Could I be addicted to Norcol?

[rayd132]

I had been taking the 10-235 on and off for the past year or more with no issue for severe thoracic pain.  I then developed L3/L4 issues for which I had surgery 3 mos ago.  I was up to 4 or 5 a day for the past 4 mos.  I was to have a nerve block done 3 weeks ago but had a darn fever so they didn't do it.  I am scheduled for this Wed.  However, my Doc, through the nurse, refused to refill my script without coming in !!!  I'm out and have been for 2 1/2 days.  Yesterday I had chills then I was hot.  I was also irritated.  I couldn't sleep last night and I've been had more anxiety over my injuries and the feeling of doom with crying.  I've never been addicted to anything in my life with the exception of smoking and I'm a 58 year old male.  Please advise.....  Are the listed items symptoms of withdrawal from Norcol?

[fattrobb]

My pain clinic was that way, they simply would not do refills, you had to go in and see the doctor every month.  Try to schedule your appointments before your refill date in the future, sounds like your body is dependent on the medication, much different from true addiction.  

[kyle505]

If you have real issues, thus the surgery, I don't understand why they wouldn't refill. They can see that you didn't run out early.  I don't understand. Hang in there.

[rayd132]

I would say no to all of your questions with the exception of taking it for the feeling or better yet hoping that it would stop my pain or lessen it.  In reflection, I would say that maybe in the beginning it helped but really has NOT for some time now.  I think it harsh of my surgeon to not refill until I come in Wed for my nerve block (Nurse did say if i needed before i could make an appointment with PA) which i chose not to do.  I wish I had followed my feelings a couple of weeks ago and stepped myself down and off  before I ran out but I didn't.  Thanks

[rayd132]

Thank you.  All the symptoms you mentioned, I am experiencing.

[kyle505]

Your body is withdrawing, but that doesn't necessarily mean you are addicted.
Did you always follow usage directions per the doc's orders? Did you ever run out early? Did you ever buy pills off the streets? Did you ever take pills from a friend or family member? And most importantly, did you ever take the pills for "the feeling" instead of pain management? Could an over-the-counter med done the trick?
Those are just a very few of the signs that may point to addiction. And, if you've been following dosage directions, then you need to call your doc and find out what's going on. Good luck.

[mantisgirl]

After taking any opiod medication for a period of time, the body becomes adjusted to having that medication in the body. When you stop taking the medication abruptly or for any other reason, you will begin to show signs of withdrawl. these signs include but are not limited to: runny nose, agitation, yawning, achey muscles, flu like symptoms, shivers, cold/hot spells, stomach issues, etc.  I always have read that there is a difference between a person being physically dependent on opiods vs. addicted to opiods.  Although, in my opinion, they both will lead to withdrawl symptoms if you go without taking the medication for a period of time. I hope this helps