energy with norco

[nessamilagros]

I have been diagnose with fibromyalgia two an half years ago....and thanks to the wonderful Doctor that is treating me I am 90% better with medication, I take several but one of them is Gabapentin wich helps the left part of my brain work better and block the pain and this combine with Norco, my question is....why does Norco give so much! energy and trust me no complain about this, because as well is noun besides the pain that fibromyalgia causes which is horrendous, fatigues is another one and both of those simptons combine can put you in bed crying your eyes out even your soul at least that is how I was feeling for the longest time and ofcourse if you are in these stage of physical and mental pain and exhaustion my kids were paying the prise of my fibromyalgia cause I made there life miserable with my horrible bad mood and complains about how I was feeling, I have heard that Norco makes you very sleepy but for me if I don't take it in the morning I am extremely tired during the day, can you please explain to me if this is true, I know is diferent with every body, but as soon as I take it my energy level goes high and I am in a better mood and I only take 5-325MG 4 times a day, I do not want to became indicted to them but at this point I am probably already addicted, even thoug gabapentini has taken care of the pain 80% does not take care of the fatigue and exhaustion due to the fibromyalgia and the only thing that helps this is Norco and I have try other energy drinks over the counter and nothing works but why I fill energy an other ones go to sleep? sorry for this log kind of questions but I am still trying to figure out how to battle this illness and not take so much meds? can you please help understand more? and maybe give other alternatives? but like I said my doctor is wonderful thanks to him I am able to function again and have a normal life and my irritation, angriness and bad mood are gone.

sincierly

MILAGROS

[Tuckamore]

Hello Nessamilagros,

I am glad that you found us and took the time to post - no it's not too long nor does it have too many questions, it's just fine. Welcome to our supportive Pain Management Forum.

I'm delighted you have found adequate pain management. That eludes some of us and we're always glad when someone is comfortable and functioning. What a blessing right?

First let me assure you that you are not addicted. There's a huge difference between addiction and dependent. Addiction is a neurobiological disease that has genetic, psychosocial, and environmental factors. It is often characterized by one or more of the following behaviors:

Little or no control over the drug use
Compulsive narcotic use
Continued use of the narcotic regardless of physical, mental and/or social harm
Taking narcotics more frequently or a higher dose than prescribed
Doctor shopping
Ingesting drugs in ways other than directed
Frequent reports of prescriptions being lost or stolen.
A deep craving for the drug
Using multiple pharmacies to fill narcotic prescriptions

People that are dependant on narcotic to control their chronic pain will not exhibit the above behaviors. However don't confuse true addiction with pseudo-addiction. Pseudo-addiction may occur when CP is not being treated adequately. That doesn't describe you according to your post.

Like most Chronic Pain Patients your body is probably dependent. Sadly the body doesn't know the difference and if you were to stop opiates your body would experience withdrawal just like an addict - that still doesn't make you an addict. So please don't be concerned about that.

I have been on Norco (Hydrocodone) for a number of years. I also get a bit of energy from it. A number of years ago I was told by someone on MedHelp that the "energy" meant I was getting high from the drug and probably didn't need it. I asked my PMP and she laughed. She assured me that was not the reason it gave me energy and that indeed I did need PM.

I think Remar gave you an excellent response and hit the nail on the head. I know after years of being on Hydrocodone and a lesser dose than I've ever been on - I don't get "high" from the opiate. Unless I'm in such excruciating pain I can't think (and an average dose of Morphine wouldn't touch it) I do get a burst of energy. I think it's just the way my body responds to the opiate - and I think its the way your body responds to the opiate also.

Our bodies respond differently to medications. For example I wish Gabapentin would help my nerve pain - No!! I take Lyrica and it's a life savor - but it's so very expensive, unlike Gabapentin. But it works for you. That's one of the reason there are so many different drugs with very similar actions.

I'm sure other members will add their opinions - these are just mine. I hope you'll be active in the community and I hope we'll hear from you often. My best to you.

Take Care,
~Tuck

[remar]

Hi, and welcome to the Pain Forum.
I'm glad to hear you're feeling so much better. You're right. We're all different and can respond to medications differently.
It could be that since you're close to pain free you have a lot more energy. Or, it could be the medication. I've heard of some medications that would normally make a person tired, making other people not be able to sleep, cause anxiety or give them energy.
You will find that this is a wonderful forum with very caring and knowledgeable members. I'm sure some of our other members should be able to explain why the Norco is giving you energy.