Tapering Tapering hydrocodone or switching to another?

[LCee8]

Hello everyone, I’ve been taking hydrocodone for about 8 months now for pain but I’m ready to stop taking them. The problem is when I try to taper my pain becomes unbearable - worse than the pain was to begin with. i think it must just be withdrawal pain rather than original pain. I was wondering if anyone has had luck switching to oxycodone to help withdrawal pain and then just stopping the oxycodone after a week or so? If switching, would I still experience withdrawal symptoms from stopping the hydrocodone suddenly? I feel like my body is “stuck” and is used to having hydrocodone in my system all the time so I wonder if switching would help it un-stick so to speak, and then I could just stop taking the oxycodone because it would have only been a week so no taper of that needed. any thoughts or advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Jabberwocky]

Hello everyone, I’ve been taking hydrocodone for about 8 months now for pain but I’m ready to stop taking them. The problem is when I try to taper my pain becomes unbearable - worse than the pain was to begin with. i think it must just be withdrawal pain rather than original pain. I was wondering if anyone has had luck switching to oxycodone to help withdrawal pain and then just stopping the oxycodone after a week or so? If switching, would I still experience withdrawal symptoms from stopping the hydrocodone suddenly? I feel like my body is “stuck” and is used to having hydrocodone in my system all the time so I wonder if switching would help it un-stick so to speak, and then I could just stop taking the oxycodone because it would have only been a week so no taper of that needed. any thoughts or advice would be greatly appreciated!

There’s not really a need to taper from hydrocodone IMO. Oxycodone may be out in 3 days but the paws are worse then the wd for me. I know you have pain, but maybe try something holistic. I know what you fear, and sadly I didn’t take oxycodone for anything but mental pain. But I would advise against doing anything but slowly weaning yourself and trying to find other things to manage the pain. There’s shots that target certain nerve centers that can help with your physical pain. That said if this is a prescription talk to your pain specialist about what they can do. Normally they would be recommending shots by now and if your only taking hydrocodone im not even sure if you would be at a pain specialist. It’s equivalent to morphine but oxycodone is 1.5 x and currently is the strongest pain med they give out other then special cases of fentanyl and oxymorphone but those are just the active metabolites. Up your magnesium intake while tapering.

 

[LCee8]

Thank you for your reply. I’ll stick to slowly weaning down and I do supplement with magnesium sometimes but will be sure to do it every day. Unfortunately my pain comes from a genetic condition that causes widespread joint pain - so not one particular area I could target. The local pain specialist won’t see me, or anyone with this genetic condition, because there is no “Intervention” (money maker) he could do - just medication management. My primary care doc is very supportive and patient with me tapering slowly, but isn’t a pain specialist so hasn’t been able to recommend much for pain that I havent tried already. I found a doctor who specializes in my condition in a city a few hours away but am on a waiting list and was told I likely won’t get in until August. But I am getting sick of taking these pills and am worried it will lead to more and more, so want to get out before it’s too late. I just wish there was a way to manage the withdrawal pain - or what I’m guessing is withdrawal pain since it’s so bad.

 

[BWG707]

There’s not really a need to taper from hydrocodone IMO. Oxycodone may be out in 3 days but the paws are worse then the wd for me. I know you have pain, but maybe try something holistic. I know what you fear, and sadly I didn’t take oxycodone for anything but mental pain. But I would advise against doing anything but slowly weaning yourself and trying to find other things to manage the pain. There’s shots that target certain nerve centers that can help with your physical pain. That said if this is a prescription talk to your pain specialist about what they can do. Normally they would be recommending shots by now and if your only taking hydrocodone im not even sure if you would be at a pain specialist. It’s equivalent to morphine but oxycodone is 1.5 x and currently is the strongest pain med they give out other then special cases of fentanyl and oxymorphone but those are just the active metabolites. Up your magnesium intake while tapering.

I'm curious as to why you say that there's not really a need to taper from hydrocodone.

 

[Jabberwocky]

I'm curious as to why you say that there's not really a need to taper from hydrocodone.

