Please Help: Need Answers To Get Off Dilaudid

Updated

I have been taking 3 to 4 8mg (24-32mgs) Dilaudid pills at 1 time usually around 3:00pm everyday for about 2 1/2 years now for back and nerve damage and would like to know the best way, medication, and dosage to get off this drug, also how long and how bad I will feel detoxing. The only time I have energy and feel good is the 2 or 3 hours after taking the drugs. Every muscle and bone in my body aches like I have a severe case of arthritis , i'm sleepy-but can't sleep an entire night, get a runny nose, yawn constantly and tired. I just want to feel normal again. Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thank you. 50

71 Replies (4 Pages)

Page:1Next PageLast Page
Earliest Newest Votes
1

Wow, I am very sorry to hear about your problem. The safest way to get off the medication would be under medical supervision.

Have you spoken to your doctor about this?

Was this helpful? 3
2

I have the same problem as 50. I have been on Dilaudid for over 5 years and have been trying to get off them for over 2.5 years. I build up a tollerance and have to take more then I have to wein myself off to come back down to the regular dosage only to start all over again. This is the worst addiction ever. Nobody understands how bad I want to get off my boyfriend thinks I take them to get high but he doesnt understand I need them just to get through the day.

Was this helpful? 6
3

You might want to look into adddiction treatment with Suboxone, you can check their website for doctors in your area.

Suboxone.com Click Here

Counseling would probably also help you, since you feel you need them to get through the day,

Was this helpful? 1
4

I'm very sorry to hear about your pain and tolerance issues. If you want to truly get away from Dilaudid you need to be reffered to a pain clinic so they can help manage your pain. They can help you find ways to manage your pain your other physicians may have never considered.
Unfortunately narcotics do result in tolerance with continued use and psychological dependance. If you have tried to quit you understand the extreme anxiety associated with missing doses, it's almost like needing oxygen, your brain tells you you're not going to makeit without taking your next dose and we can't help what our brain tells us. If you held your breath for a full minute or so your brain wants oxygen and responds the same way...i won't make it if I don't get a breath.. This is obviously a poor comparison but this is the level of anxiety produced in the brain when entering acute withdrawal, trust me I know from experience. It's not anyone's fault your mind and body have grown tolerant and dependant on opiods after long term use, it's a natural response unfortunately which requires pain management professionals and possibly an addictionologist (i use one) to help manage the psychological portion of discontinuing the use of long term opiods. I hope this sort of makes sense.

Was this helpful? 3
5

I feel for you all,I know how you feel because I have been there.Opiates are wonderful drugs. They work so good for pain, but the side affect is tolerance which is unfortunate, but it is the price we pay for wanting to live a somewhat normal life..I was put on opiates when I was 14 years old for dysmenorrea, and I became dependent when I didn't even know what that word meant.By the time I was 20 years old, I found myself kicking dihydrocodeine cold turkey because my doctors secretary retired and she was the one calling the pharmacy for my medication, 50 capsules of Synalgos DC every 10 days, not including the ones I was getting from my friends. My doctor gave me Melleril and fiorinol and told me there was nothing more he could do for me.In the early 1970's there was no Betty Ford centers, there was no addiction is a diease. and no doctor would consider seeing me,. so I was left with my own devices, NOT GOOD. Long story short, I am a drug addict and at 54 years old I have been on methadone for 20+ years. I am not complaining and I am not blaming anyone. My doctor was incompitant for giving me an open prescription of narcotics at 14 years old, but I am responsible for my own actions since I became an adult. The reason I am telling you this, is you have so many more options today than 30 years ago. Today there are pain managment clinics, there are doctors who are addictionoligists, and there are new pain medications that may not be as addicting..Tje most important advice I cam give you is to not try to do this alone. it won't work, I had tried it too many times. I have never taken diladid, but I hear it is a very hard drug to come off of, so please tell your doctor so he/she
can send you to a pain managment clinic where they can help you get off of dilaudid and give you something else if need be. From the sound of it, you aren;t addicted to the diladid, you are dependent, and there is a HUGE difference.There is no reason for you to suffer from chronic pain today because medicine has come a long way since my day. Whatever you choose to do, find a doctor who is empathetic to you and your pain and tolerance issues.Good luck and you will be in my thoughts

Was this helpful? 4
6

a scene from dilaudids hydromorphone

Was this helpful? 0
7

Hi Fifty..First off, you need to talk to your doctor, don't try to taper off of these by yourself, it won't work, I have been there. May I ask you why you are wanting to quit useing this medication? Are you still in pain and if you are how you you plan to do without medication? I really feel for you because I know what it feels like to kick opiates, and it is hell..If you still have severe pain, ask your PCP to send you to a pain clinic where they can treat your pain the way a regular family doctor can't. If you aren't in pain anymore, ask your doctor to refer you to a methadone clinic or to a doctor who can give you suboxone..One thing, suboxone is not a very good pain medication. Just whatever you do, don't try to do it alone.My thoughts are with you...

