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Question About Percocet Withdrawal

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Posted 7/14/2008 10:48 PM (GMT 0)
Hey everyone, my first time posting here, and I hope I posted this in the correct section. Well, about 4 years ago I began to have this serious pain in my lower back, and the doctors started prescribing my Percocet 10/650 to deal with the pain. After about 3 years I decided I wanted to cut down, mostly because I was feeling like a zombie, so for the last year I was only taking 3 5mg a day. Well, last friday I wanted to stop all together, so I did. And I went through three days of pure hell. The withdrawal syptoms were massive. Today is the first day I feel somewhat normal. But the pain in my back is too much too handle.

So, the bottom line is I called my Doctor and asked her what I should do, and she said If I need them I shouldn't put myself through the pain, just take three a day and she wil see me next week and we can talk about other options for Pain Management. Well, that sounds great to me, only, I JUST went through three days of hell and I am only NOW starting to feel normal. If I start taking them again now for another week before I see my doctor, and then decide to stop again in a week, will I have to go through all of that again. Will I have to go through all of those withdrawal symptoms  again? I mean, I dont see how if I am only taking them for another week, but I could be wrong. Anyone have any info that can help me out? This pain is too much.

Thanks.

Posted 7/15/2008 1:06 AM (GMT 0)
Hi, Forever,
Welcome to the Chronic Pain forum of HW. We're not doctors, so I don't have a specific answer for you. It sounds like you don't want to take the percocet, but you don't want the pain, either. Catch 22. That's how most of us feel, and then we have to make a choice between having some quality of life with medication, or the pain being "too much".

Do you know what's causing the pain, and have you tried other things such as physical therapy, acupuncture, massage, a TENS unit, injections, etc? To first have an accurate diagnosis is important, and to have tried everything within reason before giving in to a long term pain regimen. Still, even if we're doing, for example, physical therapy, we may need some temporary medication to help us function.

Also, is this doctor a pain management specialist? If you've tried a lot of other things, and you're working with a PM specialist, then you need to decide how much pain you're willing to tolerate, as a trade off for the side effects of not taking enough medication. A lot depends on the details of your situation.

I don't know if this helps at all, but maybe others will chime in. I do take percocet - 5/325's - about 6 a day, but have never tried to quit completely. You should be careful when you stop these meds, and do it under medical supervision, and that might make the withdrawal symptoms more bearable. But then you have the pain.

PaLady
Posted 7/15/2008 12:02 PM (GMT 0)
Yes, whats causing the pain is tumor like lesions on the bottom of my spine, It's much more complicated than that lol, but thats basically the gist of it. I have tried everything under the sun for the pain, and nothing, except narcotics, helped. She did mention some sort of injection in my spine, she didn't go inot much detail but she said it had a high success rate. I still havent taken one for fear of having to go through these withdrawals again. Has anyone else had this problem?

Thanks PAlady!!
Posted 7/15/2008 4:10 PM (GMT 0)

Hi Forever, and welcome to the CP Family!

PALady, as always has great advice!!

Also, I wanted to add, that you should take the Percs, as long as you are comfortable with them, because when you go back to your doc, they can review your medications, and if they switch them, you should be ok, as long as they wean you right, or give you another med that will not allow for withdrawl!  There are SO many pain meds out there, and if you want to get off the meds, well, you will probably end up in pain, or take something different!

If the Perc's are making you feel like a zombie, maybe you will want to try another type of med?  And they may switch you to a different type of narc, maybe one that won't cause you as much brain fog, and this will also help so that you don't get the withdrawl!

I'm at a loss for words today, so I hope this was helpful!!  LOL!  If you have any questions, by all means, ask!!  And I'm sure others might have more to add too!

Posted 7/15/2008 5:48 PM (GMT 0)
Forever,
Yes, it does sound more complicated! Do you know what's causing these lesions? Is surgery an option? (although that's not necessarily something I recommend, certainly not to be done lightly) I guess I would think - and you might not want to hear this - that unless there's some procedure to address the lesions, narcotics may be your best shot at pain relief. But like Dragoness says, there are many possibilities. The percocet 10/650
s are the higher dose. But also, perhaps an extended release med of some type, in combination with something for BT pain might give you more balanced relief. It's what we all are seeking, really, and it's easier said than done. I think it's as much art as science, and some doctors are better artists than others!

