Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
10205477 tn?1409578591

Norco problems

I am now almost nine full days off of Norco.  I had another post but nobody was responding.  I wasn't addicted I don't think, I was just taking them as prescribed by my doctor for pain following a neck surgery back in January.  I guess I kind of tapered off of them and just started having really bad anxiety.  I thought that these panic attacks were killing my so I went to the e.r. and the doctor there prescribed me gabapentin for nerve pain as well as Ativan for the anxiety issues.  I have been taking the gabapentin as prescribed but have only had to take the Ativan a couple of times when the anxiety has been really bad.  I have dealt with all the physical withdrawls pretty well but the anxiety is really bugging me when it comes on ( it seems to slowly be getting better).  I have always had a phobia of taking medicines anyway and I only started taking the Norco regularly because the pain just got to be to much to handle.  I decided that I didn't want to have constant panic attacks and be controlled by a narcotic forever so that's why I made the decision to dump it.  I still have considerable pain in my spine and left shoulder and I'm not sure if it is even worth it to be taking this gabapentin at all.  Sometimes throughout the day I feel pretty o.k. as far as pain goes, and sometimes it still hurts like hell!  This gabapentin seems to make my feel a little foggy but I'm not sure if it is helping control my anxiety or not.  I understand that I can't just stop taking it because then I run the risk of having a seizure and other crazy stuff!!!!  This is the whole reason why I don't want to be taking any kind of medication in the first place!!!!  I know I'm probably still having some withdrawl affects but I'm not sure how to separate that from what the affects are from the gabapentin.  I have been taking it since last Thursday twice a day and it's 300 mg capsules I think.  I see my doctor around sept. 5th I think, so I was just planning on seeing if I can get weened off of that.  Are the effects going to suck as bad as withdrawling from the Norco?  Since I'm planning on not using any sorts of pain medicine does anybody know what might help that's over the counter and not habit forming that won't cause me to have seizures and crazy **** like that!!!!!!!!  Any advice would be greatly appreciated thank you!
23 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
10205477 tn?1409578591
Had some pretty severe anxiety at work this morning.  I was just sitting there before the shift started not really doing or thinking about anything and then next thing I know I was super afraid and getting cold chills and felt really panicky.  It's very annoying and I don't even know what causes it.
Helpful - 0
2083449 tn?1381354708
You are doing all the right things, getting out, hiking, etc. This will help, but it does take time for your body and brain to heal. It's tough, but keep pushing through. You will get there.  I apologize, I always get in trouble when I assume someone knows what I am talking about. :). Aftercare, is a type of structured support system to help you stay clean, and give you support from others who are/have been in a similar situation. There are several types of aftercare. AA/NA meetings, therapy, counseling, church groups, to name a few. Aftercare is a critical step in this process. You will get the tools needed for long term success. Find something that works for you. The benefits of aftercare are so worth your time.

Best wishes, Captain. Keep posting and ask any questions you may have.
Helpful - 0
10205477 tn?1409578591
I am not sure what everyone is meaning when they refer to aftercare?  I have been trying to stay active at work and on my days off, and you are exactly right.  Some days I'm feeling really great like I can conquer the world again, but for the last couple days I have a really depressed feeling like I can't even see past the next 10 minutes.  I hate the fact that I get irritated over the really stupid things, and it doesn't take much at all.  If things don't go right I get so pissed off it's really wearing on me.  We live on 5 acres way up in the mountains and were surrounded by nothing but vast forest.  This morning my wife and kids and I hiked for quite some time in some really rugged and steep terrain.  It was like my old firefighting days.  So I was really happy and having a good time but at the same time I still feel that ****** feeling of loneliness and irritation.  I guess I just have to let this pass.  Thank you for the reassurance it definitely helps, obviously right now I'm just unfamiliar to whats going on in my body, and brain.  Thanks  Captain.
Helpful - 0
2083449 tn?1381354708
Hey Captain, yes the moodiness is completely normal at this stage. Congrats on the 15 days! That is an amazing accomplishment. You are now in the what I call the Roller Coaster phase of this process. Ups and downs... One day you will feel great and positive, and another day you are feeling bad and depressed....  This will pass. Try to stay active. Get outside for some fresh air. It really helps with fatigue and moodiness. You are doing great. Stay focused. Have you decided on some form of aftercare yet. This will help you as well. Take care, and keep moving forward.
Helpful - 0
10205477 tn?1409578591
Seems like the past couple days I have been really irritated at everything and generally in a terrible mood.  Is this something that's normal with the wd process.  It has been 17 days now and this is a little strange to still be popping up this severe at this point.  Or is this a normal thing that is going to continue for awhile?  Thank you captain.
Helpful - 0
10205477 tn?1409578591
Ya I've been struggling with the energy problem.  Today is 15 full days this morning, and I have also been struggling with anxiety problems at times.  I think the better times are definitely weighing out the bad times, but I really hate the depressed anxiety feeling.  I have a dr. appointment next Friday and I'm going to see if the doctor can take me off of the gabapentin I am on for nerve pain.  I am not sure if that is also making me cloudy or not.  Thank you all for the support, it really helps!
Helpful - 0
9668401 tn?1405176684
Good for you catainkirk22 a job well done!!! I like hear success story like yours I have 46 days of no more norcos and I love it!!! Still alittle sluggish but vitamin B12 really helps with that.again GR8 job!!!  Keep ON KEEPING
Helpful - 0
9880688 tn?1414115647
I'm so happy that you are starting to get a little relief.  Start thinking about aftercare now...because you are just starting to travel this road.