Was this helpful? 2
8

Pat, while I agree with you that Fifty should seek a doctor's help, you made another statement that isn't necessarily true. You said that trying to taper off of Dilaudid alone won't work. That depends on the person and the situation. I was taking 32mg of Dilaudid every 3 to 4 hours and at the same time was taking 1200mg of morphine every 12 hours and I tapered off of the Dilaudid completely and my morphine usage is down to 200mg every 12 hours. I did that entirely on my own - no help from my doctor, no help from any substitute medication, no visits to any clinic - just me slowly reducing the amounts I was taking, over time. So while I don't recommend that method to anyone else, please don't tell people it can't be done, because it can.

Was this helpful? 7
9

Hi: I had a laminectomy in Jan and have Dilaudid was the only pain medicine I could use after surgery. After 8 weeks on 10-12 mg every 24 hours, for the last 6 months it's been 2-4 mg a day. Had a disagreement with my pain doctor. He's telling me to try Lyrica and I can't be tired at my job so I terminated my relationship with him 2 weeks ago. For the last two weeks I've been cutting my pillis in 1/4's and I have only 1/4 of a 2 mg pill left for tonite. I still have pain but am taking 2400 iburprofen, 1000 tylenol, 4 Robaxin a day, and 1 -2 Darvocet a day, but not every day with the Darvocet. Will I be okay. I was having sort of a panic attack this a.m. but I feel better. There is no way I can afford to go to a pain clinic. I feel okay, but still have the pain. I will probably call my regular dr. on Monday. Any thoughts? Thank you

Was this helpful? 0
10

I am on 10 to 12 pills a day and it is hard to come off of them .Well My boyfriend did'nt know that I was a needle user until he found one in my kitchen floor, But He has never done or been around someone that users so this was new to him He is still with me and he is tryin to help me but don't know how , I have tryed to quiet so much. It is not funny .I have tryed the Methdone and it works but I justs got tried of drive to Nashville every day .But you don't ever look at that I was having to drive to Nashville to go and get them Dilaudid everyday ,.And got tried of doing that .So I am want to justs lay in my bed and go cooled turkey off of them .Someone that has never done them it hard for them to understand what I am going throw. My kids are there for me but they do not like seeing me like this So I was going to try this Suboxdone I hope it works .This is my last chances and I hope it works.Let god be on my side and get this DEIVL OFF OF MY BACK

Was this helpful? 0
11

I have been addicted to pain meds for 3 years i mean really addicted to them.I would snort 15 2mgs a day but the sad thing is no one knows about my addiction. i want to get off of it so badly but dont know how i should special since i am being prescibed them for back pain. Every morning i wake up crabby and have bad stomach aches just for wanting them, i just dont want to let my mom an fiance down. If anyone has any ideas about how to tell my love ones about my addiction that would be sweet.

Was this helpful? 0
12

I have been on Dilaudid for 2 years for spinal cord injury and nerve damage. It was a god send to me because of the intense pain that it seemed to just take away and give me a new life. The most i was on was 8 mg x 4 times per day. Now after a spinal fusion, the drs want me off the meds and made me sign a waver stating I would follow their tapering program which I am. It is very hard though. I have been given robaxin inbetween and down to 1 mg dilaudid times 2 per day.At night I feel edgy and weird like I have to move. I have nightmares. I found some old percostat and cut that up to lessen the out of control feelings. My dr does not really understand nor empathize, nor husband understand. I feel so alone and depressed. Is is normal to just want to curl up in a ball and sleep.My skin feels weird and body aches all over. I cannot tell what is real pain or what is withdrawl pain. The drs say that I will have some pain forever given my spinal cord injury, cauda equina syndrome. I am at end of rope and very sad. I do not know what to do. We have structured insurance that only has limited access to pain management. They are making me feel like a drug addict when this all happened so innocently. Now I feel doomed. Also it feels like clothes even hurt my body.Anyone else feel this way? What is best way to proceed. I have 11 pills left which I cut up, then thats it.I feel like I don't know if I can bear it. How long does the withdrawl last? Can I just sleep through it someway? Also, I find myself drinking to easy the uneasy and bone/muscle pains.
advise please

Was this helpful? 0
13

To Willow;
You sound very sweet and like someone who really DOES want to come off of them. Most people are very empathetic with others when they are really honest and forthright. If you really want to come off of them, you have to find the courage to ask for help and understanding. I know what that feels like because you are afriad they will treat you like a criminal. Honesty is best policy. Do you have medical insurance? Find out what they cover and make a plan. It will only get worse and you sound like a very good sweet person who deserves a great life free of addiction.

