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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How To Safely Wean Of The Medicine, Hydrocodone, Taken For Multiple Sclerosis Related Pain?

Hello Dr. I am a mother of 3 and grandmother of 2. I am turning 50 on the 18th of this month. I was a soccer mom for many years, diagnosed with MS 14 years ago. Some years ago I had pain and was prescribed hydrocodone. Until that point had NEVER taken a pain med not even after total natural childbirth. I found myself getting used to them and overtime they were increased. My doctor is also a friend of mine and I felt so ashamed telling her how I was feeling. I decided to see a doc not affiliated for suboxone. I thought I would be able to get through this without her knowing but now that I am weaning off of it my blood pressure is high and having terrible heart palpitations. I'm scared and feel I have no where to turn. Please advise me, thanks.
Sat, 18 Jan 2014
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Addiction Medicine Specialist 's  Response
Hi,

In order to minimize the discomfort, you should slow down the tapering process. For example, if you were tapering by 2.5 mg a day, try reducing only 1.25 mg a day. Stay on the reduced dose for at least ten days to two weeks before further reducing by 1.25 mg a day. Again wait for the body to adjust and become comfortable on the lower dosage before cutting down further. Take lots of water. Whenever there are palpitations, try taking deep breaths very slowly, taking twice the time to exhale than to inhale. This will control the palpitations.

Hope you are able to get back in control soon.

Wish you a very happy birthday!
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How To Safely Wean Of The Medicine, Hydrocodone, Taken For Multiple Sclerosis Related Pain?

Hi, In order to minimize the discomfort, you should slow down the tapering process. For example, if you were tapering by 2.5 mg a day, try reducing only 1.25 mg a day. Stay on the reduced dose for at least ten days to two weeks before further reducing by 1.25 mg a day. Again wait for the body to adjust and become comfortable on the lower dosage before cutting down further. Take lots of water. Whenever there are palpitations, try taking deep breaths very slowly, taking twice the time to exhale than to inhale. This will control the palpitations. Hope you are able to get back in control soon. Wish you a very happy birthday!