I've had a lot of injections over the past few years, and the only one that ever helped was to my SI joint, which is in the hip area. They're certainly worth researching, but not something to do lightly, and while some people get relief, many do not. I also don't know much about the lesions, and whether there's even a chance that injections would give any long term relief. If they're only going to give short term relief (such as for a few months) you'll end up needing the oral medications anyway. Some people do have pumps and stim units implanted, and there are some other threads here about those. If you've not tried many other oral med combinations, I'd give some new combinations a chance to see if you can get relief that way.

PaLady
Posted 7/16/2008 6:01 PM (GMT 0)
Great advice PALady!!

I was also thinking, be careful with the injections too, I've only heard, but not yet researched, that steroid injections can cause weakening of the ligaments and such!  Though, I've had SO many injections, I've lost count!!  LOL!  I didn't find this out until recent, and I think I'm scared to actually find out if that's a cause to increasing problems!  Don't take this as truth, and I will do the research since I mentioned it too.  But, if they are going to help, then it's worth it to get them!  With me, the first one or two helped for a month or so, then after that, nothing!  I kept getting them because my doc felt that the steroids would help to shrink the disc, hoping that it would pop itself back into place!  AND, having severe asthma/allergies, I'm on daily steroids, so that could have played a part in any steroid weakening too, so I wouldn't concern yourself too much with that!  I hope that I didn't scare anyone!!  LOL!  But I will look it up and repost about what I find!!

My intentions weren't to put down the injections, whatsoever, I hope it didn't come out that way!  I'm almost nervous about posting this because I don't want to scare anyone...  but as I said, I will do the research and repost, right now...

Good luck to you all!!

Posted 7/16/2008 6:11 PM (GMT 0)
This is what I found on a website that had an article about steroid injections...

"Excessively frequent, repeated injections into the same area can cause the bone, ligaments and tendons to weaken."

I don't know if I can post the website here, but all I did was a google search for "steroid injections, weakening" and it was, maybe the second on the list that I clicked.

Seems as though there is a lot of research about it too!  But, hey, with all meds there is an effect to the system, it's just a matter of good outweighing the bad, most of the time!  That is why we're reluctantly on daily narc's!  But, right now, it's whatever helps!  Whatever gives you the relief that you need to keep going!

So, Forever, talk to your doc, and I'm sorry, this wasn't an intention to scare anyone out of injections, golly, I've had so many, and some are helped with it, like my boyfriend, whom also has back problems, he got one injection and it lasted MONTHS!!!  So, it's just like everything, listen to your doc, make EDUCATED decisions, don't just jump into things, some of us have wound up with problems that way!!  Once you see your doc, you will feel a WHOLE lot better, at least you'll be able to find out what's going on, and progress to getting relief!  Good luck, and best wishes to you!!

Good luck to all!!

I feel SO bad, I didn't intend for this to be a lesson, or arrogant, I mainly posted this for education!  I apologize!

Posted 7/16/2008 6:30 PM (GMT 0)
Dragoness, I always wondered about all the injections I did for so many years in the neck & back. No way I could ever count them. Thanks for the info.

Susie
Posted 7/16/2008 6:53 PM (GMT 0)
Not a problem!  I just didn't want to scare anyone, you know!?  I do hope that it was helpful, in a way!!  LOL!  I was in the medical field, so education was one of my jobs, AND very important on a personal level too, I ALWAYS wanted to make sure that people were informed before they made a decision, and I loved to help!  So, if I sound like an education lesson, I'm sorry!  :)  I just like for people to be informed, especially if I know something that I can share!  Thanks!

Posted 7/16/2008 7:57 PM (GMT 0)
Dragoness,
Never be afraid to share information with us. If we're not educated consumers in regard to our own health, we don't stand a chance! It's not that I think all doctors are bad or lack compassion, but I've been a health care practitioner, too, and it's overwhelming. I think the fact any docs have compassion leftover is a plus.

So you're fine sharing, although I'd suggest checking the rules before posting any websites.

