Severe Zoloft Withdrawl Information

Severe Zoloft Withdrawl Facts

Popular Questions

zoloft withdrawl? My doctor put me on 200 mg of zoloft. Take 1/2 (50 mg) tablet each day; increase by 1/2 tab every 3 days until you reach 4 pills. (total 200 mg) I did as the doctor directed however I noticed I started feeling tremors and severe depersonalization (although the depression subsided, the depersonalization was very scary) I decided to stop the zoloft cold turkey as I was afraid of seratonin sydrome. Now, it feels as though the depression is back full force and I still feel the tremors. Shouldn't the tremors be gone now that I'm not taking the zoloft? It's been 2 days since I stopped...(the tremors are nothing like they were) I shouldn't have to mention anything to my doctor. That's the point, I'm paying a substantial amount of money for what?? to hint to him about possible disorders I may have?

Jess replied: "Stopping an SSRI like Zoloft cold turkey is a recipe for disaster. You should wean off to avoid withdrawal effects (which can last for weeks, but can be almost entirely avoided by tapering the dose gradually)."

Andy replied: "You should never discontinue a medication cold turkey. I understand your concern over the tremors. You should let the doctor know about the tremors from the zoloft. There may still be some zoloft left in your system which may explain the continued tremors. In any event, consult with your doctor over the side effects."

gabriella replied: "YOU ARE EXPERIENCING A REBOUND EFFECT. WHEN YOU STOP A DRUG ABRUPTLY LIKE THAT YOU CAN ACTUALLY FEEL WORSE THAN BEFORE YOU BEGAN TO TAKE IT. YOU NEED TO WORK WITH THE DOCTOR WHO PRESCRIBED IT ON HOW TO TAPER OFF OF IT. IT IS YOUR CHOICE TO TAKE ANY MEDICATION OR NOT SO DON'T EVER FEEL HESITANT TO DISCUSS THESE ISSUES WITH YOUR DOCTOR. OF NOTE IS THAT SOME PEOPLE WHO ACTUALLY FEEL THEIR SYMPTOMS WORSEN ON ANTI-DEPRESSANTS HAVE BI-POLAR DISORDER SO I WOULD MENTION THIS TO YOUR DOCTOR SO IT CAN BE RULED OUT."

Zoloft withdrawl symptoms, stopping cold turkey? I've decided to stop cold turkey on my zoloft. I was on 100 mg for about a month, started back in august w/ 25mg, and had gradually worked my way up to 100. Lately it has given me severe heart burn whenever i take it so i decided to stop taking it cold turkey. Today was my first full day off it if. All I have expieranced so far is more worrying than when i am on my zoloft, and heart rate acceletrations. Is there anything else that could happen? Anything I can do? zoloft isn't something you can just use...its given in a pre ion that you don't mess with. and its not something that i want to take. it is making me severly ill

OCD (Obsessive Cullen Disorder) replied: "just wait it thru girl! don't think about it. get with something else, like, gum. like just regular trident gum or something when you want to use zoloft. just keep yourself occupied. good luck <3!"

Singing Sue replied: "first,were you told to take the Zoloft with food? This is important for the very reason you are complaining about. Zoloft should never be stopped cold turkey. A rebound depression or panic attack can occur once it is completely out of your system. There are other reasons for taking this med but it should be tapered off over several weeks. For whatever reason,you should consult your doctor.An alternate med could solve the problem. Hope this helps. Susan"

mike b replied: "Zoloft is a medication you do not want to stop "cold-turkey." It is recommended a gradual reduction under a physicians supervision to monitor for adverse events. Other side effects you may look for are irritability, dizziness, agitation, anxiety, confusion, headache, lethargy and insomnia. Consult your physician before cutting yourself off abruptly."

