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Norco Detox... I need help :(
Hey all... I'm new to this forum... I just found it today and man, you guys are great. I'm in the same boat as a lot of you. I'm a stay at home Mom of two small children, and I started taking Vicodin about 7 months ago for chronic tendonitus, (5/500) and then after a few months of taking the vicodin (and loving the crap out of it) I found a doctor who prescribed me Norco 10/325. (Norco is the same as Vicodin, just a higher dose of the hydrocodone and a lower dose of the acetaminophen.) He would prescribe me 180 a time which is a one month supply, (if you take 6 per day). Which I was doing for about a month or so until I had to up the dosage due to the fact that I was building a tolerance. I loved the way hydrocodone would kill my pain, and at the same time give me such a great feeling! Everything the hydrocodone was doing for me I loved... It made me want to stop drinking my beloved wine at night, (I loved to have about a bottle a night not because I'm an alchoholic, but I love the taste and of course the little buz that comes with it after a long day with kiddos.) The Norco's also helped me to loose 35 pounds, the clarity and focus it gave me was so great, not to mention it helped considerably with prior stomach issues. (IBS) I found myself looking SO forward to taking my next dose, it just lightened up my life so much. Before I knew it, I was up to 12 Norco's a day. And since my husband was seeing the same doctor too, I convinced my husband to ask our doctor to prescribe him some Norco's also since I had to take so much and was building a tolerance. I thouroughly convinced my husband that I would not get addicted and that it was just a temperary solution until I had surgery on my hand to fix my tendonitus. Well... About 3 weeks ago, I was going through my pill bottles and noticed how fast I had been flying through my pills. I counted them and figured that I have been taking 20-25 pills a day!!! It scared me. It scared me BAD. So I decided to start tapering. Never worked. At the end of every night I would give myself this great big "pep talk" and had every intention of tapering the next day. Well, then my husband discovered how many I was taking. He is worried sick, and so am I. I can't seem to taper. The aggravation I develope after a few pills wears off is SO bad, that I just pop a few more to take the edge off. Then the cycle starts all over again. So this morning... I decided to go cold turkey.... Wow wow wow. I've never felt anything like that in my life. After a few hours of being awake and not taking any Norco's, I was doing ok, and thought, yep, I can do this. Oh boy.... Within the next few minutes I was laying on the couch with the wierdest cold and hot sweats I've ever had. It felt like ice water was rushing through my veins and my skin was on fire. Then, nausea hit me like a ton of bricks. I ran to my pill bottle so fast to wash a few down to kill that horrendous pain of withdrawl. I want to get off of this so bad. But I'm scared... I just got a mere taste of what it was like to withdrawl only for minutes.... Any advice would help me so so so so much. I just want my normal life back.... :(
Hi there,
I may get some slack for suggesting this, but if you can get a small amount of Tramadol, it really helps with w/d's from hydro.
It IS addictive if abused--but so are other Opiate Replacement Aids...such as Suboxone. AND can cause seizures, so if you are prone to seizures or on certain anti-depressants you should not take Tramadol.
However, one or two when your w/d's are at their worse can really take the edge off. This has worked for me in the past--as a short term solution. Just to get past the 3-4 days the withdrawls are at their worst. You only want to use them for a few days and in minimal amounts, to insure you don't end up with another withdrawal issue..
Again, this suggestion may not go over too well--but it is only that, a suggestion. Of course you should consult your doctor before trying any other/new meds.
I may get some slack for suggesting this, but if you can get a small amount of Tramadol, it really helps with w/d's from hydro.
It IS addictive if abused--but so are other Opiate Replacement Aids...such as Suboxone. AND can cause seizures, so if you are prone to seizures or on certain anti-depressants you should not take Tramadol.
However, one or two when your w/d's are at their worse can really take the edge off. This has worked for me in the past--as a short term solution. Just to get past the 3-4 days the withdrawls are at their worst. You only want to use them for a few days and in minimal amounts, to insure you don't end up with another withdrawal issue..
Again, this suggestion may not go over too well--but it is only that, a suggestion. Of course you should consult your doctor before trying any other/new meds.
