HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Experiencing Withdrawal Symptoms. Stopped Taking Narcotics. What Do You Suggest?

default
Posted on Thu, 25 Apr 2013
Question: Hi there,

I had a serious shoulder injury and was taking close to 20mg a day of norco, for the past three years. I did not want to be a slave to pain medication, so I decided to quit cold XXXXXXX It has now been two months, and I am still getting returning waves of the physical withdrawal symptoms. I get bouts of nausea, and lightheadness, panic attacks, the chills, exhaustion, etc. Is this normal? I have never had any of these symptoms before I quit. The symptoms seem to come on randomly, and last for a little while, and sometimes go away for weeks. It is so strange. I have already seen a neurologist, cardiologist, and my primary care doctor, and they said everything looks perfect. Any information would be much appreciated.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Prasad Akole (10 minutes later)
Dear friend, welcome and thanks for entrusting your query here at Healthcaremagic!
I am Dr. Prasad Akole (Critical Care Expert- http://bit.ly/Dr-Prasad-Akole) and am glad to address to your query here.

Let me congratulate you on deciding to quit narcotics! It is half the battle won.

Norco contains the narcotic hydroxycodone which can be addicting and cause withdrawal symptoms on stopping after prolonged use.

You are right in guessing it to be withdrawal (cold turkey).

If you feel really embarrassed and medical help is not coming your way, you may consider socializing, getting help from a clinical psychologist or a rehabilitation service in your area.
It helps.

You may be evaluated by the professional and may be put on some substitute and then withdraw gradually to avoid severe withdrawal symptoms.

I hope to have answered your query satisfactorily. I would be glad to answer any further queries. Please ask for any clarifications before closing and rating this query.
Take care and please keep me informed of your progress at http://bit.ly/Dr-Prasad-Akole
Good Luck! Thank you!!

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Prasad Akole (12 hours later)
Thank Dr.,

So it is normal that these symptoms still come and go, even though it has been 2 months? Like I said, I have seen a cardiologist, neurologist, etc. Thanks so much.

doctor
Answered by Dr. Prasad Akole (9 hours later)
the symptoms are going away for weeks in between. It can not be due to some other disease.

It may be just anxiety and panic.
For neurological and systemic symptoms, you need to consult a clinical psychologist or a counselor and sometimes a physician to manage withdrawal.

I hope there is no shoulder pain, swelling, immobility there.

Have a strong will to overcome this minor problem. Do not worry. You will feel fine.
Take care.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Prasad Akole

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :1996

Answered : 961 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Experiencing Withdrawal Symptoms. Stopped Taking Narcotics. What Do You Suggest?

Dear friend, welcome and thanks for entrusting your query here at Healthcaremagic!
I am Dr. Prasad Akole (Critical Care Expert- http://bit.ly/Dr-Prasad-Akole) and am glad to address to your query here.

Let me congratulate you on deciding to quit narcotics! It is half the battle won.

Norco contains the narcotic hydroxycodone which can be addicting and cause withdrawal symptoms on stopping after prolonged use.

You are right in guessing it to be withdrawal (cold turkey).

If you feel really embarrassed and medical help is not coming your way, you may consider socializing, getting help from a clinical psychologist or a rehabilitation service in your area.
It helps.

You may be evaluated by the professional and may be put on some substitute and then withdraw gradually to avoid severe withdrawal symptoms.

I hope to have answered your query satisfactorily. I would be glad to answer any further queries. Please ask for any clarifications before closing and rating this query.
Take care and please keep me informed of your progress at http://bit.ly/Dr-Prasad-Akole
Good Luck! Thank you!!