Hope replied: "With Zoloft, I would suggest you first consult with your pharmacist, concerning side-effects. It could very well be that your heartburn has a different cause. The effects of depression or decreased depression will BEGIN to be seen at about 3 weeks after taking / or 3 weeks after stopping the medication as there is about a 3 week delay between the time you take the medication and the time it actually is in effect. For people who do stop this medication, it is advised to taper the dosage, dropping the amount down for about a week before dropping it down to an even lower dose. You only want to stop Zoloft under Dr's supervision, with his knowledge, as there can be a rise of symptoms returning that could place you in danger. Monitoring is the safest method. If your Dr feels you are still in need of anti-depressant medication, this would be the best time to switch you to a different drug, before all your depressive symptoms return. Give your Doc a call - best advice I have."

morning sickness or anti depressant withdrawl? I am six weeks pregnant and am on day three of abruptly stopping zoloft and tapering off of amitriptyline, I have been sick the last two days for most of the day, severe nausea, lightheadedness, and dizziness. Has anyone expierenced anything like this , it's nice to talk to someone who has.

canada_winnipeg_man replied: "Nausea/Morning Sickness: This well-known pregnancy symptom will often show up between 2-8 weeks after conception. Some women are fortunate to not deal with morning sickness at all, while others will feel nauseous throughout most of their pregnancy. Nausea and vomiting are also common in early pregnancy. Traditionally referred to as "morning sickness," the nausea and vomiting associated with early pregnancy can occur at any time of the day or night. Its typical onset is anywhere between the 2nd and 8th weeks of pregnancy. Most women who have morning sickness develop nausea and vomiting about one month after conception, but it may develop sooner in some women. Antidepressant withdrawal is possible if you abruptly stop antidepressant therapy after taking the medication for an extended period usually longer than six weeks. Signs and symptoms of antidepressant withdrawal are sometimes referred to as antidepressant discontinuation syndrome. Signs and symptoms of antidepressant withdrawal may include: Irritability ,Anxiety,Sadness,Insomnia,Headaches ,Dizziness ,Fatigue Nausea. Keep in mind that it's sometimes difficult to differentiate between pregnancy symptoms and stop taking an antidepressant. Keep your doctor informed of your signs and symptoms. If necessary, your doctor may recommend resuming antidepressant therapy."

Zoloft and stomach issues? My girlfriend, who I've never thought to be depressed, was prescribed Zoloft about three months ago. She's never had suicidal thoughts or anything like that, the doctor prescribed them because she wasn't sleeping well and had frequent headaches. So now, if she skips a pill/forgets to take one, she has major stomach issues. Severe pain and cramping. She hasn't taken them for two days, and as a result, is in the hospital due to the pain. She's seen a doctor, I asked her to bring up the fact that she hasn't taken her meds in two days, and the doctor replies, "Well, I don't see how that would have an effect on you." .. Uhm. Stomach issues are a known WITHDRAWL symptom of zoloft. After being deprived of it for almost fifty hours, I'm sure she'd start to see some symptoms, yes? I'm asking mostly for personal experience here, what you think, and why you think doctors are so oblivious to the negative side effects of these "happy drugs."

dcrc93 replied: "it could be might take a printed copy of the side effect to the doctor or her in the hosptial show the doctor"

Has anyone got akathisis with zoloft? I got off paxil 20mg and got on zoloft 25mg per my doctor about 2 and 1/2 weeks ago. I was still feeling alot of severe mood swings and withdrawl from the paxil, so the doctor gave me 50mg of zoloft instead of the 25mg. I took that yesterday at about 2pm. All night last night I had horrible leg spasms to the point I wanted to go to the E.R. I am sooo tired of calling my doctor with every side affect I have from the change. Has anyone had this side affect with zoloft? I am thinking I may need to decrease my zoloft back to 25mg....

Jeff replied: "Stop taking it! Problem solved!"

christyisflying replied: "When you stop one you should slowly come off. For 2 days take 20 then next 2 days 10 then last 2 day 5. Then start Zoloft the same way the first 2 day take 5mg then increase for a week. Use pill splitter. I know they say do not crush but my mom used to crush hers because she could not swallow pills. Shame on Dr, for not helping you with this. Good Luck and the side afftects will ease off."

