Phil-help please

[Edie]

Hi Phil. I started me taper today but want to do it the best way I can with as little w/d as possible.

I have been taking 6-8 pills every day (usually 6 so this is going to be my starting point) I usually take 11/2 first thing int he am aroung 7:30 then 1/12 around 12:30, then 1/12 around 5:30 then 1 1/2 or 2 at 9pm.

Should I cut back pills or time in between pills or both? My first withdrawal symptom if I a few minutes past a dose is a HORRIBLE headache (the reason I started taking pain pills) I cannot function when i get these so I need to try and avoid this. I have 100 pills left, please give my your advice on how best to do this. This morning I took my 1 1/.2 pill but only took 1 at noon.

Thank you for your tireless support of everyone on this board.
Edie

[Allycat]

I hope you dont my butting in, I just want to say how proud of you I am, I think I remember you posting way back, you were going to Mexico I think. But regardless, you are where you can get rid of this thing without a lot of pain. I know you are going to have to work thru the headache thing, I too have headaches and take hydro for them. I take anywhere from 13-18 a day. I used to be at 6-8. The increase jumps up on you before you know it. Afterall, 4 a day to some doctors is acceptable. Not stigma attached. So why would 6 be THAT bad...and so and son on. You get my point. You can listen to Phil and taper the way he tells you and I think you will be very pleased. I just cant seem to get a hold of the tapering thing. I go c/t and I can NOT wait to get to the pharmacy and get back in my car to down at least 5. Ive got around 150 coming to me this week and I so want to take them and taper. I have GOT to. But anyway--sorry for butting in...but Im proud for you...hang in there and be strong. Ally

[Philster2003]

Edie, let me work something up when I get home from work? OK?

phil

[Edie]

Hi AlleyCat (that is what I call my eldest daughter whose name is Alexandra) Thank you so much for your words of encouragement. I was going to taper after Mexico but just couldn't do it with school starting and so much to do.

I as scared if I don't stop now, I like you will increase the numbers of pills I take a day. I used to convince myself I would NEVER take more that 6 (as you astutly stated i convinced myself there was no "stigma") But lately I have been taking 7 or sometims 8 so the cycle has begun. I have to get off now.

What do you suggest for these awful headaches..I am afraid to be without my pills. What will I do for them once I wean off? Nothing has worked in the past! thanks you for taking the time to encourage me. I need all the support I can get.
edie

Edie,
Be sure you keep us posted on your "recovery." I for one will be watching for your posts. From what I've been reading on this board people are taking a lot more than this. I guess I'm more interested in how you do since I feel like I'm going to be where you are before doing anything if then. You know it's pretty sad when I come on here wanting to see how you do to see if it's not so bad where I can go ahead and advance to that level without much wd's. I use to be one of the "strongest" people I knew and look at me, with each passing day I get weaker and weaker and the days get worse and worse.

These boards are to help people, give encouragement, help them with their addiction or staying straight, or keep from someone from taking that road but yet I post an answer to someone asking for opinions on the pain management board which is my biggest problem right now and I get in "trouble" for it and am a "low life" because I'm a Ambien Addict. Whatever, I don't need that!

[This message has been edited by AddictionMod (edited 09-29-2003).]