Yep you are just like me. Norcos and any other opiate made me feel like I could run for president!!!! I also took Tramadol which also has a horrible withdrawl. Not trying to knock evejones but I would not reccomend switching addictions. You husband already knows so confess to him that you are addicted and will need him 100% this weekend to detox. He can hold and love you through this. W/d's are horrible for sure but they are the necessary evil to get clean. Don't forget they are temporary!! It's pain that leads to gain and eventually FREEDOM! Show your husband this site read and post and dont give in to the dope.
Pray all you can and trust that God does know your pain. He is the one that told you that you actually have a problem!!
Make friends here and stay in touch with us.
Take care,
Dafishman
Pray all you can and trust that God does know your pain. He is the one that told you that you actually have a problem!!
Make friends here and stay in touch with us.
Take care,
Dafishman
I agree, it IS best to not use any other narcotics while W/Ding. It was just a suggestion, as it is something that worked for me and I, for some reason, was able to control the Tramadol to tiny amounts while coming off the hydro. I know that it is not an ideal solution...but it did help me.
Good luck however you go about it, OP. You also may want to look up the Thomas Recipe which is a very useful regiment for hydro withdrawal...
Good luck however you go about it, OP. You also may want to look up the Thomas Recipe which is a very useful regiment for hydro withdrawal...
You dont want a short term attempt at a fix - - reference Pharma - just put the handle in MedHelp's search engine....A registered Pharmacist! ......trammies are a worse withdrawal than most other narcotics - - also look up Emily Post blog through the search engine if you want for real horror stories about trammies............there does not exist a painless pill for withdrawal - the Docs that tell you that about Sub didn listen in their class well enough..........iut may be done with an extremely long taper and detox - but that even comes with major depressive issues...... You may have to resign yourself to some discomfort to quit this habit - - - how long of a history do you have? Many say to count on 1 day of horrid withdrawals for every month of use ........... but be prepared for the depression and mental parts even long after physical withdrawals are over.... This isnt a 7 day event - - It is a lifelong effort............
Wow we have so much in common, I detoxed w 2 kids as a stay at home mother w a 2 year old at that. And I too luv my nightly glass of wine..I am now going into day 13 and I am happier than I have been in years. May I add I have a herniated disc that I started taking lortab for and like you I began to become tolerant and dependant. After realizing this... I quit cold turkey!! Yes the wds are gonna suck bad, we have all been there. But know that each day is a new and better day. I took an otc med called dramamine for the nausea and it worked wonders. Immodium ad for the bathroom part and ibp for pain. If you want this bad enough u can't continue to take the pills as you are starting the hell all over again. Find something positve to confess everyday even if its I made it another day. Positive energy goes a long long way. I know you can do this!! Just go read through some of our posts and you will see it can be done. This site got me thru the first 5 days as if it weren't for these people I don't know where I would be. You just have to stay strong and dedicate yourself everyday. Yes the first couple days are hell but everyday is a new day. I promise it will be worth it!! Confess daily that you are delivered and keep posting
Hi all, thanks so much for all of the advice... I actually just got off the phone with my doc... I was too chicken to tell him that I was up to 25 pills a day and that I was only up to 9... His reaction to 9 was pretty big, so I didn't even want to touch 25! He said to taper off just 1 pill a week until I was down to one pill a day... But I'm thinking that's like pulling off a band aid one hair at a time... So I'm thinking I'm just going to suck it up and quit cold turkey starting tomorrow. I told my husband, and he will be taking tomorrow off, so I will have a three day weekend to detox and he can take care of me and the kiddos. He is so supportive, and I am so so so lucky to have him stand by me while I go through one of the hardest things I will ever have to go through in my life. This is definitely one of the scariest things I've ever had to do.... Not only am I scared of the detox, but I'm afraid that I will never be happy again. Every hour I had something to look forward to, and I always knew that feeling good was right around the corner. I'm so scared I'll never be that happy again. Since I've only been on hydro for 6 and a half months, just how bad are the withdrawls going to be? I know everyone is different, but is it going to be as bad as say someone who has been on it for years???? What other withdrawl symptoms can I accpect? I'm going to need so so so many prayers. If you believe in God, give him a shout out for me. Thanks again you guys. :)
Unhappy is taking these devils for years, losing all of your natural emotions, spending all your money, losing all your relationships, not to mention your drive, ambition and natural love of life.