ray replied: "Zoloft is much better than Paxil.Paxil is used mostly for anxiety,but Zoloft is a mild anti depressant and and as far as I have heard it is the best medicine for depression.If side effect of Zoloft is more than its benefit ask your doctor to put you on a lower dose.I some cases if the tablet does not have a protective coating it could be cut in have,but to be on the safe side ask your Doctor of pharmacist. Good luck and quick recovery"

i have a question about zoloft withdrawls, can i treat it with marijuana?????????????????????????????????????? i have been on zoloft for about a year, and was wondering how bad the withdrawls would be. i have only been on 50mg so im not expecting it to be too severe. but if it is then would using marijuana through the withdrawl symptoms be a help? cause it helps with pain and nausea irritability and depression it also calms me? i use to smoke a while back but quit and i thought that a few weeks couldnt hurt.

Ms Fortune replied: "perhaps you should consult your doctor about being weened off - or even if you are ready to be weened off? let alone using pot as a substitute..... good luck!"

huggywell replied: "It would be better to withdraw the Zoloft gradually and not use another drug to try and balance things out, otherwise you will potentially be replacing one problem with another...;"

keneda g replied: "honestly.. yes.. thats how i cured mine.. and im perfectly fine now.. because of zoloft, i has strong suicidal feelings. and even attempted to commit.. plenty of times.. so i smoked.. and it made me feel better.. and now, i quit smoking.. and i'm perfectly fine.. so all i can tell you.. is that.. if you try it, and it works, go for it.. its much better to be lit..than to be depressed.. marijuana is a medicine.. a natural cure.. dont let anyone tell you otherwise.. (ex pothead)"

Beez replied: "It's best to talk this over with your doctor."

invisible replied: "why would you want to swap one addiction for another and yes pot is addictive if used for long periods of time and like other forms of addiction there is not meds that will help you over come it . dont do it .. talk to your doctor and he will be able to help you overcome this.. the doctors dont want you to be addicted to anything they are there to help you not hurt you .. good luck"

morning sickness or antidepressant withdrawl? I am only asking to identify with someone who has gone through similar expierence. I am six weeks pregnant. I abruptly stopped zoloft three days ago and am tapering off amitriptyline -doc's orders- I have felt severe nausea for last two days along with light headedness and dizziness. Has anyone gone through this? (and yes, i know this is not for someone on yahoo answers to decide, its for my doc, just seeing if there is someone who i can identify with,thanks)

lilia replied: "The Zoloft shouldn't cause any withdrawal symptoms, but the amitripyline even if slowly tapering off can cause some withdrawal symptoms. I would say that this would most likely be the cause. Your a very good mother to be in taking these drastic steps to protect your unborn child. I know this is very hard for you and I wish you the best and a wonderful, well baby"

Looney Tunes replied: "Oh my gosh....That is withdrawl. I went off Zoloft quickly a couple years ago and got so sick I thought I was going to die. Nausea, vomiting, headache, dizzyness, tremors ---I called the doctor and he said "Yes"....They are flu-like symptoms. The doctors say Zoloft is one of the worst to withdrawl from, but hang in there, you have a little baby to do it for! Take ice chips, get a blanket, and time. My doctor said about 1 week. EDIT: The person above is wrong. ANY stopping of ANY anti-depressant can cause withdrawl. You are changing your brain chemistry quickly --- serontonin, dopamine, etc."

nickipettis replied: "those are the symptoms i had when i stopped taking Effexor, also an anti-depressant."

nebit214 replied: "I've never been pregnant, but when I went cold turkey on Cymbalta, I felt like I had the worst flu of my life for about a week, maybe a little more, accompanied with worsened depression. It was withdrawal, and gradually got better, until about a month or month and a half I felt physically and emotionally fine. -neb"

Ellie K replied: "morning sickness is part of pregnancy, not the antidep. and most likely, it IS morning sickness. try not to worry about it and call your doctor if it gets to the point that it is severly interfering with your life. Good luck with everything and i hope your pregnancy goes smoothly!"

jbro replied: "it's probably withdrawal. when i stopped taking my antidepressant cold turkey, i felt nauseous for 4-5 days. it gets better, but it sure doesn't feel like it in the beginning. try eating some chicken noodle soup, it helped a little with my stomach problems."

honey replied: "Whenever I try to stop my zoloft abruptly or let my pre ion run out I feel very odd.Nausea,weird dizzy sensations,flushing and just an odd aura(for lack of better de ion).This is typical during ssri withdrawal and that is why abruptly stopping the med is not reccomended.I had to stay on mine throughout pregnancy, I relapse very quickly without it."

