As a high-dose opiate patient for many years (Duragesic, Percocet, Demerol,etc.), I've had to raise and lower my dosages many times, and withdrawals are a daily part of life. I spent 8 months of steady withdrawals and 1 month of hard withdrawals to finally stop using Duragesic after 10 years, though I know I'll need to go back to it at some point in the future. It won't take you that long of course, but mental as well as physical preparation are important. I never did it until I felt that I was both mentally and physically ready to do it.
The keys to tapered withdrawals are:
1. Time - Make sure you have time to do it (no work, school, activities, etc.). It helps to have a family member or close friend around. Depending on how long you've been taking it, and the dosage, it typically takes longer to taper off. The dose combination you're on isn't that much, but of course everyone is different. If you can't take time off, start on a long weekend or holiday, as the first few days and the last couple of days are the worst.
The reason you should have someone around is that in the beginning you typically are pretty weak, and about the only thing you feel like doing is heading to the bathroom & back to bed. Warn family and friends that your mood is going to be less than pleasant also, and not to take anything personally. Usually friends and family are pretty supportive when they know what you're doing, so explain it to them ahead of time what you're doing and what to expect as you progress.
2. Hydration - As you've already discovered, you sweat buckets when you're withdrawing. Water and Gatorade are my fluids of choice, as Gatorade replaces the electrolytes you're losing, and help with your cramps as well. If cramping gets real bad, eat a couple of bananas to boost your potassium levels.
3. Heat - Opiates are vasodilators, which mean they open the blood vessels. When you stop taking your normal dose, the vessels constrict, and that's why you get so cold. I used to do mine during warm months, but anything to keep you warm helps. Expect to change clothes a few times too, and keep the air in your room circulating with a small fan to help keep you dry.
4. Mental distraction - There's a good reason I have a large movie and game collection; they take your mind off the pain and discomfort. Computer work, anything that keeps your mind focused on something other than the discomfort. Gaming has actually been sanctioned pain therapy for me for about 12 years. If I could figure a way to deduct it on my taxes, I'd be set.
5. Music - Personally, David Gilmour's BD at the Royal Albert Hall is my favorite for withdrawals, but any favorite music you have that calms you mentally is a real help. Have a good selection handy and ready to go.
6. Sedation - When things get really bad, I'll take something to knock me out for a while.
In tapered dose reduction, what you do is cut the pill in half or in quarters. First try taking half your normal prescribed dose, and see how you deal with the withdrawals. If it's too strong, then start with only a 1/4 reduction in dosage. Stretch the time between doses a little more each time. Take it for a week (or until you feel you can drop further), then drop another 1/4. If the withdrawals are too strong still, then stay at 1/4 dose reduction for another week, then try again. When you can tolerate the withdrawal, then reduce by another 1/4, and repeat the weekly process. Keep doing it until you're completely off of the drug.
It also helps to take an OTC med to compensate and ease the withdrawal pain. Two of my favorites are Tylenol Rapid Release Gel-tabs, and Bayer Back and Body Aspirin. I also use prescription strength Naproxen, which is available OTC as Aleve. 500mg is prescription strength.
The OTC meds will help compensate for some of the withdrawal pain you'll experience, and they do help. The other thing you might consider is asking your regular doctor for an anti-anxiety med and an anti-nausea med. An anti-anxiety drug will help you get through some of the rough patches, and an anti-nausea drug helps during the last push before you're through. Most doctors are happy to help, knowing that you're taking steps to withdraw from opiates.
You're also going to feel weak through the process, and after the final push when you drop the last dose. It'll take a few days for your body to regain its strength.
The time it takes may be sooner or longer, as everyone is different. Keep in mind also to be aware of any pain not associated with withdrawals as you taper down, as the pain med will mask it. One of the reasons for my last major withdrawal period was that I needed to assess my true pain after my 3rd spinal operation, and you can't do that while on higher doses of opiates.
The whole process is similar to a bad case of the flu that won't go away, with the additional discomfort of shaking and anxiety. But as I said, if you first prepare yourself and know what to expect, it's not as hard as it seems. Uncomfortable as hell, yes; impossible, no.
If you have any specific questions, message me at my Supervisor address (top of my profile page).
Copyright © 2026 eLLeNow.com All Rights Reserved.
