When do the norco withdrawal symptoms stop?

I have been taking norco for about 3 yrs. at first it was just something someone gave me that was "fun" to party with, so it was an occasional one here and there whenever we would party, then I felt myself wanting them more often but didn't like taking a whole one at a time (don't remember the dose amount) but they are the yellow ones, if that helps, so I would only take a 1/2 at a time, it was enought to keep my buzz and keep me comfortable.  I soon began to have lower back pain, thought it was real and was able to get a script from my Dr. of 90 a month, that's when the trouble began because I was taking more and more to the point of finally taking 3-5 a day, still often only taking 1/2 a pill at a time but much more often through the day.  Well, it finally came to a head with my fiance, he said my behavior was different and he could tell when I was taking them.  I have never been addicted to anything in my life, never smoked, never took anything, am a social drinker and that's it, so this was very new to me and I hate it!!  At first I went c/t for about 3 days and by the third day in the evening, we had company and I was an absolute mess, everyone was telling me how pale I was and sick I looked and I just wanted to crawl in a hole and die.  I had all the symptoms that everyone has talked of having, flu like symptoms, etc.  My fiance finally gave me a 1/2 of one to take the edge off and it did help but only for so long and I was back to feeling horrible the next day but still didn't take any for the next 5 days and I was miserable.  He finally called a pharmacist who told us that I should not have gone c/t for medical reasons and told him to give me 2 a day for 2 weeks and taper from there, well I was afraid to take any since I had gone so long without, so we decided to make it 1 a day and cut them in to 1/4 pieces that we could spread throughout the day and that seemed to help.  What I experienced was lots of the body aches, constant headaches, and burning, runny nose with constant sneezing (and I am not a sneezer.)  What I found is that my body told me when it was time to taper down more and in 4 days I went to 3/4 of a pill for about three days, then to 1/2 a pill for about three days and went through major headaches for a couple of days and now it's been three weeks and I had my last 1/4 of a pill two days ago.  I am still having some temperature changes with an uneasy feeling in my legs and arms, but more than that is the constant burning in my nose and sneezing, feel like I have major allergies.  I read an article that said this is not mucous but cranial fuid running throught my nose!  Very weird what this stuff does to you and I don't ever want to take another one again!  So the symptoms are there but are mild and I'm able to get throught the day without needing a pill but I think about them often and I just want my energy back and to feel good 100% without thinking about these darn things!  How can something that initially makes you feel so good, become soooo evil?!  Can anyone who has been through and beat this addiction tell me if my nose will ever feel normal again and when I will get to feel like myself again, am I close to it?  Thank you and thank you all for sharing your posts, they really helped me get through most of this, I didn't feel so alone.  By the way, my fiance was absolutely loving and wonderful throughout this ordeal, he was my hero.

[Arsia]

I know exactly what you're going through.
I had one a day, then before I knew I'd take 8 in a day (first one, then three, then four at a time), and I'm only 17 years old. Addictions are so easy to control you 'cause you never realize how bad it's got you until your run out. You feel amazing on it, then you run out.
You will have diarrhea, lots of sneezing, body aches, headaches, probably some anxiety (I've had MAJOR anxiety), insomnia, decreased appetite, you won't want to move or do anything. Stuff like that. The worst days are generally the first week, and it gets better after that. You just have to deal with it like you're sick. Take it day by day. Talk about it.
For awhile, you won't feel normal because 'normal' is high on pills. Your body will ache and ache to try to get you to take another pill, but you have to fight. And don't tell yourself that you can control it next time 'cause you won't be able to. Knock it out this time for good, learn to cope without. Your emotions and pain will seem extreme after dulling it out all the time, and time may seem to pass by SO SLOW (it feels like I've been off them for months), but with each day, you'll get so much better.
A lot of people will probably reply to this, like they did for me. A lot of people are here for you.
Just don't give up.

[vicki595]

Hi...First,that's not cranial fluid coming out your nose. Take an antihistamine,it will help.

It will take a few weeks to feel better. It doesn't happen overnight;it's a gradual process. Everything you describe is normal.   Just keep moving and going forward.

Think about getting some kind of recovery care. You're an addict. You need to learn the tools that will help you stay away from the pills and get passed the cravings.

Good luck!

