own withdrawals. I think you might find your answer to the question you asked; when you feel like yourself again, if you research Post Acute Withdrawals or PAW for short. What I have researched does not bring me quick comfort but it may you. I do not know your particular situation, nor would ever ask. However, returning to the person you once were, like anything else is mainly a person by person outcome. It will all depend on usage, length of time on meds, and most of all you. You may never have the answer until you are there. I wish you the best in your recovery.
BarbFebruary 28, 2015
I started taking oxycodone in October 2014 for chest pain due to lung cancer, I had surgery in December so I needed hem for my surgery pain. Feb 11th I decided to stop taking these awful pills, I did do the slow withdrawal from 12 a day to 6 , to 3 and finally one a day. The withdrawals for me were terrible and I am still experiencing them. Very anxious mostly in the evening and now it almost week 3 and I am now experiencing cough and dry throat. Feeling better and no more pain, just a few withdrawal side effects. Hopefully all of this will be over soon and I can wake up feeling normal.
BeckySueMarch 19, 2015
I'm not sure after reading about your personal withdrawal and the daily mg or length of time you were on opioids fills me with comfort pertaining to my own withdrawals. However I found comfort in your accounts and your strength. The Dr. started me off on Vic's that over a 5 year time increased in strength and dose. Then I was moved up to Oxy's 5mg then 20, and now 30 mg, prescribed at 4 times a day. Now after another 5 years on Oxy I take and or snort from 10-15, 30 mg pills a day. I only found relief from pain and feel I can cope with the stress of the pills overtaking almost every minute of my life until when they finally knocked me out cold. Of course I would run out before my next doctor appointment, so I would find and buy whatever opioid that I can find just for some relief of the withdrawals. I'm not sure how or why I have not overdosed yet. On all accounts I should of but am thankful I haven't. I have been working at cutting my intake down. I have already pushed away all the supplies that were enjoying my money, while I usually found little relief on what I got over the past several months. So this past week when I ran out I was just OUT. I thought my xannax would help enough and I am more than wrong about that. I can see my Dr. in a few days and get my refill but had no intentions to. Now I think if I want to succeed that I need more of a weaning off process then what I thought I could handle. Because I can not handle this! I have a younger child and I have been trying to hide usage and withdrawals from her but now the withdrawals are becoming to severe that she will in fact notice. I have slept a total of about 4 1/2 hrs in 5 days, I hurt but cannot sit still, hands shaking, I don't know if my heart is in my chest, ears, throat, sometimes even there. I am having extreme anxiety, vomiting, can't hardly eat because my stomach is so jacked up, and my mind is everywhere and no where all at the same time. I have to do this! It is just my child and I, one day I came to realize she will be the one to find me when I can't wake up. The pain and torture it will cause her for life I can not bear to think of. I want my life back, I used to love being a mother and doing everything together. She has been my light I look at the past 5 days when I wanted one, but I didn't realize this was going to get worse and possibly last for weeks. Please does anyone have any advice for me, other website info, possibly a hotline so I can talk to an adult when it's really bad and I need someone? ANY and all advice is welcomed. Regardless, how you may want to look at me like it's my own fault, please remember I want to go back to giving my child the kind of mother she deserves and can look up to. She deserves nothing less. Thank you.
cherylApril 9, 2015
Becky Sue, I'm so so sorry to hear what your going through and I'm sorry I'm probably a few days late in trying to help you. The amount of oxy you were taking is an amount that if you go cold turkey like you were doing could be extremely dangerous and you could have a seizure. If you talk to your doctor he will help you taper down. I was on 10/30mg oxies a day and now I am on 4/10mg a day but it took 4 months. If you don't think you can taper on your own you could go to "detox" to do it. Most rehabs can help you find a detox center. And if you need to go to rehab there are a few that you can have your child with you. I hope you are OK. I know exactly how you feel and after 4 years and a destroyed marriage I had to retake my life. Good luck and God Bless.
interixJanuary 27, 2016
Wrong. Oxy withdrawal does not cause seizures and is not dangerous unless there are other conditions involved. It's uncomfortable to say the least, but not dangerous at all. Seizures are caused by benzo or alcohol withdrawal, not opiates.
toughloveSeptember 18, 2016
I think you're in the wrong place here bud... we are all trying to help each other interix, not pretend this is an easy thing to accomplish. Please go tell people how smart you are somewhere that doesn't affect people's health. Thanks.
AlexisFebruary 29, 2016
Cheryl, I can not move or function with oxycodone however like you I am at 10 x 30mg a day at least. I need to get my tolerance down but need the severe pain I suffer with under control as well. Any suggestions? I have 3 beautiful kids that I need to get back on track for.
BillMay 21, 2016
How's it going?
JudyOctober 24, 2016
Becky sue, I will help if I can, I am cutting back too. Let me know if you need to talk privately.
Angie RMarch 31, 2015
I am on Day 2 of coming off Oxycodone. I started taking 10mg every three to 5 hours, two months ago due to having a total knee replacement. I feel sick all day, yawning a lot, hard to concentrate. I am very sensitive to drugs but this sucks! 1 1/2 days closer to being myself!
Alessio VenturaApril 27, 2015
It took me two weeks for major symptoms to subside, after being on Oxycodone from 2008-2014 because of 11 surgeries, including 6 shoulder surgeries (including 3 total shoulder replacements) and major back surgery. Now that I am off of it, I still have low level fatigue and the pain associated with my surgeries, including arthritis, and complications from 2 failed shoulder replacements, is fairly severe. I have tried NSAIDs but they don't work and the pill forms make me ill to my stomach. Now I have a dilemma...how do I control the pain without going on opiates again, including Suboxone, which contains an addictive opiate in addition to an agnostic? Another issue is PMP/I-STOP, where legal reps for physicians look up patient histories. I was dropped by two physicians because they had seen my history in PMP/ISTOP without understanding my histories of surgeries from multiple physicians. WHAT IS THE ANSWER?
EricJune 14, 2015
Look into neurostimulation for your pain relief. I have 3 compressed discs in my back and this is what my pain management center suggested for me. I have had my implant for a month now and no longer need the oxycodone for pain but I am now feeling the withdrawal from over 3 years of being on it.
TammyMay 14, 2015
I never took and remained on any medication until at the age of 41 I started on Oxy 10mg for a herniated disc in my neck. I had surgery with a plate & 4 screws placed in 2008. I am now in need of another surgery. I have been on these for about 10 months now. At first with only 1-2 a day. Last month I was taking 7-10 a day. I have tapered down and I am currently taking 4-6 a day. I want to get off of the life controlling pills. There have been several times that I ran out before time for my next script. Withdrawal for just one day was so unbearable that i had to find more to get me through until time for my next script. I plan to continue to taper down, although that is difficult as well. My system has become used to getting 10mg every 2-4 hours. I am pushing myself to make it through longer stretches without them. I have Zoloft and Klonipin for anxiety. Hopefully these two will help with the anxiety, restlessness and insomnia. I am 11 days away from starting a new job and refuse to take this addiction with me to my dream job.
DavidMay 22, 2015
I have been taking, through pain management, opiates for ten years now on and off. I broke my neck and have back problems and this last round my tolerance went through the roof. I'm on day five of after two years straight of 40 mg to start then in time I have worked my why up to 240 mgs per 24 hour period. I had a really really bad first night. After the first night I could feel little improvements everyday. I hurt like really bad but I guess I just know what to expect. Hang in there folks you will all fell better real soon. Myself, I'll be back on them in a couple months, It's a vicious cycle I'll never be able to escape as I have chronic pain that is hard to keep under control. I do these withdrawals, every-so-often, so that I can lower my tolerance back down and then my meds will actually give me some relief Good luck everybody. -David
MeghanSeptember 21, 2015
Does the detox really make a difference? How long do you do it for? I've been in the pain management world since a near fatal accident 06/08. We switch my Meds around a bunch, to prevent tolerance, but I'm already super tolerant to so many.
KatJuly 2, 2016
Dave you bring up a good point. After a car wreck I had both hips total replacement and back surgery. I am off Oxy for 4 months now. Pain so bad lost my job and in wheelchair. Who helps us now? My doctor told me frankly the government monitors so closely and American medical association stresses no narcotic policy, meanwhile I have no quality of life.
Cali rayMay 25, 2015
I want to thank all of you for your testimony on this devil of a pill. I'm on day 5 after being on 15mg 6 times a day. My doc put me on the oxycodone after a head on collision by a drunk driver; I dislocated my hip, injured my knee and previously injured neck. I'm a young mother with a 2 year old, I feel like a terrible mother and hate this drug for what its putting me through. I stopped taking oxy approximately 3 weeks after my accident. The first 2 days were hell, as the 3rd-4th day was better. I feel lucky to be stopping now so I don't take these for a substantial amount of time. My symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, insomnia, anxiety, mood swings, bouts of crying, skin crawling, itching. I found this all quite scary being on the medication such a short period of time. So scary I had to quit especially after researching the WD symptoms. I've also considered going back to a 12 step meeting. Some of my WD symptoms may be attributed because of prior trauma I have PTSD depression and anxiety. But from what research I've done everyone WD differently altogether its an awful experience to go through. Again I'd like to thank you all for your stories, they've motivated me to get it together and kick these to the curb before it gets. My love and best wishes go out to you all, I hope we can beat this demon.
.Alessio VenturaMay 25, 2015
After taking ER and IR Ocycodone or 5 years concurrent with about 11 surgeries, I am finally off of it. It's been about two months, and the worst withdrawal is over. What lingers is fatigue and some depression. The fatigue can be difficult but I work out every day regardless. My testosterone levels are still low and my doctor has me on TR (Axiron), 30mg x 2/day. Hopefully this will work and the fatigue will diminish. The initial withdrawal symptoms were VERY TOUGH. Severe hot flashes. anxiety, diarrhea. The diarrhea was so bad I became dehydrated. Immodium did not work. I took vitamins and probiotics, but even still, it was not helping. The doctor had told me that withdrawal from opiates is "not life threatening", but I beg to differ given how one could easily dehydrate, lose electrolytes, vitamins, etc. - and add vomiting to that and there is a risk of choking and further dehydration. So don't ignore these symptoms as they can be serious.
JeanneJune 1, 2015
Hi everyone, I am in the same place as a lot of you I have fms, cfs, immune disorders and thick blood which is a cause of pain who would have thought. I had been on oxy the lowest 30 mg a day, on the high side more then likely over 200. I had been on them for 20 or so years. About two weeks ago I have had enough I stepped down a little but for the most part I just did the cold turkey thing. The wds not so bad I am used to worse pain even when I have taken a pain pill so this is a walk in the park for me anyway except going to the bathroom way to much. But using some Imodium and an antispasmodic drug I happen to have on hand lots of water and drinking my spinach, fruit, juice and nut drinks help a lot. Now that I have read this page I know it will take longer then expected I was getting a bit frustrated that after 14 days I had not gotten over this bathroom thing, I also am now understanding a few of the other symptoms like confusion throwing a few hissy fits but thank god I think it could be worse. Now I know it will take months for my brain to function on its own and that’s OK by me. The thought of taking any pain pill makes me want to... well I would rather stick a fork in my eye. Oh and I have been walking twice a day yes in pain but I don’t care. So yes if you are over this pill crap even if you need it and you can exist with out it meaning if your pain is at all tolerable I highly recommend you trying and know you can do it. Yes it takes me longer to do anything now, but again acceptance is half the battle.
TillieJune 2, 2015
I am on day 20 and feeling pretty good I've forced myself to go to the gym and work out. My big problem is sleeping. I've had cravings but nothing like the first week. I'm trying to learn how to live my life without it which is hard but doable. I had this fear that life would never be OK again. That's getting much much better. I've taken it one day at a time and feel like some days I just want to scream. Sometimes I think this would be so much easier if I could just take a pill and go to sleep. But I'm dealing much better now that I'm going to the gym.
LaurieJune 17, 2016
Tilly, I have the same problem. I have been off opiates for over a week and still feel half dead. I'm weak, have no desire to do anything, etc. - just lay in bed moaning. I need to feel better after cancer surgery, then knee replacement. I don't mind the pain of the incisions, etc. - just withdraw pain, yuuuuccccckkkk.
RobetJune 23, 2015
I was introduced to the blue 30mg oxy devils 9 months ago. Went from taking a quarter of one of those a day to 15-20 / day or 450mg - 600 mg per day in a nine month period, I am lucky to be alive. I stopped cold turkey 16 days ago and the first week was hell, no sleep, diarrhea, nausea, EXTREME anxiety, mood swings, no energy. Week two was a little better although I could not sleep at all and the anxiety was intense. As I begin week 3 my energy has come back, I still have diarrhea and insomnia, fortunately almost all of the anxiety is gone. ]This crap can cause hypothyroid which is when your hormones are unbalanced. I had a blood panel drawn and learned of this. It is safe to say I will never touch this crap again as I had no idea how hard core the withdrawal was going to be and the toxicity these things represent to the body. I went to the grocery store yesterday and marveled at how functional everyone seemed and I am not to far away. Guessing I have a few more weeks of this and my symptoms will continue to subside. Pedialyte, an electrolyte enhancer was huge during week one and two, pedialyte is for kids but I drank it to make sure I didn't get dehydrated. Pedialyte is a drink likely found in the diaper section of the grocery store. If anyone has any sleep recommendations I would love to hear them. For those of you in tbe thick of withdrawals, know that you will be much happier after your hellish journey. I love listening to the birds sing in the morning and dud not hear them for nine months, I heard them a few days ago and now everyday which makes me happy. Having sensitivity to life is much better than having no sensitivity. I will never go back to oxy, nowhere near as fulfilling on those pills than being present in life. Hopefully this helps someone. Hope is real and recovery, while hard as heck, feels WAY better than anything the pills will give you. Fighting the fight...
AliJune 25, 2015
My husband is on Day 3...well almost Day 4. He was taking 10+ 30 mg pills a day. We found out. He is not himself (he has not been for awhile now) and seems easily agitated. He has only slept a couple of hours the last 3-4 days, but he seems exhausted. I just want this to be the last time he goes through this...we go through this.
GregJune 28, 2015
I just wanted to say **thank you** to everyone who shared their stories here. Mine is nowhere near as bad as some of yours, heck it started with a "simple" drug resistant ear infection (that went south). But all your stories of what it's like and of recovery give me hope I can be back to normal again soon(ish). I'm on day 4 and the worst of it for me has been the completely terrible anxiety/depression/crying/etc. The hot/cold flashes/sweats don't help either, but I'm very glad I've missed the pain and GI issues (positive spin right?) Seeing family and getting out (exercise I suppose) when my wife can make me seems to have helped here. She is going now to get some Tyrosine to see if it will help. Anyway just wanted to say thank you for your posts. It helps to hear other people and know your not alone :).
JennyJuly 4, 2015
I never write on the internet...not after getting insanely sick after delivering twins, not with my diagnosis of Crohns, my radical emergency hysterectomy at 33 (I will be 35 on the 15th), not with anemia so bad I had to get weekly IV infusions of iron and not with my recent diagnosis of carpal tunnel and osteoarthritis in my hands...but I am almost 24 hours in and my heart is racing. And this board is so comforting. And anonymous. I've had 4 surgeries in the last few years, while caring for an older child, younger twins, and working full time. The only thing that helped me feel better from the constant pain of Crohns and most likely regrowth of endometriosis and constant pelvic pain even after my hysterectomy was oxycodone. I even started seeing a pain doctor who I paid a ridiculous amount in cash (only) and when I found myself taking 30-40 mg a day, instead of the prescribed 20 I knew what I had to do. I ran out. I have an appt with him next week that I will be canceling. I don't work over the summer and thankfully it's a holiday weekend. My husband had no idea and I told him this morning, "I might start to feel a little sick." I look at my kids and cry. They have been so well taken care of thank God but I feel like a fraud when people tell me how strong I've been these last few years. So far I've been chilled, stomach issue (used to that one) and I'm normally anxious but definitely more so. Thanks for being out there and making me feel not so alone.
