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Norco Withdrawal, 1st day in, What should i expect?

I will start off by saying that i first started taking norco about 3-4 yrs ago. I have bad social anxiety and i could never go to any family parties or anything that involved large amounts of people. I never wanted to meet new friends .. It was only MY friends that i have known for 5+ years and thats all. Of course if i had some alcohol in me, I would be the life of the party and be social, but i really don't like drinking all that much..

One day i took a 10mg norco ( i forgot the reason they were in my medicine cabinet ) because i ended up doing something to my leg or something ( i forgot because this was 3-4 years ago ) Well after i took that first 1, during that day i notice A LOT of things changed ( for the better ) besides taking the pain away from my leg ( which was a minor bang from bike riding or something ) i notice i was more OPEN, I was actually outside talking to people, Even talking to people i didn't even know? I went grocery shopping and had no problems with people or checking out and the BIG "WOW" to this, I notice i became VERY....VERY... Productive... I was either wanting to build something, or fix something that was broken in my house. So in a long story short, These norcos ( remember, i only took 1 ) took away my anxiety, gave me energy AND made more focused and productive??

I have been on about 3 SSRI meds for my anxiety in the past ( not 3 at the same time ) and after a few months i told doctors i wanted off.. Either i couldn't  sleep, or my sex drive was so down the drain it was pathetic ( and causing issues with me and my wife ) or i was eating out of control.. My doctor tried 3 different ones and they all reacted the same to me.

So lets move along.. I started taking Norco 10/325 about say, 3 a week.. NOT 3 a day, I would ONLY take 1 when i knew anxiety was going to be high or if i needed to get something done.. So for about that first year, i was only taking around 3 a week, about 12-15 a month..

Year 2 comes along, We move into a new place ( me, my wife and son ) and there is some work that needs to be done, well this is were the norco came into play ( remember, it gives me ENERGY and MAKES ME VERY PRODUCTIVE ) i bump up my usage to about 1 tab a day, so that is 7 a week, 28-30 a month..

Well we moves yet AGAIN ( long story ) and back into another apartment ( had to move due to the bad area and location ) and my usage bumps up to about 2 a day, 14-20 a week..

Year 4, We FINALLY have the income and opportunity to buy a home ( no more apartment renting ) so we move in and its a brand new home so of course anyone is going to want to spruce it up and make it look nice.. this is where the dosage took off.. I started taking 3-4 a day during the day and sometimes when the projects were BIG  i would take a max of maybe 6 a day.

I have read MANY posts on many different forums and it seems to me a lot of the abuse of these pills started when someone had a bad accident ( back issues, spine, surgery, etc ) and then there usage just went from there.. Mine on the other hand, I think is a bit different, I am using Norco for anxeity , maybe MAYBE just a little depression? i don't know if i am depressed or not .. I don't think i am and if i am depressed its very mild. I won't get into why i could be depressed ( because thats a story all on its own, lets just say i am home all day and do not work and collect disability )

So with all that said, what can i expect? i started with the restless legs, can't sleep, and just all jittery. My last norco ( which was just 1, 10mg to put me to sleep ) was exactly 30 hours ago. ( last week i had only 2 norcos on hand, So i took 1 on friday night to sleep and 1 on saturday night to sleep )

This morning i woke up, ran in the bathroom and lets just so it wasn't to puke.

I do have xanax ( i no longer take them, i use to take them to help me sleep when on my zoloft ) is the xanax only good for when your ready for bed? am i correct on this? I can't sleep at all, no matter how tired i am.. I wish i could just sleep this off but its not possible.  

I know i have been using norco for 3-4 years but from the stories i have read, my usage seems rather low as compared to others. Will i still experience the full blown withdrawal symptoms as say a heavy user does?

I currently have the weak, sore body. Almost feels like the flu...I now have diarrhea, my stomach at times feels like i am ready to burst with puke but i am taking 1 teaspoon of Promethazine and so far no puking..

I have read about using imodium, well this help for anything?

This past week i have noticed that mentally, something is going on. I closed all the blinds in my house ( normally i have the windows blinds open ) I won't answer phone for anyone and every time someone invited me out this weekend to go to dinner or anything of that nature, i said no thanks. Kinda like i am closing myself off to the world.

