
Had Total Shoulder Replacement. On Morphine And Dilodid. Currently Taking Vicodon

Scared, XXXXXXX
Yes, but not if you taper off Vicodin.
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
Since Vicodin also contains an opioid and you have been on opioids for many days now, it is quite likely that you will suffer from mild withdrawal symptoms if you stop Vicodin abruptly. But there is no need to be scared. The withdrawal symptoms can be reduced to a bare minimum if you gradually taper the Vicodin off rather than stopping abruptly. That is, from taking one or two tabs six hourly, reduce to one tab six hourly, wait for three to four days, then shift to one tab eight hourly for three to four days, then to one tab twice a day, and then one tab once a day before finally stopping. You can hasten or slow up the tapering depending on how your body takes the reduction in dosage.
If you can taper off the Vicodin, most probably there will be no withdrawal symptoms. But even if there are some symptoms, there is no need to worry as these will be mild and easy to tolerate. You may have some aches and pains, running nose and eyes, sneezing, yawning, diarrhea, goose flesh and dilated pupils. These can be managed with over the counter medicines and will go away in a few days. Also remember to take lots of fluids.
Please do not worry. You will do very well. Please feel free to ask if you need any clarifications.
Best wishes.
Dr Preeti Parakh
MD Psychiatry

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