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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Taking Vicodin For Back Pain. Have Nausea, Loose Stool, Light Headedness After Stopping Vicodin. How Long?

I have been taking low dose Vicodin for a couple years (1-2 per day on and off) for back pain. I'm not addicted since a have no desire for it and actually can't remember the day last week that i stopped. But,I was obviously was physically dependent since I am having classic withdrawal symptoms. It has been 6 days from my first symptom to now. Nausea, loose stool, light headed, etc. Can you tell me how long the symptoms usually last.? And, if I needed to relieve pain in the future, what is the likelihood that even for a short period I would have withdrawal symptoms? Thank you
Tue, 13 Aug 2013
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Internal Medicine Specialist,  's  Response
Hi,
Welcome to healthcare Magic!
The Vicodin contains hydrocodone which is an opioid and so can cause physical dependence, such drugs should be stopped in tapering doses and under cover of weaning medicines. You were lucky that you did not have some catastrophe.
The withdrawal symptoms can last further about 10 days.
You should get yourself evaluated by a local physician and get the weaning regimen prescribed so that you do not have the discomfort and remain safe.
Your clinician will know the future painkillers as well.
Moderate pain can be helped by plain paracetamol and local application of NSAID group of medicines if you need to control pain in future.
I hope the advise would be informative and useful for you.
Take Care!
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Taking Vicodin For Back Pain. Have Nausea, Loose Stool, Light Headedness After Stopping Vicodin. How Long?

Hi, Welcome to healthcare Magic! The Vicodin contains hydrocodone which is an opioid and so can cause physical dependence, such drugs should be stopped in tapering doses and under cover of weaning medicines. You were lucky that you did not have some catastrophe. The withdrawal symptoms can last further about 10 days. You should get yourself evaluated by a local physician and get the weaning regimen prescribed so that you do not have the discomfort and remain safe. Your clinician will know the future painkillers as well. Moderate pain can be helped by plain paracetamol and local application of NSAID group of medicines if you need to control pain in future. I hope the advise would be informative and useful for you. Take Care!