Vicodin Withdrawal… What to Expect?

Question by It’s me: Vicodin Withdrawal… What to expect?
I have been taking vicodin, 10mg, two to three times a day for about a year. I’ve been depressed due to personal tragedy, and even though I saw a psychologist for quite some time, and tried different antidepressants, I didn’t find anything that helped much. I turned to the vicodin because it made me feel happy again. I don’t want to rely on it anymore and I plan on going “cold turkey” tomorrow. What can I expect to go through during withdrawals and how long can I expect it to last? Thanks for any advice :)

Best answer:

Answer by Horsense
There are several websites that have info or discussions on this topic. I like this one:

Drug Abuse, Addiction, & *Treatment*
– How drug abuse and addiction can develop, etc.
http://helpguide.org/mental/drug_substance_abuse_addiction_signs_effects_treatment.htm

Antidepressants: What You Need to Know About Depression Medications
http://helpguide.org/mental/medications_depression.htm

From what I gather, just going ‘cold turkey’ may *NOT* be the wise thing to do.
I would *THOROUGHLY* research the repercussions & alternatives first!
*Some* drugs can cause seizures if the patient stops taking them abruptly!

You should ALSO research NATURAL methods of treating depression. There are foods (i.e.: sunflower seeds), herbs, an amino acid (L Tryptophan), and a technique called “Emotional Freedom Technique” / ‘EFT’ that have been found effective by many.

“5 Happy Foods That Prevent Depression”
http://liveliving.org/balanced-nutrition/5-happy-foods-that-prevent-depression

“Natural Remedies for Depression”
– “Altering the Brain’s Chemistry to Elevate Mood”
http://www.chiro.org/nutrition/FULL/Natural_Remedies_for_Depression.shtml

Special Investigative Report:
“L-Tryptophan, Lactic Acid, Prozac & Naturally Treating Depression, Holisticly”
http://healthwyze.org/index.php/component/content/article/412-special-investigative-report-l-tryptophan-lactic-acid-prozac-and-naturally-treating-depression-the-holistic-way.html

Also, you should learn what kind of things can actually ‘trigger’ depression
(such as caffeine, aspartame, &, MSG) and learn how to *thoroughly* avoid them:
http://search.yahoo.com/search;_ylt=A0oG7ngZGgJRYUEA7GBXNyoA?p=depression%20msg%20apartame%20caffeine&fr2=sb-top&fr=sfp

Answer by Jim M
U probably have a high physical dependence to the drug. U should not go cold turkey as someone already said. Ppl think they R being brave but they R just stupid. U should taper off the drug slowly. Look up a taper schedule. If U must Ultram can be a good replacement but it to causes physical dependence. U can stroke or seize because of going cold turkey.

Here R the symptoms U will fell: hot and cold flashes. a feeling of being completely uncomfortable in your own skin. Diarrhea usually after a day or so and then a constant need to be in the bathroom even though U cant have a BM. This can go on for weeks. If U taper U will uncomfortable but not unable to function.

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