MeccaJuly 13, 2015
This is day one of my recovery and it is so hard. I am aching, itching, tired, etc. I just want to get past these physical withdrawals. I am more concerned with the lingering mental effects. I just want to know what it feels like to wake up with no intoxicant in my system. I often wonder how I was able to ever make it through a day with oxy and be happy? I hate this drug.
JohnJuly 14, 2015
After having knee replacement and being given oxycodone, I realized a little over a week after the surgery that something was wrong. I began experiencing intense bouts with deja-va and confusion. THIS was worse even than than the physical pain, which I thought I was more than able to handle. I have now been off the oxycodone for 9 days, and I'm told to expect a 7-10 day "recovery" period. I have an appointment in September to have an EEG to determine if I had a seizure. Why are they waiting SO long? The feedback from anyone with a similar experience would be appreciated.. :)
nikkiJuly 17, 2015
After having had a total knee replacement 4 months ago which I found to be one of the most painful operations I have ever had, I was put on oxycodone. Started on 30mg slow release twice a day with 15mg instant for a couple of months. I felt so unwell on them I decided to stop taking them over a week end without consulting my Doctor, it was the worst week end of my life, I have never felt so ill. I had sweats, burning skin, insomnia, tears, cramps, breathlessness, all flu like symptoms and I fainted several times. I called my Doctor only to be told that it would be a good idea to go back on a lower dose to help with the withdrawal which, I stupidly did. I was not getting any pain relief from the oxycodone so decided to go cold turkey again. I am on day 4 now, still suffering with diarrhea, terrible cramps in my legs and feet, burning skin, sweats and insomnia being one of the worst as I am so tired all of the time making it virtually impossible to function. Pain management after a TKR is vital so that one can get knee to bend and function as quickly as possible, Oxycodone did not work for me, I ended up having to have another operation to get my knee to bend. These last 4 months have been hell and I just hope that I have not done any permanent damage. I hope that I have in some way helped anyone who is feeling lost as I do. Thank you for all of your comments which have made me realize that I am not completely insane, good luck to you all.
B_RADJuly 22, 2015
I just came of a cold turkey trial (45mg per day) of oxycodone - even though it is the fast acting, it was terrible for 10 straight days. Day 1: Pain, pain, pain in my crushed C3-C4 spinal column. Day2: Pain, night sweats. Day 3 - 8: Nightmares, no sleep for 4 days, Night sweats. I would actually fall asleep standing up and driving home. I got the chills so bad I couldn't go to work. Fatigue - took time off work b/c I couldn't get out of bed. Couldn't think clearly to write computer code. Considered suicide many nights. Pain actually subsided. I had Xanax for help with withdrawals, but didn't help. Day 8-10: Night Sweats and Nightmares and NO Sleep at all. What helped me: I am a Type I diabetic (yeah, not fun) - SWEAT IT OUT. Drink a ton of fluids and cover up in a blanket that soaks up your sweat. You'll still have nightmares and pain, but you HAVE to get the drug out of your system. I purposely sweated for 2 days straight. Drink water, cover up with blankets, and sweat it out. Also working out upped my serotonin levels and I felt better. I'm clean now and love not being constipated.
Long timerJuly 26, 2015
My case seems a little different than most of the posts here. I have been on a low dosage (15mg/day for 23 years). I was cutting the pills in half so I could take them more often to enhance life's little pleasures as they came along. I did pretty well in life too while doing these. I got a college degree, a pilot's license, held down a good job, had a stable happy family and so on. Here comes the "but." By cutting the pills in half I was suffering from constant mild withdrawals. And then, even at full dosage I was still always in withdrawal! A higher dosage would be great right? I didn't think I really had to quit these things because other than enduring the withdrawals, they weren't negatively affecting my life. Wrong! The permanent withdrawal symptoms and the living of my life totally around my pills was getting worse. I was constantly measuring and managing the time limits of each dosage and where I might be for the next one, the planning of which stage of "high" I would be in for any one of life's situations or event that came along was controlling me. Add this to me keeping all this to myself and being held hostage by the Drs., the planning of vacations around my script etc. showed me who or what was really in control here. I've had enough! It's been 7 days now and my symptoms have subsided. For the first time in I don't know how long, I don't have them. But I have a big day coming up. It's time to get my script filled again. Even though I feel a whole lot better now, I am still thing about maybe.
BreeJuly 30, 2015
I got into a bad car accident in 2009 with damage to my cervical, thoracic spine and knee and was put in oxycodone. At first it helped my pain and functioning through it tremendously, but I found as time has gone on I need more and more to achieve the same level of relief. This of course has led to running out early time and time again. I've gone so far as to buy them on the street. Not sure what made me realize that they were taking over my life and things had to change because I was either in full blown dependence or dare I admit it, addiction. When your life is revolving around going back for a refill or getting more and wasting a lot of money there is a problem. I quit them cold turkey 4, almost 5 days ago. I took off work a few days to ride out the worst of the withdrawals. Muscle aches, cold sweats, runny nose, diarrhea, fatigue, mood swings, insomnia, no appetite and severe lack of enjoying anything. Today more than anything I feel like I'm desperately craving the drug. I just hope that there will be a point where I will feel like my old self again and find better ways to cope with my pain. I feel like the worst person in the world because I have hidden it so well from my family and friends that look at me like a normal functioning person. I feel like they would be shocked if they even knew how out of control things had gotten, so at this point I'm just hoping to get though this, get my life back on track and not go back.
Long timerAugust 11, 2015
Bree - It's been about 10 days since your post. How are you doing now? I was drawn to your post because of your last paragraph. It was the hiding it that really got to me. I had thoughts like "can I ever tell anyone what I have been doing all this time"? "How did I learn to be so deceptive"? "When do I stop"? etc. I have a couple of days on you Bree and am still managing to stay strong. I am hoping the same for you.
LeanneSeptember 2, 2015
I was taking up to 150mgs of oxycodone due to pain from cancer radiation. I was able to wean off with suboxone so I didn't have the physical withdrawals thank god! It's two weeks later and I have no physical symptoms other then anxiety and lack of sleep. I'm also so lazy I don't want to do anything. Not even make my bed. I'm wondering if anyone can tell me how long it will take to be normal. I was taking this med for 2 years. Please help
MarkSeptember 6, 2015
Back surgery led me into the evil trap of Oxycodone. I took a relatively low dose for a short duration (6 weeks). However, I'm an addict in recovery (20+ years) so for me the addiction to Oxy started the day I has surgery and before I took the first pill. Enough on that... My initial dose was 10mg 4 times a day. That lasted for two weeks. Increased by doctors to 80mg day due to a quick tolerance buildup of the pills. I couldn't deal with that so I cut myself back to 40mg/day, then started tapering. I tapered down over three weeks and I was at 2.5mg for three days and quit. This is day two for me with no oxy. I've battled addiction before so I know what to expect. Yes, I feel terrible. I can't focus. I have no appetite. The insomnia is the worst. And I know that day will come. The depression is not severe, but it is certainly happening. I tell myself that this is only temporary and that I will get through it soon. The best part of it for me is that I absolutely no desire to take the pills and I have a bottle full. Those will be taken to a pharmacy tomorrow for disposal. I have no use for them. To all of the brave souls posting here, I wish you the best in your recovery. as with all aspects of my life, I'm taking this one day at a time. -Mark
aprilSeptember 14, 2015
Wow I knew these pills were addictive and I didn't want to take them. I am fighting cancer and winning... So I stopped about a week ago. Have been very sick, nausea, diarrhea and cant sleep at night... I wish I had never taken them, but was the only drug my oncologist had to subside the pain, and I take my chemo. As funny as it may sound, coke helps with the nausea, but I haven't beaten the sleeping thing yet. Go to oncologist tomorrow. Maybe she has some suggestions. This is worse than the cancer. Ugh.
KrisSeptember 14, 2015
I quit cold turkey, 65MGs Kadian BID, 40MGS oxycontin BID, Lyrica, Neurontin, & Norflex & Flexoril (PM). I was then given 40MGS of oxycodone TID. I then cut that dose in half (20mg) and I only took it BID. I am now cutting the 20's in half and take 10mgs BID. It's been 3 days and anxiety is getting terrible. Plus, I feel the chills, the night sweats and insomnia. (and I am not even off it all yet). I am now in CT Medical marijuana program, even though I do not smoke anything. I joined this as a way to wean me off the other garbage since my primary care doctor is offering NO HELP with this. I use the vape oil cartridges at bedtime, and it has been very helpful. I have a 4 level cervical fusion in my neck, thanks to a drunk driver. One 2 level fusion I had, fell apart and it never showed up on the MRI or CT SCAN. If was discovered once they went in to fuse 2 levels above that one! After 5 years, I have neural foraminal narrowing and spurring from C-2-C-6, with a new subluxation at T-1& C-7. I have abnormal bicep and tricep reflexes and my EMG study was positive. I drop, only everything since my arms and wrists are so weak despite me trying to do curls with 2 lb weights. (It starts a spasm in my neck that lasts over a month). They told me to do nothing now that the "narrowing" has gotten so bad. As much as I am a mess, and I have terrible flare-ups, I do not want these opiates to "own me". I do not want to shale rattle and roll over a pill. The thing that pisses me off the most, is, DOCTORS refer us to these pain clinics, with full knowledge that they are going to put us on these terrible pills. Then they judge and label us for something they sent us too. Nobody views the pain clinic, that profits off of inspecting our urine every (3) months, and adding new pills all the time, (even if you say you do not want to) as the bad guy. Those contracts are bull if you ask me. If I do NOT want to take something I know is bad like xanax, I should be able to have some say in the matter. I ended up walking out of the clinic, since they would not help me. My primary care doctor is prescribing as I TRY to wean on my own. Its so hypocritical to profit off of our chronic pain, and then turn around and act like we are a bunch of junkies. I did not ask to be run off the road by a drunk driver, whose life is left unscathed. She was not even charged for the burning car crash, because the trooper was smitten with her looks. (I.A. got involved and he got caught). He was sent off duty without pay, for 6 weeks, and I got an apology letter and a ton of medical bills. I just wanted an idea of how long I can expect to act bizarre so my family has some kind of an idea of a time frame. This was a great article. Thank you.
sallyMay 21, 2016
Best I have read. You are right, they don't listen. Doctor said I would adjust. 10 Mg Oxycodone ER SANDOZ brand 2x day only have taken it off schedule about 3 weeks. Doesn't work. I have gone back to get off because side effects. I'm frustrated had to take it. I get bad headaches dizzy and can't see or speak right from it? Other state I was in I just took 4 10/325 Percocet most days. Hard to find an understanding Dr.
Finally FreeSeptember 15, 2015
Hey all, Listen up. If I can do it...anyone can...truly. I was weak for a very long time, scared to death to take the final step, and then one day I had just had enough! I was prescribed 240-300mgs/day of oxy for 7 years....and I never made it the entire month. I was always buying more from friends. (Its amazing how oxy users tend to find each other when in need.) It just became a matter of taking enough to avoid withdrawals and desensitizing myself so that I could speed through the days. I was in more pain than ever before, constantly having mood swings, anxiety, etc...you all know the deal. My doc was no help...he just kept upping and upping per my requests over the years. I was a really good player in the game. Anyways, I want to encourage those of you who are currently struggling. You can do it, but you have to be 100% committed. You cant WANT to get off them, you have to KNOW you will. The mental is 99% of the battle. I am finally free...16 days and counting. Do I feel spectacular? Yes and no. I am empowered with feelings I forgot I had within me, motivated to take my life back, and ready to take on the world. But, I still feel pretty terrible physically. It took me 7 months of self tapering, a unbelievable amount of self-control, and constant reminders that this was my "rite of passage" to a better life than I've ever had. In the end, I still wasn't prepared for the final week. It was without a doubt the hardest thing I've ever done in my 35 years of life...and that's saying a lot...trust me. I have had 10 surgeries in the past 8 years, including a terrible motorcycle accident...and this was worse than all of that. But, like I already said...If I can do it, anyone can. Don't give up...keep pushing the urge back hour by hour...and I promise you will never be the same after you have faced this demon and survived.
MarkSeptember 16, 2015
I'm currently on day day 12 without oxy. My sleep pattern is returning to normal, I have an appetite again and the fog is lifting in my head. The emotional turmoil is gone, the hot/cold flashes are gone and I no longer have the shakes. I am however easily agitated in loud public places. I still feel tired but that's improving daily. I drink 64+ oz of water a day and I'm eating high protein foods and snacks. To those of you just reentering the world without oxy, all I can say is don't give up. You will get better. If your doctor won't help you, find a support group in your area. Narcotics Anonymous is an excellent support group to be a part of. The people there won't judge you. What they will do is provide support to help you stay clean. And as I learned many years ago in AA and NA, take your recovery One Day At A Time... -Mark
LizzieSeptember 28, 2015
I started taking Tylenol #3 every 6 hours for close to 2 months for terrible back pain. I ended up undergoing a fusion at the end of August. Just before my surgery I was switched to oxycodone 10 mg every 4 hours. I took that every 4 hours until 2 weeks ago, when I started tapering my dose down as my pain decreased. I got down to 1 1/2 pills a day, but the withdrawal symptoms were terrible. I decided to stop taking any oxycodone, but have been struggling with withdrawal symptoms. It has now been 7 days. For the past 3 night I have averaged 2-3 hours of sleep. The body aches are greatly improved, but still have some. The agitation, occasional nausea, and insomnia are becoming intolerable. I have experienced withdrawal once before about 11 years ago after taking narcotics for 6 weeks due to terrible neck pain. That was 10 bad days, but it seems that what I am going through now is much worse. I don't see an end in sight, and it frightens me. I need to sleep, I can't continue on 2-3 hours of sleep every night. I am not tempted to take any more oxy, but I wish there was something that would make these terrible symptoms get better.
markOctober 3, 2015
Lizzie, The only thing that works is time. I know that's not very comforting but it does get better. At 2 weeks I turned the corner and I started to feel better. I'm at almost 4 weeks now. Sleep has greatly improved. I have energy again and I feel great. The fog has lifted. Drink water. Lot's of it. I'm still drinking 64 oz a day minimum. Room temperature water is easier on the stomach that cold water. I've also had good results with green tea. I can relate to feeling bad. I know it's painful at times and I too felt like there was no end in sight. The day will come where you will turn that corner. Stay strong and you'll get through it. Please keep us posted on your progress. I'll keep you in my thoughts. Take care. Mark
JasonOctober 11, 2015
Hi. My name is Jason. I was put on OxyContin 2 months ago following an attack. I had brain bleeding and facial along with cranial fractures. I took OxyContin for 2 month. 10mg x 2x's per day. Never abused them or took to much but I finely told my self it was time to quit taking them if I really wasn't in pain any more. Well the withdrawal has been horrible. The 1st 24 hrs were the worst I've ever had. Luckily I knew what was happening but it didn't help much. I've had chills, depression, major body aches and I just feel like crap all over. Trying my best to power through it but I can say for certain. Never again. Last night were the vomitting, with the hot and cold flashes and muscle aches are the worst. I try to sleep as much as I can to help just sleep through and wake up my old self soon I hope. My mother was a long time drug addict and this shows me what all she went through to get over this and in the end she went back and never got off of them until she passed away. I hope this helps someone a little. It is getting better just not as fast as this ER nurse would like. HANG IN THERE GUYS.