PaLady
Posted 7/18/2008 8:25 PM (GMT 0)

Thank you, PALady, I feel better about that now!!  I just hate to scare people, though I know it's the best thing to share any info!  I've had medical background, so yes, I do understand their issues too, they have a lot going on, and it does get overwhelming!  Thank you though!

So, Forever, how are things going?

Best of luck to you all!

Posted 7/19/2008 12:50 PM (GMT 0)
I am on narcotics as well and I went through withdrawel quite a few times when I run out of meds too early. It is sheer torchure. I toss and turn all night long and sweat and would do anything to get a narcotic because I have the worst type of pain and that is bone cancer. I had many surgeries and so much pain and not enough relief. And I admit the drs have me addicted to narcotics as well I cant go without them.. its a sad thing because when I was young I wouldnt even take an aspirin. Now im on tons of medicine and chemo each week. I cant take it anymore. I want really be at the point that I never have to worry about running out of medicine that just shouldnt happen but the drs have rules and the pharmacy has rules ,... I usually suffer for a week or so before just paying 320 bucks for narcotics out of my pocket. I am suffering so much,, I just want to feel normal
Posted 7/19/2008 1:27 PM (GMT 0)
FOREVER EKG 7,

Thanks so much for joining the chronic pain forum of Healing Well. I want to wish you the heartiest of welcomes. As you have already seen there are many caring and informative people here whose only wish is to help with chronic pain issues.

I hope that when you see your doctor, you will get the proper medication to help you with your pain. I take Percocet 10/650 and would never think of getting off of them. I did that once to change to Oxycontin, tried Kadian and regular Morphine. For me, it was all a disaster and so I went back to the Percocet and did just fine. Recently, I added Lyrica, because I suffer from fibromyalgia and it is working in conjunction with the Percocet ever so nicely.

I wish you very good luck, Forever EKG 7.

DRAGONESS WARRIOR:

As far as I can see, you have done nothing to scare people, only to inform. I hope you continue to educate as long as you give both sides and state it as your opinion. Just continue being you. You are just fine the way you are. Thank you for always being so caring too.

God bless all of us with the chronic pain. Amen!

Lindaloo
Posted 7/19/2008 9:58 PM (GMT 0)

Lindaloo, thank you, your compliments made my day!!

Reegee, I'm SO sorry to hear that you have bone cancer!  sad   And you are right, especially in your case, they really should keep on top of your pain medications!!  Those of us on the pain meds shouldn't have to go through withdrawl before the doc will prescribe meds!!  I try and make sure to go to the doc as soon as I realize I'm getting close to a week's worth, though sometimes that's hard for some of us, and I'm sure most of you do this anyway!

Hope you are doing well, Forever!!

Wish everyone the best of luck!!

Posted 7/20/2008 1:13 AM (GMT 0)

i feel so much for you its like chasing that pill all the time. and you can't think about anything else if you can find something you love and do that maybe that would help sometimes keep your eyes on the love in life. can you get the patch too for your pain?

take care 

 

reegee said...
I am on narcotics as well and I went through withdrawel quite a few times when I run out of meds too early. It is sheer torchure. I toss and turn all night long and sweat and would do anything to get a narcotic because I have the worst type of pain and that is bone cancer. I had many surgeries and so much pain and not enough relief. And I admit the drs have me addicted to narcotics as well I cant go without them.. its a sad thing because when I was young I wouldnt even take an aspirin. Now im on tons of medicine and chemo each week. I cant take it anymore. I want really be at the point that I never have to worry about running out of medicine that just shouldnt happen but the drs have rules and the pharmacy has rules ,... I usually suffer for a week or so before just paying 320 bucks for narcotics out of my pocket. I am suffering so much,, I just want to feel normal

Posted 1/5/2009 8:29 PM (GMT 0)
hi everyone i just joined and i am going crazy inside with percocet withdraw!!! i broke my nose in the summer and i was Rx percocet 10/325 for the pain. ever since then i can't get off them. if i knew they were this addictive i would have maned up to the pain. i started taking 1-2 a day. then it went' up from there'. i want help so bad but the withdraw is unbarable. i sweat, shake, cant sleep and most of all my anger and temper goes nuts if i cant get percocet..... i need help please! what are some ways i can get off with out getting sick? i wont off these stupid pills. i want my life back before i got hurt. help!