[LAM49]

Thank you for the words of encouragement, I don't want to take any of these things anymore, so I am definitely fighting it, just hate the feeling and it totally makes sense that my body is used to being on them so it's fighting back.  Thanks again, how long have you been clean?

[LAM49]

I will have to find the article, it was a medical journal I read it in, that they said it was cranial fluid, kinda weird and I tried the antihistamine, doesn't do a thing for it, I sure wish it would.  Thank you for your words of encouragement too, I understand that it's a process, just growing tired of the feeling and it's especially hard at work to concentrate especially with a desk job.  Thanks again.

[Arsia]

About a week now. [:
My headaches and anxiety are killing me, but it's just another way to show what a slave your body was to the drugs, that it'll do this to you.

[LAM49]

So true, hang in there, it does get better, I promise.  I'm just at a point now that I'm wondering when I will be 100%.  At least I know it does get better.  

[LAM49]

I'm feeling pretty good today, a little sneezing and very mild achiness in legs, otherwise pretty good!  I tapered to now taking no norco and today is my third day of not taking any and it's Friday, WOO-HOO!  Maybe a weekend of not feeling sick.  Best wishes to everyone.

[Arsia]

You're doing great. :D

[Bruthab42]

Imodium ad I'm a strong believer in Imodium (immodium) ad it works I'm currently on day three without my best friend ( norco) and I feel fineind you I had a 150-250 mg a day habit for three years

[LAM49]

Thank you and how are you doing?

[LAM49]

On day 8 of no pills after 3 week weaning.  Had the best day yet yesterday, but today not so good, some of the achy body is back today, lack of energy and mostly the nasal stuff, i.e. burning, runny nose, sneezing.  I tried Sudafed, thinking it was an antihistimine, but it's not, so I took an anithistimine for allergy/sinus and it worked pretty good, ran out and bought the wrong thing, forgot the last ones were for sinus too and bought one for just allergy, not working so well and it makes me so sleepy, AT WORK!  Not good.  Going back to store to get the other ones, apparently for me, the sinus part makes the difference.  No headaches though for about 3 days and I am so thankful for that, those were miserable.  So is it like this, I will feel no w/d symptoms and feel like I'm over it and then all of a sudden it rears it's ugly head and says, "here I am, now what are you going to do about it?"  Like a tease to see if I will give my body what it's craving, well I'm not!  I don't want to look at another one of those pills for as long as I live!  This last month is sooooo not worth it!  The feeling is not strong enough to make me go back, just feels a little icky, like I'm coming down with something.  I can deal with that.  If you are just starting your detox, hang in there, it does get better and sooooo worth the struggle for a little while.

[lonelyguyy]

hang it there my friend , i have been addict to cough and sleeping pill for 4year and it mess my life up. my wife leave me because i am of those thing make my temple really bad. i am trying to cutting down and detox it now. god bless

[LAM49]

Thank you for the well wishes.  You can do it and you will feel so free.  It really is a short time of misery for a long time of happiness.  YOU CAN DO THIS!

[Arsia]

I've been told the 'rearing it's ugly head' will randomly pop up for a few months, but you're over the worst part.
Headaches are still kicking my ***, too.
Went to the dentist and the tooth pain was too bad. But I only took one yesterday, it's a 5mg and I have no refills. So I think I'll be fine.

[LAM49]

Good for you!  Tooth pain can be really ugly.  

[mac5454]

I started taking norco  months ago. Realized its addicting....try to stop cold turkey taking 8 aday.....no way......so I tapered to a average of 4 aday for 3 weeks.
Yesterday i took one and now stopped. its been 30 hrs. had the runs just 2 times, it stopped feel lazy...and a little depressed, feet feel funny.

Do you think I will get any sicker? I remember when I was taking 8 aday and just cut down to four I got a lot sicker then this in less then 0 hours?

Thanks....

