how to get off of norco tabs

[christianmom3]

Hello,

I am a 41 year old mother of 3. I tore my rotator cuff last year while at work and had surgery. My doc put me on hydro and then my pain doc put me on norco tabs and fentynal and ambien for sleep.I haven't slept for a week and a half because the doc took me off of ambien and I have tried over the counter sleep meds as well, doesn't work. For anyone who is thinking about going on fentynal patch, DON'T DO IT!! I am off the patch but omg, it was horrible while I was on them, I was sweating soooo bad it was like getting out of the shower and not drying off. I would lay in bed and sweat would just pour out of me, and they were not hot sweats, they were cold. Anyway, I am new to this forum and I have a concern. I have been on norco tabs now for almost a year, I take 7.5/325mg 3x a day, sometimes more on a bad day due to the fact that I now have nerve damage and something called brachial plexopathy and rsd. My workers comp insurance does agree with this diagnosis and therefore is now refusing to pay for my doc treatments, therefore, the docs office will not see me until these bills get taken care off. So, that leaves me now, where the doctor will not prescribe anymore meds for me because I can't see him in the office anymore. I aksed the office manager about withdrawals and she said the doc said that if I feel like I'm having withdrawal symptoms to go to the ER. I have no personal insurance. I have about 20 pills left, and I am freaking out. How do I stop taking these pills, and am I going to die? What is going to happen to me when I try to stop taking these and is there a way to do it? I haven't slept for a week and a half because the doc took me off of ambien and I have tried over the counter sleep meds as well, doesn't work. I am petrified. Can someone please help me.

[leeisgettingclean]

colod turkey is the way to go in my opionion....the other way although that 2 for 10 days and 1 for ten days does not sound like much.....that drug is still in your system and that first day of 0 , you are gona feel the same w/d's and as far as sleep , just pray because for me the lack of being able to sleep but yet not bein able to get out of bed was the worst .btw, i am only at day 6 and i take colonopin at night to sleep, it helps a little . I will pray for you, keep us informed

[bjmbb]

Hi, I was in the same boat as you. I was addicted to norco for 3 yrs. when it got bad I was taking maybe 10 a day. I did go cold turkey after reading that you can not die but it is uncomfotable. Does anyone know of this. No one knows about mine only my husband. The wd's will be like having the flu. the first day I was really sick to my stomach, the second day I spent the evening vomiting and the third day my stomach wasn't as bad but could not stand the smell of food. It does get better around 4 or 5 days. Just tell everyone you think you have the flu. I was at the point where my kids were telling people that my mom gets loopy and it's funny. I knew then and there that it was time to stop. I am on day 25 now and don't have the cravings but extreme pain from brachial neuritis,spinal stenosis and fibromyalgia. Just do the best you can. In my opinion I would just throw what you have away and go cold turkey. Just make sure you stay hydrated. Hot showers helped alot with the aches. Rememeber. This can be done!!

[kittycathy64]

I am going to say a prayer for you.  Your story sounds like mine.  I want to get off of Norco so bad and am afraid to do so.

If you want to chat more, my email is ***@****.

Good luck tomorrow with your taper.

BTW, what did the pharmacist suggest your doctor prescribe?

[christianmom3]

I finally called a trusted pharmacist and explained the situation to him, he first said that my doctor should prescribe something for me to help wean me off, when I told him he wouldn't do that, he said, what is he crazy? no doctor should ever do something like that, I asked him if he had any suggestions and he told me to take the remaining pills and start by going down to 2 a day for 10 ten days and then 1. It sounds reasonable, there is just still that major fear in me after all that I've read on the internet about people getting off of this stuff and ending up having to go rehab. I don't have money for rehab and second, I have a family with kids. As far as the sleeping, still have no clue as to why I cannot sleep, I know most of it is the shoulder pain but the rest I'm clueless. I usually fall asleep finally at around 6:30 am and sleep till like 11 or 12, I don't like that but I am so exausted from not sleeping. I am also going to try not to take benadryl and norco in the morning to let me get some sleep. I don't know what to do anymore.. I will tomorrow try to take only 2 throughout the day, maybe one in the morning and then one before bed, I am just really really scared.

[BizzzEB]

I understand your fear.  I was on norco for 2 years and recently up to 5 a day.  I took 2 days and cut it in half...basically took the pills at the same time of day only half of one...I am a single mom and busy and although I had low energy it was manageable....I took the next 2 days to do the same again...then 2 more days to space out my use to 1/2 tab every 12 hours...I have not had hardly any wd....but I need to make the leap as I am down to 12 tabs...and counting like you....I dont have all the answers I am looking for them too....but this really worked for me.  Honestly you have to be very disciplined.  Know your goal and me in control.  Let's stay in touch!

[GA Guy]

Opiate withdrawals are not fatal. Just uncomfortable. Also, you're on a fairly low dose of narcotics, so the withdrawals shouldn't be too severe. I'd suggest doing a taper with your remaining pills and plan for withdrawals. Read through as many posts as you can here as well...there's plenty of information right at your fingertips. Good luck!