How To Get Wean Off Hydrocodone?

Posted on Thu, 18 Sep 2014

Question: I'm 72 with osteoarthritis and a diabetic caused locked right shoulder with authorities. Severe leg pains in tendons of legs 7 on a scale of 10 sometimes unbearable. I take Hydrocodone 750 and have for years up to 6 a day. My husband 77 has severe osteoporosis and leg pain and has to be hospitalized and given Morphine. He also takes Hydrocodone when needed usually 2 or three a day. What can be prescribed to help us if we get off Hydrocodone. Hard for u s to make Doctors appointments because of eyesight etc.?
The tendon's in my legs tighten up so bad I can't walk sometimes wonder if any of the medicines I take could cause this reaction?

Answered by Dr. Chander Mohan Singh (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Take medication as mentioned below.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I have read your query.

When hydrocodone is used for management of chronic pain, it can cause physical dependency. Some times you may experience withdrawal symptoms after taking hydrocodone for long term like insomnia, muscle aches, nausea, shakiness, making it difficult to quit using hydrocodone.

So you should reduce your dosage over several weeks or months as it is the safest way to quit hydrocodone. It’s also the best way to ensure that you don’t experience a relapse and start taking hydrocodone again.

Have a control on you blood sugar levels as it will help to decrease pain also.

You can add tablet of diclofenac+thiocolchicoside three times a day, tablet lyrica 75 mg at night.

But I still advise you that, if possible, you must consult a doctor for monitoring or for prescription for the doses of above mentioned drugs because you are already taking hydrocodone.

I hope it helps.

Thanks.

Dr.Singh.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar