This may be a very temporary solution, and is not a good idea since it will make things worse. First of all, drinking while in opiate withdrawal sucks, and I can't even think about drinking alcohol while kicking. Next, once the alcohol wears off it will make all the opiate withdrawal symptoms even worse since it increases anxiety, and becoming dehydrated will make your leg muscles ache even more. For all of these reasons I recommend using alcohol to try to alleviate your symptoms.
"For all of these reasons I
DO NOT recommend using alcohol to try to alleviate your symptoms."
*fixed*
ativan. Its not addictive in the sense that it doesnt contain opioids, and is similar to xanax but seems to not have the addictive qualities of xanax.
This is not true. Ativan, while a benzo and not an opioid, is
definitely dependence-causing and should only be used infrequently.
Take about 40 mg of lopermide
I wouldn't start off with 40mg. Everyone responds to loperamide so differently, start with like 4mg and raise your dose from there. Also note that loperamide (Immodium) is an opioid, even though it normally doesn't have very much activity on the brain you are still putting opioids into your
body so take that into consideration and if you use it do so minimally and taper off it.
lostbyfindingit:
Do ALL of the following (not just one):
- get as much exercise as you can manage
every day (I know it's hard when you feel like shit, but seriously try to force yourself; swimming, walking and yoga are all good)
- take magnesium supplements
every day (as much as you can handle without aggravating your diarrhea; chelated magnesium is the best, otherwise use citrate not oxide)
- take hot baths with LOTS of Epsom salts every day
- do NOT drink alcohol (most people feel much worse once it starts wearing off)
- dextromethorphan (DXM) helps some people but personally I feel worse once it starts wearing off
- take
something to help you sleep - NOT a dopamine antagonist or antihistamine, those will make it worse (benzos, gabapentin, Z-drugs, etc are good choices if you have them)
- before bed (or if the RLS is bothering you during the day) do this: lie flat on the floor and try to relax completely for 10-15 min, AND/OR another technique is to use a thick dowel or round broom handle and put it under your back next to your spine (not on your spine). You can keep your knees bent with your feet on the floor or bed. Relax completely, letting your weight onto your back. It's ok if you feel tilted to one side. Do this for 5 min or so. Then place the dowel/handle on the other side of your spine and repeat. Please let me know if you want further instructions on this technique, it really does help IME.