[LAM49]

I have not had a norco since Jan. 25th after tapering, went cold turkey at first but was so miserable that I went back on them but only to taper, much better and I found that my body knew when to be done with them and it just worked for me. Unfortunately while I was withdrawing from the norco I was taking ativan to sleep and while it was great to aid in the sleep, I was becoming addicted to them and had no idea, so when I quit taking them, I had a whole new set of withdrawal symptoms and those were worse than the norco ones, so I had to taper off of those and I am free of those pills too. I have no desire whatsoever to have any narcotic or alcohol, I like who I am without any of it.  Today I feel 100% myself, got lots of energy and I'm happy.  It could be that your body is done with the drug, however keep in mind that some of the symptoms can creep up when you least expect it, mine did off and on, so I could feel really good for a few days and then all of a sudden have a day or more of being lethargic, achy, etc.  I have also read that these symptoms can still creep up and to know that they can so I'm not blindsided by it, so I can just know what those feelings are and just roll with it until it ends.  What I read was that these are called post acute withdrawal symptoms and can last up to 2 years after withdrawing from any narcotic, everyone is different.  Hang in there, freedom is on its way!

[sudie58]

you have all done really well, stay strong ,you are right LAM it does sneak up on you, some after cre is good such as NA or therapy,or counselling, it took quite a while for us to become addicts so it takes some time to get better, MAC5454, there are things to help your symptons, take hot baths with epsom salts, drink plenty of fluids, take some immodium for stomache cramps and diorreah, its great to be free of pills, god bless, sudie

[Justwanttobefree]

Ok so I was on norco 10's for the last 3 or 4 years. I just turned 28. I have always stayed healthy. I eat good and I exercise 4-5 days a week...  Anyone I was taking about 5-6 a day just at work to get things done I guess you could say. I got so much more done on those things, at least I thought I did. I would use the pills anytime there was something bad in my life and it would make it all go away. Girl problems, take a pill, my dog died, take 2 pills, my Grandpa died, take 3 pills. I used them for everything.
So about august of 2010 5-6 a day was not getting me high anymore. I went to 8-9 then 9-10 ... Before I knew it I was taking so many I lost count. I believe it was up to 20. Then I decided I was numbing my whole life with these things.  I was completely mistreating my girlfriend and her baby girl. I was numb to her needs and to her feelings. I justified my poor decisions with pills. Essentially I could not have any "real" emotion because the stupid pills made it impossible for me to have that. I noticed that I treated others poorly for no reason, I did not pay attention to people when they were speaking to me. These things were completely out of my character so for the last 3 months I have been saying I am going to quit...

A friend gave me subutex and I was taking 2mg which was supposed to be for one week but turned into 3... FINALLY just this last friday (March 11th) at 11am I took my last 2mg subutex. I hate being on that stuff so I made it my last one.

I knew withdrawals were coming so here is how my WD's have gone so far.
Friday night I went out and drank. Prob not a good idea. It took away the WD for the night but woke up with a hangover and then WD's were kicking in.

Saturday: Had a few beers during the day and I was very lazy. started getting the cold bumps when no one around me was cold. Saturday night I was starting to kick a little. I had ambien so I got some sleep but  still tossed and turned.

Sunday: I rested all morning felt like hell. crawlly skin, racing heart, could not eat, my mind was really foggy. I had a soccer game and I played but it was rough. I could barely run and when I did I got winded so fast. I could feel it getting worse. The anxiety was getting bad. Sunday night I had a few friends over for dinner and felt terrible. I could not entertain one bit. We ate and I rushed them out. I went in the spa and drank a few beers then used the rest of my ambien knowing I would get more soon.

Monday: I was able to sleep late with the help of ambien. I figured the more I can sleep through this the easier it will be. I kicked all night and sweat and lets just say left a mess in my bed. Get immodium people.
I attemtped to go to work on monday. I lasted a few hours. The kicks and the tingleness got worse and worse.I went home monday at about 3. Got a nap in for about 45 minutes. I probably took 8 showers or baths that day. I could feel the uncomfortableness getting worse. Monday night was bad. I was crawling on the ground, screaming, kicking, hating my life. I wanted to die at that point. I drank almost a whole bottle of wine and that helped with the kicks.
Tuesday Monring I woke up again at about 930 thanks to ambien which I used throughout the night as I would wake up and kick I would chew half an ambien and fall back asleep. Tuesday was by far my worst day. I was so cloudy and could hardly drive to work. I went in for about an hour but could not stay becuase I could not stay still. Before I went to work I went for a mile and half walk. That helped but only temporarily. That afternoon I felt a little better for a few minutes at a time but then right back to feeling crappy. That was weird. I though I was coming out of it and then BAM... crappy again. So lots of wine and a few ambien and I slept the whole night with no showers or baths. I also went for a mile and half jog at about 730 at night. That could have helped. It was really hard to run though.

