addiction (I hope not)

Question

I've been taking 3-4 vicodin nightly before bed for 3 years, so I can sleep without pain. 5/500.. I read all of these posts about becoming addicted and I wondered if I was. I have severe back pain and rehumatoid arthritis. I noticed about a month ago they didn't seem to alleviate any of the pain so I just stopped taking them. I didn't feel any different after stopping the pills as I did when I was taking them. (approx 45 days pill free) I keep myself from taking them during the day because I want them to work at bed time. They just stopped working!! I told my doc they were'nt working and I needed something stronger so I could rest at bedtime. He prescribed norco 10/325.. I'm 56 y.o. male and very seldom take a pill in the daytime unless the pain is terrible. I just deal with it.. Does anyone think I will have a problem with addiction if I take these pills in the same manner?? I don't want to become dependent on anything. Thanks Steve

Bearclaw2 · Answer

I don't understand, you stopped the pills for 45 days and didn't feel any different, then you asked your doc for something stronger? Vicodin & Norco are the same drug, your doc just upped the dosage from 5 to 10.

Lottie793 · Answer

Thanks for responding to my post..

Lottie793 · Answer

Thanx.. for your comment.. Steve

overopiates · Answer

U seem to have control over ur intake u luckily arent even physically dependant which is a blessing.I wouldnt worry.Ur proactive as well coming here to ask.U may wanna take just2of the 10mg at first to c if they help at night instead of automatically doubling ur dose.If the2dont work then go up on ur dose.U should b proud of urself for watching out for addiction like u do and being responsable

SuperRickHenry · Answer

YOU ARE 56 AND CAN CONTROL WHAT YOU TAKE.  YOU COULD BE ADDICTED IN A MILD MANOR JUST TAKE AS PRESCRIBED.. THEY WILL UP YOUR MEDS OVER TIME CAUSE THEY DO CEASE TO HELP AND YOUR BRAIN NEEDS MORE... IF IT'S MAKING YOUR LIFE HELL THEN TALK TO DOCTOR.. SOME OF US NEED THEM AND SOME DONT.  DONT WORRY FIRST OF ALL... THATS THE WORST THING YOU CAN DO AND TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT CONCERNS... I THINK YOU CAN HANDLE THE MEDICINE AND SOME NEED IT.  I FOR ONE DID NOT AFTER AWHILE AND TOOK ALOT AND OUT OF CONTROL.. DIFFERENT FROM YOU BUT DON'T WORRY.. YOU SEEM IN CONTROL.. YOUR FRIEND RICK

Lottie793 · Answer

Thanks Minn for  the encouraging words and advice.. I'll try the new pills and see how they work.. Have a great day..

minn66 · Answer

Hi and welcome to the forum! I am a chronic pain patient too. The same thing happened to me with hydrocodone. For a while my prescribed dose worked but then it started taking more and more meds to get relief. Quite honestly, it scared me how much it was starting to take for relief and I didn't like being that dependent on anything. I stopped taking them in November. I did go through withdrawal. 

I don't think you are necessarily addicted if you are only taking as prescribed and not for a buzz or to cope. In other words, you don't crave them mentally. However, our bodies do build up a tolerance. 

How did you feel when you weren't taking any meds? Have you talked to your doctor about alternate ways to relieve the pain? For example, I go to physical and massage therapy, get trigger point injections, and use home TENS and traction units. You may find you can do without the meds. 

Good luck and God bless, 

Minn :)