Norco withdrawl question

[Dmdm1]

I'm new to this forum thing so let me apologize first if I go on and on-
I developed a physical dependency to Norco 7.5 about 2 years ago. I was prescribed them by a doctor and didn't know the addiction that came along with them over long term use. I was taking up to 5 a day and needed it to "get my day started". I ran out early once and suffered hell on earth for 4 days until my prescription could be refilled. After that, I decided I needed to get off of them no matter what. I asked my doc to lower my dose and he gave me 5mg at 3 times a day. For the most part, I didn't abuse and take more but i didn't have the will power until recently to taper myself down. I went down to two a day for a few weeks and now I'm on day 3 of no meds. So I stopped completely from only 10 mg a day. I even got rid of the extras just in case the urge overwhelmed me. I do not feel as terrible as I did when I went cold turkey last time from the 7.5's but still feel very run down and just plain old blah. My shoulder pain is back full force but I'm learning to manage it with nothing, not even Tylenol. I started taking vitamin B complex about 1 1/2 months ago when I decided I was quitting. I've been drinking plenty of liquids and started walking again today to work my achy muscles. My questions are 1) am I doing the right things to fight my withdrawals? And is there any other advice not involving any other meds? 2) how long until I feel normal again? My mood is very down and even before the norco, I was always a bubbly talkative person, now i just don't want anyone to speak to me at all. The only physical side effects I'm having are the runs, achy body, the chills once in a while, and the feeling of just blah. The mood thing is what's bothering me the most. Thank you for taking the time to read this. :)

[Innerstrength67]

Congrats on your clean time. Everyones body is different so it's not easy to say when you will like your old self. Drugs damage our brain chemistry but also our spirit. This is my opinion. Everything takes time but your doing great by taking vitamins and staying hydrated. I hope you look into aftercare.

[LostNoMore]

You are doing good. The physical withdrawal symptoms will ease up day by day. Exercise will help get your body and mind back to normal. The opiates
have re-wired your pain receptors. it will take some time to get to feeling
back to normal.  Yoiu should get plenty of good protein. A good source of
protein and aminos is a whey protein shake, you can get it at walmart.
Good luck and take care.

[Star318]

I was the same way. I was a very happy, outgoing person.Once I really got hooked on the pills I didn't want to talk to anyone, just wanted to be left alone. I totally understand how you feel. I think that happens to many of us. My mistake, I thought you said you had mood issues before, sorry about that.
It will feel great to get that monkey off your back. If you don't have time for any kind of aftercare, there are so many people in this forum that will help you. Just keep us posted.

[Dmdm1]

Thank you all so much. I live in Tn and right we are having nice weather so I've been spending as much time as I can outside. I have been going to the tanning bed though just to relax and get warm! I didn't have an issue before the meds with my mood, I was always happy and loved being around people, now I just want everyone to leave me alone. That's the most bothersome. It's hard for me to do aftercare bc I'm a military wife and my husband is in drill school and I have two grade school children to take care of. The mental addiction I can overcome and I really didnt like the "high" i got anywas. it's the physcal dependency that's so hard. I think I will at least try the Imodium. Thank you all for your comments. :) I know I will beat this. It's going to be great having that monkey off my back.

[Star318]

You said you had issues with your mood even before you started the Norco. Part of the withdrawal symptoms is feeling depressed and anxiety. I know for me, I was already diagnosed with depression and anxiety and going through the w'd magnifies it. That's why aftercare is important. Therapy is a great option.

[Star318]

I think you are doing everything you can to overcome the w/d's on your own. Everyone is different so it could take 5 or more days to get through the physical withdrawals. The mental w/d's can last months/ years and the cravings will always be there. Look into aftercare. NA meetings, therapy, etc. that will help you stay clean. Good Luck!

[tomskat]

Sounds like you're doing all the right things. Personally I'd add Imodium for the diarrhea. Everyone is different...mood swings are part of the process. Couple weeks maybe? Depends. This sounds crazy but it works...I went to a tanning booth 3 times a week for 5 minutes only each time,not to tan but for the sunlamps and it made a huge difference!!! Not sure where you live...here it's snowy and cold. Stay strong,congrats on getting off them,and keep us posted!!