Hello community!
I've been reading on here for the past several weeks to build up my courage to stop taking Norco and Percoet. I'm on day 3 without any "killers." My biggest discomfort is the dizzy, spinning feeling in my head!
Some history.....
In June 2014, I injured my shoulder. Over a few months, I was prescribed Norco 10/325 and some Percocet 7.5/325 which didn't really help the shoulder, but I felt good! I took as prescribed for the most part. Then I ran out and felt awful. Back to doctor. Help me! Formulated a taper plan for a week. That didn't work so I asked for more. Dr. said no more and referred me to psychiatrist that could prescribe a medicine to help with withdrawal symptoms. I stopped cold turkey for a few weeks. But the craving was still there.....so I found someone who sold me their excess and I was feeling good......everyday for about 6 months. During that time I would take 6-8 a day, sometimes less and occasionally 10 a day. By then, those 6-8 weren't enough, so I tapered back over several weeks to 4 a day. I felt like crow everyday during that time.......no more euphoria, I just wanted to feel normal. About six weeks ago I tweaked my back. Went to a different doctor and got a muscle relaxer, naproxen and the golden prize - Norco 10/325! I made them last.....and even obtained a refill about 2 weeks ago.
Now - last week was tough and I took 6-8 a day. Then last Saturday, I only took one. Sunday was awful and I took 3. Monday I took 2.5 and Tuesday I took 1.5. I am four hours away from the 72 hour mark right now. I've been home all this week because I have a flu bug....that is my cover story. I've had some diarrhea but my dizzy spinning head is the worst. I'll be heading back to work on Monday.....that will be day 6. I hope this dizzy spinning sensation subsides by then....I prefer to lie down to abate the head feelings. I have kept busy, exercised, plenty of fluids, some vitamins and just plain distractions as much as possible. I've taken .5mg of Xanax at night to help with sleep (valid prescription from primary doctor).
Hoping that I am making some progress........I've learned my lesson for sure.
Thanks to all for posting your personal stories---very admirable and courageous! These are my inspiration to stop and move forward, back to my normal life.
-T