I am just wondering what is ahead for me? i heard stories of people puking for 3 days straight ( though they were heavy users and also used other opiates ) I feel like i have the flu now and i just want to know, physically if this is going to get worse? Mentally, i plan on seeing a doctor if it does get bad ( but thats after the physical withdrawals are over with )

Really i just need some advice, tips, pointers, ANYTHING that i can do and just know what am i to expect?

Thanks so much!  

Best Answer
1970885 tn?1435860428
We will all be here, following your journey, cheering you on (you don't want to see me in my cheerleader outfit).  Don't worry about what's to come; instead focus on the moment and known that time is passing, and that you've just NOW moved a step closer to freedom from pills. This is your time to shine.
17 Responses
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Avatar universal
This sort of thing enrages me. The opiate helped you with your serious and life ruining social anxiety disorder, but you cant take it "legitimately" because it's a "drug" and not a "medicine", even though it worked/works when nothing else does, and compared to SSRI's and such, it's certainly much safer in low to moderate doses.

Too bad the DEA and the media need an evil to exploit, and Big Pharma cant patent drugs that have already been around for ages and have already been demonized in pop culture.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
HI,
I started using Norco 5/325 for herniated discs. I had injections and minor surgery and then was put on the Norco for pain management. I took 4-6  daily for about three years. This past January I was bumped up to 10/325, 4-6 daily as the lower dose was ineffective. I too had energy and mentally seemed great. I had stopped taking my Celexa (20 mg.) while on these pills. 18 days ago I got real sick after taking pill 5 and 6, together. Had nausea, dizziness, and started sweating. The following day I stopped taking them. I said enough was enough, they weren't really helping (I thought) and were making me sick, I think because I took too many too close together. Day 4 of being pill free I left for Florida, arrived and the next day I was in the clinic being treated for bronchitis and wheezing lungs. I was given an antibiotic, prednisone, and inhalers. I had so much anxiety and my stomach was in knots. I was depressed and thought it was from being sick. I know now I was experiencing withdrawals. I did take about 4 that week but have been clean since. I do not want to take the again. And I won't because this depression *****. No energy and knotted stomach. I did go to the doctor and get back on Celexa and some Xanax for anxiety. I wish I was back to normal quicker. Every morning I wake up I think to myself "Am I depressed still?" and the answer today is yes. I never puked but suffered loose stool. I am wondering how long it is going to take to feel better. I have been on the SSRI now for about 17 days. I guess I should of weaned off the Norco, too late for that now....
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
that overwhelming feeling you get is your body waking up.  It has been supressed for so long all of your emotions are going to be amplified until your body learns to deal with them on their own.  You natural Endorphines have been put on pause and the pills have been producing synthetic endorphones for your body.  Now that it is getting none, its like an old car trying to restart again.  It just to get some oil and a little repair and it will start again soon.  Just give it time.  EXERCISE is the BEST thing you can do.  When you exercise your body wants to naturall produce endorphines and this will help you get back to normal much faster.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
oops i forgot something VERY important that has been happening with me.

There is one VERY, VERY odd thing i have been noticing.. Ok, I can be sitting here say on FB, or watching YouTube, listening to music or maybe in a conversation with my wife or someone? and all of a sudden out of the BLUE, My body just feels this HUGE urge to start crying.. i start getting these goose bumps/butterflies or something and i have to hold back in order to not cry? and i really, honestly only been noticing this lately ( since i stopped the norc )

and clue in the world what is going on? I don't want to be talking to someone about the weather or my wife about how her day was and then BAM bust out in tears for no reason whats so ever... Anyone have a clue why this is? or has it happened to you?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
i had the promethazine without the codeine ( thank god )

Ok so today is Wednesday, and once again.. my last Norco was on Saturday at 7pm.

