March 26, 2008 - 11:29am
My buddy has been taking opiates for pain for almost 3 year, he, like me (Im 8 days out and doing pretty good now) is trying to taper his meds to get off opiates and try a non narcotic approach for his treatment.. his doctor is no longer going to call in his refills of his meds for chronic neck and back pain...He just called me freaking out because he is afraid of withdrawals. I told him to call his doctor and explain it to him... He said he did and the response from his doctor was, "Just stop taking them, you will NOT have withdrawals"... Has anyone heard of such a ridiculous statement???? I mean I took them for a year less than him and my withdrawals have been pretty rough and he is a pretty fragile guy, I was amazed that his doctor didnt agree with prolly the rest of the waking world when they say that withdrawals WILL happen....Thoughts anyone??? Are there any guidelines I can advise him about and steps he can take to get his meds administered in a tapering kind of fashion??
March 26, 2008 - 3:21pm
#2
We would all have to know
We would all have to know the whole circumstances reguarding your friends situation. You said hes been taking opiates for about 3 years legally from a doctor, but you didnt say how much of what and if he takes them more often than prescribed or if he runs out early. What the doctor doesnt know can eventually hurt people.
March 26, 2008 - 3:33pm
#3
As far as I know
He has always been on the up and up. He is not a youngster or a party animal or anything of the sort, so Id venture to say he hasnt abused or caused issues, not to mention, he's a pretty docile guy.. He is/was taking Lortab 10mgs, 1 5 times a day...I know he's freeaking out, hes called me like 9 times today already and seems in pretty crappy spirits... All I can do is give him encouraging words, which Im sure he doesnt wanna hear....
March 26, 2008 - 3:56pm
#4
Well 50mg a day for 3
Well 50mg a day for 3 years will deffinately give you some pretty good withdrawals. Most people would suggest going to the Hospital and tell them whats going on. I guess they tend to give people a few days supply until they can get a new doctor or into PM. Ive never done it so Im not sure if they really do this or not, just seen other people post about it.
March 26, 2008 - 4:09pm
#5
Get to the ER
The only thing I would say is to get to the ER as soon as possible and be honest. If the pain from his condition then he will most likely get severe pain from it and this is the one that doctors I believe will help the most rather then say HEY IM GOING THROUGH WITHDRAWLS. Then they will prob be jerks and think he is seeking. God I hate DR's like this. Almost as though they are the reason why people go to hard drugs!! GIVE ME A BREAK!!!
PLease get your friend to the ER!!
March 26, 2008 - 6:07pm
#6
I have two patients who were
I have two patients who were on 30 mg of hydrocodone a day for several months or more, who stopped without tapering or withdrawals. I usually ask patients what happens if they do not take a dose for 12-24 hours. If they say nothing happens, I figure they can quit without tapering.
March 26, 2008 - 11:39pm
#7
ER?????
ER's can be just as cruel.
March 27, 2008 - 9:01am
#8
ER?
Dude, forget the ER...all they are gonna do is put a red sticker on your folder flagging you as drug addict/seeker, and charge you 600 bucks and send u on your way...If the doc wasn't willing to taper the dose of medication in a proper manner to aviod withdrawals, your friend certainly can do it on his own. Being a long time narcotic user I'm familiar with withdrawal, and it's not gonna be fun, but if you use a little SELF CONTROL and taper the meds on your own...you should be ok....A methadone clinic would be another avenue you can explore...As is understand it tho, your friend wants a non narcotic treatment.....Ultram works for me, Toradol, works also, that's just me tho......Ray
Remember: Just do it.. EVERY PILL EVERY DAY
Hi,
Tell your friend to not go cold turkey. This might make him really sick, especially if he is not otherwise healthy (liver problems, etc. make detox harder).Taper off gradually. Any doctor should know this, if they have any compassion. Depends on how much he is on, do 1 less per day. He should not be afraid of withdrawals too much if done GRADUALLY. My Dad was on liquid oxycontin, fentanyl, etc. and was able to get down to just the patches. Be realistic about the condition. Some things can be managed with non-narcotics. If this is something your friend really wants he can do it if he is not feeble, or has compounding illness. Also, tell him to get another doctor who is compassionate. Great job on the eight days! It will only get easier. Make sure you exercise as much as possible to regain your strength, and produce natural endorphins. May be ???$* at first, but this too shall pass. God Bless.