Chronic kidney stones, cystitis, endometriosis. On oxycodone. Trying to wean off. Safest way?
Patient: Hi I am dependent on prescription pain medication and very badly would like to quit. I started using pain meds due to chronic kidney stones, interstatil cystitis and endometriosis. I have had to increase my dosage because of tolerance. I use up to 180 mg. Of oxycodone daily. Those are the heavy days. I have been using for about two years now. I would like to get a dr. To prescribe me medication to wean me off these meds at home. I have a psychiatrist i have mentioned this to but he said i needed to go to rehab. I cannot afford rehab and do not have insurance. I have a masters degree in counseling and have learned all the mental health aspects of addiction and what i need to do to stay clean after detoxing. Im just scared to death of withdrawal symptoms as i have felt the onset of them before. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I am a 28 year old female who weighs about 108 lbs and is 5 foot tall. Doctor: Hi,Your psychiatrist perhaps advised you to go to rehab because quitting this high dose of oxycodone abruptly can be expected to result in strong withdrawal symptoms which would be easier to manage if you are under constant medical supervision. If going to rehab is not an option, then rather than quitting this abruptly, try reducing the dose of oxycodone gradually before quitting. Go very slow, not more than 5 mg per week, and even slower if you wish. Keep yourself hydrated. Use over the counter medicines if there are mild withdrawal symptoms. And above all, remember that one may easily die from opioid overdose but not from opioid withdrawal.Hope this helps you. Best wishes.