Today is Wednesday and I am technically a few hours into day 6 since I used last. Today I felt a little better but the main thing is I have ZERO energy. I can not get anything done. Diarrhea started today so I took some immodium. I had a few times today were I actually felt like I was out of the woods, sort of like yesterday but the periods would last longer when I felt like I was going to be ok. I have so much in my lilfe that I need to get done and having no energy to do it is killing me. Costing me money and letting down my employees.

I can tell you that 2 days felt like a feat.. 6 feels great but I just want to be done so bad. I want my life back. I want to get back to work and back to the gym. Back to my friends and everything. I can already tell how hightened my senses are being off the pills. Its very hard to eat so I force down what I can. I drink at least 100oz of water a day. I am taking vitamins, fish oil, 5htp, fiber, multi minerals, vit d3, and niacin.
My lower back hurts but I can deal with that. I know it will go away after a while.

Sorry for the long story, but from reading this does anyone know where I am in terms of being done? I would like to think the physical symptoms are on their way out since it is clear to me that monday was WAY worse then today. Does anyone have any ideas on what I can expect in the next few days, weeks?

[detoxmom]

I am on day 5 five and completely get it I notice listening to my ipod with worship music helps me and walking and looking at the things I have not notice in so long.  What ever your favorite music pref is (postive is better) I swear it really works when you thing this war has dragged on and never going to end grab your ipod and walk and enjoy the sights.  I here 5-7 is the worst and then uphill we will see!

[LAM49]

It does get better from here, those "good feeling" times will increase more and more.  I went up and down for about 3 weeks with the lack of energy being the worst symptom, but the more I had "good feelings" the more often they would come and last longer each time.  I have been off since end of Jan. and I am now feeling 100% myself with lots of energy and I sleep without any aid.  I will never go back to that stuff again, soooo not worth it!  I am getting married in June and I have so much planning and preparing to do, I'm so glad that I have myself back with the energy to get this stuff done.  Hang in there the worst is over and it gets better from here.  Try melatonin for sleep and get away from the ambien.  Melatonin is a natural hormone our body already produces, you get it over the counter and it really works.  I also found that my body cannot handle any alcohol anymore, it doesn't have the same effect, all it does is make me lethargic and feel like I did when I was withdrawing, so that's fine with me, I'm better off without it.

[woodypi]

I have been reading everyone's post and I have been taking Norco for  4 years for lower back pain from an accident I had in 2007.  I Started out with 2 or 3 a day then I worked by way up to 8 or 9 a day.  I noticed the "feeling good" factor and I started taking them just to deal with stress and anxiety and I thought it helped me when I went through my divorce.  I told my doctor that I thought I was getting addicted to them and he asked me how much I was taking and I told him 8-9 a day which is the most I have ever taken.  He said he could help me get off of them by decreasing the amount I was taking.  I went from 8-9 pills a day to 4-5 and then finally 3-4 a day.  This past winter, I fell on the ice and re-injured my back and went to the hospital and told them what I was taking and the doctor said that if I am only taking 3-4 a day then I wasn't an addict.  I started increasing my pills again and got back up to 8-9 pills a day and again I realized I was getting addicted because I began counting my pills and taking them with me to work because I was afraid someone would take them.  I saw my primary doctor in  March and we decided that we needed to decrease again and I have been real good about doing this.  I decreased from 8-9 to 5-6 to 4-5 to 3-4 to 1-3 and finally I took my last pill yesterday.  I am feeling flu like symtoms (symptoms) today and my engery is a little low and my feet feel like they are asleep.   I have tylenol pm to take at night but nothing else.  My question to all of you is:  Am I end for a rough withdraw or will I experience a lesser one since I did decrease the amount of pills I have been taking?  What can I do to get energy if I start lacking?  I started a new position and I don't want to mess up.  Thanks for reading my post.... Thanks, I want my life back  Woody

[backpainforlife]

Thank you so much for this forum and all the great posts in this thread and other Norco related threads here!

I was put on Norco 5/325 twice a day since January for lower back pain which is pretty bad.  I did all the other usual stuff like PT, acupuncture, TENS unit, etc.  Norco is really the only thing that works to kill the pain.