MikeOctober 18, 2015
I have been on Oxycodone instant release pills ever since I had spinal fusion surgery at age 30. First I took 2 15mg pills a day, fast forward to 3 years later and I am taking anywhere from 4-8 30mg instant release oxy pills a day combined with Soma. Tomorrow I am starting a cold turkey attempt. After seeing all of these comments I am on 4x the oxy as everyone else! This should be interesting...I'll try to update if I am able and still have my sanity!
KrisOctober 22, 2015
Mike, I hope you're alright after a few days off your Oxycodone. Cold turkey on such a high dosage... you're in my thoughts.
Kevin RogersNovember 28, 2015
Hi Mike, I can relate to the dosage levels you are/were on, considering you posted back in October. Just concerned; how you made out with the cold turkey attempt? Due to experience with high dosages, and having an unfortunate extremely high tolerance, I do almost feel what you just may have, or are experiencing during your withdrawal. How are you? You can see my unfinished horror story near the end of this thread. Be well. We are all in this dungeon together. Peace. ~Kev
JennMay 22, 2016
Mike, What happened to you?
SheliaOctober 24, 2015
I've had to take prescribed Oxycontin 20mg. 3 times a day for a work related injury of 2003. I initially was prescribed Vicodin 5/500 mg and took that for several years before going on Oxycontin. My nightmare started one week ago today for that is when I took my last pill in early afternoon. I stopped at my pharmacy to pick up my refill which was scheduled to be filled on this day. Long story short it was not filled and was still awaiting approval from the insurance company (W/C). This caused me to endure cold turkey withdrawal not knowing what to expect I was as sick as a dog I was another person who in my mind wished for death in order to just get relief. Day 1-4 was hell I prayed a lot and merciful Jesus gave me some relief on day 5 & 6. It is noe day 7 and I feel much much better. I know I'm not out of the woods yet and its amazing how much one's body has the ability to mend itself to be strong,healthy and happy again. As far as the refill they can take it and shove it up their ass. I will not be doing this again.
moNovember 14, 2015
Hi All, In 1990 I suffered a traumatic low back injury that required immediate surgery and a spinal fusion. I was 6 months or more in PT after that, and on Oxycodone for over a year. I think it was 10/325s as needed up to 5x a day. Eventually I tapered myself off the drug and lived the life of a "health nut" for at least 12 years with no major issues. Then in 2002 the back was bothering and by 2003 it was debilitating and I could not function without intervention. Started taking Oxycodone 5/325 2 or 3 times a day and kept it up for a couple years together with spinal injections, physical therapy and all manner of other treatments. Finally in 2004 my wife and i were blessed with our youngest son and I felt compelled to go under the knife to see if I could regain a better life space for us without my pain management being ever present. It worked for another year, but things quickly went further south than I could have imagined. I was back on the drugs just to function day to day it was worse than ever, prospects looked pretty bleak. Over time I adjusted my lifestyle some and took a new job, we moved back home and I decided that life with drugs was the norm for me if I was going to make a living and do anything but deal with this pain. In 2007 I was diagnosed with Lyme disease. Very typical presentation. The bulls-eye rash, very typical treatment, a couple weeks of antibiotics, no problem. But then I began having all manner of troubles, Flu like symptoms that came and went on a regular cycle, eventually having my gall bladder out - didn't help. Increased pain, first in the back, then in all joints, and headaches all cycling. After a while I was having mild seizures and other neurological symptoms that acted like strokes and bells palsey. I was having trouble focusing and the list goes on, but most salient to this discussion is that the pain was ever-present. I had presence of mind to limit my pain medications to no more than 20 mg a day with additional aspirin as needed and I needed a lot of them to the point that I got ulcers too! Finally a year ago I felt like just giving up and with all the noise in the media about medical marijuana, I thought rather than use greater doses of opioids I would look into that. After a consultation or two and trying some non THC tinctures and topicals I decide these were of little help either and not for me. Now I was ready to just give up, my quality of life was worsening and my family was suffering because of it. In a last ditch effort my PCP tested for Lyme again. I still had it!!! He immediately started me on a grand antibiotic treatment. I've been on it for 4 months and the pain and problems have reduced to negligible. I will start tapering off those soon. Because of the improvements, I no longer really need the Oxycodone and in the last few weeks have stopped them, cold turkey. At first it I felt worse again, and really anxious about it. but I'm doing better. And I'm optimistic. I will admit that I am more depressed than I thought I should be and my motivation level is decreased a lot. I do daily think about what I am doing and the fatigue is crazy. But when I think about the pain being gone the chance that I could function normally after all these years I'm too excited to backslide.
LucyNovember 22, 2015
I have been on Oxycodone 30mg for almost 20 years now for a progressive nerve disease. I take 3 to 4 a day depending on the pain. Now my Doctor wants to taper me off in 1 month. I still have terrible pain taking the medication. I have had 3 nerve surgeries, damage in my back,neck and hands. My fear is I am going to go through hell only to remain in pain with no medication to help me through this. Any ideas for help?
MikaFebruary 17, 2016
Try suboxone. It helps but be careful not to become dependent on that. It has helped me through the roughest part of the withdrawal process.
Kevin RogersNovember 27, 2015
Hi, and may peace and healing be upon all who shared. I feel tremendous empathy for you all. We are all in some way connected, due to falling prey to this common and shared diabolical chemical contrivance called Oxycodone. My story is far less dramatic and horrific than most, and quite likely, many degrees worse than others, but we are ALL suffering. And share that particular common bond. I have never underwent surgery for my numerous L5 thru L1 disc herniations, scoliosis, brittle and arthritic sacrum bones, several compressed and scattered nerve bundles, severe osteoporosis (off the scale, nurse said, at my age!), arthritis with debilitating flare-ups randomly, body wide muscle mass loss due to being reduced to near ZERO activity for at LEAST 4 years, lying down FLAT with knees bent and/or feet/legs elevated to alleviate pressure on lumbar spine. Also have S.I. joint compression screaming thru either left and right, or one or the other hip, even groin region. Tingling/numbness down front of legs during SI flare up. Life had basically come to a crashing halt as I once knew it in late 2010. So many X-rays, MRI's,CT and DEXA scans, that I should almost literally, possibly be glowing in the dark. Then enter stage right....The magic solution!!!! Percocet!! RELIEF, at long last! This was late 2012 or early 2013, after much agonizing. I never really knew what physical pain at this level was. Tolerance developed extremely rapidly, from 5/325mg, 3 or 4 x daily. Next, enter 10/325mg 4 x daily... Several months supplementing with Roxicodone 30mg, all I can afford, from various sundry entities....THEN, alas, to which I openly admit to an ugly decision to dabble in its evil, illegal "wicked step-mother" substance. Because of VERY poor choices of acquaintances. All in search of some EFFECTIVE pain relief. This is what destroyed any remaining tolerance. Possibly forever. At the time, I was prescribed from my PCP 30mg Roxicodone legitimately 4 x daily by the end of September or so of 2013. Always had a choice between "Wicked Step-Mama 'H'", or, when running out, just run right to the stockade of 30mg Roxy as needed. Trust me, I am VERY, VERY fortunate to be alive by the Grace of Our LORD. No other reason! I accidentally OD'ed one evening last winter. I remember everything except peacefully falling asleep, by accident. Next thing I wake up to LEO's and paramedics rushing about my apartment, and a paramed guy with a clear plastic squeeze bag, for oxygen I presume, around my nose and mouth. Evidently, I was administered Narcon (Naloxone) that IMMEDIATELY ruined my "blissful sleep". I clearly heard them say "Wow! He came up on only one shot..." The Narcan was administered up my nose, as it did have a noticeable, nasty sting to it on the way to a mandatory E.R. visit. I tried in vain to convince ambulance personnel I was fine, but they railed on me telling me how lucky I was, etc. But during the chaos, back at home, the LEO's confiscated my "street meds", (dirty filthy garbage it was in retrospect...hindsight is 20/20!). At least they didn't label me a criminal for possession of heroin. All of this trash is in my past, and I am an open book, as I made HUGE mistakes in search, DESPERATE SEARCH, of pain relief. Condemn me if you wish, it doesn't matter. Any human being can simply judge another at face value and say this or that. I am quite used to the condemnation. And I suppose it empowers the other person if they get a reaction, which, like the drugs, I really do not desire to feed ANY monsters. Anyway, back to current day.... I am now TOTALLY OFF the street trash, and removed myself from those unsavory acquaintances. And am currently on 20mg 4 x daily oxy IR. BUT, for the past 3 months, I have been doing a self-imposed slowwww TAPER. However, for the past month, I noticed that I just CANNOT get at LEAST a solid 6 or 7 hours, or my old usual 8 hours of sleep. I am LUCKY if I get a solid 3-5 hours per night, and it is affecting me. I noticed that I am struggling with a very unpleasant temperament. In public, when forced to get food, meds for emphysema, and any other reason to engage in real-life activity, as I am loathsome and on disability/SSD. Very weakened thru means of near zero physical activity as I stated. I want OUT of this miserable trap. I can take 300mg of oxycodone with not so much as an itch. Why even get it?! That is why the self-imposed TAPER, as for GREAT DREAD of what is coming, as I went through it 2 times already. Very brutal and debilitating, almost CONSTANT violent vomiting and explosive "opposite end" running to and fro, ALWAYS not in time. What a complete and utter mess. High fever, aches, pains, nose and eyes like water faucets... And any sleep I cannot remember... For MANY days. That was a result both times of running out of that wicked street trash, as well as financing it thru pawning off my own collection of relief mechanisms....Hope I didn't lose anyone here. I am trying to be discreet. I did wrongly. Yes, but that is history. Now, I just want OUT of the bondage and chains to these round sticks of virtual dynamite that are actually duds, as concerning PAIN relief, BUT... I DREAD what lay ahead when I reach the "jumping off" point. Withdrawal. I know my body from the prior 2 experiences, and my PCP told me it does NOT MATTER for the most part, what your dosage strength is, be it 5 mg 2 x a day or even less, you are practically guaranteed AWS. Then, possibly, PAWS. (Post-acute-withdrawl-syndrome) that will vary in duration, but could well be a month or triple that...possible longer. So that is my current situation. Approximately 4 or 5mg 2 x daily. Hopefully, I reasoned, that the less the dosage strength, the less the Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (AWS). Wishful thinking? Anyone that would graciously respond, to that person I will be deeply indebted for sound advice and life experience shared. May Our Lord have Mercy on you ALL, and be Gracious to you. And thank you all for sharing your own experiences, strengths, and hopes. I wish you all well, and will graciously respond to all kind replies. PEACE. ~ Kev
NaenaeDecember 28, 2015
I've been on 15 mg oxy for a little over a year now. I have really bad hips & had a hip replacement 2 years ago. I was sent to a pain management clinic to help with my chronic pain. I regret the day I ever walked in that place! What I would like to know is what are the alternatives? Aleve doesn't cut it! I've had a nonstop headache for 2 days, no sleep, constantly cold, chills & this all from tapering it down to 2 a day! How do I get my once very active life back?
Cherie AngellJanuary 9, 2016
I took Oxycodone 30mgs five to 6 times a day for over four years and along with that in was taking Xanax 1mg three times a day for over 12 years. Before Oxy I was taking percocet, before that vicodin... I have a multitude of ailments brought on by getting rear-ended by a UPS truck. I have had over 10 surgeries in 10 years. I was constantly running out about one week before my script was due. I did this for years. Finally this past summer is guess my body couldn't take it anymore and I guess I passed out... I don't remember about working days. Also I was hiding this from my husband for years. Well he finally got wise to the situation and asked me straight out and I had to fess up and deal with it all finally. He said I was on the verge of death. I was at the point that I didn't even know when or how many pills in had taken. Well when he confronted me I still had the presence of mind to hide my pills from him. Even though I told him I still hid them. Well I had no idea where I hid them which through me into the worst withdrawal I have ever experienced or read about. My last pills from what I remember was on July 27th, 2015... it took me THREE almost FOUR months to stop having withdrawal symptoms. The things I went through were absolutely horrible. I didn't think it was ever going to end. I didn't think I would ever feel "normal" again. Finally in November I started to feel somewhat normal. From what I've read and what my husband researched is that Xanex is much harder to get off of than Oxycodone. Getting off both of them cold turkey, I don't advise. It was awful not to mention very dangerous. I just found my pills a few days ago. I threw them out. They ruined me. The doctor who was giving get me these so freely should have his license taken. I also take responsibility of course, but these drugs are given out so freely now adays. I personally know many people who are currently taking prescription drugs "legally" and you would never think these people are drug addicts.
Deb RechindaJanuary 14, 2016
Wow!! I can totally relate to everything you have said in your story!! Thanks for sharing. From your pill history - pill hiding - the fess up - EVERYTHING!! I am day 5 without oxy - the 1st 2 days were a ongoing hell But since no one knows about my addiction, I told my husband I have the flu! Today I went out - sweating of course but I am feeling better knowing I am doing my routine... I have no craving at all for pills - I feel clear headed and grateful I don't have to count them and worry about running out!! It's crazy these pills cause such harm to people and then when the doctor cuts you off your left to deal all alone... Never going back - and I will suffer through this day by day until I am back to my normal self!! Hope your still dong well!
bubadutepJanuary 10, 2016
I am in hell right now, it is day 7 going cold turkey and I am doing everything to not think about the withdrawals, I am sleeping as much as I can but that doesn't help. I started taking Darvocet about 12 years ago then switched to Tylenol 3's then to Percocet, then Vicodin, now I am taking Oxycodone 5 mg 10-15 pills a day, most of which I snort now. This addiction has completely taken over my life, I have no friends anymore, my wife is so unhappy and I am miserable unless I am drugged up. I got out of the Marine Corp and started drinking then came the drugs because of physical disabilities. I don't want this to be the rest of my life, all I do is set in bed now, take drugs and play on the computer. This is no life at all, I have wasted most of my youth and I am sick of it. I have tried coming off the drugs before and lasted a few months but I found some pills while cleaning and that old feeling came rushing over me, like the thrill before getting on a roller-coaster. I immediately snorted them and that was all it took for me to go back to day one. I gave my pills to my wife and told her to hide them and divvy them out to me but at every turn I would find them and steal some, then lie to my wife that I didn't and I always run out 1-2 weeks early and have to go through withdrawals every month. I know I am just slowly killing myself and I can't do this anymore. I haven't taken any pills for 7 days and I actually feel the same as i did on day 1, I am so scared these withdrawals will not go away and that I will never get better, my pills will arrive in the mail in 3 days and I told my wife I wanted her to flush them, but my addiction is coming up with so many excuses to keep taking them... Like... you need them for pain, you can't go through these withdrawals for months, or just control it and you can still enjoy the pills, which is all bull crap. It should be illegal for pharmaceutical companies to do this to people. I am also scared because I have forgotten how to live sober. How long will these withdrawals last and how long until I start to feel normal? Any words of encouragement and advice will be greatly appreciated. -A fellow addict in pain.