Last night i couldn't get to sleep at all! yet i was tired and wore out ( maybe my anxiety wouldn't allow me to? ) i wanted to quit the xanax cause i used it for 3 nights and wanted to sleep without the aid of it and because i didn't wanna wake up feeling that nasty xanax hangover.... but it was closer to 1:30am ( i am normally in bed by 9-10 ) and i couldn't take it no more. Took the .5mg xanax and eventually fell asleep.

Woke up feeling tired ( due to that xanax ) but other then that, things were feeling good. Weather is nice out so i opened the windows..BUT, i am feeling a little emptiness right now? just empty of not doing anything or having any friends around and things like that. I am just kinda sitting here feeling bored, empty and just ? Other then that, physically i feel good, Today i think is gonna be more of a mental withdrawal day for me.. No idea why ( since i seemed fine, mentally yesterday ) Ups and Downs i guess? lol i am not sure..

no puking AT ALL since all of this, No bathroom attacks ( thank you imodium )

I am no longer using the imodium ( only used it once ) and the promethazine was really only used saturday sunday if i recall.

Regardless all that i am taking now, is the .5 xanax to go to bed.. If i can kick that and sleep on my own, i think things will look good.

I just have a feeling the mental withdrawal is going to be more rough for me ( like someone said earlier ) because i was using norco to help with anxiety and mild depression....  Seems i am going to have up and down days when it comes to my emotional state.. I do have a appt. set for late Aug to talk with someone about my problems and hopefully he or she can find the right/correct NON narcotic medicine thats right for me.

Thanks everyone again for all the help, advice and comments.. I will update tomorrow and see how tomorrow goes.

Thanks!
Helpful - 0
2048234 tn?1330814100
Hey I saw you are taking promethazine. Is it with codine? Please check the bottle that is a very common mixture.

On another note I am so happy you are doing well and please keep posting. Your story will give hope to a lot of new people on here. I have gone through withdrawals but my last time in feb. I hardly had any symptoms at all. I kept waiting for them thinking it was a matter of time before I am going to feel like I'm dying and they never came.

Keep going hun you are doing great.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
You guys are awesome! Its so nice to open up to people and get a helping hand and feedback from others..

"Some" of my family and friends know whats going on with me..BUT they really have no idea about drug use or pills for that matter, So they just think, " Hey, he gets high off pills because he likes to get high" blah blah blah... Its not that at all, Its deeper then that. I think some of my friends wouldn't take me seriously  about whats going on, So i just don't tell them..

ANYWAYS!!!!

Today is Tuesday! ( right?) lol and i am actually feeling REALLY good ( its scaring me ) I woke up at 6am, I was kinda able to sleep ( .5mg xanax ) i tossed and turned but i did sleep... I have back aches and the muscles in my legs just felt either tired or sore or something.. I took the Neurontin ( which i read was good for the body aches ) and it kinda helped.

Today the weather is perfect! 80s, No 95-100 degrees like last week, So i forced myself to open all the blinds and all the windows. I figured if i stay closed in my house, Its going to feel depressing inside and that will mean I with feel depressed to. So i let the sunshine in! I went outside to water my plants also.. A good point some of you made is that to STAY BUSY, Don't just lay in bed.. I find this to really help.. Sometimes its tough but the more you push yourself to be out there doing something the less time you have to worry and think about the pain, the pills, the withdrawals, etc..


So as i said before, My last norco was on saturday about 7pm and today is tuesday.  Within the past 3 days i have used the Imodium ( only 2 tabs i have taken so far ) , Neurontin, ( i take just as needed for body ache, i taken about 1 a day )  Xanax ( i break a 2mg bar into a 1/4 and take .5mg before bed )  and a liquid called promethazine that i got from the doctor awhile back ( suppose to help with nausea  from medication ) i used this on Sunday and Monday as my stomach at times would feel like it was about to burst in vomit, a feeling i never really felt before. It would come and go but this stuff REALLY helped.

and as for having the urge for any norco or pain killers for that matter, I don't have the urge, the only feeling i get is, The part where i grab my pill bottle before i pour my cup of coffee and have my 2 norco in the morning to jump start me and have my coffee and then off i go to do something..

Now its like, Ok i make my coffee, sit there and drink it and just say, Ok, Now what?

