My husband has taken himself off of the Oxycontin & Oxycodone without consulting with doctor?

3 May 2010

How long has he been on the meds and at what dosage? At any rate, opiate withdrawals, if he does experience them, are horrible but almost never fatal or even life-threatening... Usually, it is advisable to taper off of opiate-based painkillers, then using clonidine (a BP medication and relaxant) along with a benzodiazepine tranquilizer (usually librium)... Nausea, muscle-cramps, profuse sweating, bone and joint pain are all symptoms of opiate withdrawal, he may be lucky and have no symptoms at all. Hope this helps... Colin Zimmermann

3 May 2010

I would try to convince your husband to taper down. If he insists on quitting cold turkey, let his doctor know. What you can expect is agitation, irritability, body aches like the flu, sweats, diarrhea, shakes, etc. If he's determined to carry this through, help him with drinking tons and tons of water and Gatorade. Lot's of hot soaking tub baths for aches, changing cotton T's often, stay in a quiet dimly lit area (especially for the headaches) ImodiumAD is a must and advil when needed. Try to get him to walk and exercise... the more he sweats and urinates, the better. Be supportive of him and you can also google the "Thomas Recipe" I have heard that term used quite often here. Good luck! You are very loving to come to this site for support. Others will respond with better ideas. Find the right mix of advice that will work for your situation.
Come back when you need support!
Chris