Deb RechindaJanuary 14, 2016
Don't take the pills!!! It's a vicious cycle that not ends well if you continue on CLEAN and FREE!!! You can do this... Try getting outside and walking.. Excerise and drinking lots of water do help!! I have been food shopping - sweating to death and completely nauseous but got through it and actually felt good about myself!! There's no easy way out - no one way - no magic answer... I am here to vent to if you need too - I am day 5 without any pills and feeling optimistic. I'm not going back to the pills at whatever cost to the way I feel now!!
YourneighborJanuary 18, 2016
I noticed you started detoxing only a few days before me. Trust me, hang in there. You haven't suffered this long for nothing. Read my timeline on day-by-day withdrawals, if they post it. It says "waiting authorization" or something like that. Good luck. I am right there with you, I have been taking 120 mg oxy everyday for many years.
JJJanuary 20, 2016
I am on about 100mg oxy a day. Did you go cold turkey? I am debating, weaning vs cold turkey... I am not sure my business/family can take me down for a long time. "Yourneigbor", did you wean? I am DONE. I have been on some sort of opiate for 15 years... It will be a LONG road to be normal again, but I need to start.
Deb RechindaJanuary 14, 2016
Hi Everyone!! I am a 49 year old women who began taking Vicodin about 10 years ago - why ? Because someone gave me one at a party and I instantly LOVED the feeling!! I would go to my doctors and make up stories about how bad my hands hurting - since I do have carpel tunnel - doctor at the time had no problems prescribing me Vicodin ES 90 pills every 3 months. I was a happy camper. I noticed over the years that I would start panicking when my pill bottle got low and I knew I was going to have to make an appointment with the Doctor again.. So my friend sold them - and I would just buy them from her, at one point I was up to about 10 pills a day - spending crazy amounts of money but the thought of stopping scared me to death! I would go to the doctors and over time getting a prescription started to become very difficult and then he lowered the amount of pills he would give me! With all eyes on prescription drug abuse these days - I wasn't about to argue with him... I have stopped many times over the years - I have gone through these horrible withdrawals - but always seem to find my way back to taking them! Over the last 6 months a friend of mine was getting oxycodone - so I had been buying them from her - was taking 2 pills a day I believe 10 mg - so I am not a heavy user - however I started feeling like my body was calling for this drug at the same times every day.. I was on a physical up and down roller coaster all day long and it just sucks! Then my friend couldn't get anymore last week.. Omg I panicked as all I had left were about 6 pills! I tampered down using those 6pills and then this Sunday I started my cold turkey!! Wow the nausea, the anxiety , the body pain ... Sweating - freezing - restless... It totally sucks! I am using my Xanax to control the anxiety and it's been a god send! I am a mother of a 10 year old son and my husband has ZERO knowledge that I even take pills so this has been no easy task to WD without anyone to turn to! The only people that know I take pills is ME and the buyer!! I would say the worst part is feeling so alone in this... I mean no one knows and I ain't telling! I am making like I have the flu and the lying makes me sick to my stomach!! Now at day 5 of no Oxy and with the help of Xanax - Imodium, chamois tea and Tramadol that my husband had.. I am feeling clear headed and much better today! I will take the Tramadol for only 7 days and then off I will go on those - however they have been a total life saver for me - as they are a opioid acting drug but weak and non narcotic. If anyone needs help with WDs and have a relationship with their doctor - get a prescription and you will thank god!! I don't want drugs in my life anymore - seeing myself panic like I did made me disgusted in myself. I never want to feel like that again. I can't be worried about running out - weather or not my girl will pull through - none of it! I have ZERO cravings- hate the pills - just want withdrawals over and never look back! This thread has helped me mentally so much seeing I am not alone in any of this! I wish each and every person the best of luck with getting through their WDs - it does get better - I am taking it one day at a time - however today I actually smiled - wow!!! I will continue to read these posts to feel connected - because I know I am not the only person going through this - hiding this secret! God Bless and don't forget to pray to God!!!
JimmyJanuary 17, 2016
It really helps me knowing I'm not the only one going through this hell. I was electrocuted about 5 years ago and it blew a whole out of my wrist. I've been taking 240 oxycodone a month 30 mg along with 90 (40 mg) oxymorphone and 30 xanax, just trying to write this is challenging because I shake so bad. I am on day 6 and don't sleep, definitely all withdrawal symptoms and its a min bye min struggle for me. My girlfriend is so happy that I'm finally doing this. I'm just scared I'm going to make a phone call and get sum OC. This is so horrible I pray to God to help and not being a real religious man at age 42, I feel like this is not ever going to end. If anybody has any suggestions I'm all ears I don't want any methadone or subs because I'm just going from one to another. I haven't sleep in days and goosebumps, sweating. All the withdrawal is like I'm dying. Please if anybody has advice I'm listening. Thanks.
Kevin RogersJanuary 22, 2016
I just read all of your comments, fellow men and women, sisters and brothers in this chemical fury, of opiate/opioid withdrawal and slavery like my own. It is with great regret, and yet bittersweet compassion, but pure empathy for you all, in our mutual challenge and suffering. I posted my first confession November 27th. I was, at that time, forcing myself into tapering my horrendous dependence to oxycodone. I am now as of this day down to 5mg every 24 hours. For the past week. I have been able to sometimes get approx. 2 to sometimes 4, or maybe 5 hours of sleep a night, but still get the terrible anxiety and inner restlessness and the tearing eyes, sneezing running nose...etc. etc., after the 18-20th hour between doses. So, I have been virtually sleepless for actually over 4 months. I would not call 2 hours or less a "good nights sleep". But I have also been on 2mg Klonopin 3x a day for over 2 years, and started it in 1989. 26 years. Ringing ears is a result of long term benzo (Xanax/Klonopin) usage for severe anxiety. My anxiety has only increased from the withdrawal syndrome and slooooow tapering out of a great cowardice to just STOP the OXY COLD! I just cannot seem to stop for I KNOW the vomiting and "bathroom trips" (if in time) is sooo horrendous, degrading and disgusting, as well as high fever and sweating and shaking like convulsions awaits stopping ANY dosage level... Stuck in South Jersey. Dear Lord, help us all be strong. Peace to you all. Much Love and compassion. I am willing to communicate with anyone. My life is an open book at this point.
HopefulJanuary 22, 2016
Kevin, I hope you are doing OK. Believe me I know what you are going through and my heart goes out to you. I am day 12 OFF of OXY and the 1st week was just pure hell.. what can I say! Even today- day 12 I feel anxious and restless but the pain is gone, my mood is lifting and I know it will get better with each day. During the withdrawal phase, I took Xanax as well and while I did UP the dosage to get through the WORST withdrawals phase, It was very helpful to me. I also took Tramadol for 7 days and that was my life line. It took away the muscle aches, stomach pains and bad diarrhea I was experiencing. I stopped those on day 8 - so now at day 12 with nothing. I am not going to lie and say that I don't feel "down in the dumps" when I am alone but I will take that over the rest of the horror I made it through. I had a good day this week and then a bad day.. I guess this is going to be common for a while. I will take 1 good day and hold onto that because it was a drug free day and I know I will have more of those if I just stick it out... which I will. Going back to the oxy is NOT an option - I can't believe what I have put myself through over a PILL - the turn around point for me was when I found out I couldn't get anymore and saw my reaction to this... TERROR - ANGER - ANXIETY... I had to say to myself.. No No No.. You have a family, you have a good life, you can not let this control YOU. That was the best thing that could have happened to me.. it forced me into stopping and I don't regret it. I go back to reading these posts as my way of keeping the wound open and grateful that I am not at the beginning again - as that is enough to remind myself that I can NOT go back. My thoughts are that if you are in tampering mode going through withdrawals, your better off with just stopping and going CT at this point. Why prolong the misery? Imodium AD HELPS tremendously!!! I took double the amount it says but man did that work for the vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramps! Highly recommend taking that either way - during tampering or CT. Believe me when I say I know the degrading and disgusted feeling you are going through, but you are SO NOT ALONE there. I believe we all feel this way when it's time to stop because let's face it... Seeing happy sober people when your going through the worst time of your life is not very fulfilling to the soul. I wish nothing but the best for you and hope to see you post more about how you are doing!! Hang in there - and keep fighting!!!
Kevin RogersFebruary 17, 2016
Hopeful: Thanks so much for your kind reply. So good to communicate with another person that has been/going through this. CONGRATULATIONS on your beating this monster, and if there was an an anthropomorphism of oxycodone, I think I would desire to pummel it severely! I am VERY happy for you, and you obviously show great courage, and had reason to respond to make a very difficult choice. I am encouraged by you, as well as many others on this forum with your strength of character. I must confess that I now recently backslid into taking about 100mg or more daytime and nighttime, probably more... Still no effect, except difficult "# 1", as in standing for half hour or more, and some all-over itching and occasional slight tiredness. Now I am low, and face a a PM visit. I am forced to ration down remainder to about 10 mgs day, and maybe a little less at night. I have been sleeping my full 8 or 9 hours, to show that it is the the miserable oxy that is causing the sleeplessness. Not anymore very soon. Just hope I didn't do foolishly for too many days to get tolerant and withdraw, even through not stopping CT. As for your question/suggestion as to why at this point do I not just go CT, it's a very quick answer, and honest. Fear. (Dread, memories of past WD's, etc.) Could not even hold down water, or other meds. I know I heard alot about Loperimide. I think that is is the active ingredient in Imodium. Again, I appreciate your response, and apologize for the delay getting back to you. I wish you all the best now that you have just about beat this dependence. I need to get a good kick in the backside to speed up the process of stalling. I feel like I am doing my best in light of my Severe Anxiety Disorder/Panic Attacks that may be playing a huge part in not just going CT. Keep in touch! And THANKS! Lord Bless, if you believe, and if not Best Wishes and continued good progress! I am interested to know how you are doing. Peace and Serenity~ Kev in So. Jersey.
Craig RittelFebruary 21, 2016
Be careful with the tramadol it is as addicting as the Oxycodone and the withdrawal is as bad if not worst. In addition, stay away from the Benzos they are worst than any opiate you have ever taken, and withdrawal can last for almost a year.
MikaFebruary 16, 2016
I've been taking oxycodone for about 2 & 1/2 years, I started with 5mg every 4-6 hour and this dosage gradually increased over time. By three weeks ago I was up to 30mg every 4 hours. Now that I've had my back surgery I'm trying to stop taking and it's the hardest thing I've ever tried to do because of the withdrawals. The body aches and the restless legs are the worst feelings ever. I've started to take suboxone which helps a lot, but it's still difficult. I've been off oxy for 3 weeks and when I don't take the suboxin I hurt and can not function normally. Is there something else I can do to make this transition easier? Also I have a 6 month old baby and I work 10-12 hours a day. I can't afford not to work because I'm the sole supporter for my family. An advice on how to do this would help... The struggle is real. They should warn you of problems that oxy can create before they give it.
lindseyFebruary 20, 2016
I have fibro and started oxy 4-5 months ago. As much as it helped with the pain and the high at first was amazing. Helped me feel clam which suffering from anxiety panic I never did for as long as I remember. After my body got use to the dose which was 5 mg x 6 a day. Quite low compared to so many others. I knew I had to get off it was making me sick, nauseated, awful heartburn. My stomach felt like it was being eaten inside. The headaches were awful. And this was all happening being on oxy. It's been 7 days for me today. The first day wasn't bad. The second, third and fourth were awful. I barley ate, I was in so much pain. The headaches were intense, feeling sick. The last three days still aches and pain but I have fibro so I knew this would be a huge part and will continue to be. Now tonight I felt very agitated, like I needed to get away or get out of my body. Had a extreme panic attack, even though I take celexa, clonzepam .5 twice a day and three times throughout the last seven days I've had .5 lorazepam because just to heighten. Tonight was the worst. I felt like it's never going to end my head will never feel right, even thought of death which than put my panic over the top and this is after the lorazepam in my system. So I prayed please take these fears away and felt some relief. I'm still wound up. I'm afraid how long will it take to feel back to normal before the oxy. For me outside the body pain which is my fibro, the mental part is really taking its toll on me. I've also had diarrhea since stopping it still continues just not as often now. I usually do a walk for 10-20 min a day haven't for two because the lower abdomen pain been so bad. But writing this I think I will go and do my walk see if it helps. Another thing being on oxy I smoked cigarettes so much. I'm back to only 4 smokes a day on the oxy I was at half a pack maybe a bit more. I can't wait till this is done wish I had a time frame to know when my mental health will be leveled back out. Reading everyone posts thank you for sharing and God bless you all.
AnonFebruary 20, 2016
It's comforting reading these stories and knowing I'm not alone. I've never abused drugs of any kinds - hell, won't even try them! Then a year ago I started getting debilitating headaches daily of all kinds - migraines, tension, clusters, you name it. I tried the dr route And they tried all sorts of meds that did absolutely NOTHING. Someone offered me oxy 20s for relief and it was the first thing that actually helped (well... Usually). What started out as occasional use turned into daily use and way more than I needed. At one point I was up to about 180mg/day and even though it was causing respiratory issues, I couldn't seem to stop, even seeing the harm it was doing. I wasn't myself either. Listless, lethargic, stoned, essentially. Angry, bitter, nasty... It wasn't until recently after going through my acquaintances entire 240 pill Rx in 3 weeks (legit Rx of hers for chronic pain and I was siphoning them at alarming rates unbeknownst to her) that we decided ENOUGH WAS ENOUGH!!! I want my life back!! I'm on day 7 of withdrawal and while I believe I'm through the worst of it, I still don't feel great. Day 1-2 I was NASTY!! Extreme mood swings constantly, hot/cold flashes, extreme anxiety, restless. Vomiting and diarrea (Imodium helped and thankfully that wasn't too bad). For me the worst part was the twitching muscles. On day 2, thanks to a combo of acute withdrawal and a lot of meds to TRY to alievieate the symptoms, I got delirious and screamed and thrashed for what I was told was 11-12 hours. Punching, biting, kicking, swearing and cruising my partner when he'd try to help. Screaming at the top of my lungs to MAKE IT STOP!!!! I remember almost none of that, just a few second intervals here and there. Happy Valentine's Day to us, huh? :/. Day 7 and my sleep is not good, and I am FREEZING COLD inside, a chill I can't get rid of. Im also pretty dizzy and breathless if I'm not careful, and I'm also sneezing a lot, which may be related? Not sure, because I don't seem to be actually getting a cold, and I don't have allergies to anything. Occasional minor twitching at night when I lay in bed still for which I'll pop a Clonidine or Ativan or clonazepam & that usually helps calm it down - but otherwise I'm doing okay. I'm starting to get my appetite back, though my stomach is still pretty sensitive and I vomit at least 2-3 times a day with a bit of diarrhea - nothing major though; not even taking Imodium for it anymore. What I LOVE is that I'm starting to feel like myself again!! I have interest in things again; my sense of humor is back and my brain fog has cleared! I can think again!! My boyfriend made the comment the other night that it was the first time I seemed like the old me in a long time.. It was a FABULOUS thing to hear!! My rage is disappearing; I'm not perpetually angry anymore like the Oxys made me. The thing that scares me is that it's still tempting. I need to find the strength to NEVER EVER touch another one of these suckers again. But I'm not sure how or where to get that will from. Because of my new profession, I'm terrified to admit this to professionals and have it on file for fear of not finding a job if anyone found out. What a difficult place they put us in!! Any words of wisdom?