Yes, it will suck...yes, it may take a while to be "happy" again...but it will pass. I forgot how much regular stuff made me feel...how rain made me happy...the smell of freshly cut grass...the love of my wife. Everything is numbed...and over time...there is no high...you take them to feel "normal".
You are doing the right thing..and by others standards...7 months is not that long of a time. Some folks here are working in 20, even 30+ years of use.
Post...post often and read the Health Pages...the truth of what you are actually doing to your body will scare you straight.
Good luck...even though this is about effort and will power...not luck.
Best,
Free
Yes, it will suck...yes, it may take a while to be "happy" again...but it will pass. I forgot how much regular stuff made me feel...how rain made me happy...the smell of freshly cut grass...the love of my wife. Everything is numbed...and over time...there is no high...you take them to feel "normal".
You are doing the right thing..and by others standards...7 months is not that long of a time. Some folks here are working in 20, even 30+ years of use.
Post...post often and read the Health Pages...the truth of what you are actually doing to your body will scare you straight.
Good luck...even though this is about effort and will power...not luck.
Best,
Free
sorry...forgot to give you the tips...here goes...copy a paste from another post I made...
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The first thing you need to know is that the mind will play tricks on you. Telling you this is not possible. That is simply not true. Kicking opiates, although hard and unpleasant, is actually one of the easiest of the drugs to detox from. That being said, you have to "FEED" your body and not take a "sit back and wait" attitude. Like anything else, the harder you fight, the easier you will make it. So, with that said, here are some tips.
1) There is a ton of great information on this site regarding Vitamin and Amino Acid intake. Some examples are Fish Oils (3-6-9), Thyrosine, B-6/12, Multi Vitamins...etc. I went to GNC and picked up a Protein Shake mix. It has everything you need in terms of amino acids...the building blocks you body/brain needs to right itself.
2) Hot epsom salt baths...worked wonders for me. The salt helps accelerate the detox and they feel great and will calm you down.
3) Hydration...drink until you can't drink anymore.
4) For many, like me...RLS (restless legs, the feeling like electricity running through your body) and lack of sleep are the worst thing. I got Hylands, Restless Legs which helps a ton. For sleep, everyone is different, and you may need something to help.
5) Excercise...it sounds like hell, but it is amazing what even a 15 minute walk can do.
Know this...what you feel will not last forever. Most will say, that after Day 5 you will be feeling much better. Not 100%, but good enough to do what you need to do. Everything comes back, with a little hard work and determination. It won't feel like it, but every minute, hour and day that you make it, you are one day closer to your goal of...FREEDOM. These little pills take everything away...and it's time to get back to living instead of existing.
Oh yeah, one more thing...POST and READ POSTS. I did it for 3 days straight and it was a great tool to help wisk the hours away. There are a ton a great folks on this site at various stages of recovery. You are not alone and you can do this.
Keep us updated...we will be here to help.
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The first thing you need to know is that the mind will play tricks on you. Telling you this is not possible. That is simply not true. Kicking opiates, although hard and unpleasant, is actually one of the easiest of the drugs to detox from. That being said, you have to "FEED" your body and not take a "sit back and wait" attitude. Like anything else, the harder you fight, the easier you will make it. So, with that said, here are some tips.
1) There is a ton of great information on this site regarding Vitamin and Amino Acid intake. Some examples are Fish Oils (3-6-9), Thyrosine, B-6/12, Multi Vitamins...etc. I went to GNC and picked up a Protein Shake mix. It has everything you need in terms of amino acids...the building blocks you body/brain needs to right itself.
2) Hot epsom salt baths...worked wonders for me. The salt helps accelerate the detox and they feel great and will calm you down.
3) Hydration...drink until you can't drink anymore.