Norco for me was not even about the pain relief ( that was just a extra bonus ) it just really helped my anxiety and just a bunch of other things... I think " i could be wrong " that long... long.. ago doctors did use hydrocodone to treat patients for depression and anxiety ( and a few other things ) i know that i read this somewhere because i was so curious about 3 years ago WHY the 10mg norco worked so much better then my zoloft or other medications doctors had me try.. I knew nothing about what hydrocodone was so i read as much as possible on it and i know i read a article somewhere.

I KNOW current day, Doctors will look at you like your insane if you ask them for a pain pill to treat your anxiety .

This morning i made a appt. with a psychiatrist, The soonest i could get in ANYWHERE is a month, So i made the appt. anyway. I do plan on telling the psychiatrist about my norco use but i plan on explaining to him WHY i took it..

OK enough of me talking everyones ear off, lol.. Sorry guys n gals..

I will check back in later this eve with a update on how i am feeling!

and i again want to thank ALL of you for your comments, advice, help and stories!! If anyone cares to share there story, please do! I really, honestly like to know the different reasons why people take pills..

Helpful - 0
2333944 tn?1342912367
Though I didn't have anxiety....the Norcos had the same exact effect on me....I was more social, and I had energy to get out and work.   I had bad knees too....but being able to work....that was my main reason for taking them.   I don't think I took over 4 a day, except maybe a couple of times.   Once or twice or anyway, a few times...I took two at a time.   And I was on them for five years.   For the first two years, I usually took one in the morning and one in the evening.   Later on, I took more, but never did use up the amount the doctor gave me every month, which was 120.   Now...if I ran out...like when they were stolen from me....I did have anxiety.   I was afraid of going into withdrawal.  

Even though I didn't take as many as some people do, when I decided to quit, I did have withdrawal for about five or six days.   I was able to function most of the time.   When I had to get up and do something, I did, but I spent a lot of time just laying on the bed.   I didn't sleep for two nights and though I felt lousy, I only had one bout of diarrhea.   I drank a lot of water...and was able to eat light meals....even getting up to cook for my husband and myself.

I quit four weeks ago last Sunday.   I am doing good....I don't miss them as much now....but I miss the energy.   Just in the last two days have I felt like getting any work done, and I am a long way from being a whirlwind, but I am in my mid 60's so that may account for that.   I finally just made a list of things I need to do, and started working on each item on the list, at least 15 minutes at a time.   I am thrilled that I can get up and work, instead of feeling so down because I don't have any energy.

Kyle said it very well....one day at a time...one step at a time.   You can do this!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
you guys are the best!!! I am staying on track and i have no means of going back to taking Norco. I am afraid of the physical withdrawals that are to come in the next days but most of all i can feel my mental state really take a dive.. I don't want anyone around me, don't want to go out anywhere and have no motivation to do anything..

I am making a appt. with a mental health doctor to maybe help me with my anxiety and depression that i can already feel is going to be rough. My regular dr has always just put me on the typical SSRI meds and the side effects are not worth the benefits. So its time i seek someone who has more experience  with mental health issues.

As of i am now, i feel fine.. Just weak, tired and depressed..BUT i had enough will power to make it to the store and get the items a lot of people suggested that will aid me thru this.

I will update how i feel tonight or tomorrow morning.

Thanks everyone!    
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I am going through samething, can tell you about that till someone comes along. I took up to 20 hydrocodone7.5 daily. Prescribe for fibro, osteoarthritis, also have neuropathy in legs and chronic fatigue syndrome. However on Sat took around 10-12 bc i was trying to save bc I was running low, I kept feeling bad and didn't know what was wrong and I thought take another one to feel better,that was the reason I was feeling it bc I wasnt taking them. Yesterday I only had 7 and I knew I was tired of this but scared. I broke them in halfs and between 7:30am- 10ish pm I took 2 hydrocodone yesterday. I did soak in hot water bc legs was hurting some, alittle sick to stomach no puking yet, and did have some harsh stomach pains but not as much today. I have take halfs today and this far 1. Am allitle jittery. And woke up like i had the flu or bad sinus infection,which passed after couple hours.I don't know what to expect except the advice I have gotten. There has been 1 time I went to the bathroom last night and I took immodium and haven't been this far. I fear the wd that's awaiting. I hope this helps unroll someone that knows or been through this. Wish you well and the best/
Helpful - 0
2083449 tn?1381354708
Hi there! First of all everyone is different during withdrawals! I've found that no 2 people are the same! Because of your low dose and sort of taper it may not be too bad! I will tell you one thing, I was taking way more pills than you and a much stronger mg, and I never "puked", not once!