Get some lidoderm patches from your doctor.  You can put them on your shoulder and neck and will help with the pain.  Walgreens now has an awesome shoulder heating pad that actually fits on the shoulder and neck...I LOVE mine...you can find them on Amazon too.  I believe Sunbeam makes them.

My neck and shoulders are my bad parts...so I feel for you.  Ask also for Voltaren Gel which is an anti-inflammatory...No one of these things will help completely.  It usually takes a combination....for instance a Lidoderm patch and a couple of tylenol or advil.  A good rubdown with the gel with some heat applied afterwards.  You get the idea.

Good Luck!
Helpful - 0
10205477 tn?1409578591
It is 5 am on Wednesday morning and I'm getting ready for work.  Still anxious and a little fatigued but I definitely see the light at the end of the tunnel.  I have been able to laugh and be myself again without feeling like I have to lean on medication.  My neck and my shoulder hurt like hell a lot of the times but I would rather just deal with that then be dependent on narcotics.  I still can't believe how difficult this wd process is, but it is really worth kicking this habit.  If their is anybody else that needs support feel free to inquire.  Thank you everybody for your support so far.
Helpful - 0
10205477 tn?1409578591
Mid day on Sunday right now and I don't feel to bad but still not 100% normal.  I'm sure that's going to take awhile.  Would be nice to get the energy back, it seems that is what is dragging me down the worst out of everything, other than the anxiety.  Well here's to looking forward, I hope everyone else is in good spirits today and feels well.
Helpful - 0
10205477 tn?1409578591
Thank you for the advice. I have only been drinking one cup of coffee in the morning and today I drank a little bit of soda and this evening I had to take a Ativan because I feel so empty and like I have no where to go and no plans for the future at all.  I guess that's anxiety??  I also get really irritated over some pretty stupid stuff really easily.  It seems if things don't go right I get really upset about it.  I know that's life obviously, I just haven't been this sensitive to it like this before.  I have been sleeping ok I guess.  I have been super exhausted by the time evening rolls around so I have to fight to try and stay awake as long as I can so I can try to sleep through the night.  If I don't then I wind up waking up super early in the morning when everyone else is still asleep and then I'm super lonely for hours until somebody wakes up!!  That's another thing is I have a wife and two awesome children so it eats me up that I feel this lonely anxiety feeling when I shouldn't.  I'm just going to try and keep looking forward and on the bright side of things and hope that it is going to get better and better everyday.  Thank you all for your support, it really helps a lot.
Helpful - 0
4522800 tn?1470325834
Hi Captain..I too want to think you. I live N in Idaho and I am 50 miles from the Canada border. I have 5 acres of forest and fire season scares, the you know what out of me..lol
When I first came clean back in 2012 I had not taken any vit/min..Then I started to take Calcium, potassium, magnesium and ds at night..This really helped me by calming down the muscles. Now there is a Box that says Electro-Mix on it..You can pick it up in any store and it has the Magnesium, potassium,calcium and etc in it..You just add to the water. You can also pick up some Powder called "CALM" it has the same things in it and will help relax you..When you start to feel better you can start taking vit/min that will help with energy..Make sure right now you stay away from caffeine and to much sugar..You need to do all the things to keep your heart from pumping to fast and calming the nervous system down..Alot of unbalancing goes on in the Brain when we use..This is what takes time to adjust back after the removal of these stims..SO hang to that fire hose, and soon you will put that fire out, and you can walk away with a big smile on your face.
I wish you the best!
Bless
PS..LOTS of H2O
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Oh emdr...is a form of therapy using lights and or sounds to enter certain areas of your brain where you may compartmentalize things that cause anxiety. I did it along time ago for trauma and it was very helpful...ive never heard of it used for addiction but its probably very effective.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi there and welcome...im on day 12 off Norco, and let me tell you I absolutely thought I was going to have an actual heart attack the anxiety was so bad...still is just not as often. I'm glad to hear you have something to take if it becomes overwhelming. Your definitely not alone...without being able to get support here I probably wouldn't have made it this far...are you able to sleep at all? I know I didn't sleep for about 4 days...horrible. The only thing I found to be helpful was Benadryl...and that was only slightly. Hang in there...im with you. I wish I knew more about gabapentin..but it couldn't be worse than detoxing off opiates...keep posting :)
Helpful - 0
10205477 tn?1409578591
What does EMDR mean? I know that PTSD is post traumatic stress disorder.  
Helpful - 0
10205477 tn?1409578591
I have been staying pretty active.  Yesterday I felt pretty good as I did this morning but now in the afternoon I have just hit a wall and I had to come inside and sit down and rest.  I really appreciate the warm comments and recognition of my firefighting service.  I know that occupation definitely caused all sorts of problems, and just like a lot of our war vets we too sometimes get pushed aside and forgotten about. I was a wildland firefighter that worked for a private contract company so there isn't any programs or aid in any way for issues from those days mentally or physically.  But I think the main issue is just trying to get over this hump from quitting the meds and trying not to stress on things so much.  I'm pretty sure that is causing issues.  Thank you again for all your time and compassion.
Helpful - 0
1926359 tn?1331588139
Hi there-