I haven’t heard your doses and I came off a 60mg oxy a day habit cold turkey with some benzos. It sucked But some may be different. So I wouldn’t take my opinions as facts or be offended if you need to taper. Taper. I just don’t see switching to oxy helping you

 

[BWG707]

I haven’t heard your doses and I came off a 60mg oxy a day habit cold turkey with some benzos. It sucked But some may be different. So I wouldn’t take my opinions as facts or be offended if you need to taper. Taper. I just don’t see switching to oxy helping you

I'm not the OP. I also would like to know what dose the OP was taking. I'm not offended, I am just curious why you think hydrocodone doesn't need to be tapered.

 

[LCee8]

I’ve been on 7.5, 3 times a day. Every now and then 4 times a day when the pain is bad. I realize the dose is low compared to others on this board but it’s been consistent for awhile now. I was hoping to find someone who has also taken opiates for a painful condition and had luck managing the pain while tapering. Trying to drop how much I take even a little bit has been tough

 

[BWG707]

I’ve been on 7.5, 3 times a day. Every now and then 4 times a day when the pain is bad. I realize the dose is low compared to others on this board but it’s been consistent for awhile now. I was hoping to find someone who has also taken opiates for a painful condition and had luck managing the pain while tapering. Trying to drop how much I take even a little bit has been tough

Depending on your type of pain gabapentin can give you some relief. It seems to get good results for nerve pain especially. I don't know which state or even which country you're from, but in California you don't have to go through pain management to get gaba prescriptions. Maybe try to search about tapering off of opiates, I know there is a lot of info on this forum about tapering. Good luck I hope you get some relief, believe me I understand what you're probably going through. And strictly my opinion; I would stay with the hydrocodone taper instead of switching to a different opiate.

 

[Jabberwocky]

I’ve been on 7.5, 3 times a day. Every now and then 4 times a day when the pain is bad. I realize the dose is low compared to others on this board but it’s been consistent for awhile now. I was hoping to find someone who has also taken opiates for a painful condition and had luck managing the pain while tapering. Trying to drop how much I take even a little bit has been tough

Yes you’ll be tolerant. Do you mind telling us what kinda pain it is

 

[LCee8]

It's joint pain - mostly in my knees and hands, but I've also had issues in my back, hips, and shoulders over the years. Since its a genetic condition, it does affect all of my joints but some joints have had more issues than others. I have hypermobile joints and weak/soft cartilage so my joints move in ways they aren't supposed to which causes strain and pain over time. I've torn ligaments and cartilage over the years just from basic movements.

When I've tried to taper down even 1/2 pill less lately, the pain in my joints gets really bad. The pain in my hands gets so bad its hard for me to type at a computer. My pain levels before taking pain killers were never at that level though so I don't think it's actual issues with my hands - I think its increased pain levels from the hydrocodone. Opiates seem to work great until they don't, and then they suck I hear what you all are saying that it's better to taper than switch to another opiate and you're right - I'm just trying to figure out how I can keep walking and working for weeks while I taper with the pain being this bad. I'm hoping once the opiates are out of my system, the pain levels will even out again. They were bad before, which is why I went back on hydrocodone, but not this bad!

Depending on your type of pain gabapentin can give you some relief.

I tried gabapentin years ago for pain management and the lowest dose gave me really bad side effects. I felt like my brain shut off - it was hard to think, talk, etc. I haven't tried it since. I've also tried SSRIs, with no luck, and I've been told I can't take tricyclics because I had a bad reaction to flexiril once and they are too similar. I'm always on the lookout though for some new drug or treatment I haven't tried! I just ordered some good quality CBD supplements but they haven't arrived yet. CBD can make me tired but at this point I'd rather be tired than in pain!

Maybe try to search about tapering off of opiates, I know there is a lot of info on this forum about tapering.

I read about tapering schedules and supplements but it seems like the supplements and drugs that are recommended are for other withdrawal symptoms and not pain. I feel fortunate that I haven't really had any withdrawal symptoms other than pain and a little increase in anxiety - I'm guessing because I'm tapering so slow. But it wouldn't hurt to try the recommended supplements and see if it helps! I'll look at those again and buy the supplements this week to try.

