Expert: Charles I. - 9/15/2007

Question
i am addicted to hydrocodone based on the length of taking it. my pain specialist gives me 150 hydrocodone 10/325 a month. my back isn't getting better, and i learned today that back pain can be a side effect of the hydrocodone. now he is talking about oxycontin to make me more comfortable - i am becoming a dope head. how can i stop at home? i am out of pills today, and i heard there were vitamins and other cold turkey ways to quit. i don't feel addicted, i just assume i am based on the length of time (6 months?) i have taken these pills. i don't feel a "need" t take them besides the back pain, but can you help me? thanks.

Answer
Hi Amber, thanks for your question. My first question is have you talked with your doctor about your concerns of addiction to your pain-killers. It is important to remember that we must take an active role in our medical treatment. Not only discuss your concerns with him or her, but ask about alternative pain therapy...things that can be done that may help alleviate pain without increasing medicine (ie. aqua therapy, physical therapy, acupuncture...etc.). The clinic that I work at does offer acupuncture to our clients and many do report that it does help with pain. If you cold-turkey your pain meds you are probably going to feel uncomfortable for a few days. This may include: sweating, restlessness, bone or joint aches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, chills, runny nose, trouble sleeping, and anxiety; you may feel like you have the flu. Vitamins may help to keep necessary vitamins and minerals in your system if you aren't eating during the detox, but it really will not help with the detox itself. I really would recommend speaking with your doctor on a sensible way to taper your dose if your ultimate wish is to come off your meds. But then you are back to square one...the pain. Your situation is difficult because from what you wrote, you have legitimate pain issues. If this doctor feels that the only choice for you is to take the pain-killers, then I would try to find a pain-management doctor who may have other ways of dealing with pain than just medicinal therapy. I wish there was a more clear cut answer to this, but there really isn't. I hope this helps. If you have any further questions please don't hesitate to contact me.
Good Luck,
Charles