Some natural things that help with anxiety are valerian root (if not on any AD medications- check if it is ok with gabapentin because I am not certain)
also passion fruit extract and lavender oil sprinkled on your pillow, or you can rub it on your wrists and temples.

But honestly, the best thing is just doing some deep breathing exercises.  When you feel the panic coming on just lay down in a cool, dark room.  Inhale through your nose for 6 counts and hold it for two counts, exhale through your nose for 8.  Repeat until your heart rate slows and your brain calms down and your limbs feel heavy.

Do this at night when you want to sleep.  It takes practice, but it is REALLY the only thing that truly helps with anxiety except Exercise.
Exercise is the most amazing thing.  You cannot be anxious when you are doing something that forces you to breathe and get the blood pumping.
It also jump starts your brain by releasing natural endorphins.
You need this to recover.
For now, try some walking or swimming.  When you are stronger, work on something more intensive.
Do you suffer from anxiety from the job?
I did EMDR for PTSD when I got clean.  It was amazing and very powerful for healing for me.
I wish you the very best....
Lu
Helpful - 0
495284 tn?1333894042
COMMUNITY LEADER
I have a soft spot for firemen........My dad was the Fire Chief for many years and my brother is a Fire Marshall~

Thank you for all you did.  It can be a very thankless job~
Helpful - 0
10205477 tn?1409578591
Thank you, I've been trying to deal with this mostly myself which is what I have done in the past with most things.  I was a fireman for about 8 years so I've definitely been through quite a few trying times without cracking like I have after quitting these pills.  That is what is so frustrating.  But I guess I'll just keep taking it day by day and look forward to it slowly getting better.  The fatigue doesn't seem quite as bad as it was earlier in the week but about 5 or 6 in the evening I start getting that anxious feeling and I'm pretty much drained physically at that point.
Helpful - 0
5775599 tn?1452749281
Wish I could help you so much. I am on Methadone and Just recently after 3 months was taken off of Valium. I suffer from SEVERE panic attacks and Moderate Depression and may be Bi Polar, but not easy to diagnose since I've been on the Methadone for 11 years. I hope you get the help you need.
<3 LitlMomma
Helpful - 0
495284 tn?1333894042
COMMUNITY LEADER
I think alot of the anxiety is from the norco as you have been taking them since January.  We experience rebound pain after we stop the narcotic. It is a sick game our brain plays with us.  Many of us found that our pain actually lessened after some time.  Give it a few more days and then if it isnt better get ahold of your doctor.
Helpful - 0
10205477 tn?1409578591
Thank you for the tip I will wait and see if someone else responds with some info.
Helpful - 0
271792 tn?1334979657
Hi & Welcome,

Anxiety and panic are very common during the withdrawal process. You need to give it some time with that and also mention it to your doctor. He may be able to help you with something instead of the Ativan. I also suffer with nerve pain and the Gabapentin helps me when it flares up. I had not had any issues with it while on it or stopping it. You may have some effects with it but I still think it is the Norco withdrawal. I don't know any vitamins or the like so wait for someone else to come along that is knowledgeable in that area. Be patient...Saturdays are slow. Hang in there. It does get better.
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Addiction: Substance Abuse Community

Top Addiction Answerers
495284 tn?1333894042
City of Dominatrix, MN
Avatar universal
phoenix, AZ
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Is treating glaucoma with marijuana all hype, or can hemp actually help?
If you think marijuana has no ill effects on your health, this article from Missouri Medicine may make you think again.
Julia Aharonov, DO, reveals the quickest way to beat drug withdrawal.
Tricks to help you quit for good.
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.