AnonFebruary 20, 2016
Just wanted to add what did help alleviate things a bit for those going through this: hot showers or baths are LIFESAVERS!! The relief may be temporary and you'll probably have to do it many times a day.. But while it lasts, it's heaven!! Eliminates the chills and twitching aching muscles, even temporarily. Heating pads too, and lots of heavy blankets (weight helps the twitching a bit). Clonidine with clonazepam will at least let you get some sleep for a few hours. Ibuprofen or Tylenol helps with muscle aches. Sounds stupid after coming off such powerful drugs - but it does help. Exercise too, or at least getting up and moving around. Laying still in bed may be all you WANT to do, but I find it makes symptoms worse. Soups/pedialyte - yes it's for kids but it works for us too!/juice/ meal replacement drinks like boost if you can't eat. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and to clear these nasty things out of your system. Imodium (MUST BE loperamide hydrochloride!! It's an opiate antagonist and it won't take all your symptoms Away, but it will helps a bit, not only with withdrawal but the other obvious symptom) - DON'T abuse it hoping to get more relief. It can cause issues of its own if overused!!) Crackers and peppermint tea with honey for nausea. Distract yourself. Stretch your muscles (think yoga). Music, especially binaural beats or classical music. You're probably laying in bed anyway, throw on some headphones and find some good stuff on YouTube you like. None of these work 100% - or at least they didn't for me - but they do help. The fact of the matter is, there's no getting around opiate withdrawal. The only way through it is... Well, through it. It is absolute pure unadulterated HELL - but remember it's for a good cause, and the worst of it should be over in a few days! Best of luck to all of us!!
Craig RittelFebruary 21, 2016
Hello I am retired US Army and have had issues with pain since before my retirement, in addition I also suffer from PTSD. I have been prescribed Oxycodone and taken the drug on and off for seven years during this time I have become addicted. My last dose was 12 days ago, up until that point I had been taking approximately 100 mg a day and I quit cold turkey. I have been very ill, but at point I feel a little better every day. The main problem is fatigue I have no energy at all, currently it is a chore to get up and move around. I have been taking vitamins and eating pretty well for the last seven days, the first five I could not keep anything down except water. I have given this medication up many times over the years, but no matter what this time I am through I am just so tired of being sick. Well don't know if this is of use to anyone, just thought I would share. Respectfully, Craig
KathyMarch 3, 2016
Hi-I'm in the same boat as all of you, and I wish none of us were in it. I've been on OxyContin 30mg every 12 hours for the last 20 years. My oncologist put me on it after cancer surgery. In addition to the pain from that, at the time I also had (and still have) lupus, severe fibromyalgia, rheumatoid and osteo arthritis, degenerative disc disease, pain from a TBI. The OxyContin helped me immensely. We had tried every other pain med available, and this was the only one that had zero side effects on me. Throughout the past 20 years, I never had to up the dose (I never expected any pain med to totally rid me of my pain) and I was able to function and feel like myself. Didn't even have the constipation most people have with it. My oncologist has me in every month for blood work to make sure it and my other meds do not cause any physical problems. Contrary to many others, I've been very happy using this med. But 3 weeks ago, my insurance company decided that I didn't need the Oxycontin, and won't pay for it. My doctor appealed the decision, but they told him there are plenty of other pain meds out there and to use them. We tried morphine, which made me extremely sick. Since the one medicine was the only one that I could use to ease my pain, I am not going through another trial and error of other meds. My doctor gave me a prescription for 10 mg oxycodone instant relief pills. I started at 1 pill every 4 hours, and then one every 5 hours. That's when the withdrawal effects started. I haven't been that sick since I can even remember. The worst have been the constant migraines and stomach issues, as well as the chills, sweats, shivering and fatigue. I'm finishing my 3rd week off OxyContin, and I'm down to 1 x 10 mg pill in the morning and one at night. I'm going to stay there for a couple of days and try to go to just 1 at night. I can't wait until the headaches and stomach problems go away. It seems like its taking forever. One thing that I haven't seen mentioned is what to do for pain after you're completely off the oxy. It's difficult to function with all this pain (I'm 66 years old) - it completely exhausts me. During the time I was on the OxyContin, I slept the best that I ever did because I wasn't woken up by pain. Now I can hardly sleep at all. I wake up as tired and sore as I was before I went to sleep, if I can sleep. How do those who used these meds treat your pain, if you were using them to relieve your pain. I can't imagine having to look forward to every day being in pain. PT, injections, etc. do nothing, and sometime increase the pain, so they have been stopped. I try to exercise every day, if I can, but at least do stretching. Any advice. I know that this drug has a bad rap, but for me, it's been the perfect pain reliever. But since I've gotten this far, I want to get totally off it, but am hoping there is something else I could use. Marijuana? I don't even know if NY has it, and as I don't smoke, I would have to eat it in something. Oh well. Good luck to all of you. Hoping all your problems getting off this drug end soon. That's what I'm hoping for. Thanks for any replies.
Luna FiestaMarch 7, 2016
I remember when I was first prescribed vicodin for a toe injury. I only took maybe 2 out of what they gave me and carried on with my life. A year later I was prescribed oxycodone for my back. I had a weight lifting injury that felt just like regular pain, until it began to grow so unbearable to the point that I could not sit nor stand without screaming in agony. I had gone to the er, where a doctor put me on oxycodone and muscle relaxers. I took a few until I could walk again, and then forgot about them. As the pain got worse (as I walked 3-4hrs to and from work each day), I went to my doctor, who started me on vicodin again. I began taking Vic 10s in 1/4 pieces, but as my body grew used to it, I was prescribed oxycodone. At first, oxy 10s were a miracle (other than the nausea and dizziness). My back pain was gone and I felt like a bird. As time went on, I grew used to the nausea and sort of liked the euphoric feeling, when I was dealing with a bad situation. So, I continued to take them for my pain, but the anger and sorrow I was feeling washed away the side effects. I was taking at least 7-10's a day, and overtime I've gotten weaker and more lethargic. Not long ago, I started doing some ab exercises on a sleepless night, and I felt alive again! I miss my workouts, for they are what made me optimistic and healthy feeling, a true elation. I had tried to stop taking my medication cold-cut, but experienced one hell of a headache and I felt like I was lost in a nightmare. I asked my friend what was possibly wrong with me, and she said that opioid pain relievers cause a withdrawal. I wished someone would have told me that before ever prescribing them to me... So, I started taking them again. My plan was to only take enough to keep the withdrawal symptoms at bay. I've thus far cut down to 40-50mg per day, and after the first 10mg of the day, I cut the rest in half to "scare" myself into believing that I am taking too many, so that I'll take less. I am determined to do this, so that I can have my REAL health back. I want to bodybuild again, and I want back my own mind. I want to be able to take my pain medication ONLY when my back gets too bad to move. I don't want to worry anymore about a withdrawal if someone stole my prescription or I lost the bottle somehow. I want to be free and fully alive again. And a piece of advice, if you haven’t started taking pain medication on a daily basis... DON’T!!
KathyMarch 8, 2016
I know just what you are saying. I'm down to 2 x 10mg pills of oxycodone IR a day-one in the morning and one at bedtime. This is down from 30mg OxyContin ER in the morning and bedtime. The pain I have is much worse, but I could put up with it maybe if I didn't still have the withdrawal effects. I thought by now I'd feel better, and maybe take 1 pill just when I really needed it so I wouldn't be dependent on it. But I can't get past these last 2 pills. It's now 3 PM and I haven't taken a pill today yet, but I've got that feeling like I want to crawl out of my skin and stomach problems still-can't venture too far from home, if you know what I mean. Gees, I'm 66 years old, and shouldn't be feeling like this. I've called 2 pain management groups--one only uses injections for pain--I've got fibromyalgia and other whole body pain that a shot won't fix. The other says that they don't accept insurance. I guess I'm just venting here today. Sorry. Anyway, I hope you can get your pain under control soon, and are able to do away with these pills, or just take it when needed. My son (he's 38) also lifts weights and is a black belt in karate, so I know how important it is for you to get back to it. Good luck, and hope you are well.
StephenDMarch 12, 2016
You can do it! I was told that the meds work like this: the more you block the pain the harder your body tries to push through the narcotic pain block hence causing more pain. I had to start with tai chi just for basic movement then DDP yoga. As messed up as it sounds the last time my back was pain free was when I was doing allot of blacksmithing, I was also looking much better and had built up solid core strength. The pills just steal your life. You can do this!
ChadMarch 9, 2016
It gets easier. 10 years ago I started taking 2x 20mg oxycontin a day for a back injury . When I stopped 3 weeks ago I was taking 2x 80mg oxycontin and 12x 15mg oxycodone a day. Thats 340mg a day. I stopped cold turkey on 2/20. I locked myself in a hotel room for 4 days. After 4 days most of the severe physical symptoms had subsided. My biggest issue now, 3 weeks later, are the neurological effects. I'm still not sleeping at night and I'm constantly sad. Not depressed, just sad. If I'm watching TV or reading a book and someone does something nice I get choked up. I was never very emotional before so this has been tough to deal with. I'm hoping it passes like the physical symptoms did. It is possible to stop! I psyched myself up before I detoxed by convincing myself I would experience the worst withdrawal possible. What I actually experienced was much less painful than I expected. I wasn't quite as ready for the long term neurological effects but I'll get past this too. I hope someone still addicted reads this and realizes that you CAN stop.
KathyMarch 11, 2016
Good for you, Chad. I am still feeling pretty awful-giant headaches and if I go anywhere, I carry a bottle of Imodium with me and get back home as quick as I can. If I wait to long, the chills, skin-crawling feeling and all start to come back. I was at my oncologist today, and I've lost almost 10 pounds since last month (I have to see them once a month), which is not good for a cancer patient. And she reminded me that some of the pain I have is from the cancer meds I take-they cause bone pain, in addition to all the other conditions I have. So we decided not to stop the oxycodone right now.But she has me taking the 10 mg. every 6 hours, and less if I can stand the withdrawal. Even though it isn't long term like the OxyContin, at least I get a couple hours of pain (and withdrawal!) relief. We're just going to go at it real slow. I'm not going to take it until I feel the withdrawal things starting to return. But I need to get my digestion working right again, because I can't afford to lose any more weight. My only problem is nighttime-even if I take my last 10 mg. of the day at midnight, when I wake up, I am having the withdrawal effects again and don't feel better until after I take the morning pill. I guess that's how it's going to be. I guess I got spoiled by finding the perfect pain med for my case, which took so long to find after a lot of trial and error. Since nothing else works, I guess this is the way the rest of my life will be-a roller coaster of feeling good and not every day. I suppose it could be much worse-I read that many people haven't found any pain med that helps them. I'm just so mad that an insurance company gets to go against doctors wishes and decide who can get what, just to make sure then get their money. You would think they would listen to an oncologist, who's patients are often in pain. But he appealed to them and no dice. Here's another question. Going through all this like I have, I was thinking. Why is it that insurance companies are so quick to refuse OxyContin to patients, but allow for oxycodone to be used? It seems to me that with the formulation of the OxyContin now (making it harder to crush, etc.), it would be much easier for addicts to abuse the plain oxycodone. But they allow me to have those with no problem.It seems like it should be just the opposite. Very confusing. Anyway, for anyone who reads this, thanks for reading. I'm still mad at the insurance company (as is my oncologist) and just have to vent sometimes. Good luck to all who are dealing with this drug, and I hope all of you are well.
StephenDMarch 12, 2016
Thought I would share. I have had nine surgeries to my knee then totally messed up my back (altered gait etc). I had been taking Oxycontin/Oxycodone for about 10 years. The combined dosage was up to 140 mg/day. I got fed up with Dr Pill and was in to much pain and was not going to take any more. Well the new doc said we start from scratch here so detox with your former doc. I had most of a scrip left so I just tapered it down for a couple weeks and then bit the bullet to get it over with. I have read the "horror stories" but it was not like that for me. The first day was nothing relay except more pain. the next 5 where flu-like including diarrhea (liquid Imodium worked well for me). Truth be told I have had the flu much worse than that. Well a month later I still have cold symptoms on and off and my sleep schedule is real messed up. It could be worse. The pain level is not any worse for the most part and my head is clear. I could not function normally before nor now but at least I am in control of my head. I have set physical goals and am working to them with exercise and yoga (I lost allot of flexibility, I did martial arts up till the back wrecked me). It is going slow but I am making progress. The biggest key things I can share are: It is not that bad stopping the pills! Prepare, plan and execute, just get er done! Expect a lot of bed time for days 2-5 and expect flu-like symptoms (but I have had the flu worse, trust me on that). Then cold symptoms which are annoying. Do not let Dr pill do you in, insist on treatment not pills. If the pain is already to bad it likely wont be any worse 3 weeks later (the narcotics generate a higher pain response). Did it suck for me? well yes and it still does but I am getting stronger and better every day. Does the exercise hurt and put me down sometimes? Well yes it does, but I am making it a full time job to fix the broken body. You all can do it if I can!
DianneMarch 13, 2016
Hi all. I've been off oxycodone for 3 days. I was taking them for extreme fibromyalgia pain. I had 6 good months of reduced pain and was able to participate and interact with family and lifer. One day my doctor told me that narcotics do not help fibro pain and I had to get off of them. I stepped down very quickly and have been very sick. My pain has doubled. I'm seeing a pain management doctor to help me find some other way to manage my pain. The most difficulty has been the nausea. It's non stop. Good luck to anyone coming off these meds.
KathyMarch 14, 2016
I'm sorry you are going through this, Diane. I think it's crazy when people say that these meds don't help fibromyalgia. Oxycontin, and now oxycodone are the only pain meds that even put a dent in the pain. Others don't touch it. And I still get upset when doctors still know so little about fibro pain. I was referred to a pain clinic where I was told that they only make use of injections such as epidurals, etc. Don't they know that an injection does no good for fibro? I don't understand why they always have to try to fix something that isn't broken. I have a lot of painful conditions (as you can see above) that were helped by the OxyContin. I had no side effects, never, in the 17 or so years that I've been on it, had to change the dosage-I never expected it to take the pain totally away. I just needed it to take the edge off so I could function in the day, and sleep at night. So the mighty people at the insurance company decided that it is better for me to stop it and find something else. What gives them that right? It's all money. My oncologist put me on 10 mg of oxycodone every six hours, which helps a bit, but as soon as it's effects wear off, I back on my way to withdrawal. And it's worse in the morning after not taking anything during the night. After having a constant amount of the med in my system, now it's like a rollercoaster and my body doesn't know what to feel like. I hope you can get some pain relief from your pain management doctor. I'm still looking for one who believes that fibro is an actual disease and knows how to help us get relief. I hope you are feeling better too. Keep well.