Was this helpful? 0
14

Laurie
Let me know how you do. I am down to 11 pills which I cut in half/ 1 mg x 2 times per day. I know the panic feeling. How are the other drugs working for you/ darvocet and robaxin. I am taking robaxin too but it doesn't seem to make a dent in the pain and withdrawl. curious how the other meds all work when you go without the dilaudid. Thanks! from Miabella

Was this helpful? 0
15

Pat;
It is a sad story that you have. I feel for you and feel your sadness and guilt. It is never too late to come off drugs entirely. You have life ahead of you and clearly have desire to live strong and happy life!
Don't give up! Let go and let someone else help you out. Many prayers....

Was this helpful? 1
16

been there, done that, i did it not by choice but was behind bars and had no choice but it worked, i was rescued, it took about 14 days for the feeling to go away.

Was this helpful? 0
17

thanks mryhenrym...at least I know there is end to my pain. Today I cried at ust about everything that came my way, and was a total wimp! lol. I just pampered myself and told myself I can get through this! Maybe I am grieving this stupid habitual drug.It is an enemy yet was my best friend,,,go figure. I wrote my dr and asked her to be empathetic otherwise if she couldn't do this, I needed a pain management dr who could understand. I guess it is really about advocating for OURSELVES and instead of playing the victim card taking control and finding people that will support us rather then put us down for our addiction. Thank you all for the supportive comments. Just knowing that I am not alone really helps me. I don't want to get into a pity party game either and sometimes we can do this easily if we find way to make excuses. Bottom line is that I want and will get my life back, hope everyone here does too! God bless.

Was this helpful? 1
18

I take 8 4mg tabs of Dilaudid daily for cancer. Been on this for almost two years. How do I wean myself off these safely.

Was this helpful? 4
19

I have been on 2 mg of Dilaudid and 3 Ultracet per day since February 19. I had rotator cuff surgery, and this is the only thing that worked. I still have a little pain, but these pills help me sleep! Without them, I am up all night. Any ideas on how to wean myself off? Thanks.

Was this helpful? 0
20

i have finally weaned myself off dalaudid, i have'nt taken one for 4 days now. yesterday i threw over 100 8mg. pills in the garbage disposal. i am for the first time drug free in years, i am not achy, my head feels more clear, i just have been unable to sleep more than 3 hours a night, but hopefully that will come back soon. i can honestly say, this is the hardest thing i have ever done, i just cut back a pill every couple of weeks, the last month is hell. thanks again for all the help.

Was this helpful? 5
Page:1Next PageLast Page

Most Recent Replies:

71

Oh do I feel for you. I wish I could do the same! My dose is less but I am suffering the identical affects. My scripts run out before their due date and I am in withdrawals when I get the next one filled. I hate being a slave to the pills but they are what keep me able to work and function normally. That said - they only achieve just that - "normality". Theres no uphoria like abuses get you. Just normality. My psoriatic arthritis in back, neck, & knees were the reason I was first scripted Dilaudid. Other pain killers always gave me nausea so Dilaudid was perfect. In better times I gradually weaned my doses down, thinking I would be off of it. But then pain punch-through caused me to go back to original doses. I also suffered two kidney stone attacks that led to lithotripsy surgery over the years which also fooled me into re-upping my addiction at times. Now if I dont get my pill, my attitude, energy level, and alertness are first to go. I yawn out of control and have supplemented caffine pills at times to try to extend my abolity to work. After those side affects come the real bad ones. Irritability, depression, headache, nausea, and flu symptoms in addition to body aches and pains that get severe as time passes. No sleep, and the host of side affects all piling up to be withdrawal can all be ersed in a moment - simply by taking another 4-8 mg. Its horrible to be so enslaved. But I fear telling my Dr just how bad it is - I need them to continue working as I am not of retirement age. Each month when I see the bottle is running empty I live in fear of those last days. The pharmacy will not refill early and it is a scary awful thought - running out. I dont have the means or leave to seek a rehab facility. But I wish there was a private way of getting help - if there is any. I am so sorry what you are going through. I know its little or no help to you but I wanted to say you arent alone.