Like others, I found myself taking an 'extra' one every so often; I think 4 in one day was the max.

I finally realized that I was taking the 'extra' one not so much because of the original back pain, but my body seemed to invent little pains that I justified taking the extras...you know how it goes.

Anyway, I ran out early, so I had to stop.  I've been 6 days without it; however, I can get a refill in 4 more days which I had intended to do.

This last week has been real hard, it started with 2 days of intense back pain, then diarrhea and flu-like symptoms, one night of insomnia.  But here I am day 6, and the back pain isn't so bad anymore.  I really think the Norco makes you believe it's worse to get you to take more.  Evil isn't it?

So I'm wondering how to safely use it from time to time as my back pain does come and go and I can't really just live with the pain forever.  The Norco is quite effective, it just seems to escalate.  That's up to me to stop, I realize.  I just think it's very nice to read all these posts of others having similar experiences.

It would be nice to have a lockbox that dispenses 2 a day and you can't get anymore until the next day...dreaming I suppose...

Anyway, thanks for the forum.

[Bad_Obsession]

Do you have someone that can hold them for you and dispense 2 a day?  A friend or family member will make a great lockbox!!  Someone that you trust?

[backpainforlife]

Thanks!  I've thought of that too.  I don't like the idea of (1) myself not being able to control it - it makes me mad!  (2) I don't want to develop angry feelings towards whoever is 'holding' it.

So far, I seem able to keep it to a minimal level.  I also don't have any desire to ask the doc to prescribe more because I know where that would head.

I thank this forum, it's given me information and support to help convince myself to not go any further with this problem.  The physiatrist doc who prescribes these, my Primary doc, and I all agree that it's likely I'll need this type of thing very long term.

They mention 'drug holidays' from time to time to help reset my brain's expectations and to avoid tolerance.  That definately works for me.

[McGillicutty35z]

So obviously LAM49 got through her detox so good for her.  I just wanted to post my experiences in the hope that it may help some others.  I realize everyone is different so "you mileage may vary" but I'm into day 5 of detox after a year and a half of taking 40 - 60 milligrams (4-6 10mg Norco pills) a day and I stopped cold turkey by necessity and I'm surprised that the intensity of the discomfort.  This is my second time detoxing off this drug, the first time I tapered down to about a pill a day before stopping entirely and I feel that detox was as difficult or worse than this one.  I was very nauseus the first time and I've had little of that this time.  The first three days of this latest detox was very uncomfortable because of a constant headache, body aches, a general inability to rest and some depression, but this is day 5 and most of that is gone.  Still have some issues but I'm definitely seeing the light.  I'd read up on it and most recommended the tapering off method, but I was in discomfort with my second reduction in dosage and figured I would be suffering for several weeks if I did it that way so I stopped abruptly.  I recommend anyone about to go through this to consult their doctor and proceed accordingly but for reasons I can't explain my cold turkey detox has not been as bad as the tapered detox I dealt with the first time.  Hope this helps.

[justme1119]

Wow........"and don't tell yourself that you can control it next time 'cause you won't be able to. Knock it out this time for good, learn to cope without. Your emotions and pain will seem extreme after dulling it out all the time, and time may seem to pass by SO SLOW (it feels like I've been off them for months), but with each day, you'll get so much better."  
    Did you say your were 17?  That says it all.  Hope you are doing well.  Well said!

[marie2012]

I have been taking norco for about 4 months now.  I was taking about 3 at a time right before I went to bed.  I am now trying to get off of them and have major anxiety :(  will this get better?  If so, when?  And would a glass of wine help ease the anxiety?  Please help!

