Stopping Norco 10/325

[Thrill96]

Wanted to ask the experts (or the people who've been there, done that) about my situation.  I've been on 10/325 Norco for about 18 months.  I was on about 6-7 a day for the first 12 months, then about 5 a day for a few months and lately taking about 4 a day (past month or so).  Over the last week, I've only taken about 2-3 a day.  I'm not feeling any w/d issues, but really want to stop altogether.  I have a feeling when I stop altogether, the wd's will kick in.  So...should I get another refill and limit myself to 2 a day for a week or two, then 1 a day, etc?  Should I try the Subox route (I already made an appt with a dr for Thu morning).  Should I call my regular prescibing dr and get his advice?  The last time I was in, he prescribed the Norco and UltramER (I told him I wanted to taper off Norco, so he said to alternate back and forth with these two).  I haven't tried the Ultram yet as the Norco works great. I am 45, male and in very good shape.  I just had a full body physical (blood, xrays, cat scan for heart, ekg, etc. and all came back great.  I am married and have a great life (great wife and kids, great job, etc)...but feel like I have this dirty, little secret noboy knows (not even my wife).  She hasn't a clue I've been popping pain meds for a year and a half---so I'm ready to quit and focus on working out, my family and my career.  Any advice would be great.

[worried878]

Sounds like u just need to let go

easier said than done and requires letting go of all pills in ur house and any refills u might have..often requires telling ur dr or ur dealer that u quit as well

Letting go completely is not easy///but it is the only way u can be free

good luyck to u

[this_big]

Hey..Welcome

Physical withdraws typically mimic a bad case of the flu. Including: Cold sweats, aches and pains, diarrhea, headache ,nausea, your typical nasty flu feeling with added anxiety, depression, insomnia. I'm probably forgetting some..lol.. Its just an overall crappy feeling.Its a little different for everyone. Time of use and the amount you take daily make a difference in the severity.

Have you ever tried to stop? Whats your daily dose? Are you abusing them?

Hope this helps good luck.

[john3011]

I would like to know what the withdraw symptoms are? I have been on them 10/325 Norco for about 4 years. (For my back). I am so tired of letting the meds run my life, as I suffer from anxiety, panic attacks too.
John

[this_big]

It sounds like you've tapered down quite well and its working for you. If you can continue to do so..you should!! At least till the point you start to feel withdraw symptoms. Then just jump off.(quit cold turkey) With your dose and time of use, your symptoms should be fairly mild. Everyone is different though.

As far as the sub DR appt....I would cancel it. Suboxone and Methadone is used to help HEAVY heroin and opiate abusers. Your dose is by no means heavy. And the fact that you have been able to lower your dose over the past couple months on your own tells me you have extreme willpower. Most of us are unable to lower our dose on our own. Over months/years our dose only increases. Tapering is just impossible. Plus alot (not all) of the sub Drs are just in it for the money and can drag out the whole process. Be careful. Also be careful with the Ultram. They say its not addictive, but many members here will disagree. I have read some horror stories with that stuff. And that the withdraws are WAY worse than opiate withdraws...Just a thought.

  I will tell you cold turkey is totally doable. I was taking upwards of 25-10/500 lortabs(norco, vicoden, hydrocodone, all the same) a day. Im now 80 days clean. Though not easy...it CAN be done. And stay away from the Sub and ultram. Just my opinion..I hope this was helpful. Best of luck with whatever you decide.

[livngr8ful]

Why are you taking them?  To help pain or to get loaded?  It makes a difference.  Tell you whole story with out the secrets.  We know them all  so dont worry about judgment.  Dont sugar coat this, it may be bigger than you think.