Hello,

I am about to quit my long dependence with Oxycontin. I usually take about 4 20mg pills per day. I have a stash left, I'm not going to flush them - i'm gonna finish them and quit.

My question is, will it be easier on me if for the last few days I cut down to 1 or 2 (taper), or will it be the same as taking my usual daily doseage on the last day?

It might be helpful to start tapering now. The more gradually you come down, the easier it is.

It is standard practice to taper, so I would strongly recommend you do so. That way your body can slowly adjust, rather than it being a sudden shock. I won't lie you probably will get some WD's because as you say you have a long dependence, but I can tell you from experience that they would not be as severe as if you suddenly went from 40mg a day to 0.

I had an oxy dependence too, similar to you at my peak I was popping 40mg a day. What worked for me was on the day I woke up and said, "I'm gonna quit" I halved my dose to 20mg. I continued to take 20 for two days. Then I went to 10mg for two, then five for 2 then I was clean in the space of one week. Try and take some benzos to help you through the first couple of opiate free days, they really helped me.

Hope this helps, and good luck.