Thank you again for your comments and help, it helps a lot. It sucks feeling like I'm alone in this, but I don't feel so alone here

 

[BWG707]

It's joint pain - mostly in my knees and hands, but I've also had issues in my back, hips, and shoulders over the years. Since its a genetic condition, it does affect all of my joints but some joints have had more issues than others. I have hypermobile joints and weak/soft cartilage so my joints move in ways they aren't supposed to which causes strain and pain over time. I've torn ligaments and cartilage over the years just from basic movements.

When I've tried to taper down even 1/2 pill less lately, the pain in my joints gets really bad. The pain in my hands gets so bad its hard for me to type at a computer. My pain levels before taking pain killers were never at that level though so I don't think it's actual issues with my hands - I think its increased pain levels from the hydrocodone. Opiates seem to work great until they don't, and then they suck I hear what you all are saying that it's better to taper than switch to another opiate and you're right - I'm just trying to figure out how I can keep walking and working for weeks while I taper with the pain being this bad. I'm hoping once the opiates are out of my system, the pain levels will even out again. They were bad before, which is why I went back on hydrocodone, but not this bad!



I tried gabapentin years ago for pain management and the lowest dose gave me really bad side effects. I felt like my brain shut off - it was hard to think, talk, etc. I haven't tried it since. I've also tried SSRIs, with no luck, and I've been told I can't take tricyclics because I had a bad reaction to flexiril once and they are too similar. I'm always on the lookout though for some new drug or treatment I haven't tried! I just ordered some good quality CBD supplements but they haven't arrived yet. CBD can make me tired but at this point I'd rather be tired than in pain!



I read about tapering schedules and supplements but it seems like the supplements and drugs that are recommended are for other withdrawal symptoms and not pain. I feel fortunate that I haven't really had any withdrawal symptoms other than pain and a little increase in anxiety - I'm guessing because I'm tapering so slow. But it wouldn't hurt to try the recommended supplements and see if it helps! I'll look at those again and buy the supplements this week to try.

Thank you again for your comments and help, it helps a lot. It sucks feeling like I'm alone in this, but I don't feel so alone here

You might want to get a pill cutter so you can cut pills into quarters and even eighths. I know it might seem silly to taper by extremely small amounts but it might help. I also understand about the sometimes strange side effects from gaba. If I take too large of a dose it affects my vision. I wish you the best.

 

[LCee8]

That's a great idea! I do have a pill cutter - I will try breaking into fourths. Thank you!

 

[Jabberwocky]

It's joint pain - mostly in my knees and hands, but I've also had issues in my back, hips, and shoulders over the years. Since its a genetic condition, it does affect all of my joints but some joints have had more issues than others. I have hypermobile joints and weak/soft cartilage so my joints move in ways they aren't supposed to which causes strain and pain over time. I've torn ligaments and cartilage over the years just from basic movements.

When I've tried to taper down even 1/2 pill less lately, the pain in my joints gets really bad. The pain in my hands gets so bad its hard for me to type at a computer. My pain levels before taking pain killers were never at that level though so I don't think it's actual issues with my hands - I think its increased pain levels from the hydrocodone. Opiates seem to work great until they don't, and then they suck I hear what you all are saying that it's better to taper than switch to another opiate and you're right - I'm just trying to figure out how I can keep walking and working for weeks while I taper with the pain being this bad. I'm hoping once the opiates are out of my system, the pain levels will even out again. They were bad before, which is why I went back on hydrocodone, but not this bad!



I tried gabapentin years ago for pain management and the lowest dose gave me really bad side effects. I felt like my brain shut off - it was hard to think, talk, etc. I haven't tried it since. I've also tried SSRIs, with no luck, and I've been told I can't take tricyclics because I had a bad reaction to flexiril once and they are too similar. I'm always on the lookout though for some new drug or treatment I haven't tried! I just ordered some good quality CBD supplements but they haven't arrived yet. CBD can make me tired but at this point I'd rather be tired than in pain!