(esko, please read the forum rules on posting. Talk of illegal activities are not allowed as this is a family centered site. Thanks.)

Post Edited By Moderator (Chutz) : 1/5/2009 11:51:56 PM (GMT-7)

Posted 1/5/2009 10:26 PM (GMT 0)
Regee,
I'm sorry that you are dealing with bone cancer. Have you discussed with your doctor trying other pain meds? What about a intrathecal pump? I know that it is not the best option, but maybe the better option for you.
Esko, as far as getting through the withdrawal goes, percocet has a short half life, so luckily, the withdrawal symptoms should be easing up by day 3 or 4. You are taking an extraordinarily high amount of percocet, so the withdrawal is going to be rather intense. The symptoms that you describe are typical of opiate withdrawal.
You can try calling your doctor and telling them that you are taking far more of the percocet than you are supposed to be, and ask them for help in getting off of them. Or you can do an internet search for opiate addiction, I know that there are several forums that offer vitamin recommendations and anti diarreheal meds to help ease the symptoms.
Sandi
Posted 1/6/2009 4:35 AM (GMT 0)
Sandi thank you so much for replying to me sometimes i feel like knowone is there to listen because everything im going through i keep it inside and its hard because i really do need people to talk to and share it kinda makes me feel better. but i want to tell you i failed to night. ... im so mad at my self it was going on 3 days and i gave up. im 23years old and i don't wanna see saw with this problim anymore. i hate myself for it. you said something about using the web and searching for opiate addiction. i love that idea but what am i searching for. i wanna get off but i think cold turkey is to hard. i will say this though im in shape and i find going to the gym helps me. its bedtime when i suffer the most. i just want it all to go away. i pray to God everynight and ask him to help me. i did this to myself but i know with Jesus's help i can do all things. this addiction has hurt me with my relationship and some money problims. im ready to get past this now and get my life back. please keep in touch with mw. at least i know someone is out there listing to me and i appreachate it so much.


P.S. please help me to with those websites for addiction!!!!!

Post Edited By Moderator (Chutz) : 1/5/2009 11:50:26 PM (GMT-7)

Posted 1/6/2009 4:56 AM (GMT 0)

ForeverEKG, I just want you to know that I've been there with the Percocet withdrawal.  You are right--it was sheer hell.  I was taking 10 a day and they weren't even helping my neck pain.  I could no longer get a doctor to prescribe them for me, so I had no choice but to kick them cold turkey.  I do not believe you would have the same type of withdrawal if you went back on them for a week, until you see your doctor and perhaps can change to an alternative.  I now take Lortab and have not built up a resistance to it.  When pain is bad, I take an 800 mg prescription strength ibuprofen, also.  It's true that steroids taken over a period of time will lead to tiny stress fractures, and also are the leading cause of a condition called osteonecrosis in which the bone actually dies.  This usually happens in the hips, but can hit any large joint.  I'm allergic to steroids, so I had injections with Lidocaine...did not help and gave me awful headaches.  I did have some success prior to the Percocet with a natural substance called Sarapin.  It is made from a plant and deadens the nerve, and is an injectible.  The first injections of it lasted for 6 mos., which was heaven.  The second ones only lasted 3 mos. and the last injections didn't work at all.  It was then that I was prescribed Percocet, after a neurosurgeon decided not to operate.

Esko, you can go to a detox facility if there is one near you.  There are free ones in most large cities.  They usually will give you a mild tranquilizer so that withdrawal is not cold turkey.  You would also have group therapy and NA meetings.  You CAN do this.  I kicked heroin cold turkey back in the 60s, as well as the Percocet in the 70s.

Good luck to both of you!

Posted 1/6/2009 5:03 AM (GMT 0)
thanks hep93 for the encourgement! in the past i was embarresed to go get help. but now i wont to get better. i dont want to fail anymore. i want to succed. im so glad i found this web site its helping me deal with this problim alot better. i just joined last night because i couldn't sleep. it was the best thing i could have done. im going to get help tomorrow and call for local clinics. i don't wanna go away. i have a great job and i don't wanna loose it. so you think there is outpatient help?????? i hope so! well thanks for giving me support. i hope to hear from you some more.