Ahorn replied: "I would recommend you to watch following DVD that is available online if you have fast internet. It's told by psychiatrists, psychologists and people who worked for pharmaceutical companies. It informs you - beside other things - about side effects that are not often being told by psychiatrists. It also suggests an alternative in the end. When you then make a decision to take antidepressants, you may be better prepared, educated and understand what's going on when you encounter some bad side effects. I would say that these information are actually vital. The link sounds a little scary - thats because many antidepressants have suicidal thoughts and impulses as side effects which you can also read inside the pack of some antidepressants."

Does an antidepressant help with tapering from Xanax addiction? I got addicted to Xanax, my doc put me on Zoloft to help with withdrawl. I got more sick. Is there another antidepressant to help with withdrawl? Is this standard practice? He took me off of the zoloft and wants to try another one. What would be my best one I don't know, only he knows, but he says I am clinically depressed with severe panic disorder, and anxiety. Any expierience with this?

sunflower replied: "Hello, I will try to answer you utmost detailed to your question. It is not a standard practice at all and frankly the fact that your doctor put you on Zoloft perplexed me a lot. Is he a psychiatrist or just another GP, who is treating patients that kind..??!! First of all Xanax( contains Aprrazolame) is one of the top choices of strong tranquilizers, when the problem is assocoated with severe anxiety, etc, but it is prescribed only for a short-term usage, because is highly addictive. If you got addicted to it, the practice is gradually, very carefully with constant medical care to be diminished the everyday dosage taken.( the patiants respond to that differently), and meanwhile if the shrink decides afre observation that the patient's condition worsen to add a slightly milder other tranquilizer ( for example, suitable choices are Valium, Lexotan etc), BUT NOT at any rate to put the patient immediately to SSRI antidepressant ( it does have nothing with the withdrawal symptoms and their alliviation). I am not surprised that you got more sick from Zoloft ( contains Sertraline) because it is a good SSRI antidepressants, but it has a fast and stimulating effect, in brief it is not a good choice!! As far as I got you could have Panic attacks, associated with deprssion and anxiety. The treatment is with SSRI antidepressant and ( if needed) a suitable tranquilizer , prescribed for not a long time. Do not self-cure, please, your medications have to be very well-chosen. Visit a good and experienced shrink. Best of luck!"

Ajeesh Kumar replied: "Alprazolam (Xanax) is a short-acting drug in the benzodiazepine class used to treat anxiety disorders and as an adjunctive treatment for depression. You can switch to a long acting benzodiazepine (eg. valium) first and taper off easily. If you are going to try another antidepressant I recommend Bupropion XL (Wellbutrin XL or Zyban). Ask your doctor about it. Bupropion takes 3 weeks to show effect, so taper off 3 weeks after starting Bupropion XL. "

Hay Joe replied: "Sounds like Post Traumatic Stress Disorder"PTSD" Most of the crap that the doctors put you on don't help and only cover the disorder by knocking you out and some will even make you worse. PTSD has so many different side effect it is impossible to give you a silver bullet, that will fix them all. With me the ability to get a good nights sleep makes dealing with stress a little easier. Removing your self from stress, is one of the key ingredients. But some key things you need to do in the meantime is get a doctor that know about PTSD. Get a diagnoses of PTSD. Then you need to start educate yourself about PTSD. You will need to determine the source of the disorder and if it military related which if you served in the military it might be, then the VA will compensate you. You can also get Social Security Disability for PTSD. No matter what the source. But you need a diagnoses first. You can also contact me direct at and I will give you more places to look, but in the mean time just go to google and put in PTSD and follow the sights and see what they say. Finally their is no cure and as you age, you will have dozens unexplained of side effect such as chronic pain, hypertension, dental disorders to name a few, Good Luck."

