“Hydrocodone withdrawal?”
My husband who is a Vietnam vet has been on hydrocodone for over 15 years. He is OUT. Please give me advice to help him.
Male | 68 years old
Conditions: 2 bad shoulders
4 Answers
Hello, when a person is on opioid analgesics like hydrocodone, that medication should not be stopped abruptly. He needs to get back on the medication and be slowly weaned off or see a pain specialist to manage his pain. There are other options for pain management than hydrocodone. Dr. Dora Dixie
If he cannot get a refill from his physician, he will likely start developing withdrawal symptoms that are serious, but not life-threatening, and may need treatment especially due to his age and depending on other comorbid medical conditions. I would schedule an appointment with his doctor ASAP or take him to the ER or urgent care to discuss next steps. Best thing to do is find an alternate pain management option long-term.
My advice would be to see a medical professional to discuss options for detox or Pain Management.
Depends on how much he has been taking. If it is three or four tablets per day, withdrawal will likely be minimal and can be managed with over the counter medication for the symptoms. However, if he is taking more, or if he has underlying medical/psychiatric conditions that can be worsened by withdrawal, it may be more of a problem. The physician who was prescribing the hydrocodone should be able to give you referral information for professionals who can help your husband.
