Taper down or cold turkey

[ceewee]

I woke up at 2:15am today and decided today is the day to stop my Norco addiction.  I have an appointment with my doctor to get my migraine medicine renewed and I came across an article saying that Clonidine can be used to treat migraines and to ease withdrawal symptoms.  My question is, should I try to quit the Norco cold turkey knowing I will still need migraine medicine or should I ask for Clonidine and tell my doctor the truth of why I'm asking for it?  I have enough Norco to be able to taper down for a week or two if that will make this process any eaiser.  I am actually more concered about the headaches and physical symptoms that I am the mental.  I will be asking you all for much support these next days and I thank in advance anyone who takes the time to respond to me.  Thanks

[ceewee]

Thanks for the reply.  I actually went in to see my GP yesterday and when I told her I wanted to know a safe way to stop taking Norco she actually said, just take less pills for a week and then stop completely.  She had no desire to help me at all with this process and when I tried to get her to look at a new pain in my stomach, she said I should just go see the surgeron who did my hip operation July 1st because it was probably related to that.  I'm so discouraged.  She is not the doctor who prescribes my Norco, I get that from my Rhumatologist (sorry for the poor spelling) maybe thats why she doesnt' care and doesn't want to get involved.  I'm just going to try to spread out the time between doses and then maybe start cutting them in half.  I don't know.

[vicki595]

If you're still having a lot of pain,it will be difficult to quit the pills. Pain is a huge trigger for use. I suggest definitely speaking with your doctor and be very honest.
It's not neccessary to taper,you can just stop and get the withdrawal over with. The clonidine will help !!
Ask the doctor for a different,milder pain med so at least you're off the norco.

Good luck!
Vicki

[ceewee]

Thanks for the advice.  I had my other hip surgery July 1st and I still have so much pain I can't stop taking the Norco 10/325.  They found I also had 2 tears in my tendon which they sewed but I9 days later and I'm still struggling to walk with a cane instead of crutches.  I have enough pills left of the 10 and the 5's to taper down before I quit, I just don't know the safe and effective way to do it.  I left a message in the ask a pharmacist area, maybe someone will answer me.  I hope you and I stick with this and that we both succeed.  I want my life back and to not looked drugged all the time around people.  Good luck.  Keep me updated on your progress and I will do the same.  I'll post again after I talk to my doctor.. '

[ilvmakindolls]

I also suffer migraines and take propranolol which keeps my blood pressure on the extreme low side already.  If you really want to quit, tell your doctor.  I am sure he or she will understand and help you.  I know I am really scared to quit because of the withdrawal and even the mental issues I know I will have afterwards.  I take my pain medicine for pain and not for the high...but I love the "get up and go" effect it has on me.  I do feel it is time to just do it....so I am going to call my Doctors office and ask them for advice...
I do think you should talk to your Doctor and tell him or her what you are feeling.  It is the best and they will help you!  Good luck!