I need help. Possible mental addiction to alcohol.? Hey guys. I had my first drink 4 months ago by myself at home, and loved the feeling. From then on Ive been craving a drink every weekend, not because my body needs the alcohol to not be in withdrawal, but because I feel like Im finally relaxed when Im drunk, and it gives me a release. Ive stolen from my parents to get money to get alcohol, even if I know they'll be suspicious it was me. Ivde been caught 4 times and can't stop thinking about it. I have never gotten drunk around my friends. The reason is I can never stop at just 2 shots. I have to go all the way until I can barely walk. When I start, I cant stop until I pass out or throw up. I literally almost died once from alcohol poisoning and was passed out for 16 hours and was throwing up in my sleep, but my mind still craves it. During the school year it only became an issue during weekends since I was occupied during weekdays, but now Im on summer break, and Im afraid Im going to drink every day and become an extreme alcoholic before school starts again. My reason(s) why I think Im mentally addicted: Ive been going through severe and sometimes suicidal depression throughout the past 6 months, tried to get help, but that ended up backfiring on me, so I just try to deal with it by myself. I resently took myself off my prescribed Zoloft because I read up on it and I know for a fact I was addicted to it. I dropped off of it 6 weeks ago and am still going through Zoloft withdrawl for that. I seem to have a high mental tendency for addiction, for no reason at all. For example, Ive smoked weed 3 times, and HATE the feeling, but I keep wanting moer because it's a release. I hope you guys can understand. I need help from past alcoholics and/or experts, not just people blurting out GET HELP NOW FROM AN ADULT. I want to fix it myself, Im not going to ask an adult for help. Please, I need help. The best thing you guys can do to help me is give me suggestions on how to stop the cravings, or anything to get me un-mentally addicted. Ive seen what alcohol does to people who are addicted to it, and I dont want that to be me, but I cant stop. Answering the 2nd answer...it's already almost too late for that. I went from a 4.0 freshman year in HS to a .08 this year. It's already affected my whole life; I doubt Ill even be able to get into college now.

skinnyb1tch03 replied: "I've had issues with alcohol and drugs since I've been thirteen years old. I've also had a lot of depression issues. I understand what your going through and it's hard. I went to out patient rehab. That might help you. What helped me even more than that was drug counseling and Narcotics Anonomous and Alcoholics Anonomous meetings. Addictions a serious issue and I hope you do seek help. It's hard to do it by yourself, trust me. Good Luck Sweetie. I hope this helped a little bit."

brad replied: "You are certainly showing symptoms of alcoholism. Alcohol is a wolf in sheeps clothing. You will start by drinking to have fun, then to feel normal, then because it physically hurts when you aren't drinking. The deception is that when you thought you were having fun, you were actually putting a chemical that causes depression into your body. I gravely want to warn you, alcohol doesn't care anything about you, it will relentlessly assault the quality of your life until your life is destroyed, or you are dead. Just think, if you had never taken that first drink, you wouldn't be having the problems with it that you are now. I recommend finding an Anon group asap, and break the cycle before things go from bad to a living hell. . If I could offer any advice on breaking the cycle. It would be don't put yourself in a situation where you are around it, or people using it. Sincerly apologize to the people you have hurt while drinking(even yourself), and ask for their forgiveness. When I made the decision to quit, I prayed everytime I had a craving. Also when I visualized alcohol in my head. I stopped visualizing it as the cure for my issues, but for what it really was, the cause of my issues,and the reason for most murders, assaults, divorces, fatal car accidents, people becoming homeless, suicides, etc, the list goes on and on."

