What is the risk with taking pain meds while going through withdrawal

I know that I became completely dependant on pain meds, taking them to ward off withdrawals more often than for the actual pain they were prescribed to me for.  But my pain comes from severe TMJ.  Somedays it doesn't bother me at all, somedays it's manageable with some Aleve, but some days I can't even open my mouth and the pain spreads all over from my jaw to my head even to my inner ears and is miserable.  I've been norco free for 9 days, but I'm wondering if I experience excessive pain in my jaw and nothing else helps, what is the consequence of taking a pill?  I don't ever want to get back to taking multiple pills per dose, or dose's on a daily basis, but since I've been to every kind of doctor none of which were able to offer any help besides managing the pain, I'm at a loss.  I don't want to extend the withdrawal period any longer than necessary.  and if that means I'm not ever to take a pain med again, I guess I'll just have to deal and hope that OTC works well enough.  But if I do end up taking one pill, will it start the withdrawals over again or extend the length of time to get over it?  

[lucyred68]

one pill shouldn't put you back into wd's, but the problem is mentally being able to stop at one.

Lucy

[tommm70]

Hey, sorry to hear you are still in so much pain. As far as being 9 days clean. Congrats on that!
The reason you are feeling withdrawal is your body is screaming for more Norco. If you take one, you will give your body what it wants. I am not sure if you will be back to square one with one pill, but it will set you back when it wears off. Your body and mind will have had a taste of what is is seeking, and it will want more.

9 days free, you should not be having to many physical symptoms, but how long were you on them for? How much did you take? Were you abusing, or taking as prescribed?

[chaos2450]

I've been on pain management for 6+ years.  Taking them as prescribed, but not just when needed.  By the time I quit, I was taking an avg of 40-50 mg, 4-5 10/325.  Somedays less, somedays more.  I know that even though I wasn't increasing my dosage and was taking them per the doctors instructions, that I was dependant on them and was taking them daily, even though I didn't experience pain on a daily basis.

[avisg]

Yes it seems worse right now because your body is screaming at you give me my pills ..I as well have TMJ and will have to have the joints both replaced .I now use aleve and zanaflex that normally does the trick it takes awhile however .When I first got clean I had some really bad flare ups I did make it threw .Now my flare ups are normally manageable .

[tommm70]

When you stopped 9 days ago, how did you feel the next few days?

[chaos2450]

The first 3 days were torture.  I still have symptoms.  Chills (I cannot get warm), sweats and aches.  Not really experiencing depression, but definately get tired easily and completely unfocused.  I have no doubt about the fact that I became addicted to my pain meds, and I'm not under the impression that it's okay to continue like I was by any means.  Maybe I need to make an appointment with my doctor and talk about options to manage my pain other than Norco.  Something that is less narcotic and addictive.  I don't want to feel the "need" to take anything anymore.  I just want to be able to have somethign to turn to in the case where OTC meds won't alieviate the pain.  It hurts so bad sometimes it makes it difficult to function.  And I can't go home every other week from work with a headache.  Problem is since it's ongoing and not well known, no one really understands TMJ.

[avisg]

The headaches can be crushing I so understand .The zanaflex really helps me it relaxes my jaw .Its the best muscle relaxer I have ever taken .I agree people do not know enough about TMJ or how bad it really can be.If you ever need to chat feel free to PM me.

[wannabefree330]

The biggest risk, is going back to them.  One is too many and 100 never enough.  the w/d makes your pain seem so much worse.  I don't have experience w/TMJ, but can you try the muscle relaxers, ibuprofen, and heat or ice?  Just get through the next 24 hours.  you can do this.

[got2bfree]

I honestly empathize with you....after a knee injury I got hooked on dilaudid..I found when I first stopped takign them the pain was way worse, then relaxed...but that was acute pain not chronic......but....following that I got fibro myalgia and that was chronic...they put me on methadone for that......worst decision of my life.....pain or addiction.....they switched me to morphine  mscontin.....and now it's been 4 years on that......     could I make the decision over......i would go with pain.....I knkow it is not pleasant, but there are alternative......you have made it 9 days....so you know you have gone through the worst, the very worst of the w/d  so everyday you should feel a little better from the overall chills, aches and leftover w/d symptoms.....the TJM is separate from the pain caused by narcotic painkillers......if I could get to 9 days without a narcotic I would be so happy.....i haven't been able to do it....so congradulations to you.......as someone said above   1 is too many and 100 not enough

Think hard and long before you take one .......a lifetime goes by quickly on narcotics....

Just what I think
Deb

[worried878]

I agree with u ...go back to ur doctor and see what can help...if u work it is hard to take a strong muscle relaxer and function without falling asleep unless u r tolerant to them...If i took a zanaflex and went to work i would be in trouble and get fired as i am not tolerant to them....work with ur doctor as narcotics are not the answer long term...just hang on for now...it is hard with chroic pain...but i just know narcs are not the answerf