for OLDTIMER - Addiction & Recovery Message Board

1goodgirl · 07-14-2003, 08:26 PM

I have been on Vicodin for about 10 years. A total of about 320 mg.per day. They are compounded, to avoid problems with the Tylenol. (I started out with a total of 10 mg per day, for pain.)
When I do try to detox, I elminate some from the last dose of the day. (Called tapering) I have never made it all the way, and probably never will. I have been told by my MD to try to lessen my dosage by about 10% per week, and to make the time between doses longer. This is 10% of the current dose, not 10% of what you started with, so it can take a long time. Hope this answers your question.

Oldtimer · 07-15-2003, 07:00 AM

Goodgirl,
Thanks for answering, it really helps. My Dr. tried to detox me by 1/3 (from 7.5's to 5's). It was too much of a reduction for me so when I told him, he had me try the 25mcg. patch. that really scared me so now I just feel rotten every day trying to keep it at 5 per day. I'll see him again on thurs. and maybe we can work out something else. Your 10% makes much more sense to me. thank you....Linda

Philster2003 · 07-15-2003, 07:57 AM

Oldtimer, you can find some really good taper schedules by searching the NET. Also the advice is good, 5-10% taper every 5 days or so and to lengthen the time between doses is a good strategy. There is a science to tapering so I suggest you do a search. I tapered and know exactly how you feel, I was told to reduce by 25%, thought I would die the withdrawals were so severe and not what I expected. I expected some discomfort but not what hit me.

If you look at some of my recent posts you can find more specific info on how to search and where to search for a taper schedule. Good luck!

phil