HighHopesMarch 21, 2016
Hello My awesome and brave Brothers and Sisters!!! Reading all these amazing blogs compelled me to send hope to all that are feeling at odds right now during the temporary nightmare that you're unfortunately enduring. I've been where everyone that has posted on this blog has been. It started with a herniated disc that led to sciatica for a year in 2007. My Doctor put me on so many drugs percocets, morphine, vicodin, cymbalta for pain along with it was ridiculous. Had surgery for the herniated disc and was on more meds. Got hooked on them for 9 years. They sent me into a deep abyss! They took over my life and though I wanted to get off of them for years, I feared the detox. But I had no quality of life. I was so numbed on those stupid things that I forgot what it was like to feel and be truly happy. But once I set my mind to wanting to be my self again and truly happy I sincerely asked God to give me strength to get through the detox and heal my mind of the addiction and let me tell you a MIRACLE happened!!! I'm not a religious person but I do believe in God. My detox was very minimal after nine years of abusing pills and I haven't looked back since. It's been 10 months for me and I feel more alive in my life than ever!! I can tell you how amazing it will feel for you to get off the pills. To have control back in your life is the best feeling EVER! Believe in Yourself please because you deserve happiness and you will feel that again I promise you!!! I know it sucks right now but you will get past this! You can do it I know you can because I have faith in you! I've never met you but I wish you well and the best! You all have an untapped strength within you it's always been there. You just need to remember it and BELIEVE IN YOU again because that is the person who will make you whole! You can do this!! Your Will can move mountains!! Welcome Back!!!
Laura HamiltonMarch 22, 2016
I had been on 140mg a day of oxycotin and oxycodone. I have RA, fibromyalgia, a bad back and hips and knees. I have been taking this dose for 12 years. I slowly tapered until I was at 10mg of oxycotin twice a day then just went totally off. Felt horrible for the first three days. I'm taking Gabapanetin three times a day. It is a seizure med and helps with the leg jerks that other wise come every few seconds. So exhausting and it increases my pain because of the jerking. During the day with the Gabapentin I don't have leg jerks but when I try to sleep they happen again for hours till I end up taking another dose of Gabpantin, Baclofen and ativan. Then after a couple of hours the leg jerks stop and i can sleep again for just a few hours. I really wonder how I can get through the day without the leg jerks but have so much problems with them at night. I thought perhaps because at night I am trying to completely relax. Who knows but it is miserable when it happens and even with more meds it can still continue through the night. I'm on day 6 of no oxycotin. I stayed in my nightshirt for the first four days and thought I was going to die from the withdrawals but for the past couple days I have been somewhat better during the day and have tried to just do a few things around the house. I just really wonder how long I'll deal with the nightly leg jerks. I was praying that they would stop by now. The bad deal is that my pain has come back full force which is depressing. When I'm done having withdrawals I am going to have my nerve roots burnt in my back, my SI joint and my knees. This will greatly help the major pain areas but it won't help with the other joint pain from the RA or the fibromyalgia. I'm hoping that the doctor will let me take Lyrica or Cymbalta to help with the pain. This deal has been the most miserable thing I've gone through. If I knew that coming of these meds was this hard I wouldn't have started taking them except they were great for my pain but it really is time to try to be off of them. My husband says that I'm much more alert now. I just keep telling myself that this too shall pass and when it does my life will be much better. Hang in there.
J SmithApril 9, 2016
Ok... It's going on 6 weeks since the last time using OXY and I quit cold turkey. I was abusing about 20-40 mg for about 4 years. First few days were hell but the WD eased and began minimizing after a week. I am still having heart palpitations and moodiness. I have cried 2 times today. I was crying 10+ times a days at first. I am SO MUCH BETTER but a ready for all the WD to go away. My spouse was using about 100 mg daily and is on methadone. They told her its may take 1 year. We are a pair.
JodiApril 10, 2016
I've been on Oxycontin for over 7 years for RA, and Fibromyalgia related pain. I started at a dose of 20 mgs 3 times a day then went down to 20 twice a day about 1 year ago, then down to 30, 20, 10. Under doctor's supervision I took my last 10mg of Oxycontin on Friday. I am doing a slow 3 week taper of oxycodone now. 5 mg twice a day for 1 week then 5 mg once a day for a week then none. Does anyone know if it would be of any benefit to go to 2.5mg twice a day for a while then 2.5 then none? I live in Washington State and have been considering a marijuana tincture to help with the anxiety side effects. Has anyone else done this? Also have heard that it can help with the sleeplessness as well. I have a lot of discomfort with the RA and Fibro so I want to do this as pain free as possible. Any suggestions will help.
Barbara L.April 12, 2016
Hello everyone. I have not gone through the hell that many of you have, at least I thought not. But reading your experiences has opened my eyes. I was put on Morphine and Oxycodone after emergency back surgery for a badly herniated disk in my back which caused some nerve damage and pain in my left leg. My back surgery was extensive, requiring the removal of previously placed Titanium rods and screws from a prior back surgery for scoliosis, stenosis, and arthritis that caused excruciating pain in my right leg. These were then replaced with new rods and screws which now run the length of my back from right above my last vertebrae to right above my bra strap. This was in early Dec. 2015. I was tapered off the Morphine successfully with only minimal withdrawal symptoms by Feb. 2016; however, I continued on the Oxycodone at a reduced dosage. All went well. I entered physical therapy, made excellent progress and completed 16 sessions as prescribed. This was especially exciting for me as I suffer from Fibromyalgia and an extremely arthritic knee, and the Oxy. was permitting me to be able (I NOW realize) to exercise. I felt very well. My husband has Alzheimer's Disease and still lives at home withe me. Friends looked after him while I was in the hospital, but once I was out he was back in my care. I seemed to have all the patience in the world with him suddenly. I NEVER thought it had to do with the Oxy. until possibly now, after reading so many entries here! You see, I have Bipolar Disorder and I tend more toward the depressive end of the spectrum with mine. I am on medication, which I take religiously, and am in therapy which I attend faithfully with a very good therapist - who, curiously enough, used to work with drug addicts during her earlier years in training. Anyway, I think now that the Oxy. has been giving me a bit of a mood boost! After I'd completed physical therapy, I decided the coming off of the Oxy. was my next step and asked my MD to taper me off of it. I had been at 5 mg. 4 times daily. Yesterday was my first day at 1 pill a day. Now, I should mention that I take a boatload of other meds. - for Fibro., Bipolar, Depression, and Sleep (part of the Bipolar cocktail) but none are narcotic in nature. I have never had a problem with taking more Oxy. than prescribed, or running out early, or hiding pills, etc. Anyway, I realize that I have been experiencing withdrawal symptoms since I began tapering from four pills a day - after reading all of your experiences here! What an eye-opener! I've even had to have my Bipolar meds. adjusted slightly to feel like I can hang on! Dealing with anything has become a monumental chore. Dealing with my husband has become so depressing and stressful! I don't mind the diarrhea as I've dealt with that before, and I have Irritable Bowel Syndrome anyway, so it's no stranger to me. I just take my probiotics, eat Imodium, drink lots of water, eat yogurt, drink Kombucha, and try to eat clean. The insomnia has been a problem for several days now and I'm still on the Oxy., even though it's only 5 mg. a day at this point. Sleeplessness is anathema to Bipolar sufferers, as it can cause troublesome mood swings and aggravate things like excessive spending or shopping, which I am prone to. Anyway, I just thought I'd toss this monkey wrench into the picture, as I think my combination of issues and symptoms is different enough from what I've read here that it might be helpful to someone else like me. I know I'll get through the withdrawal symptoms, I was just quite surprised to find I was having them BEFORE I went off the drug!!! At least, to the extent that I'm having them... Best wishes, love and blessings to all of you out there who struggle every day. You're not alone!
James MeyerApril 18, 2016
I've read most of the comments here. You folks are heroes. Struggling with stage 4 aggressive prostate cancer I've tried to keep my oxy dosage to 5 mg/day and now cutting the pills in half, and dealing with the pain. I know we are all different but here are a few things that have helped me. Think of yourself as a champ, fighting your way through a storm, and one day the sun will come out. In the meantime, focus your attention on your healing, not your pain. I get up in the morning, I walk around the house expressing gratitude for all that I have. I practice short periods of meditation and mindfulness. I get as much exercise as I can, but have to walk slowly for 10 or 15 minutes at a time. It helps. I have a mini rebounder (trampoline). I try to bounce lightly (Google "health bounce") for 5 mins every 2 hrs. And at every opportunity I say I'm feeling great. At night before going to sleep I tell my body it has lots of work to do - get busy "restocking the shelves" of my energy reserves and feel-good chemicals (I visualize the night crew at Walmart happening in my body) so that I'm all ready for a "feel-good" day. Most importantly, I never affirm, or say, I'm having less "pain." That focuses on the pain. Instead, I say, I feel great, I have energy, I feel like a new person... a youngster, even though I don't always believe it. But I've noticed my body will believe anything, if I say it often enough. And that seems to have a way of making it happen just the way I've been saying it over and over. Best wishes. How I wish I could be of more help to you all.
Beverly SchmidlinApril 18, 2016
I have been on Oxycodone for 6 years. I was born with mild Cerebral Palsy. My c.p. never bothered me much until I got older than the wear and tear on my muscles began to cause pain. My Dr. put me on Oxycodone. Like everyone else I needed more as the years went by just to be able to achieve the same effect and relieve my pain. I recently have acquired a pinched nerve. which gave me a new perspective on pain, let me tell ya. So I ended up increasing the oxy again. So I started taking up to roughly 60 mg a day. I did this for a month or so. When I went to a pain management Dr. for my pinched nerve the Dr. had a fit that I had been on Oxycodone for so long. He told me I would probably need to have help getting off them. Me, beginning stubborn, I scoffed and thought it would me no big deal. I just began doing it myself. I am down to just one 7.5 mg a day. I have realized how ignorant I was. My anxiety is through the roof. I have loose bowls, chills, night sweats and crying spells. Someday I can barely carry on a conversation. My hubby of 30 years has been fabulous. We have four children. They are all on their own. I fell bad when they call me and I do not even want to answer the phone. They gave me a shot for my pinched nerve and it is not working. So it is hard for me to walk. I'm not sure what to do about the pain but there will be no more oxy for me.
Friend in DenverApril 22, 2016
I have read all of your comments and I'm wondering how you got your pain to subside? If you go off of the oxys and deal with the withdraw, isn't your pain that put you on them to begin with still there? I take 200mcg of fentanyl a day as well as 30mg of oxycodone 4 times a day, as well as epidural injections, as well as non opiate meds due to failed back surgery from being hit by a train. Even if I were to go off of the opiates, my pain would unfortunately still remain. I have come down from my opiates considerably, and am stable on my current dose. However remember that if you take your meds responsibly and as prescribed these meds can be a good thing too. I have suffered with my back pain for 30+ years and fortunately have a Dr that is compassionate and understanding of my pain. I will pray for all of you that have had such a hard time with these medications. I wish you all the best of luck! Sincerely, A friend in Denver
DMay 25, 2016
Hey, don't do this to much. I'm a programmer, so I am on a computer a lot of the day. I'm 23, was on 150mg OC IR and 400mg morphine ER a day, never abused. This medicine is just to get more money in the pharmaceutical pockets. But look, this is key, DO NOT JUST SIT AT HOME AND DO NOTHING. Go out and ride a bike, gym, hot tub etc. Look your brain gets used to the constant large supply of endorphins so what fixes the way to make more? Exercise. Believe me, morphine is a worse drug, longer half life, but the pain you're feeling, is going to be increased because your body is used to the ENDORPHINS THAT COME FROM IT. 5-HTP, Imodium, exercise, water, SWEAT, it helps. FYI, like I said, I'm 23, been taking for 3 years almost, as told every time. Found out I've got cancer in January, had surgery, removed. Now in colon and gallbladder, possibly in lungs. You control your life. This world's temporary leave a image of the real you. Good luck all, you can do it. P.S. You'll get to the point where you get em every month well I do BC have to for settlement, and just wait till end of month, flush 150 OC IR 30s and the morphine.
RyanMay 1, 2016
3 weeks ago I had a quad rupture and had surgery on my knee. I was prescribed vicodin 10-325 as needed... I took them with glee as they cleared the pain for the first week. I then started cutting them in half and was additionally prescribed oxycodone 5mg. In total I was only on Oxy for about 18 days. I stopped after the Aspirin provided me caused me to have stomach problems (NSAIDs are known for this but I had to take it to avoid a blood clot). I'm using prilosec to help ease the inflammation in my stomach, per my doctor. Tylenol is working fine for my pain. Today is day 3 off of Oxy and I've had insomnia, emotional swings, hot/cold flashes, headaches, dizziness. Can I really be getting these symptoms from the Oxy? I'm so tired, but once I fall asleep my body wakes me up again for some reason. Only had about 7 hours in the last three nights. The insomnia is terrible. Any thoughts? How long until I can conclude that it is the Oxy that's causing the insomnia?
SteveMay 2, 2016
I am a 71 year old male Vietnam vet who was given 5mg Oxy to take one every 6 hours for post surgical pain. I had a lung removed on March 14th 2016 at the VA hospital in Milwaukee, WI. After a month and a half suffering severe constipation, and the stool softeners they provided were not working, I decided to cut my Oxy down to 1/2 every 4 fours. This didn't work! I called the surgical nurse and informed her I wanted off the Oxy and that I was experiencing most of the withdrawal symptoms listed in the side effect med sheet they provide. She told me I needed to see a shrink and noted so in my health record. A week later I called the pharmacist at my local VA clinic who suggested I take one pill every 10 hours to withdraw from the Oxy. Did that for a week and while I felt good for the first 5 hours, the remaining 5 were crap. A week of that and I decided to just quit taking the stuff altogether. My detox experience is in it's third day. Very little, but some improvement. I cannot imagine what you folks go thru who have been taking large doses over a long period if THIS is what I am experiencing for the short period and low dose in my case. This experience really sucks, and hope it doesn't last too much longer.
BryMay 21, 2016
I had been prescribed 30mg Xxy immediate release 4x a day and 30 mg ER morphine 1x day. After back surgery 3 years ago. It really helped me with my quality of life at the beginning and even for the first 2 years. Over the last year though I didn't like what it was turning into... Watching the clock for my next dose, counting the days down until my next Dr visit, and the worst part was feeling like I was having to take them just to keep from being pill sick. So I decided to quit. My method of quitting was my method and I do not recommend anyone doing what I did unless under the care of a medical team i.e detox facility or what ever the case may be. Needless to say here's what I did: I disconnected my ER Morph. 2 days before my quit date. Then took my last Oxy at 7pm. May 9th. (I happened to come across seven 8mg subs months before and was saving them for this) so I had a great night of sleep and woke up ready to go threw some hell for another 12 or so hours before I could start the subs. I ended up taking my first 8 mg sub at 6pm the following day (23 hours after last Xxy) a bit risky because I hear precipitated w/d are horrid! After about 20 mins I laid down in bed and dozed off for 20 or 30 mins. And woke up feeling like a million bucks. Day 2: off Oxy and on subs. I took one 8 mg sub when I woke up and cut the next 8 mg in half and took them once at 1pm and again at 9pm. Day 3: took 4mg sub 3x Day 4: took 4mg sub 2x Day 5: (final day of sub taper) took one 8mg sub at 11am. I'm 12 days off Oxy now and I think 7 days off subs and I feel like my brain is a little bit off. My legs ache here and there had a pretty constant mild nagging head ache , low energy/motivation and some bout of diarrhea. Also my sleeping has been off a bit. Still getting 7 hours though thank god! All this is to be expected, you can't sprinkle glitter on crap and make it pretty, it's going to be rough for a while I'm sure but talking to family or friends about what your going threw helps so much, getting out of the house really really helps. Sitting on the couch or laying in bed is awful for me at least. I've kinda increased my sugar and caffeine intake since being off everything I feel like it helped me with the headache. I have a feeling this will be up and down for a while, but I made the decision to stop taking the pills and I'm sticking by that decision. Be in touch with your mind as to what your going threw tell your self it will only be temporary and fight through this. There is light at the end of the tunnel! God bless everyone that is going threw this fairly difficult time. P.S. N/A meetings, although I haven't attended any, can be a great tool for finding a support system within you local community (from what I'm hearing and reading). Good luck everyone we can do this! P.P.S. Sorry about any grammar errors on my comment and if I'm all over the place I apologize my brain is scattered a bit right now!