Esko
Posted 1/6/2009 5:25 AM (GMT 0)
Esko, there is no way you can detox on an outpatient basis.  It would have to be inpatient.  Take sick leave or vacation time, if you can.  Even though it may be embarrassing, you should tell your doctor the truth and ask his assistance in getting you to a detox facility.  It's easier to get in if you have a referral from a medical professional or a counselor.  Even then, there is sometimes a waiting list.  If you don't kick this habit, you are going to lose your job anyway...I can assure you.  You have to be willing to go to any lengths to be free from your addiction.  Most employers also can offer you a chance to get clean.  Sometimes they will give an employee a choice of losing their job or going to treatment.  I've known a number of people who have ended up in NA and AA like this, and manage to get clean and sober and retain their jobs.  Just something for you to think about.

Posted 1/6/2009 5:47 AM (GMT 0)
Esko,
Hep is giving you some good advice. I'm not giving you medical advice, but I've got some professional background in this area. The problem you're struggling with is bigger than just percocet withdrawal, although detoxing safely is your first concern. I would call your local hospitals and see which one(s) have a detox facility, or some addictions treatment facilities have them but it depends on where you live. But you do want addictions treatment. If you have insurance with your employer it should pick this up and hep is right....if you don't deal with it you'll likely lose your job anyway. And you're already seeing problems with your relationship. And you could easily end up in jail with the illegal activity.

Whether you need longer term inpatient treatment or can have your addiction treated on an outpatient basis will be assessed by the experts treating you. I strongly encourage you to follow their advice. There are what are call Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP's) that often people are referred to first. But addiction is a tough challenge to tackle, especially if you have chronic pain issues. It can be done, though, so make the commitment that even when it's hard you'll stick it out. And you can't do it alone.

I should also mention this is a website for chronic pain patients, and while you're primarily dealing with addiction issues you will want a site that deals with that. You can start with AA. BUT you need in-person treatment help now for the detox. It is dangerous to detox on your own, and you can see you're not doing a very good job of it.

Get your yellow pages, look up addiction treatment centers and /or hospitals and call.

PaLady

Post Edited (PAlady) : 1/6/2009 12:34:07 AM (GMT-7)

Posted 1/6/2009 6:51 AM (GMT 0)
Esko, NA is a great place to go to AFTER your clean, they dont want you coming to their meetings if you've used that day. But look into your options, theirs always Intensive outpatient treatment which include one on ones and groups, or Inpatient, or theirs medication like methadone and Suboxone that you use in conjuction with Intensive Outpatient treatment with counceling. But I will mention I have met many people that managed to coldturkey at home just great but it's what you do afterwards that matters. The withdrawals is nothing, it's how you deal with your feelings and PAWS (severe depression) and whatever issues you had that caused you to abuse pills in the first place, becasue the chances of you relapsing is very high without some kind of perfessional help afterwards.

-Hellokitty
Posted 1/6/2009 6:55 AM (GMT 0)
Esko,

I'm glad you have gotten the support you needed to take that first step, but as you can see we aren't the ones who are able to "help" you...you must do it for yourself and it appears you are ready! Best of luck my friends and let us know how things turn out.

Chutzie
Posted 1/6/2009 7:03 PM (GMT 0)
Esko,
If you failed last night, pick yourself back up and start again. You were almost there as far as the withdrawal goes. Continue on. Everyone else is correct, you do need treatment, counseling, and support to help you stay clean once you get there. It IS the after withdrawal part that you need to continue to work on. The reasons why you used in the first place, and a plan on how you will stay clean afterward.
Inpatient treatment is an option, and so may be outpatient if it is available in your area. Check the phone book as someone else suggested. Your doctor can also be a huge support to you, but you have to come clean with him about what you are doing. He may offer you a tapering plan if cold turkey is too hard for you to handle now.
Make a plan and stick with it.
I don't know if I am allowed to post the website that I know about, but if Chutz says that I am, I will.
Sandi
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