Norco Taper

[SACI82]

I was prescribed Generic Norco 10/325 1 to 2 tablets every 4-6 hrs for pain associated with a severe abdominal infection after being hospitalized. My situation is complicated by several medical conditions (a rare blood disorder that causes my neutrophils to drop very low and leaves me weak and susceptible to infections as well as high blood pressure). I have been on the Norco since being hospitalized mid June 2010. After finally getting my white blood cell count and infections under control in late August I decided that I was done with the pain meds. I thought nothing of it since I have taken vicodin off and on for other pain issues and never had any dependency symptoms. Within 5 hours of stopping the Norco I had severe abdominal cramping, hot/cold flashes, anxiety and irritability that made me want to jump out of my skin and restless legs to the point of running circles in my house. I never took the max dose (as of August I was taking 1 every 4 hours and 1 extra tablet at bedtime if the pain was bothersome).  
I tired to talk to my prescribing doctor and she said for me to take clonidine 0.1mg (1 tablet) every 8 hours and taper down the Norco by extending each dose by 15 minutes each time. By the time I reached 1 tablet every 7 to 8 hours the withdrawal symptoms have returned full force with the anxiety and restless leg symptoms becoming unmanageable. I spoke to my PCP who prescribed Klonopin 1mg every 8 hours for 3  days and then she wants me to taper off of that. So far the klonopin has done nothing for the freaking out and even less for the restless leg symptoms.
I have several questions -
1) should the clonidine and klonopin be reserved only for when I finally stop my taper or used as part of the taper?
2) is there some magic order in which you should take these combinations of drugs to keep all the withdrawal symptoms at bay?
3) are slow tapers better? What would a reasonable taper schedule look like to keep withdrawal symptoms at a minimum? (I have a 2 year old son that I must care for and can't be running around the house anxious when needing to bathe him and feed him!)
4) my PCP told me that it might be best to seek out a suboxone doctor. Does anyone have experience with that kind of a program? What are thoughts on such a program? Am I still setting myself up for more withdrawal symptoms?
5) if Idecide to taper by myself, can the generic norco be cut in half to create 2  5/187.5 doses? Is it best to taper by time (leaving dosage intact) or by MG (cutting up doses) or both?
I am so sorry for the volume of info and questions but I am so shocked and scared and uncomfortable. I never thought that I would/could become physically dependent on medicines if I took them as prescribed. Shows how naive I was. This is absolute H*LL!
Thanks for any advice!

[janet19]

I am taking suboxone. I am on day 17 or 18 and I am doing great. I was better after my first 2 doses. It takes withdrawal away quick. I feel really good right now I am coming off vicodin and somas I was taking up to 25 of each everyday. I did the cold turkey thing and made it throught the withdrawals. I was actually 4 mos. clean and the dope sickness feeling never went away and was sure i was going to relapse bad if I didn't try the suboxone. Keep in mind you are still getting a narcotic. If I could of done it I would of not taken it. They are suppose to be withdrawals from it. I have heard some horror stories and also some successful stories of withdrawal. Of  course I have never tried to stop taken it. I choose it because it sounded promising for me. I think it is up to the individual. Your doctor should be able to tell you how to find a suboxone dr. Remember it is always better to be completely clean. But it is used for opiate withdrawals and you can stay on it from a short period to several yrs. I got hooked on painkillers because of chronic pain. I have to say I have no pain since I have been taking it. I am already setting up a aftercare program so I can build a good base of a healthier lifestyle when I come off the suboxone.  I am attending NA and love the support of the fellowship. I am not planning on staying on it for longer than I need too. Good luck to you. WD can be terrible, something like a bad flu. There are some things that others used to get through the withdrawals on is called the Thomas Recipe which I believe can be found in the health section of this forum. Plus some other stuff natural supplements that can help. I am sure another member will hop in here soon who knows more about that stuff.

[gnarly_1]

HI and welcome to the forum....well you have found yourself in the same place as many of us
first off relax you came to a good place to do this there are several schools of thought on how to break free from this tapering is one option but it sorta draws out the withdrawals and requires a lot of discipline to do...thats why so many choose to just go cold turkey and jump and get it over with in about 4 days you will feel better....your habit dosent justafie sub its for more of the chronic abuser that has tried repeatedly to get clean and failed so scratch the sub....the withdrawals from that are a lot worst to....no tapering can not eliminate your withdrawals it can only lessen the severity but again it come with the price of having to go thew mild withdrawals over a longer period of time...we no longer post taper plans in the open forum I do know a good one and I will send it to you via our messenger so check your e/mail in a few minutes ...we can also prepare you to go threw a detox if you would like...you may want to try hot baths for the withdrawals your getting now keep posting and give me a few for that taper plan  good luck and God bless...Gnarly