[oxleg1]

Hello,

I am a 40 year old male and have been taking percocet for about 2 years. It all started when I injured my leg 2 years ago. I was given percocet and have not stopped taking it.

I am not taking it for pain. For the past year or so I have only been taking it for the relaxing feeling. I NEED TO STOP!

I only take 2 10mg pills in the morning. (10 / 325 percocet). Nothing in the afternoon and nothing in the evening. Just 2 in the morning and it makes me feel good for about 3 hours.

The problem is that now I am getting shakes. Usually in the late afternoon, and always in the evening, I am getting shakes on the inside. Not bad shakes, just slightly. Sometimes I still get it in the AM even after I take the 2 pills. But not always in the morning, but definately always in the evening, and alot of times in the afternoon. It is not bad and doesn't keep me from sleeping.

This is scary! I am NOT going to increase my dosage. I need to stop NOW before this gets worse.

First question: Are the shakes just because my body has a tolerence to the percocet? Is it possible that the shakes may be some other problem, like with my liver or kidneys?

Second question: If I try to stop cold turkey, what effects will I feel? Someone told me that I will get shakes but they will only last 1 week or so. Is this true?

Third question: Is it possible that I may have some liver or kidney damage after being on this for 2 years? I started with one 5mg tablet 3 times/day and when my leg was better, then I was increasing and taking once a day, and as I said I am now on 2 10mg pills in the morning. I don't want to increase. I want to stop NOW! But is it possible that I have done some liver / kidney damage? Someone told me that with the little bit that I have been taking, I probably haven't done any damage, but I wanted to see what others think.

I am praying every day for GOD to help me stop this and I know HE will help me. And any advice / info that I can get from this forum will greatly help me. Once I get off of this, I want to help others get off of it too. Maybe I will be able to monitor this forum and answer questions for others in the future to help them stop.

Thanks so much and I am looking forward to your help and information.

[Robert_325]

Oxleg,

You are in the right mindset to stop. Do it now! Don't wait any longer. You are getting the shakes because you are becoming addicted to the Percs. Granted you are not taking a lot, but 2 years is long enough, and you said it, you are not in pain. You are taking them because they make you feel good. That is being a pleasure seeker. Welcome to the club.

You will not experience the W/Ds that those of us with HUGE problems will have, but you will have some W/Ds. You will have the shakes for a week, maybe two, and could be spending some extra time in the bathroom for several days. You will likely have trouble sleeping for several days. You are at a critical point right now. You can stop now, as you are having symptoms, or if you don't you will start experiencing more serious problems. Do what you know is the right thing to do. Stop it cold turkey before it gets to where you can't without professional help.

This won't be pleasant but you can handle it. Get exercise, take hot showers, you could even take 10mg of valium a day as needed for 3-5 days to help ease the tension. Don't take it longer though and start another problem.

Liver and kidneys ... if you were straight about what you have taken and the time, your liver and kidneys will be ok. Your liver is so tough, and makes a strong comeback. Plus you likely have done nothing but MAYBE make your liver enzymes go up a little at the worst. Not even sure of that happening. Relax. Just start your detox immediately, do the things mentioned above to help you and get it over with. And you are so right that God will answer to anyone who humbly asks for help. All things are possible through Christ. It wasn't until I accepted Christ in my life that all of my obsession with drugs was removed. Not trying to preach, just supporting you in your beliefs. Good luck and God bless!!!