dependent

I know that with my questions i need to see a doctor to get real answers... but I think i am just wanting to share? Hopefully no one will think this is dumb....

Well i have restless-leg syndrome (RLS) which makes my legs hurt really bad at night, and usually in the past I have taken ibuprofen or tylenol to ease the pain to get to sleep. well lately (dunno if its side effect of a med or just more stress or what)its been getting worse and regular OTC pain meds don't work ...

Over the summer i had gotten some vicoden for a sprained ankle from the doctor and didnt take very many of them, so had a lot left. Then after my ear surgery back in aug. i had been given lortab (a bit stronger) for recovery pain and i didn't take any of them cause I didn't need them.

Well, being desperate for pain relief lately from RLS, I first turned to the vicoden and took 1 or 2 each night till it ran out... (about 3 weeks) then I had to switch to the lortab and have been taking them every night for the past 2 weeks so far. I know its not a lot, and so minor and stupid to think oh she can get addicted to them that quick, and only taking 1 or 2 a day. But i have noticed on the few days i have not taken it, I wake up with really stiff sore muscles until I do take it, then i feel better. Ive been trying to kind of ween off so I took 1/2 a pill the past 2 days but tonight the pain was sooo bad that I was looking for the bottle and was freaking out cause I couldn't find it! then i did, and felt sooo relieved... I took 2 just now. It's like, i felt like I could get through everything just by taking a couple pills. what the heck...

Sorry if this sounds so stupid ... I just don't want to stop taking them, because of the pain in m y muscles, however I am going to run out eventually!

hi kris, no you're not sounding stupid at all.it seems it would be a good thing to see your doc for something safer for your pain. these drugs can become addictive pretty quick. and the psychological aspect may be harmful too. i'm glad u posted. keep us posted. here's some info for u. i'm not saying u're addicted but getting off them may avoid addiction.

http://www.vicodin-addiction.com/

thanks for sharing your concerns. I do know there are now specific pills out there for restless leg syndrome and it is indeed a problem for many people. Going to see the Dr. might get you on some meds that will really help rather then pain relieving pills

You may not be addicted to the pills per se but you may be psychologically addicted. Taking those pills gives you emotional comfort as well as pain relief.

I think that you are brave for posting. Making an appt now with your Dr.to get the right meds if needed.

Thinking of you!

Hi Krisakira, I,m new here and feeling paranoid about posting and all, but I feel compelled to reply after reading your post. You are in no way dumb or stupid for asking for feedback on this one- in fact I think you are incredibly wise. I think you have your answer already. You know the best course of action is to see your doctor and find an alternative.Those feelings you are having, the fear of not being able to handle the pain without the meds, the relief you feel when you have them,the panic you feel when you can't find them and deep down knowing that these pills were only ever meant for short term pain relief- they are an intelligent persons alarm signals telling you it's time to sort this out. Be honest with your doctor about the severity of your pain, I'm sure there are good options for treatment of restless leg syndrome. I have just crawled out of the ugly pit of addiction- and it's nowhere you want to go. sorry if this is too long a post, but hearing what you had to say reminded me of how I felt in the very beginning and if seeing a doctor now can nip it in the bud - I say HELL YEAH !!! DO IT
wishing you a happy non addicted life, guzz.

I too have had RLS off and on with no rhyme or reason. There is the prescription drug REQuip available, Also there are OTC supplements in health food stores. One ingrediant to look for in them is Quinine. It works but has heart issues if you take it for years . I experienced the same relief with the opiods but there will be issues if you continue that way. A doctor prescribed Requip very easily

Well guys, i am on day 1 of no lortab at all. feeling physically tired.... a bit depressed, easily aggravated. but theres really no other way i could continue since i have none left... we will see how tomorrow goes.

Tonight, after my first day completely clean, i am feeling a lot of anxiety. an uneasy feeling in my stomach, and pretty bad anxiety attack. hating this and wanting lortab but don't have any

You will make it, try to think on getting pass this for the better!

Day 2 and I feel like I have the flu

Well...although i haven't taken any lortab i found 2 vicodin which both have the hydrocodone I'm addicted to in it... and couldn't take the pain any more i took 2 vicodin that i found bad me.. i know i am just delaying the withdrawal but didn't care when took them

Day 2 again. I feel so miserable. If I had any I'd take them in a heartbeat. But I don't so I have to get through this. I'm in so much pain. It even hurts to blink. Can't believe I did this to myself.

I'm so sorry you're going thru this. I've been thru it with alcohol so can relate right down to gut level.

It's going to be a long night. I hope you're not alone.

thanks. yes i am not able to get to sleep, so it has been a long night... I'm technically not alone, i live with my boyfriend and he is asleep.

I think there are meds for RLS. I've seen them mentioned in other parts of the PC forums. You should ask your doc about it, maybe there's a better option for relief of the RLS discomfort other than pain meds.

Hope it has gotten better!

hang in there. things will get better. you are doing a good thing kris.

the fact that you're getting sick without them speaks volumes. please go to the doctor, be honest with him or her and see what you can get for your problem. I know how you feel and I understand with the psychological issues of wanting them. please talk to your doctor a.s.a.p.!

I guess I should update... I got through the miserable withdrawals, and since I don't have any left there's no way to relapse... so I'm doing ok