Please Help - Opiate W/d!!

[Smiling Angel]

I hope there is someone out there that can QUICKLY give me the info I am seeking. I have searched on the net looking for morphine w/d symptoms, and all I ever come up with is Detox Centers, etc.

Real quick, here's my problem - my 25 y.o. daughter, who is bipolar (well controlled w/ meds) and also a CP patient, has been taking Kadian for 1 to 2 yrs. She took her last script to the Pharmacy, they told her they didn't have enough right now, and gave her back the script. By the time the week was up, and they had it in, :eek: SHE HAD LOST THE SCRIPT!!! :eek: Unforunately, I also take the same dose, so I gave her some of mine, so we are both suffering, but she has had NONE for over a week now. Our PM doc finally comes back fr vacation next Monday. Not that he will give her a new script or anything. HOWEVER, she has, basically, quit COLD TURKEY. I really can't give her anymore of mine, as I have been short, and I have a full time job. She can just sleep for 12 or more hours a day.

My question - ** All of a sudden, her arms are shaking - actually looks like she has Parkinsons or something (GOD forbid). Is this a sign from the w/d?? **

What should we do? What CAN we do? She also doesn't feel to well, feverish, bowel problems, etc. Please, your comments/experiences/suggestions would be greatly appreciated?!

Thanks a ton!

Jacquie

[Debbie71]

Smiling Angel,

If it was my daughter, and she is in the shape you say she is...We would be in the car on the way to the ER now. Just be honest with them at the hospital, that she lost her script and is going through withdrawl. They will have to do something for her. Good luck!!!

[Mark N]

Yes the shaking is a WD symptom. I am sorry that the two of you are in this situation. See your doctor, don't wait for the PM, and he should be willing to give her something to diminish the WD symptoms. The doctor isn't going to give her a new script for her meds but should give her something to help out.

Not feeling well, being feverish, and bowel problems are WD symptoms and it will be rough unless you go to the doctor today and get something to help. If her bowel problems are constipation them a laxative and stool softener will help alot. She may even need to use an enema as I do to have a BM. Just don't panick about this but please get her in to see the doctor today.

[Diandra]

Jacquie,
I agree with Debbie....get her to the ER...there are drugs they can give her to deal with withdrawal. Also, call the doc and explain...if this has never happened with a lost script they may understand and help out.

The shaking and what I assume is diarrhea/stomach aches/sweating sound like withdrawal but what would scare me is how all this may be connected with her bipolar meds and bipolar issues.

My doc gave me clonidine( blood pressure med) when I was getting off Oxycontin and it helped alot. Xanax helps and benadryl but, I have to say, since she is off cold turkey she must be really suffering. Please do bring her to the ER if you can.

What a terrible dilemma Jacquie...my prayers are with you. Please come back and let us know how she is.

Your pasta sauce lovin' buddy,
Diandra

[Mark N]

Jacquie, I just want to remind you that 24 hour clinics will be much cheaper than ER and probably will offer some relief for her.

[Smiling Angel]

I wrote a long reply to you all, and I was shocked when I stopped back here and it wasn't here :mad: .

The short version: thanks for all of your suggestions! The shaking and diarrhea are what's bothering her most. A 24 hr clinic is a great idea, Mark, thanks! Also the Xanax, which she is prescribed anyway. I'm still suffering, too, as I've had to skip my nighttime doses of Kadian so that I can make what pills I have left last until my next appointment, which is Jan 14th. So I've been waking up feeling like crap, and it takes HOURS to recover, at least feel somewhat better. It's been hard slogging through work everyday, but thank goodness there were all those days off around Christmas and New Years.

My new Granddaughter was born on January 3rd, so we've been kind of busy running back and forth to the hospital. I will post an announcement soon, tho there is one on the SD forum that I did quickly this morning.
Thanks again!

[sandi1016]

Jacquie, I just want to remind you that 24 hour clinics will be much cheaper than ER and probably will offer some relief for her.

Mark,
Most of the walk in 24 hour clinics will not give her anything to help with the withdrawals, they will refer her back to her PM. My husband is a LPN and he works for one of them, and he suggested that if she goes anywhere it is to the ER but not to be surprised if they don't treat her there either.
The best thing that she can do is to get some immodium type anti diarreheal medications, some anti nausea medications which can be bought over the counter , and maybe some tylenol PM might help her sleep. Keep her hydrated.
The worst of her symptoms should be over in about 72 hours. She might want to call her PM's office and the police department to report the script lost and get a copy of the police report. The pharmacy should be able to back her up in that they did not have the medication in stock, and that they had to order it in for her.
Sandi

[Smiling Angel]

Thanks, Sandi and DH for the info! The shakes have been going on for almost a week now, and that kinda seems too long for it to be just the w/d symptoms. However, she has been shaking less today and maybe the worst is over. BTW, she's been taking the Immodium regularly. Thanks again!

[Mark N]

Glad to hear that your daughter is improving some and I hope she continues to get better. Sorry that you are suffering too and I hope that the situation changes soon because it is very difficult to go to work while going through this. Hopefully this next week is going to be better for you.