Hydrocodone Prescribed after surgery and withdrawal

16 answers - active on Sep 16th 2021
I had hip replacement surgery 12/15. I was given Hydrocodone 10/mg/325 mg tabs with the instructions to take every 4-6 hours. Most I have taken in a day is 4 tabs and that was for about 5 days right after I got home. Then cut it down to three. Last 1.5 weeks have been two a day. What I am mainly wondering is what are my chances of experienceing withdrawal symptoms when I stop? And if I do, how pronounced will they be? My goal as of today is for only one a day. I have slowly tapered them off and am hoping that’s the thing to do. The leg kills me when I get up on the morning, but so far I have not had a pill today. I feel shaky and a little cold, but don’t know if that is the leg pain or the pills. My femur bone and hip socket still throb, but I am paranoid about becoming even a little addicted and experiencing unpleasant symptoms when I stop. Most info I find online is addressing people who are taking far more than I am and for a longer period of time. Any input from someone who has been in a similar situation i.e taking pain meds after surgery and their experiences would be greatly appreciated.
Miles Drake, MD answered this in Stopping The Pain Of Opioid Withdrawal - READ MORE
4 weeks after the surgery I stopped pain meds (hydrocodone) due to constipation. 2 days later developed restless leg syndrome symptoms. Burning in legs and arms. Is RLS a withdrawal symptom, or could it be a long-term problem?
I also had spinal fusion surgery about 3wks ago, and your withdrawal experience is exactly what I’m going though now. I also cannot sleep. I want to thank you for the calm music tip. It is helping me get through this process. Thanks
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