*7 Inch Heels* replied: "Wow you sound like me! I became very mentally adicted to alchol after a few years of very rough times! Ive always been depressed and this was the one thing that finally could help me. And just like you I did not knwo when to stop! I hated when people cut me off! I though that when I couldnt physically put another drink to my mouth because I was so drunk then I could be done lol! It got worse and worse! Then it was more then a metal adiction. Then it opened up a new world of drugs for me! I started to try everything! Anyways what im trying to say is your not alone! I had nobody to talk to at all about my adiction! I had to go through it alone! Find someone to talk to even if its a stranger, you need to get help before its to late. You can always email me if you want. Good luck and be strong."

starfisher replied: "I'm impressed that you're smart enough to recognize addictive behavior in yourself, and that you're making an effort to put a stop to it, instead of just hoping it goes away. You say you "want to fix it" yourself, and that you are "not going to ask an adult for help". You stopped your Zoloft because you read up on it, and what you read made you decide that you were addicted. You're intelligent, and you have an admirably independent spirit, but you lack the years of life experience needed to know this simple truth: there are things that people can't do on their own, and fighting an addiction is one of those things. I know you don't want to hear that, but it's a fact. You need help. So right now you need to *face up* to what I'm guessing you probably already know, but haven't admitted to yourself: you NEED help. If you are serious about not wanting to mess up your life, help yourself to some help. Since the help you got previously for your depression "backfired" then go to some one else this time, and if they don't help, then someone else. But don't give up, persevere, please!"

Clark replied: "I understand why you going through like that. You have experienced many things and came up with that one big mistake. You need a personal recovery assistant for a total recovery. You cannot be healed by your own self. You need a companion."

Vicodin Addiction? I have become very addicted to vicodin over the past 6 months. It has become a serious problem as I am taking at least 12 pills (sometimes more) of 5/500's. If I continue using the amount used daily is going to increase slowly as I continue to need more pills every day to obtain the same effect. Is it possible to wean myself slowly off of them before this gets completely out of hand? What are the side effects that I am going to feel (if I miss one day of pills I feel that I have a severe case of the flu) or withdrawl symptoms? Also I am taking seroquel, lamictal and zoloft in high doses nightly. Could these medications, along with the vicodin be deadly? Please do not respond with judgement I am seeking advice and knowledge based answers.

lovingdaddyof2 replied: "Please go and seek professional help. I really don't want to read that you are dead in 3 or 4 months from now. The withdrawl is going to suck, but once you finish detox, it will get better. Just don't start back up after detox. Right now with the amount that you are taking, you are killing off your liver. Those kinds of problems are cumulative and won't show up until the end is near. So really go get professional help. May God give you the strength to persevere and become clean forever."

dilitosmom replied: "My sister had the same addiction only to zanax you should see a specialist. You need a support system and doctors attention. Addiction to anything is a serious thing. It can take over your life and ruin relationships. It is a good sign that you have noticed you have a problem. Please call 800-662-HELP (4357) They will be able to get the counseling and the help you need."

Michael H replied: "I have been on them for 10 years,,,,,the amount you take is about half of mine......you will get diarreah, cramps,,backache,, insomnia,, and many other symptoms...it is best to tell your dr. you feel you have become addicted, and they will set you up with a plan to SLOWLY wean you off of them...they will not leave you hanging,, fear of lawsuite!!..good luck"

junlove. replied: "wow you sound just like HOUSE. just give yourself one less pill a day. or even one day a week, or slowly give yourself the pills spaced farther apart. in time i mean. slowly you'll take maybe one a day and less. or have a friend in the medical department give you placebos and see if you feel the same. if it continues....go to your doctor."

ladyvol001 replied: "Mixing and medications, in high doses can be deadly. Vicodin is a very deadly pill if you take too many. I think you take all the pills you don't need for your health and throw them out. When you come off the Vicodin you will be very moody, have bad headaches, be very sleepy. Other than that I don't know what it will do. I hope I have helped. You might want to seek professional help though."

beep2012001 replied: "well, you can definately ween yourself off of Vicoden, the hard part is getting past the mental addiction associated with Vicodin. There are two types of addiction, physical and mental. You can get past the physical with weaning but will you have the will power to wean yourself off of the drug. You will experience withdraw symptoms, vomiting, diahria, fever, shakes, sleeplessness. But after only 6 months you have probably not affected your life to much but if you dont stop now you will. I would suggestion possibly talking to a dr or addiction councler. Are you prescribed Vicodin for pain? If so you may request a non narcotic pain pill. I wish you the best of luck, dont give up and get it done now so you dont ruin your life."

tigerbaby76 replied: "This may sound silly, but you should get the book called "Potatos, not Prozac". By doing the program in the book, you actually rework your brain chemistry to help heal depression (and addictions). As soon as you get it (and get it SOON, go to your bookstore tomorrow!!), then start weaning yourself off, one pill a day, until you're completely done and not taking any anymore."