I read about tapering schedules and supplements but it seems like the supplements and drugs that are recommended are for other withdrawal symptoms and not pain. I feel fortunate that I haven't really had any withdrawal symptoms other than pain and a little increase in anxiety - I'm guessing because I'm tapering so slow. But it wouldn't hurt to try the recommended supplements and see if it helps! I'll look at those again and buy the supplements this week to try.

Thank you again for your comments and help, it helps a lot. It sucks feeling like I'm alone in this, but I don't feel so alone here

When you take opiate painkillers chronically albeit for whatever reason, you’re pain threshold is limited. Causing you not to produce endogenous morphine like endorphins we feel after we get hurt and the pain subsides.
Sadly, you’ve established habit by taking them at set schedules so I don’t diminish your need but oxycodone is seriously stronger then hydrocodone. I hope you practice CWE in your use but the amount you take I’m not sure is damaging. I see why you’d wanna switch to an oxycodone as a lot of the pills rarely have apap so it may be easier on the liver but the apap will help reduce your inflammation symptoms.
I don’t usually recommend stuff I’m not a doctor I’m a disabled SoundCloud rapper that bitches about his life on here. But I have went through what you have and I’d say work some cbd and turmeric into your life, I’d employ you to look at a whole food vitamin and fish oil as well as a few other things I can recommend regardless if you taper or not it will help your pain, especially since I don’t know your diet or schedule or finance for a healthy diet but what helped me manage my come off, was honestly water walking light trails (1-2 miles) even though I had to shit the whole time and time, it takes time to get out of the habit. Which I think you suffer more from is a fear of that pain relief that you get everyday going away.
Cbd helps reduce inflammation, and I’m not one to say smoke weed but delta 8 and talking to my doctor helped me the most. But mine was a mental pain I was using it as an antidepressant, I’d employ you to reach out for help if you feel you can’t on your own. Whether that’s a telemed doctor, or find a pain specialist and get a recommendation from your GP. If you can if not get a GP first and let them know about the pain. I’m sure if you require opiate meds they will refer you to the right place that can safely administer them.
Please do not source anything on the street. I only took off the street as I seen them come from the pharmacy myself, a lot of black market oxycodone pills especially the ones marketed as “30s” are nothing but binders and fentanyl analogues. Which is why I urge to you to find a doctor, but do not mention prior use unless you’ve had a script. But tell them the same thing you tell me or us about the pain and see about a recommendation to a pain clinic cause even if they don’t think you need opiates you can get corticosteroids shots targeted to areas now that reduce the pain and inflammation greatly affecting the areas troubling you.
I’ve seen in my own family they require less pain meds solely cause of reduced inflammation. Goodluck and if I can help with anything else lemme know. I’d like @negrogesic to look and give input on anything I lack in telling you cause sometimes I’m cold and callous about certain things and forget to sympathize
They are more established in HR and can lead you and @sekio can damn near break down exactly what you should do. They are damn genius IMO. I wish you luck it sucks to be in any pain.

 

[Jabberwocky]

I’ll also pray for you that you may be guided in the right direction to find what you need. Please keep with us and keep us updated OP. God bless.

 

[WitchDr]

Ya oxycodone is a bad idea. To me oxy is much harder to control then hydrocodone. I can't control how much oxy I take. Where as with hydrocodone I can at least control a little bit. And the withdrawals from oxy are worse.
For me the best opiate to taper on is morphine. I never crave morphine like I do oxy or even hydros. I find I only take morphine to feel decent but it doesn't have a rush or much effect to where I crave it and want to keep using, so it's been the only opiate I've ever been able to taper on.

 

[Michelob88light]

You definitely do NOT want to switch to oxycodone from Hydrocodone. I could kick hydro standing on my head. Oxycodone wd gets rough about 80mg a day for me anything less is a walk in the park but it’s all relative I guess.
In regards to your pain maybe try a lengthy taper. You could be tapering too quickly.