Hello

I am new to the board and need some help getting off Oxycontin. Does anyone know the right amount to taper off with and how to go about this. I have been on it for a year. I started with Oxycontin IR 30mg every 3 hours for 2 weeks (240mg a day). This was then changed to time release pills and after going through a living hell the dosage was lowered to 20mg every 6 hours and I used the IR for pain flair ups. I do not believe that I am addicted to it. Doctor wants me in the hospital tomorrow so I can be monitored when the dosage is tapered off. Could any of you tell me if this is necessary. Do you know of a safe way to taper off without being hospitalized. I do not want to go to the hospital but will if there is no other way. I am taking 110mg per day, I do not want to go through the living hell again. Thank you

Wow - It sounds like you have a really caring doctor. Most docs will just give you clonodine (blood pressure meds to help w/withdrawals) and send you on your way. I think you should take advantage of the hospitalization and go! You don't want to have to do this withdrawal thing by yourself and if you are hospitalized, by a doctor that knows you and your history, I think that is awesome. I know you don't want to go, but imagine going through severe withdrawals at home, without anything to help you. So, you are just going to start tapering and he wants you in the hospital or are you going cold turkey? I wish I could give you more info regarding oxys but they were not my drug of choice. Maybe he is putting you in there and then going to speed up the taper VERY fast by using other meds to make you comfortalbe. Again, I wish I had more to offer you. Good luck and I promise you, If I had to choice of coming off of drugs by myself vs. in the hospital, I would definitely do it in there.

I was just wondering why your doc would all of the sudden want you off of it.You obviously must be having some pretty intense pain.I am not familiar with the Wd of oxy contin but i think the fact that it has a life of 12 hours it makes the taper a little more difficult.I think the hospital is really where you need to do this.At least then you know that you will be well taken care of.I think the strong meds that you have been on would make your Wds pretty intense.Good luck and keep us posted. Marcia