4) For many, like me...RLS (restless legs, the feeling like electricity running through your body) and lack of sleep are the worst thing. I got Hylands, Restless Legs which helps a ton. For sleep, everyone is different, and you may need something to help.
5) Excercise...it sounds like hell, but it is amazing what even a 15 minute walk can do.
Know this...what you feel will not last forever. Most will say, that after Day 5 you will be feeling much better. Not 100%, but good enough to do what you need to do. Everything comes back, with a little hard work and determination. It won't feel like it, but every minute, hour and day that you make it, you are one day closer to your goal of...FREEDOM. These little pills take everything away...and it's time to get back to living instead of existing.
Oh yeah, one more thing...POST and READ POSTS. I did it for 3 days straight and it was a great tool to help wisk the hours away. There are a ton a great folks on this site at various stages of recovery. You are not alone and you can do this.
Keep us updated...we will be here to help.
Hey There! Welcome to the site. So glad you found it! COngrats on your decision to quit tomorrow. Try not to focus on your fears. Fear kept me in pill bondage for years! I am approaching 19 days clean. I am startign to feel emotions that I ahve stuffed for years. Some good, some not so good :) All the same, I am feeling again. I do understand your point, but you have a loving, caring husband by your side. Stay strong~keep posting. Someoen is usually on to help you though. I will pray for you right now. xxoo
Great work on your decision to quit!
I think you are lucky, in that you found this site as you are /about/ to enter into a few unfomfortable days, and this site will be your best friend.
First, take a look at this page: http://www.medhelp.org/health_pages/Addiction/Protocol-for-unassisted-opiate-withdrawal-/show/659?cid=66
The sauna and hot tub ideas are really great, if thats a possibility for you. Hylands restless legs is key, and I've found two EmergenC's per day to be really helpful for keeping my energy up. This was especially important on my days 4-6, which have been regular at-work days.
And lastly, know that we all know. The symptoms you feel have all been felt by all of us. People have posted all the way from their first days through to their recovery. Read all these during the hard times, and post.
I think you are lucky, in that you found this site as you are /about/ to enter into a few unfomfortable days, and this site will be your best friend.
First, take a look at this page: http://www.medhelp.org/health_pages/Addiction/Protocol-for-unassisted-opiate-withdrawal-/show/659?cid=66
The sauna and hot tub ideas are really great, if thats a possibility for you. Hylands restless legs is key, and I've found two EmergenC's per day to be really helpful for keeping my energy up. This was especially important on my days 4-6, which have been regular at-work days.
And lastly, know that we all know. The symptoms you feel have all been felt by all of us. People have posted all the way from their first days through to their recovery. Read all these during the hard times, and post.
You have to make up your mind that you will be happy without the pills and you will find that in fact you will be happy.Once your mind is made up that you do not want to chase that short high of opiates you will be able to fight the enemy and win.The desire to beat the enemy is within yourself and you have to be determined to want the clean life more than the drugged life.You are lucky to have family support and you can succeed for yourself and for them.Others have posted the vitamin and amino protocol and you should be over the worst in 4-6 days and after that everything gets better.You can take extrastrength tylenol and ibuprofen in recommeded doses for rebound pain.I suggest Nyquil without the decongestant to help sleep at night.It contains doxylamine,dextromethorphan a very mild opiate that I think helps soothe the hyperacftive pain receptors and 1000mg tylenol per dose.It itself can be habitforming so only use it a few nights.Good healing and keep posting.
Hi all... Well... Slight bump in the road. My four year old son started vomitting this afternoon, and hasn't been able to stop all night... (My poor little guy...) So my husband is going to take next Friday off so I can begin my detox then... (It's just going to be too stressful with my son so sick and then me going through such horrendous withdrawls.) I'm actually kinda bummed, even thought I've been scared to death, I was looking forward to getting this behind me. I need some opinions... Should I continue to taper through the weekend into next week to prepare myself for going cold turkey or does it even matter? I've been tapering the past two days, yesterday I took 12, and today I took 11. (Quite a ways from 25 a day.) It's been pure uncomfortablness, and I'm just wondering if I should continue to be miserable, or if I should have one more "good bye" week with my pills...? Any advice would be SO SO SO helpful.... Thank you all for your responces, I feel stronger already. Love and Blessings... ~Kelley~
Yes you should taper...and in fact, try going as long as you can without one...try to put as much clean time as you can between now and the quit date...it will help tremendously. Honestly ask yourself..."do I need one". Your heart, not your head, will tell you the answer.