BryMay 23, 2016
As the battle continues. Day 14: the last couple night my sleep was much better, still not like it was but better. Also today I feel a lot better then the last couple days. I started listening to music and it really does wonders for my mind. I'm getting out and doing things more and it really has helped me. I have no desire to take the pills anymore and my mind is dead set on that. If you have a really bad day and have no one to talk to, try calling any NA helpline. I've called 2 random NA helplines and spoke to 2 wonderful people that chatted with me for 30 mins or so. Never once pushing me to come to meetings, only suggesting that it does help folks. Keep your head up if it's rough but for damn sure possible!
TinaJune 10, 2016
I am on my 21st day off of Oxycodone 15mg 4 a day (or more) and MS Contin 15mg ER. I am having night sweats still. When does this end? My upper back is achey and my neck is stiff. I had back surgery 3 months ago on my L5S1 and had a fusion with a cage 2 rods and 4 screws. I went to detox for 3 days. Once home the night sweats kicked in. I'm taking super busy complex, a multivitamin and Vit D. I have no energy and that is the worst part I believe. At 21 days I figured I would feel better. I'm better today that 2 weeks ago. Just wish the pain, sweats and no energy stopped. When does this stop?
John C.June 14, 2016
I have been taking oxycodone for over 30 years due to a back injury while in the military years ago. So not to drag this out I will make it short. I was discharged from my Pain Dr. in April of this year. He had me on 300mg of oxy per day. The discharge can one month after I provided them with a positive drug screen, which is the first ever positive I have ever provided. The month after I gave them urine I went to my follow up appt and was told that I was discharged and would not be given any more medication that I had been getting from them for over four and a half years. So long story short - I went to three other pain doctors and was turned away from every one and placed on a black ball list that is probably nation wide. Looks like I will never be able to resume even a 5 mg endocet. I will argue that the Federal government intruding into our lives has been over stepped. Someone in the DEA or wherever gets to decide which medication I can or cannot have, now especially with my first ever positive drug screen I have much less choices. I do believe in tough laws to curb addiction but look, I'm 60 years old, disabled veteran on 100% and on medicare. Who am I offending?
lana2468June 22, 2016
The worst part for me in weaning off and quitting is the stomach distress. I only weigh 104 anyway (5'2") and due to feeling sick to my stomach all the time since decreasing dose, I now weigh 98 pounds. I am constantly tired and sick to my stomach. Any advice on how to deal with the stomach issue? I can't afford to lose much more weight. I have not had any appetite for food since starting this weaning process. I would be grateful for any suggestions. And bless everyone who has shared their story here. You are very brave and determined and deserve a lot of respect and admiration. I wish you all the very best.
Scott mabelmanJuly 8, 2016
I was on oxycodone for 10 months and then my doctor switch me to Oxy Cotton. I was taking to Oxy Cotton 30 milligram pills a day and I immediately called my doctor and told her that this pill only lasted 6 hours. She said that by taking Oxycontin I would not have the ups and downs of taking the oxycodone every 4 to 6 hours. This is extremely wrong and not the case. Once my doctor figured out that my pain was not being broken with the 30 milligram pills she said take a 30 milligram pill every 8 hours so I was taking 90 milligrams of OxyContin a day which after six hours or less I had to take 20 to 30 milligrams of oxy codeine so I ended up taking an extra 50 to 60 milligrams of OxyContin a day for a grand total of 150 milligrams a day. This is simply the worst thing you can do if your body. If I can recommend anything do not get on oxycontin. I went and tapered myself down to 90 milligrams and had a hernia surgery and then had to boost back up to 200 and then 180 and 160 and started tapering down and when I got to 3 10 milligram Oxycontin pills I tried to go to the oxy codeine pills which was literally impossible. I had to taper off the Oxycontin first and then I had to taper off the oxy codeine. The Oxy Cotton is 10 times more addictive forming to your body and brain. Once I got down to 10 milligrams I simply cut the 5 milligram pills in half and then in quarters and took one every 4 to 6 hours and tried to go without at night then I drop down to 7 milligrams and then 5 milligrams and then I took 1.2 milligrams twice a day for four or five days until I was finally off. This low taper work for me at the end even though I was much fast are dropping down from 200. I hope this helps people out there to not take Oxycontin at all costs. It is the worst drug. I am still having side effects 18 days after my last pill and I have been having panic attacks and insomnia with extreme soreness of muscles. I have been taking Epsom salts bath with sea salt and been using a lot of DMSO on my store joints and muscles. I also took L tyrosine and DL phenylalanine during the day and I took 2 5-HTP at night. Also taking omega-3 fatty acids, fish oil is extremely important for a good quality sardines to block information. I also use turmeric and bone broth to reheat my body and reduce inflammation. I hope this help somebody in this world and I hope that you listen to my advice is the yo-yo and effect of pain medication is twice as bad on Oxy Cotton do not go there. Take care and peace out.
Jenni BeanJuly 9, 2016
Hello All, I am 54 hours cold turkey from 150mg of oxycodone for 5 & 1/2 years (Dr prescribed and from multiple back surgeries and chronic pain). I have tried to quit before and I turned into the girl in the exorcist!!! I also would fantasize that I would get sent to jail or something forced like being tied to a hospital bed... what would be the the one thing that would make me have the determination to stop. But I will tell you the key... DETERMINATION!!!! That's the only thing getting me thru. I was tired of being a slave by these blue pills and obsessing about them. I was tired of being treated like a drug seeker at doctors and pharmacists. I was tired of not being able to travel to long or even move to another country because my blue pill chain was here in the U.S. So yes I feel many symptoms. I am freezing and roasting in sweat all the time. I have NO hunger at all but am drinking lots of water, orange juice and coconut milk. I can't sleep more than 2 hours, I feel like I am blacking out from dizziness every time I stand, I have runny bowels which I took a little Imodium which stopped that nonsense, headache, body aches, etc. But I am so determined. Every time I look at the clock and see I have gone 2 more hours is a blessing. I CANT wait TO LIVE again without; Foggy brain can't remember something I read 2 seconds ago, no concentration, blue pill obsession, being a slave to my doctor and pills, feeling a secret hell, no sex drive, having constant anxiety if we have a hurricane or tsunami and I can't get a prescription... having to return from trips and travel early, worrying I will lose my pills, isolating myself, constipation, being emotionally numb. There is so much more much more however I am so determined to do this that I will win!!! So I used to obsessively read recovery journals of people getting off opiates wondering when or if it could be my turn... "Determination is seeing the pot of gold and the end of a painful rainbow."
RonJuly 13, 2016
I am 57 and I broke my neck taking a nasty 60 foot fall on Devils tower, I was a rock climbing guide for about 20 years. The repair was going to be a fusion using titanium and cadaver one. Well the Dr. came in and said he nicked a nerve but that the nerve would regenerate 98% of the time. Come to find out he severed the nerve. So I tried everything two to three times; acupuncture twice, physical therapy three times, two pain clinics, then drugs. Vicodin first then five to eight years ago OXYCONTIN and this was drug that solved all my pain but unbeknownst to nearly cost me my family. I had NO idea that this drug was slowly masking what are known as AUTHENTIC EMOTIONS. Looking back now I realize that many things in my life were lost. The best band that I ever sang for as front man, gone. I'm so sorry to Todd, Mike and Jim but I swear I didn't know what was going on and always blamed you guys and now no I was so wrong. This is my number one regret, the loss of that opportunity, that time. I also could not deal with anything emotionally very well at all. Relationships with those closest to me suffered more than I will every know or every be able to repair. My daddy was a honky-tonk man and I wanted to be just like him singing and playing bars all over the north country. Well I lost him at 10 because he was drunk and hit a tree sideways and always felt that he died for a buzz and left me behind.
bramAugust 2, 2016
Has anyone gotten withdrawal symptoms from VERY low dose Oxycodone (2.5 mg three times a day) taken for several years? Trying to stop but getting exhaustion, muscle pain, yawning, can't get out of bed. Now taking just 2.5 mg daily in afternoon but feel awful until I take that.
FatigueAugust 27, 2018
Hi there. I have been on pain medication for 1O years. 90 mg a day of oxycodone. I was tired of taking the pills everyday so I decided to detox myself off them. It took 14 days to detox myself down to 2 mg a day by cutting the pills in half, then quarters, then taking little nibbles. I did however supplement with 5 mg of tramadol which is suppose to be non-narcotic. Have had severe diarrhea, a cough and terrible allergies sneezing and have been blowing my nose now for 2 weeks. Now I’m having trouble coming off the tramadol! Very fatigued! The early mornings I have energy, but once noon comes around - I want to lay in bed. I’m weak and do not know when my body will regain strength. I’m not a spring chicken anymore, so I presume it will take a few months to overcome the withdrawal symptoms.
Karl AschenbrenerAugust 6, 2016
Hello everyone. I have recently quit taking OxyContin for one main reason, it may me into a totally different person. I would get up in the morning and first though was where are my pills. I was addicted to them and even a few hours late taking them, I experienced anxiety like you wouldn't believe. So I woke up one day and realize that I wanted my life back and just up and quit. Well the first day was like hell. I cried, shake like a leaf, couldn't sleep, and even had thoughts of ending my suffering by physical harm to myself. But I prayed to God to help me with my journey and he answered my prayers. The second day, wasn't much better and the third but by the fourth day, I felt my old self emerging. No more thinking about the pills, feeling like I was human again, and extremely happier. Well I on my 7th day and I have made it over the hump. I now know I will never return to that world of drug dependency and I will share this or try to help someone through this because up it is all worth it. I took all my pills back to the pharmacy, stricken off my file and now I am free from that hell. One word of advice for you all, just take one day at a time, once you get through the first day, the second is easier, and so on down the line. Stay focused on your goal, and never lose sight of a better you. God Bless Everyone
KarlAugust 8, 2016
Well day nine and I think I'm over the hump. I think like everyone says once I hit day 14, I'll be in the clear. It feels really good not being tied to a life of Oxy. There are so many of us on or were on the pill, makes you wonder what the medical profession is doing to the human population. If the trend continues, there will be no normal people left. It will be a drug induced world of a bunch of mindless zombies looking to get their next fix. I am feeling really down on myself though cause I lost my soulmate because of these pills and she has no intention on coming back so I'm dealing with that loss as well as the depression of quitting OXY. I know in the end I'll be ok, and I got my eye on getting a dog. Once my head is glued on correctly again. There has been so much over the years I have missed being an OXY addict and I want to make up for lost time. We only live one life and we should all embrace however we can cause the years go by so quickly. God Bless everyone on here and don't give up your struggle. Just remember it down the line of how much you went through to get normal again. By remembering it, it will give you more strength than you ever thought possible.
KarlAugust 8, 2016
Day 9 , well I made it. I have too say that I am feeling 100% better and in control of my life. I almost gave this battle up but something inside me told me and reminded me a story my massage therapist told me. The story goes like this. HE told me the body ways of telling you that your doing too much or you've hurt yourself is pain. He said so many people don't listen to their body and when it's telling you something. Listen to it and act accordingly. Well I have two back surgeries and it was the first one where I first started taking OXY. The surgeon gave it to me like candy even though I told him I didn't want to take it. So now I off it and I will never ever take another OXY. I will tell all you Canadians on here some advice. I know a lot of people in the med field and they all told me the same thing. If you ever get into a situation where you end up in the hospital, and you are in a lot of pain, there are three drugs that they will give you, morphine, hydromorphone, and OXY. If you don't have somewhere in your chart not to administer this to you, you may wake up the next morning an addict again. They recommended that everyone tell their physician to put in your medical records that you are allergic and no pain meds be administered. And guess what I did. I did just that. It is now in my charts and no matter where I go, it is official. They also mentioned that if you find yourself in that situation to have a friend, partner or love one , inform them as well to make sure it is carried out. This may be overkill but I certainly do not want that garbage in my system ever again. Well wish everyone all the best and like the old saying anything worth getting is never easy. Keep your eye on the prize. God Bless.
KarlAugust 9, 2016
Well day 10 and I'm still not over the hump. Last night was brutal, with every bone in my body aching like I got run over by a truck but for some reason this morning, I smiled for the first time in months. I am also extremely relaxed like I haven't seen in years. I'm hoping that my endorphins are now starting to produce in my body and over the next few days, I hoping to get my get up and go back. I'm also hoping last night was the Oxy's last try to get me to back down from my quest but with every obstacle it throws at me, it just makes me more determined to succeed. I don't know about the rest of you but enduring this has made me a stronger person mentally and well as physically. It makes me proud to know that no matter what I have to deal with, I have the inner strength to overcome. I hope all of you are still on the path to a better life. And any of you would like to drop me an email, I will most gladly reply to you. Heck, we have to stick together and also any time u can help a friend or someone you don't even know over his addiction, please do so. I believe in paying it forward. If we all do just that one thing, maybe, just maybe we can help the world. God Bless
KarlAugust 13, 2016
Well I'm on day 14. Very slight anxiety still but that will soon pass. I have never been so happy in my entire life. My pain has returned but now I have control over it better than I did prior to getting addicted to OXY. I quit cold turkey and I had people doubt me that I would be able to do it. I think the secret to my success is first and foremost, my belief in God, and secondly my will power to never fail in anything I choose to take on. I've always had a strong willpower but quitting OXY, not only tested it to the limits but also my faith as well. I now look back at day one and how I was actually thinking about ending my suffering by actually contemplating suicide, and how I prayed to God and he answered my prayers, I'm sitting on my front deck writing this to you and watching the hummingbirds feed and listening to the wind in the trees, breathing the fresh air, thinking how lucky I am right now to be OXY free and seeing the world now with open eyes and arms. There is so much beauty in the world that being on OXY only clouds your vision and makes you into somebody that your not. Those of you starting your journey, keep in your mind that your suffering will end. I know it's hard but keep your eye on the prize. The prize being, your LIFE back. Never give up everyone, the human spirit has more strength than you know, all you have to do is believe. God Bless and take care.
