Vicodin Withdrawal - PTSD Related?

[GRUNT11B]

It's been a long time since I posted on this forum and over the last couple of days it has dawned on me to seek some advice again. I was diagnosed with PTSD in 2004 by the Veterans Administration. I have also been living with chronic pain as a result of military service. I have been on and off vicodin for at least 4 to 5 years with three months in between Rx refills. I have been on vicodin now for 6 months and decided to cold turkey it more than 48 hours ago. I tapered off for a week and then quit.

I've read some forums where withdrawals have been severe but they have not been for me, I think. I have had some minor chills, some restlessness, and occasional muscle twitching. I'm already on anti-depressants and anxiety meds so maybe they're helping. I have not had any serious pain or crazy urgings to get more vicodin. I work out every day, to help my body and my mind stay busy as I live on disability. I think that helps as well because after working out I feel good.

I believe I am dependent but hopefully not addicted, perhaps they're one in the same. Can anyone give me an idea how long I may feel anxious or have chills? Those are the only side effects that bug me. They don't interfere with daily living but I would like to get to the point where I know what it feels like to not be on this junk. It's a good painkiller but I don't want to kill my liver. I don't have any symptoms of liver pain but then I'm more worried about chronic use effecting my liver instead of and overdose. I have never taken more than 4 extra strength at a time, however, that was about 12 a day sometimes.

Does anyone have anything information to help me?

 

[anthony]

I believe your other medications would be assisting the withdrawal process. Withdrawals from medications stem over approximately a two month period. Usually you should have lost the majority of side effects after one month, you should feel quite good after two months. Saying that, you are still on other meds, so I would give it a minimum of one month before you no longer have the effects. If you still do after that, it may be a result of one of your other meds, a side-effect if you like.

If you have problems after two months, certainly seek medical assistance. Though one - two months is required for any medication withdrawal to typically cease all side-effects of withdrawal. The medication type plays a role in that, and vicodin is a nasty one at that I believe.

 

[Seeking_Nirvana]

I agree with Anthony, I was in a severe car accident and was in the hospital for 1 month. Every 4-6 hours (the entire month) I was given a shot of 50mg of Demerol.

When they discharged me I was a mess. I stole a bottle of Demerol and almost over dosed.

Anyway, I remember that it took about 2-3 months after getting rid of the Demerol where I didn't feel like I was coming out of my skin anymore. After that it still wasn't easy to get it out of my mental thinking. That took about another 6 years and every once in awhile I have an urge. What stops me is the issue of money and not wanting to sit in the waiting room at the hospital. I hate the fact that I'm addicted to it.

But I do believe my body was over it in 2-3 months give or take. However the mental part seems to be an ongoing process.

Hope this was helpful
Tammy

 

[linasmom]

Grunt,

Just out of curiosity, are your anti-anxiety meds in the benzo family? I was taken aback when you said that you were prescribed narcotics with an anti-anxiety, because if your anti-anxiety meds are benzos, I've always been under the impression that you can not mix the two.

Sorry, sort of off-topic, but just curious.

Best,
Rachel

 

[GRUNT11B]

I'm on Lorazepam which is a benzo. No one at the VA has ever said anything to me about mixing the two. In the VA system whenever the Dr. pulls up your records they can see you medication history, both mental and physical. I have to take 1 mg three times a day.

Maybe someone can add to this? I'm well into my third day of no vicodin and I don't feel so bad. Is withdrawal during the first week something like quiting cigarettes? It sucks for the first three days and after a week its not so bad.
Also, I have kidney stones frequently and have almost always had to go the the emergency room as my stones have ranged from 6mm to 11mm. I know this will happen again and I'm wondering if I'll be ok after shots of dilauded or will I have issues with dependency again? Is there something I can tell the doctors?

 

[chrissym]

Withdrawls

I have gone through severe vicodin withdrawls and the physical symptoms last for about a week. Thats the easy part if you are addicted because next comes the emotional withdrawls...much much worse for me. Good luck to you. Chrissy

 

[anthony]

Regardless any other physical injuries Grunt, you have to make a choice to remain off the drug or not, regardless what comes from around the corner. If you have an addiction problem to the drug then their are other drugs for pain that can be prescribed, you just have to tell them no vicodin.

 

[pandora]

Linasmom....you can take benzo's and narcotics. I am an RN and take both as well as worked on a surgical floor for 5 years.

So.....does anyone have a solution or a comment to this? Sorry if I just hijacked this thread. I HAVE to take narcotics due to my back injury. Am I addicted or dependant?????? I am torn between thinking I am catastrophizing this whole situation or that I really don't have a choice.

 

[pandora]

I forgot to add this. Grunt...there is a new medication....it is given in the states it is given to help with the early withdrawals. Therapy and NA helps with the emotional aspects.The medication is called pomidronate and it is given itravenously while you are monitored. I don't know how you can get this...if you have to be actively involved in rehab or not in order to receive it.

 

[linasmom]

pandora,

Thanks for clarifying, I'm not sure why I thought the two weren't supposed to be mixed.

Best,
Rachel

 

[pandora]

You are very welcome.
Pand

 

[Seeking_Nirvana]

I've been taking Valium for over 20 years and take Darvocet or Vicoden when I get a migraine and my doctors never said anything about not mixing the two.

From what I read about mixing the two is that if one has an allergic reaction it would be hard to distinguish which caused it. Also, they worry it would be to much of an impact on the cardiovascular. I don't remember exactly why, so maybe you can google it.

Tammy