Also...and I don't mean this to doubt you...be careful that you don't fall into the pattern of "finding a good time to quit". I too have kids...and honestly...there is never a good time to go through w/d's with them (i know sick kids are very tuff to deal with). There will always be something that comes up and delays the event...rough week at work, kids, social events, etc. Just make sure your brain isn't playing a little trick on you to keep you using.
Hope your son feels better...God knows, I would rather be sick than have my kids go through it!!
Keep fighting...we will be here...
Also...and I don't mean this to doubt you...be careful that you don't fall into the pattern of "finding a good time to quit". I too have kids...and honestly...there is never a good time to go through w/d's with them (i know sick kids are very tuff to deal with). There will always be something that comes up and delays the event...rough week at work, kids, social events, etc. Just make sure your brain isn't playing a little trick on you to keep you using.
Hope your son feels better...God knows, I would rather be sick than have my kids go through it!!
Keep fighting...we will be here...
Girl I am in my 13th day and happier than I have been in years!!!!! You have to change your way of thinking! Remember like I said in my previous post, positive energy goes a long long way! You can do this! Stay strong, and change your way of thinking.... Life and death rely in the power of the tongue...
Girl I am in my 13th day and happier than I have been in years!!!!! You have to change your way of thinking! Remember like I said in my previous post, positive energy goes a long long way! You can do this! Stay strong, and change your way of thinking.... Life and death rely in the power of the tongue...
Hey everyone... Well, something miraculous happend last night after my last post... My son stopped vomitting and hasn't since. So today is the day I'm going to go for it. Norco / vicodin / hydrocodone is a thing of the past for me. My last Norco was last night at 8:30pm.... It is now 1:30 the next day. I have made it 15 hours with out one little bitty Noco. I've had some pretty hairy waves of withdrawl. So bad that I'm in crying fits and moaning like I'm dying, But those only last for a maximum of 5 - 10 minutes. Then once they subside I'm pretty good, besides that I can't seem to control my body temperature. I go from freezing cold to burning hot in a matter of seconds. But other than that, this is a lot easier than I thought it was going to be. I was afraid I would be praying to the porcelin gods for days on ends, and that's not the case at all. A few nausea spells, and then it subsides. Know what else???? I laughed a true genioun laugh today for the first time in a long time. My husband asked me if I wouldn't mind making him a four course meal tonight, followed by me raking the leaves outside that the storm blew around, and ending it by watching one of his horrendously annoying war movies after. I havn't laughed like that in months. He's been wonderul, and so so so supportive. I honestly don't think I could have made it this far without him. And you all... The support here has been wonderful. Is the first 24 hours the worst of it? Or is it the second day? Any more words of wisdom would help me so much. Thanks again all, please keep me in your prayers to stay strong. ~Kelley~
I wish I could say the first 24 were the worst...but for most, it is Day 2-5 that are bad. Nothing you can't overcome, though. Keep chugging along...and yes you are lucky, a lot of us have to do it alone..
Keep posting...
Keep posting...
Hey KM!
Way to go! Funny how things work out. Days 4-6 were hardest for me, but everyone is different. Drink as much gatorade as you can and lots o' baths. SOme said epson salt helps. I used baking soda. makes the water super soft. Hang in there and know we are pulling for you! XXOO
Way to go! Funny how things work out. Days 4-6 were hardest for me, but everyone is different. Drink as much gatorade as you can and lots o' baths. SOme said epson salt helps. I used baking soda. makes the water super soft. Hang in there and know we are pulling for you! XXOO
Hey there,
I am joining you on Monday, going cold turkey from 5 20mg oxys a day. I quit ct last June and made it almost two months but I foolishly convinced myself that I could go back and take them as prescribed. Well that was the worst choice I could have made. Now I'm back to square 1 but determined to get off these awful pills for good this time.