Was this helpful? 0
70

I know the feeling all too well and God bless you. Anyone who has never felt the withdrawal sickness will feel alot different about dependency if they do

Was this helpful? 0
69

Hey... 50!.. I am 52 and have been taking dilaudid for 10 years now for chronic pain, I sympathize completely with all your symptoms ... Even rolling over in bed st night hurts never mind getting mobile in the morning ... I am scared to death of this drug .. My doc weaned me off about a year ago but was able to find it elsewhere but it is burying me financially not to mention physically ... I know the gut wrenching pain of not having it. I had to go 6 days without once and I nearly died ... Well not really but felt like it ... I am scared to come off but there are so many reasons to do so ! ... I wish my doc had said no to me on this one 10 years ago ... Had I known where I would end up NEVER would have taken this s*** I am taking about 6 4 mg tabs a day up from one a day that the doc was giving me ... So I'm in a bad place too it's. Is ting me nearly 50.00 a day! ... I work only to pay for my habits. I will say also that I have been taking them for over 5 years ...... I am constantly depressed and of course family wants to understand but doesn't.. I like most in my position feel very alone and fearful of the future. I wish I had the answer to your problem but I can't even get myself on track ... I just don't have the strength ... I am living with my in-laws who both have major health problems as I can't afire a place of my own ... It's just killing me in every way. I know there is NO easy way I just don't know when or how to step up and fix my life ??

Was this helpful? 0
68

I wish someone would tell both of us. I was taking 8mg dilaudid, 6 times a day for 2 yrs and then my dr just stopped giving it to me. I feel like im dying, dizzy,lightheaded, diareah, sneezibg, watery eyes,runny nose, all over body pain, migraines. I feel like ive been hit by a truck.my dr tried norco 10,3xs/ day. Not even helping in the slightest bit. Please, somebody help me.

Was this helpful? 0
67

She doesn't need counseling because she said she needs them to get through the day. Most likely she does so she doesn't get sick. Why would she need counseling for that???... Although counseling would help with the addiction!!!...

Was this helpful? 0
66

IT IS POSSIBLE!!! Our brains are the most powerful tools we have. We can make ourselves believe in anything. Just keep repeating all through out the day, "I AM FINE, I AM HAPPY, I LOVE MYSELF". When we are born, we are given a clean canvas, and what ever our parents expose us to is what we know. And that can be changed. You have the power to put anything you want in it. I know, as I've had a horrible child hood, but I look in the mirror and say "I love myself, I love myself" and eventually, your brain will start to believe it, and therefor "you" will believe it. This technique does work!!! You've got nothing to loose in trying it. :-) As you start to love yourself, getting off these crazy man made hell pills will become easier. Pleases don't get me wrong, it is HARD, and at first you will feel like s***. But it does get easier and easier. Just don't give in to these hell pills. You are stronger!!

I am in the process of getting off Hydromorphone. I was taking (abusing) 94 mg. per day, and am happy to say, that after 4 weeks, I am down to 16 mg. I started weaning off slowly. (I've tried going cold turkey, but all I did was sleep-for 5 days, and felt like suicide, so DO NOT ATTEMPT to go cold turkey) Just do it slowly, and heck, if you don't feel good stay on a dose that lets you function, without suffering, for a while longer. Listen to your body, and do it slowly. Does NOT matter how long it takes. It CAN be done!!! Take, glucosamine for joint pain, take Echinacea, vit. C, vitamin B complex, and drink lots and lots of freshly squeezed lemon juice. It will give you energy and also cleans out your body of all the hell pills.

My thoughts and prayers are with each and every single one of you battling with pain pill addiction. :-)

Was this helpful? 0
65

I am in the same shape as you I am 61 and the pain has kicked my butt, now I have no one to get it from. I have thought about getting from a no script needed place online but to scared I will get robbed. what are you doing to get your meds, have you tried any online?