Do not try to worry about what may or may not come! Just take it day by day or hour by hour! You are doing well! Typically, the worst is over in a few days! if you can stay as active as possible that should help! Stay hydrated and take some good vitamins! Best wishes and stay strong! The worst should be over soon! Take care!
Helpful - 0
1970885 tn?1435860428
Since you seem to have anxiety problems, you really need to discuss with your doc.
The symptoms you've talked about are all normal; you should be over the worst in about 4 days. Eat when you can; if you can't, try Ensure. Bottom line is you have to keep your body fueled. Exercise when you can.
You were on Norco for a number of years, and although you didn't use a lot at first, you did increase the daily amount over time. Because of that, you may have a tough detox, but hundreds of us have been through it, so there's no reason why you'd be any different.
The physical part of recovery will get better in about four days, but the mental side will be a life long struggle. It gets easier to manage the longer you're clean, but your head never stops whispering to you "just one won't hurt", etc. That is why after care is so important - NA, AA, meetings. And you have to cut all sources. If you have access to pills, and if you are not getting to the root of your use through meetings or professional help, then you may not be able to handle the temptation that will always be there.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thanks everyone for your feedback!!

I had 1 Norco on Friday night to sleep and then my last one on Saturday night to sleep and that was it. So i did the math wrong, technically i am not 30 hours in, If i took my last one on Saturday at 7pm and if it remains in your system for 24 hours? then starting Sunday at 7pm is when i have been free n clear i guess?

Regardless i have only had "1" friday and "1" Saturday and today is Monday..

I have 2mg xanax that i am breaking into 1/4s for sleep ( so .5mg for sleep ) Xanax i am NOT worried about being addicted to because as i said it my previous post, I use to take them to sleep when on zoloft and i HATE the way xanax makes me feel ( tired, slow and mean ) so i know that is one drug ill never get addicted to.

I had a friend get me some Imodium ( all he could find was the Imodium Multi symptom tabs, no liquid ) and i took 2 this morning and other then feeling tired and sore, i am fine..

That is what scares me though? Every story i read people are puking for days and days, and just never ending horror. I feel discomfort and some mental discomfort but nothing THAT hardcore ( i had the stomach flu before and THAT was actually worse then what i am feeling now )

I am just wondering if either A) since i was on a lower amount of norcs, will my withdrawal be easier? and not that bad? and is this all i am going to feel?

or B)  is it because the last week i had them,  i kinda tapered down to just 1on Friday night and 1 on Saturday night ?

or will tomorrow or wednesday be my dooms day?

Helpful - 0
2107676 tn?1388973859
Definitely use Imodium.  It helps with the obvious as well as the withdrawal symptoms.  Make sure  you are drinking lots of fluids.  I like gatorade and also make sure you are taking a good B complex vitamin.
You are doing great.
Helpful - 0
2122807 tn?1560619706
same here, they made me energetic, but after a year or so, i started wasting the energy, I used to be productive, then I was spinning my wheels, but in any case, we are here, we are getting our lives back.
the physical symptoms will be over in 4 days, then the mental will continue for a little while. stick with it, they are NOT permenant, and You WILL feel better soon. In about a month you will be free of them.
God's speed and blessings,
Lily
Helpful - 0
2048234 tn?1330814100
Wow! Your story hit home, pills made me super mom and although I started them for a medical reason I continued them for the same reason you did. I have noticed withdrawals peak at 48 to 72 hours after that it starts to get better. Have you looked up the Thomas recipe? It's a life saver! As for sleep melatonin was my best friend it's in the vitamin area at your grocery store. Hope this helps. Keep posting!
Helpful - 0
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