Tallie replied: "It is great that you have realized that you have a problem and are willing to get help! It is possible to wean yourself off of the vicodin by yourself, but to have a very successful rehab you should get professional help. First you should talk to your MD who is prescribing the Seroquel, Lamictal, and Zoloft. Tell him/her about the Vicodin. They will be able to help you figure out a plan of care to get you off the Vicodin and make sure that the combination of medications you are on is not harmful. Congrats on taking te first step and Good Luck with your journey!"

bonbebe replied: "Wow...I really feel for you because I was in a simailar situation up until recently. I was taking them because I really had severe pain though. If you don't have pain and the only pain you are experiencing is when you don't take them, then I think you should sincerely try to ween yourself off first with someones help. Like have your friend or loved one hang on to your supply and only give you so many pills a day then lesser and lesser as time goes on until you are fully weened. If that doesn't work then you might want to concider rehab. I know that sounds drastic but you don't want your life to revolve around these stupid pills. It's a good sign that you are not in denial, you being able to admit you are addicted gives you an advantage in having the will power to stop. My situation was that I had had breast augmentation surgery, and gallstones at the same time. I was in pain constantly, and my tolerence kept building up. My family was concered about my dependacy on the pills but i could not function without them because the pain was so bad. As soon as I had my gallbladder taken out I wanted to prove to everyone that I did not need the pills, so I stopped cold turkey and gave them all to my dad. I also had flu like symtoms, and bad headaches and such. That was not the worst part though, my moods were out of control! I was a snapping at everyone and crying for no reason. I stuck through it and after a week I mellowd out. I have been pill free for a full month now and I feel sooo much better. I can think more clearly and I have my energy back. I know you can get through this, just get some support. Keep me posted if you have time."

zcritter25 replied: "I am not a doctor nor do I have adequate education in this to be of real help, but i think you should have someone help you do this...... I found this :Vicodin is one of the most commonly abused pre ion pain medications today. One of the most widely prescribed medications, Vicodin and its related medications, loricet, loritab percodan, and oxycontin are opioid-based pain medications. Vicodin is a derivative of opium, which also used to manufacture heroin. Vicodin successfully diminishes pain, but it is highly addictive and withdrawal symptoms of Vicodin addiction are very similar to the pain it was relieving. GET A NEW DOCTOR............I do not believe the one you have has your best interest at heart I hope you overcome this with ease"

gmonte33 replied: "Vicodin is an opioid in the same class as drugs such as heroin, codeine and morphine. The withdrawal syndrome is similar to these other drugs most commonly the flu-like symptoms you describe. You really need to see your doctor. He/she can help you withdrawal with the least amount of discomfort. You could withdrawal by very gradually reducing the dosage over many weeks. Also, substitution of a drug with a longer-acting opioid, such as methadone, followed by a gradual reduction in dosage of the substitute drug. Or the use of various pharmacological agents, such as clonidine and/or a benzodiazapine, which will mitigate symptoms and signs of withdrawal. I don't know about the interaction between the four drugs you're taking. If they were all prescribed by the same doctor, he/she would not combine all four if there could be interaction problems. I suspect this isn't the case. Regardless you absolutely need to seek professional help for this. It's way too much to try to do it on your own."

erin.savage replied: "For a physical addiction like the one you have to vicodin you should seek medical treatment for the acute withdrawal. Sure, you could ween yourself off slowly to minimize the withdrawal symptoms that you feel but more than likely you are either going to give up and start taking the full dose again before getting down to 0 dose or once you are off them completely for a couple weeks you will get yourself right back into that or something else. is my personal addiction site. I talk about my addiction to Oxycontin and how I finally stopped. Feel free to check it out, it may give you some encouragement."

Gerald C replied: "I would continue with vicodin. get some percs too, xananx to take the edge off. why quit, noboddy likes a quitter"