Was this helpful? 0
64

Hello I just wanted to tell you, I know your Hell, as I have been there. I have taken dilaudid every 4 hours around the clock for 7 years now. In April my Pain management clinic dropped me because they could not accept Medicaid (even though they had accepted it for 4 years) They gave me no info on how to taper and every clinic they said would help me. turned me away cold. They all told me there is no one in town who will treat you with dilaudid like your dr did. I have been to 36 specialist and tried every treatment they suggested and found nothing that helped me with my constant migraines until dilaudid. I am a 45 year old woman who has never done recreational drugs, hell I have never even been drunk, but now everyone thinks I am a hardcore drug addict. So anyways what I came on here to tell you is... As of April (3 months ago) I was taking 39 mg of dilaudid daily.(6 mg every 4 hours +) and I have been doing a slow taper on my own. I try to take one mg less a week, at least. but do more if I can. I have to be careful because a few times I have moved to fats or went more then 5 hours without a dose and I am miserable. I am now down to 10 mg daily!!!! Almost what I was taking every 4 hours in April! It is uncomfortable but not terrible most of the time. I just tell myself I can go back up 1 mg every hour if I feel awful and usually by the end of the hour my resolve has come back. I took no more the 15 mg daily last month so I am consistently dropping my dose. I am not taking any supplemental drugs because I don't want to have to wean off any other meds. I know people will say you cant do it on your own but if you go really slow you may be able to do it all on your own. best of luck to you!

Was this helpful? 0
63

I know it can be done....Im tired of being dependent on this crap. I started off with 3 8mg dilaudid a day now I am down to 1 mg 3 x a day. I will continue to chop and chop til I can safely step off of these god forsaken pills. I hate them with a passion. I have to admit each step I done It was difficult for a few days but I was not in full blown withdrawls. I would rather feel alittle icky compared to sicker than someone with the flu. It can be done if you really want to get off of this stuff. I myself dont consider methadone or suboxone a good substitute its trading one drug for another.
Screw that.....Im getting off the crap

Was this helpful? 1
62

Hello! I really could use some help. First of all, I insufflate 16mg of dilaudid a day. Second, I am on a 50microgram fentanyl patch. This all started so innocently when I had a tooth ache, and my friend offers me a dilaudid for the pain. I loved the feeling, and my tolerance grew before my eyes. If I didn't have any, I started to cry, had to go to the bathroom, was very sore all over my body, and I was sweating. Luckily, I got a hold of my "friend," who told me I was addicted, and gave me more to take away the horrible side effects of not having any. Then, he introduced me to fentanyl, and claimed its better for me to wear this patch, so I wouldn't become "sick" so easily and quickly. I have to change it every three days, or all hell breaks loose again. (Crying, soreness...etc). I have been on this stuff for three years! I desperately need to get off of it! I have to see him everyday, and he keeps me supplied. Sometimes he gives me morphine if no dilaudid is available (which is rare.) I feel like I have a ball and chain around my leg, and a monkey on my back. I do not feel high from this anymore. I just need to get off discreetly. I know I could go to detox, but how long would that take? Could I do it myself? Please help! I want my life and freedom back! Thanks.

Was this helpful? 0
Sort Thread by Most Recent

More Discussions:

I Need To Come Off Of A Dilaudid Pump On My Own Feel Like Im Dying Someone Please Help Me

I lost my disability 6 months ago. The two state dr.'s I was sent to was a joke. The judge would not read the record...

15 REPLIES
dilaudid 8mg migraines HELP PLEASE

I have been trying for something to fix my migraines for years. After trying preventatives my neurologist went to narcot...

10 REPLIES
dilaudid 4mg or hydromorphone 4mg or ER Exalgo, please help locate pharmacy in tampa fl,

Laws are crazy in FL. I just moved to Tampa from Pinellas County. Because my doc is in Pinellas county, I can't get ...

2 REPLIES
Zubsolv - Need answers please!

I have been taking only 1mg a day of the zubsolv pill. How long till I am safe to just not take it anymore? And is it ev...

1 REPLY
Help! Need to get off Opiates & Methadone but dont have enough Subutex!

Hi there, My boyfriend and I were taking opiates for about a year, quite a lot. We have been on methadone for about a ye...

need a doctor to help me get off methadone

I am at a methadone clinic on 70mlg. but cannot afford the 410.00 a month I'm on Medicare and they won't take th...

2 REPLIES
oxyg Norco vikoden opiates how to get off.need help on opiates

Hi just wanted to know I've been on opiates for ten years I got tired of it so on Thursday nite I stopped taking any...

2 REPLIES
Soboxone .. please help me get off please!!

Hi I'm so scared to totally come off suboxone.. I've been taking 8mg of subs for about 5 years .. I've never...

4 REPLIES
WHAT IS DOCTORS WEANING PERIOD TO GET OFF DILAUDID

WHAT IS NORMAL DOSAGE A MONTH TO GET OFF DILAUDID IF TAKING 12MG EVERY THREE HOURS FOR LAST SIX MONTHS IF I DONT TAKE FO...

6 REPLIES
Need Help Overcoming Dilaudid Withdrawal

I've been taking dilaudid 4mg once sometimes twice a day. At the end of the month when I run out, if I take a couple...

2 REPLIES