Need advice about stop taking lortab

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DanaV

New member
Hi, I am new to these boards..actually I just came across them today. Anyhow, I have been suffering from neck/back pain for about 13 years (most of which, the pain would come and go) but in the past three years(constant pain) I finally found a doctor that did the needed Mri's etc on me to find out the cause of the pain i suffer. I have narrowing, bulges, degenerative discs...anyhow I have been going to a pain clinic since my diagnosis and the doctor put me on lortab 7.5 3 x day. I'm to the point that I do not get any relief from the meds so I have decided to stop taking them(the doctor will not prescribe anything different).
I guess what I want to know is what can I expect from just stop taking this medication? Am I putting myself in danger by stopping cold turkey or is it something safe enough to do on my own?

Any advice will be greatly appreciated.
 
Lortab can be addictive and if you've been taking it for a while, it's not going to be easy to get off of it. My advice would be not to go cold turkey. Cut down gradually as with smoking and other addictions. If you take two pills at a time, take 1 1/2 for a couple days, then cut down to 1. Just keep working downwards like that until you're completely off. It won't be easy, but it'll be easier that going cold turkey--believe me! While you are going through this process, eat right, moderately exercise, and drink plenty of water. You can do it!!!
Best wishes,
Soibhan
 
I agree with Soibhan.. step down gradually and you should be fine. There might be some increase in your pain so be prepared as you may not realize what pain relief it does give you. It will be hard to say exactly what your experience will be like, but cold turkey might cause you more problems. It won't hurt you "physically" to stop (i.e no repurcussions health wise) cold turkey though.

As a side note, I have a friend who has two bulging discs and is currently getting some sort of shot in his back for the pain (don't know the frequency), but is also having tremendous pain relief by getting accupuncture. He didn't take me seriously when I suggested it a few months ago, but he started seeing a pain management specialist who recommended it and he finally went. If the meds aren't giving you much relief you may want to try it out!
 
Thanks for the replies. I guess I should of started researching online for an answer before yesterday, as today I am at the end of my prescription. I don't have the extra meds to slowly decrease dosage to come off of them. So, I will take one day at a time and see what lies ahead for me.

I also wanted to mention that I have undergone injections in my neck and lower back, matter of fact, I had 7 last year, along with nerve burning. I was having to have the injections to often that my doctor and I thought I was not getting the relief from them that some people do, so we opted to stop them.

Since finding this site and reading most of the day yesterday, I wish I had included "my whole story" about myself in hopes someone could lead me in the right direction for help. I not only suffer from neck/back problems but I have many ailments that have left me bedridden. Anyways, I will gather my thoughts and post later, in the appropriate area..if I can find where that should be.

Thanks again for any and all replies. Best wishes to you all.
 
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