Hydrocodone question - Pain Management Message Board

marbelmo · 08-07-2007, 04:44 PM

Would someone taking 22.5 mg of hydrocodone a day for 2 years expect any type of withdrawl symptoms upon sudden discontinuation? And if so, what might those symptoms be?

Thanks for any input.

forginon · 08-07-2007, 05:35 PM

I think you can expect some discomfort. Something along the lines of what the flu feels like. It could last a few days to a week. If possible, try to back off slowly, taking a tablet per day off the first week, then maybe half a tablet the second week and third week. You might be ready after that to stop altogether. This will affect your bowels so have some Imodium handy.

Fabrashamx · 08-07-2007, 05:35 PM

Hi Marb,

Well everyone is different, but thats not a HUGE dose. I would be surprised if it was still very effective after 2 years, but I think you can safely say one could expect some loose bowels, restless legs, achy feelings, possibly with depression and lack of appetite for a few days.
I think a week at most and they would be back on track for the most part, especially if there are no underlying pain reasons to still be on the med.
And there is no way of knowing to what degree the person is phycologically addicted, the first stuff is just your body reacting to a physical dependence,
addiction is much harder to overcome, it will make every part of withdrawal harder and most likey last longer.

May I ask why you were taking it, and for what reason you are quitting? That would help people give you a better idea, but still, everyone will react differently. Can you taper off by say one pill less each few days, then stop from one pill? that will make the physical part of withdrawal negligable.

Good luck, I'm sure others will have more advice for you, some more info from you on what your pain issues have been/are will help too.

Your Friend, Fabby

marbelmo · 08-07-2007, 06:06 PM

I've simply been on 7.5 hydrocodone 3 x per day for chronic neck pain caused by a bulging disc at C6/7 and other discogenic pain caused by tears and spurs at 2 levels higher. My GP has handled my meds to date. One neurosurgeon wants to fuse 6/7 but another wants me to wait it out or wait for an artificial disc because he feels the two fissured levels above will get too stressed with the fusion. GP agrees with latter decision. Anyway, the reason I ask is because I'm headed for a 2 week business trip before a refill comes due & even though I called it in I'm not sure it will get approved before I get a chance to pick it up before I leave town. That's all. I've just taken them like clock work for 2 years and didn't want to have any issues because I've got a number of presentations that have to be delivered impecably and I didn't know if suddenly not taking it would interfere with my ability to perform.

Thanks all.

Fabrashamx · 08-07-2007, 06:20 PM

Gotcha,
If you go to a national chain pharmacy, you can pick up your meds in the city youre in (you can do this with hydrocodone, just not with oxycodone or anything stronger).

If that is not possible, most doctors will allow an early fill once a year for vacations and stuff, just call the doctors office and explain, and they can fax an early fill request to your pharmacy.

Good luck and I hope you find a way to be comfortable on your trip!

~Fabby