Fom what I remember from last time the first few days were awful but after day 5 things really got better and the more days I went the better it got but I would say get some after care in place. Detoxing is actually easy compared to STAYING clean. When you start feeling better the devil of addiction might try and convince you that you can have ''just one'' Don't fall for it.
I also have two little ones, a one year old and a two year old. Thank God my grandmother is going to be coming up Sunday night to help for a week. You will find so much support here and read up on PAWS in the healh pages, it will give you a good idea of what to expect but don't get overwhelmed - take it one day at a time. YOU CAN DO THIS and in return you will be given a new lease on life. The battle for your life has begun and hang in there. We are all here for you and when your feeling weak POST, post as much as you can and read up on everyone's stories. We are all battling the same horrible addiction and much can be learned from others.
WAY TO GO on your decision to reclaim your life!! Hang in there and the worst of the physical withdrawals will be over in a matter of days. Hot baths really helped me last time and I used xanax to help me sleep but discontinued it after about a week. I'm ready to conquer the beast with you!! We will be free again!
I am joining you on Monday, going cold turkey from 5 20mg oxys a day. I quit ct last June and made it almost two months but I foolishly convinced myself that I could go back and take them as prescribed. Well that was the worst choice I could have made. Now I'm back to square 1 but determined to get off these awful pills for good this time.
Fom what I remember from last time the first few days were awful but after day 5 things really got better and the more days I went the better it got but I would say get some after care in place. Detoxing is actually easy compared to STAYING clean. When you start feeling better the devil of addiction might try and convince you that you can have ''just one'' Don't fall for it.
I also have two little ones, a one year old and a two year old. Thank God my grandmother is going to be coming up Sunday night to help for a week. You will find so much support here and read up on PAWS in the healh pages, it will give you a good idea of what to expect but don't get overwhelmed - take it one day at a time. YOU CAN DO THIS and in return you will be given a new lease on life. The battle for your life has begun and hang in there. We are all here for you and when your feeling weak POST, post as much as you can and read up on everyone's stories. We are all battling the same horrible addiction and much can be learned from others.
WAY TO GO on your decision to reclaim your life!! Hang in there and the worst of the physical withdrawals will be over in a matter of days. Hot baths really helped me last time and I used xanax to help me sleep but discontinued it after about a week. I'm ready to conquer the beast with you!! We will be free again!
Oh man, I'm really hurting....I can't stop crying, sweating and shaking. I tried an epsom salt bath and couldn't get out for 45 minutes... I can't imagine going through another day of this. Does anyone think that maybe tomorrow will be any better?
Wow, I really feel for you. Try getting a massage or just stay distracted as much as possible. I did the tapering method of getting off Norco and the last few days was spent in Las Vegas with my wife without my small kids and I had a very nice spa visit with a massage that really helped. Just reading your posts, I can feel your pain. Stay strong and know that this will all pass in a few days. Remember to STAY STRONG. Do not talk yourself out of this by saying you will try tapering at this point. As long as your husband knows what is going on, you have every excuse to be a miserable wreck for a few days.
It depends...but for most, you can expect a few days of not feeling well. For me...the shakes came and went the quickest. You have to know this will be rough...but it's supposed to be to remind you how much damage you have done. You can get past it...take an hour at a time.
We are here
We are here
Try keeping a journal as well...it will distract you and you can read it when you are feeling weak a few weeks down the road to remind you of the hell you are going through.
If you've been taking 25 a day going ct is like jumping off the Golden Gate bridge! You should try to taper. I was up to 20 a day. I increased the time between doses until I was down to 8 a day so the drop wasn't as harsh. Norco made me fat!!! All I do is eat but I have do much enery & feel great! Whenever I go off the pills I get a lot of opposite affects. I get constipated for one - I mean whoever heard of being regular on Norco? When I detox I feel like my hands are coming off - twitchy & tingling. Please be careful as w/d will make you want to die but you're afraid that you won't. Give the norco to your husband & have him meter them out until you can detox safely. Good luck !
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