I have been on Lortab 7.5/500 for back problems pre and post surgery since Aug 06. Doses vary from around the clock every 4 hours to 4x day.. I am wanting to stop....How bad is withdrawal from this drug and how long of a taper period should I have? Also I have been on Steroids off and on by Injection both IM and spinal and orally since Aug 06..How long does it take for the fluid retention and weight gained to go away? Last 4mg Medrol 21 dose pak was 4/26/07 and I still have ankle swelling and have not lost a pound...Thanks K:blob_fire

You really should check with your doctor regarding your dose of hydrocodone (Lortab). On the days you take it every four hours you are taking an extreme amount of tylenol known as acetaminophen. There are hydrocodone tablets available with no tylenol in them or with a lower dose. Sorry to but in, I know that was not your question, but I am extremely worried about your liver. Also, please make sure you don't take any additional tylenol, (many cold medications have them in it too so be careful). If you need to take a painkiller or anti-inflammatory, you are able to take Ibuprofen (Motrin), that does not interact with the hydrocodone.

As always though, check with your pharmacist before taking anything new or additional.

~Nicola

Well, I too have been thru what you are going through.. Remember, if you have been on pain meds such as Lortab for some time, you will indeed go thru some sort of withdrawl.. And also the steroids can cause a bit of withdrawl.. The weight gain is normal and it seems to be a bit harder to loose.. Also, the withdrawls from the Hydrocodone can cause the achy feelings of the flu, diarreah, sneezing, and you will feel pretty bad for awhile, but if you are in need of pain management then please find a dr. who is specialized in that, alot of PEOPLE believe that chronic pain is just a way to get HIGH with the meds, UNTRUE,, if you are in pain and the medications you take help you to LIVE life better, work, raise your family then that is what we have to do. I hope all turns out well for you.. smile

Thanks for your concern about the Tylenol amount in the Lortab. My PCP figured it up and even on the largest doses before surgery I still fell below the 4000mgs you are allowed a day. and with taking it 4x a day I only take 576mgs 4 x a day so thats a little better then I extra strength Tylenol pill 4 x a day. and most people are allowed eight. The one thing he does do is do Liver and Kidney function tests every 2 months on me while on these drugs. My last ones were done on May 21st. He did a full CBC and a Full Chem Panel including all the liver functions and a CPK and a CPK-MB and a Liver Scan..All where well within the normal limits.
I am very concerned about the withdrawel off the Lortab. he recently started me on Klonopin which has helped the nerve pain. He said we will wean my dosages down in the next few months to wean off within 3 to 6 months. I really do not want to try to go cold turkey as I have heard some do.
Anyway Thanks for your help I do appreciate it..Take care....K