systematic-resetAugust 16, 2016
Day 7! And well folks, my comments are as follows. And please know, Im offering this, only because I feel inspired to do so. I know my dependance on Oxycodone, came from a personal choice I made, after consulting with a pain management doctor. I know there are those of you out there, who have your own unique circumstances surrounding detox/recovery. I know I have not been dependent long, and that in comparison to some, I have been on a mild daily dose. I know some of you are going through a far greater struggle. I believe in you however! I trust our bodies can and WILL repair and heal. That said, here goes... My initial detox, days 1-3 were absolute hell. Day one was not terrible, but as the evening fell, and night rolled in, 'not terrible' turned into distressing horror. Distressing horror, Im proud to say, I survived! Because of the CLEAR and CONSCIENCE choice that I have made; coming off a 4 month daily intake of Oxycodone (40mg) -I dug deep, and endured each minute of this ugly distress. I mentally powered through days one through three (reminding myself, 'this too, shall pass', 'I want this, I want to live my life CLEAR, I do not want a physical/physiological dependance to ANYTHING! I would pray or continually say a mantra (of which Im still doing constantly). I did all this, while physically allowing for as much comfort and rest as possible. Laying in bed, as though I was recovering from a nasty FLU. Thank God I had the grace-allowance, of being off work, to go through these initial phases. Day 1, I started taking various supplements, all recommended on sights like this, I soaked in half a dozen HOT epsom salt baths every day (Still taking two a day am/pm). I rub herbal-medicinal 'pain/stiff or sore muscle salve' on my aching legs... (the aching legs are by far the worst of this process, in my experience). Topical Arnica Montana or Moon Valley Organics, Muscle Rub, have seemed to offer some aid... I even found a forum that suggested the placement of a bar of soap under the bed sheet; stating that this bizarre trick, helps with RLS... Yes, I too, have a bar of soap under my bed sheet! Some nights are better than others, so, in truth, I don't know how much praise or acclaim I can offer-up to my little soap buddy! I'm incorporating any and all harmless help into this process!! :-) The supplements I have been taking are: -DLPA -2x500mg in morning. -L-Tyrosine -2x500mg in morning. -Vitamin C (eating like candy) -B-100 Complex -1 in morning. -Fish Oil -2-4 1000mg all at once in the morning. -Passion Flower tincture -Full dropper under tongue, not in water, 3 to four times throughout the day. -Natural Calm, relaxing magnesium supplement (this stuff is wonderful, it comes in a powder, you can find it at whole foods, or and natural-grocer) I have made a hot cup of this each night, before bed. On day one through three, I drank this hot beverage several times! Magnesium can loosen stools, so those of you who still suffer the runs, please note this. (IN ALL THIS, I NEVER EXPERIENCED THE RUNS NOR SEVERE STOMACH UPSET). Passion Flower/Valerian tincture -full dropper, under tongue at night, before bed. Days 4, 5 and 6, were interesting. My horrific detox phase had passed, (((gospel music)))... though, I still suffered mild to moderate leg cramping and quite honestly, hellish RLS at night. (Alas, even last night, My RLS/dull aching legs were pretty damn bad, so I slept with an ice pack near my thighs.) My mental health seemed to go through a spike, of an anxious/nervous nature day 4, 5 and 6. This I combatted again by, Saying my mantra, reminding myself of things like, this will pass, this is the detox, not me, this is not a permanent state, this is simply my body/brain screaming and grasping for NORMAL. Telling myself all these things, helped me to get grounded, and push through the days. Despite experiencing the mental discomfort/fog, I chose to be pretty active these days too. I got out in the world, I ran errands, I cleaned house, I canceled my up coming appointment with my pain management doctor, telling his nurse, "I felt this stuff is toxic, I will NOT be continuing to treat my daily pain with this stuff any more!" -This was a big-one, as even with all my strength and clarity around choosing to come off the pills, somewhere in the back of my mind, I kept thinking, I'll go to the appointment, and I'll fill the RX, I'll keep it on hand, and only take it if absolutely needed...Yeah, right! Sorry, but, this choice does NOT come with that flexibility, this HELL Im going through is not worth one infinitesimal risk or possibility of EVER going through this again. So, my point...canceling my appointment, and being direct and honest with the nurse, felt VERY empowering; fueled my WILL-POWER! I WILL GET THROUGH THIS! ANY OF YOU, WHO TRULY WANT THIS, WILL GET THROUGH THIS, AND LIFE WILL BE BETTER IN THE LONG RUN! Today, day 7, after another unrestful sleep, thanks to the persisting RLS and dull aching within my legs... People, I actually feeling pretty good! Im not experiencing any anxiety, Im not feeling overwhelmingly sluggish. I have a list of daily todo's, and I look forward to getting the stuff done. In this moment, considering Im obviously not 'out of the woods' completely, I feel pretty optimistic, and full of gratitude. I will, no doubt, encounter more uncomfortable experiences in the coming days and weeks. And as they arise, I will, and with kind and gentle self love, acknowledge my progress, remember my goal, remember, this is a process, and look ahead in ernest embrace, that my true-natured self is coming back every moment, I endure and allow for this healing. I know many of you are suffering. For that I empathetically offer love and encouragement. YOU and I are so much more than just our physical bodies! Dependance can be overcome! Without aiding or masking pains and or addictions with pills, we might be subjected to feeling more of life's ail's, but in all truth feeling/suffering is just a natural part of this existence. Ultimately, I know, remaining on Oxycodone, IS NOT an option. My very best to all of you! One moment at a time! YOU can do this! Thanks for reading, systematic-reset
LearnJoyAgainAugust 17, 2016
There is a lot of information out on the internet about withdrawal, lots of stories from people, but what we still can't understand is our individual (specific) timelines. For those seeking answers, there are none, other than "it depends on a,b,c...z." You will get right again if you abstain, that's the most important theme in any of this. I desperately sought answers to how long this was going to last for me, and felt distress when I couldn't get an answer. Here are some things that can help: Journal I never journaled before. Start this on your first day if you can and write mornings and evenings. Write about whatever you want, what you're struggling with, how you feel, what you ate for breakfast, what your kids did that was funny. Every day, or whenever you need something to do and feel restless, read your previous entries. You'll find that even though today was tough, it was still better (most of the time) than yesterday. Journaling helps you to remember that. 36 years of no journaling (it's only for teen girls right?), and it's one of the things that's helped the most. Understand Your Brain There's a lot of really neat science behind neurotransmitters and pleasure in the brain. Remember when you had joy without chemical help? Well, there were actually chemicals involved. Dopamine, Seratonin, and many others were being naturally produced by your brain/body. When you step in and start overloading it artificially with these things (opiates, amphetamines, etc.) is effectively does two things. Firstly, since you are pounding the parts of your brain that produce pleasure artificially, your brain is basically like "well, I guess I don't have to do any of the work if someone is going to do it for me." It gives up. And when you quit, it doesn't just pick things back up where it left off. It takes time for it to heal, and to get things back to normal (balance). Unfortunately for you, all of the side effects are what you feel as your brain heals. Recognize that it's getting better every hour you let it do it's own thing. Secondly, you teach yourself that some things that are great (lots of joy) while sober, are beyond amazing holy crap great while on drugs. You learn to expect that, and find that once you can't naturally achieve that, you enhance. This could be something as monotonous as cleaning the house, mowing the yard, or writing a computer program. Once you quit (and withdrawal), you start feeling like you will never find joy again, or at least never to the point that you could while you were on drugs. I believe that this is one of the most difficult parts of withdrawal (personally, and opinion obviously). When you feel down, or depressed, or anxious, or seeking drugs in your withdrawal, remember that your brain is healing and trying to learn how to give your joy again naturally. Once you do get there, it's worth it. The world will turn from black and white to color again, and it will trickle in a bit more each day. Embrace (journal about it!) it for what it is, and enjoy it. Get Help Do whatever it takes to abstain. If you feel like you need a taper plan and that would work best for you, do it. If you feel like suboxone or methadone replacement therapy would work, do it. If you would rather read about others stories and write about them yourself, do it. Learn Joy Again Try to find joy again in your life without being dependent on something or someone. It's hard, I get it, and even those without addiction struggle throughout their entire lifetimes to do it, but don't give up. Play the guitar, garden, chase your kid around the house, eat an oatmeal cream pie, draw, organize your spice rack, win the little battles that give you joy and you will eventually re-learn how to have joy without the drugs. Your withdrawal isn't just a battle with the insomnia and the restlessness and the cold/hot cycles, it's about learning to find joy again. Good luck in your journey, and don't give up.
BeenThereAugust 23, 2016
Well stated and thoughtful. It's a tough thing to kick, these Oxys. I won't go into detail about my reasons for taking the drug, but I will say that I was on 100mg per day for over 10 years - all under the care of multiple doctors and specialists. It was an "either take the drugs or don't function" kind of thing. I decided to take my life back back in January of this year. I've had very little, if any psychological withdrawal issues. Honestly, since day one, I've been glad to be rid of the little white pills. Unfortunately, physical withdrawal has been a different matter, altogether. I had the worst flu symptoms I've ever experienced for about 3 weeks after quitting on a 1 month monitored taper. Now it's August and the physical withdrawal issues remain. They're not as bad as they were over the first few months, but good lord, what I'd do to have a normal crap for once. The cough's still there, sometimes uncontrollable. I still have sneezing fits and from time to time, my body will just feel like it's been hit by a train (that, on top of the underlying pre-existing pain issues that have returned to roost.) I suppose herein lies my point: I've learned to embraced WHY I needed the drug and I've learned to simply cope. I'm still in a lot of pain, since the reasons for that will stay with me for the rest of my life, but at least now my head is clear and I don't feel like I have to constantly look at my watch to figure out when my next dose needs to be swallowed. I feel like I'm back in control of my brain and it's nice not to be sitting in the passenger seat anymore. Oxys are absolute garbage. The first time I took them and experienced the THRILL of not being in pain, I didn't consider the long-term consequences (not that this knowledge was readily available back then since the marketing campaign was in high-gear by the pharma industry.) If I knew then what I know now, I would have absolutely owned the pain back then and stuck with non-opioid medications. I read about PAWS (Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome) when I started my taper and thought, "No way... I'll be feeling great in 3 months." Well, I'm here to say that just doesn't happen. This stuff, at least for me, will likely take years to recover from. That being said, every day that goes by is a better day. Nothing could make me go back to that junk. If you're just coming off these drugs, stay positive, stay informed and stay focused: You'll get to where you want to go in the end.
SteveSeptember 11, 2016
It has been about a week now that I stopped taking oxycodone 20mg two every four hours and then they had me on hydrocodone 10mg every six hours for breakthrough pain. I was in a accident in 2008 and was on just hydrocodone. Then I was in another accident in 2014 Wichita put me on the oxy. What I'm getting at is I have been taking some sort of opiate painkillers for eight years and the last two very high doses of 190mg a day. I quite cold turkey and I can tell you days 1,2,and 3 are a living hell. The stomach pain is bad and anything you eat or drink comes out as water. Get some Imodium ad. If you can make it through day three the rest of the days get easier day by day. You will fill like you are drained of all you're energy. I found that getting up and moving helped even if you feel so drained. The reason I decided to stop is because my opiate addiction started effecting my family. I would get my prescription and take more than I was supposed to and when I ran out I would hit the streets paying six dollars a piece for norcos. When my wife started getting effected by this I new it was time to stop. I would spend our grocery money, car payment it really didn't matter I just wanted to be high and didn't want to face the withdrawals. I know it's hard but just make it to day three and the days after start getting better day by day. I have had several failed back surgeries and hurt like he'll but I will never put that poison in me again. The doctors act like you're a drug addict when they cause the problems and then don't want to help. Good Luck And Stay Strong. Steve
DeeOctober 5, 2016
Thank you, I need to get past the 3rd day I'm on day 2 and I feel like sh-t. I need to figure out how to kick this terrible habit. I agree you need to move forward keep moving exercise as much as possible. God bless you all.
ScaredStiffNovember 22, 2016
As my name suggests, I am literally scared out of my mind. This is anonymous, which is why I am posting. There are going to be some people here who are going to be upset with my post, but please understand that I am simply here to seek out any kind of help that I can find. Anyway, here goes... I have been diagnosed as clinically depressed. I also have been fighting severe headaches for about 10 years. One day, about a year and a half ago, a friend of mine gave me a 30mg oxycodone for my headache. Needless to say, I loved what it did. And not really just because it took away my headache. The euphoria and mood enhancing qualities were what I loved the most. About 45 minutes after taking it, my depression seemed to be gone. And all because I took one of these little blue pills. I was hooked immediately. Since my friend would get about 80 pills every 2 weeks or so, and only took one and a half a day, a short time later, she started giving me the rest. Within about a month, I was taking about 3-4 a day, minimum, sometimes more. I have been on them now for about 17 months, and I have to stop. Please don't criticize me for taking them without a prescription or my friend for giving them to me. I know it is/was wrong. But the bottom line is that they drastically improved my quality of life. Now, though, the euphoria is long gone, and while they still do help, the effects don't seem to be nearly as good as they used to. But, when I go a fairly long period of time without them, the withdrawal effects are simply unbearable. So, I take one, and things are back to ok. The depression is still very prominent, even while on the pills, so at this point, I am only taking them to avoid the unbearable pain and suffering that comes with ceasing. So, I am begging for help here. How do I stop using these things? And how long of a withdrawal process am I looking at? I am terrified of what is coming, but I desperately need to get off of these things. Can anyone help me without judging? How can this pill do what it does. I have been on 2 antidepressants and neither did anything for me whatsoever, yet this little blue pill does everything that I would think an antidepressant should do. I need to stop! I need help! Please!?!?
Mike M.December 16, 2016
Well I read these posts and it makes me think I am totally doomed. Currently I am on 30mg IR oxycodone 6+x a day. I function like it's nothing, but I've been on them nearly 5 years like this. I recently ran out and went 3 days without, cold turkey, I wanted to die. Any advice for a habit that strong? I am thinking a medical facility is probably the only way...
VictoriaFebruary 26, 2017
I had knee surgery in September and was prescribed 10mg long release Oxycodone hydrochloride (Longtec) x 2 daily, and 10 mg fast action (Shortec) 4 x daily. Of course, initially I needed them, but I realised very quickly what a wonderful mood-enhancer they are and so took them, if I am honest, not so much for the pain, but for the deliciously warm feelings they bring. Cut to 5 months later and starting a job which I hate, the fast-acting 10mg Shortec became a blissful way to blot out the day. However, I was also falling asleep at work in the afternoon and have now decided to end my addiction. I have been weaning myself off them - cutting down to just taking 10mg then 5mg Longtec at night, but from tonight that's it; I am stopping. I want my old self back, my own old life back. The twitching, the bowel problems, the agitation, the inability to sit or lie still - are horrible. I don't know where to put myself, I can't get comfortable. I'm either too hot or too cold, I have a headache, I feel like I want to hibernate and can't face the day. Zero energy, no interest in anything or anyone, acute laziness and wishing to remain in bed - that's me this weekend. Reading these other comments has, however, steeled my resolve and although I have a few pills left I will not take them as I cannot, cannot prolong the agony. I KNOW the longer I take them the worse it will be so I must do this now. I will keep you posted as to my process.
fakie nameyJanuary 22, 2018
I've been on a higher dose of Oxycodone for 2 yrs. Didn't start taking until after my 17th major surgery or procedure. Either way I was always put under. My last surgery I was told by my surgeon I should consider taking Oxycodone and if it helps to offset my daily pain from a catastrophic condition. Things went well for a period of time. As,I was into my 2nd year began experiencing symptoms of withdrawal. I knew I did not want to increase my daily dosage an decided to ask my physician for a plan to be weaned off to stop safely. He advised my to seek out a mental health specialist to guide me along. All the while I didn't tell anyone I had already began weaning myself off. Used edibles to assist me so far THEY help. My wife and two daughters (In their early mid 20's) I told them I was stopping because of how it controlled your life going dose to dose & had enough. My daily pain was better than that horrible drug. I have begun experiencing withdrawals and it is everything you had always heard and more. My take was to bite the bullet and don't look back. It is hard to overcome but making progress. Have a ways to go! My mind stays strong and knows I'm going to win the fight. Just don't know how long it will take to go through the whole process. I suggest using edibles to help. I refused all other medication to help e.g. methadone etc... Good luck to all who go or are going through. Keep your mind clear and stay positive.

← More research