Need advice coming off of Norco please

[Alicia420]

Ok so I've been taking 25-30mg of norco/day for about the last 4 months. I recently started taking two 10/325 and one 5/325 together to cut down on the acetaminophen intake. I work 3rds and I do this once a day at around 3-4am.
I'll go about two days sometimes without taking any just to have a break. However my withdraw symptoms have worsened now because I've been taking them for a while like this.
I went two days without them and started back yesterday AM around 3:30am. The two days without them sucked to say the least. I was having restless legs which was very uncomfortable. Nausea a lot of anxiety. Numb lips and having out of body experiences at times. I do have Xanax and I take a half mg about twice a day, it helps a little. I've been very moody. Well I want to quit and I don't want to take them this morning.
I know I just have to suck it up but how long does the worst of the symptoms last going cold turkey? I just need some support and maybe a little advice on what I can do to ease the discomfort especially with my restless legs. Thanks!

 

[T. Calderone]

When you decide to stop them altogether, it would be better to schedule a couple days off from your job if you can. The worst withdrawals should be done with in 3 to 5 days, maybe sooner because your dose is pretty small. You've already gotten a preview what it will feel like from going two days without. So you're already real close to getting there. I might suggest also on the days you are dosing, to just take 10 or 15 mg.

Some things you can use to alleviate your symptoms are clonidine which many people find helpful for restless legs. It's good you have benzos, but try not to use them for more than a couple weeks because you don't want to get dependent on them. They are useful for sleep so try not to take them during the day. You may also get diarrhea so loperamide (immodium) is good to have around if that happens.

I took this from our Sober Living section that entails addiction, withdrawals and post-acute withdrawals (PAWS)
http://www.bluelight.org/vb/threads/672623-Addiction-Guide
Feel free to visit our Recovery Support sub forum and you'll find support from many people going through the same thing you are.

Also when you have time, you can read through the Opiate Withdrawal Mega Thread. It has very useful information for you:
http://www.bluelight.org/vb/threads/569872-The-Opioid-Withdrawal-Megathread-and-FAQ?

Let us know how you're doing and know that you're not alone!