Getting off Norco

[lori_m]

Hi everyone,

I've been on Vicodin and then to Norco for over a year for herniated discs.  I was also put on the fentanyl patches last month but I didn't like those (rashes, hear pounding).  I dropped two in the shower and I really didn't like the fact that I was freaking out about not having enough.  So I made a decision to stop everything.  I figure pain is better than taking pills all my life.  I started getting withdrawal symptoms in the mornings about 6 months ago.  I literally have to set my alarm clock 30 minutes earlier so I can take a pill and then get up after the withdrawal symptoms are gone.  I am usually fine during the day.  I take 4 pills a day.

The last doctor visit I asked for tapering.  I have enough pills to last 2 weeks.  I'm taking half a pill 4 times a day now and I'm not feeling good.  I can't imagine how I'll feel when I'm done with the pills.  How long will this last??

Thanks for your help!

[rob8080]

i was on 8 vicodin 7.5s a day & somtimes percs & oxy contins when i had the $$$ to buy the oxys to take along with the vicodins ,,this was a everyday for 3 1/2 yrs...im on day 12 ,,but days 1-5 i took low doses of methadone...i feel great today..but this the 1st day ive havent had w/ds,,,last yr i tryed to stop and lasted 8days cold turkey & felt fine after 7days...but if ur only on 4 a day for a yr u should be fine in less than week if u went cold turkey...i was on a 60mg plus habbit a day vics/oxy contin over 3 yrs and only lasted 10days just hang in lthere

[catmagnet]

I've got each pill broken into 4 pieces theyre 7.5's. I just take a piece or 2 less a day, whatever I feel comfortable with, at first I was going too fast and it just set me up for failure, now I'm doing better. Try to set a goal for the day, but if you don't meet it, don't sweat it. The main thing is to not backslide!  cat  =)

[lori_m]

Thanks for that comment!

My last pill was 7:00 this morning and it's now 1:30.  This is my longest stretch yet.  I'm at work and being busy.  But I'm starting to feel the creepy crawlies again and I can't stop stretching and fidgeting.  This is just uncomfortable!!!  What is your taper schedule?

[catmagnet]

I'm also dealing with pain but meds got out of hand for me. I'm tapering, too. You would be surprised how you can get through some of these symptoms just by keeping your mind busy-on days I can focus on other things I find that sometimes I haven't taken a pill for 9-10 hours, when I look at the clock I can't believe how much time has gone by and it really wasn't so bad! Good luck   cat  =)

[lori_m]

I have 2 herniated discs with pain shooting down my leg.  It's been going on for about 3 and a half years.  I used to go to the gym at least 3 times a day before the pain happened.  I also used to do yoga.  Now I just can't find the time or, more importantly, the energy.  I do go out and walk whenever I can.  Thanks for the advice! I will definitely try to restart my cardio program as soon as the withdrawal ends and my energy is back.

[lostsoul2]

I don't know what type of pain you have, but exercise works wonders if you are able.  Brisk walk if you can.  I always do the extreme and do weight-lifting, which is what led to my back problems in the first place, but it gives me a great rush and the natural endorphins kill most of the pain.  Some good cardio will do wonders, too.

[lori_m]

Thanks so much for your advice! I'm going to tell my husband to get bananas! hot baths and bananas don't sound bad at all!

[poetrygirl1960]

The potassium will help your legs.  Those hot baths are a such a life saver.

[confused456]

Hot baths, wrapping them, eat bananas!!
The potassium helps from the bananas.

[ohsosickntired]

hot baths...wrap legs in ace bandages...stay positive...try to move around a little...keep mind busy ...iam on day 4 pill free...it does get better

[lori_m]

So I read the Health pages and bought all the supplements in the Amino Acids page.  My creepy crawlies are really bad right now.  I feel like ripping my arms off and my legs are totally restless.  Can anyone give me any advice on how to feel better with this?

[lori_m]

I also like to add that I was never on this drug to chase a high.  I never felt intoxicated on this drug because I never took more than I had to.  I just feel physically dependent and this is really depressing!

[lori_m]

Hi everyone thanks for your responses.  I started tapering yesterday.  The withdrawal symptoms I felt in the last 6 months in the mornings are just symptoms you would feel if you forget a dose.  I would take one pill before bed so by the time I get up it would be 8 hours since the last dose so I would feel the symptoms.  I finally had enough of this because I don't like being dependent on anything.  I rather be in pain.  

I started tapering yesterday.  I started taking half a pill and would try to prolong the period of time being dosages.  I made it from 4 hours to 7 hours between dosages and was really proud of myself.  But the creepy crawley feeling was so bad.  I also felt very cold.  I don't have any stomach problems yet.

My dosage was 10-325 and I was taking 4 pills a day.

Anyone have advice on the creepy crawlies? I don't want to take any more drugs though although I've heard clonodine works for this.

[trinity358]

i am also a bit confused. if you are tapering off of them you should do it right before you quit for a week or so. since you were taking four a day your withdrawal shouldnt be that bad. i have been taking 5-6 a day for a year and a half and am on day 2. I am doing ok. if your doctor wants to support you in quitting ask what he can prescribe that is non addictive to help with the withdrawals. (lack of sleep, anxiety, etc.) really the worst part is over in 3-5 days. and taking 4 a day, i am curious why you wake up with withdrawal? are you having pain? maybe your back problem needs some kind of medication still... there are other pain killers out there to help like otc's but they just wont be as effective. try taking 2-3 advil or aleve when you wake up instead of the norco and postpone that until you need to leave the house and really function.....you can make it through a shower and getting dressed with a little discomfort. but good luck kicking the habit!

[worried878]

Tapering is not pain free...it can prolong the agony but can minimize the eventual WDs u will get when u totally quit...I did a quick taper and felt bad for about 4 days/like the flu/my main problem was the runs and just felt very tired/a mild headache as well...have had the flu that was worse...tapering was hard for me and felt wds while i was tapering..i had to get thru til my scheduled time off work..by the time that 10 days was over..i was so happy to just QUIT!  and get it over with...the thomas recipe in the health pages to the right is great and u can start those vitamins now...there is lots of useful info in there...good luck...keep posting...lots of support here

[confused456]

I am sorry, but can you give more info....like how many were you taking, I know its 4 now, but how many were you taking at your largest dose? How long have you been tapering? 6 months is a long time and you are still taking 4 a day, and I apologize but I am still confused on your exact intentions. I know you want to stop and I gather within 2 weeks is the time frame from what I have read. Am I correct and what symptoms are you having? There is the "Health Pages" in the top right of your screen and there is a lot of helpful information on Amino Acid's that help and there is also the Thomas Recipe if you stop cold turkey. Let us know exactly how we can help. Best of luck to you.

[confused456]

What kind of symptoms are you having?

[confused456]

bump