[GA_need_help]

Hi Marie,
You have posted on an old thread.  If you start a fresh one, by writing what you wrote here after clicking , "Ask a Question" , many people will (Hopefully) respond.
   I just completed a 4 month taper to 1/3 of my dose of Opana, a 10 day detox and 2 weeks at rehab.  My anxiety was SO bad during my taper.  It got to the point I was afraid ALL THE TIME.  it was as if I was having panic attacks all the time.  It didn't get better while I was tapering, and I have heard repeatedly that anxiety is a symptom of tapering.  It IS better now that I am off my drug (I am on Suboxone).  I feel totally different, and know that I am in a much different place.  This big pain cycle I had is broken (I credit it to Jesus---I have to do this bc I feel like I am a miracle).  I was on Opana ER (a very potent Opiate).  I was so scared when I realized the extent of my dependency!
   I will be happy to private message you, and to talk to you about how I made it through the 4  months of tapering if you would like.  Just private message me.  I am also happy to write and support you, if you think it will help.
   I am a mom of Abigail (age 8) and step-mom to 3 adult children.  I am just telling you this so you know a little about me.
   I just want you to know that when you get through the taper, you will feel relief from the anxiety.   I suggest talking to a doctor about the taper.  If you take a benzo, don't get hooked.  I have heard they are hell to get off of (and we know Opiates are too).
   I am here for you.

Marie

[luv156]

Omg I've been taking these pills for7 months. N before it was an alternative "happy pill" I called it but it ain't so happy any more. As soon as I take it I feel the rage n if I don't take it I feel horrible n I can't take it so I take another. I just can't find myself to not take one. N I also have horrible anxiety which I take Xanax for tht. Cause I can't sleep n tht helps. I'm in a mess. N cause I choose it,I want to gt off, I just don't kno if I can.....

[sandy_19962122]

I've been on these norco for only about 3 weeks.  I had to stop 4 a day right away.  I felt so loopy. I started with 3 a day for a week, then 2 a day and then 1/2 a on e for about 5 days and stopped.  I have every symptom. Fear, nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, runny nose, anxiety diarrhea, headache, sweating.  I can't believe it.  I stopped the half 2 or 3 days ago.  I was having some of the symptoms before I quit completely.  I was told to eat chocolate and take pepto bismal.  Not helping.  I don't want to take immodium ad until tomorrow. WOW when does it end. There must be some natural altenatives for these withdrawals.

[mark91723]

how long does it take to detox on norcos 10-325 i went from percocets to norcos i dnt no why i did that but the percocets were messing with me.

[toothfairie]

hi and welcome....since this is an old post you might want to post a new thread...just click on the "ask a question" at the top and more people will see it....this site is great for info and support.....

everyone is diff with detox....depending on how much you are taking and how long you've been on them.  If you can give us a little more info about it, we can help you. Keep posting and you will get some help!  

[jean95765]

Hi all,
  I read so much info on the Norco stuff and decided to quit it finally after a 4 year addiction. I was taking 2 a day for a while, and by the time I decided to quit I was taking from 8- 10 per day of the 10/325. I realized how much it helped me to read other's posts, so I though I would share my experience. First off, the first question I had was how long will the withdrawal last? I know everyone is different, but for me the first 3 days were absolute hell. I had my last dose of 2 pills on a MOnday morning while at work. I started getting withdrawal symptoms by about 2 or 3 (took them about 10:30am) The next day, I could NOT function. I called in sick. I would suggest taking time off from work and life if you want to recover. Day 2 and 3 were only slightly better than the previous day- I think my withdrawal peaked on day 2 though. So far, its been a total of 5 days. I can eat and drink now, however I don't have a ton of energy and I still have slight cases of chills and sweats. I'm hoping by the end of the weekend I will feel a lot better with no more withdrawal symptoms. On average I read it's about a 5-7 day process, with the worst during the first 3 days. That has been my experience so far. Today is Saturday and I still have tomorrow for it to have been a full 7 days. The depression is what is lingering the most (aside from chills/sweats). I just feel heavy and unenthusiastic about anything. I am trying to keep pre-occupied by watching movies, hydrating and hot showers or baths. They saved me!! Anyhow, I'm going to keep on going and hope to not turn back. I would never want to go through this again. It robbed me of a week of my life trying to detox! Good luck to you if you are going through this. If you are going through hell, don't stop!

[Bbssrr]

Here gos my name is Bryan I've been taking norcos for about 4 years on average 4 to 5 a  day 10/325 I quit 3 days ago cold turkey I haven't really slept this hole time my legs r killing me I know I have me coming in two days and I want to say I'm not going to take them but I've said it before its been so long since I've been off them was it better before? Pi don't know I know it ***** to feel like this!! I just wanted to say thanks for all your stories I hope it helps me this is the first time I've ever looked up what it would take to quit so mabe its my time!! Good luck to all of you fighting the battle !!