Anyone have any advice for a dear friend that's become dependant on Vicadin?

nat · #1 (**permalink**) 12-09-2008, 09:09 PM

He was prescribed vicadin and then stepped up to Norco for an injury that had to be operated on. He hates the side effects of the Norco (Vicadin without the Acedomenaphin added) and he decided to stop taking it, but he goes through withdrawl symptoms that are absolutely insane. It has become evident that he is definintely physically dependent on it now. His moods are completely out of wack anymore, he feels depressed, panicky, and incapable of the kind of happiness he is used to feeling.He stopped taking it yesterday after talking with another person that went through 2 years of this and suffered about a thousand times more (my friend has only been on it for under 3 months). He has been going through bad withdrawl.Does anyone know how long the withdrawl will last until he's back to normal? Any other info/advice? Thanks.FYI: His dosage was 6 of the large white Norco pills per day for 2 1/2 months.

versantly · #2 (**permalink**) 12-10-2008, 01:18 AM

enjoy or seek treatment.

Bigeyes · #3 (**permalink**) 12-13-2008, 05:20 AM

He needs help really bad. The with drawl symptoms might win in the end...Did you ever watch the program INTERVENTION? You need to find some one from a detox center that will be willing to help him...Prayer is also good medicine...LOL

DEANA K♥ · #4 (**permalink**) 12-13-2008, 05:46 AM

wow! that's a very high dosage! maybe he should talk to a doctor before going cold turkey! i was in a severe accident with numerous broken bones and my dosage was only 2 5/500 vicodin a day!

stef_leppard · #5 (**permalink**) 12-14-2008, 02:31 AM

Sounds like he was prescribed too much of one of those. He should seek treatment for dependency. This is serious. I've taken Vicodin on a couple of occassions, years apart, and doctors are very careful about how much is prescribed because of its addictive properties.

~Sheila~ · #6 (**permalink**) 12-14-2008, 08:04 PM

For starters you are going to have to be very strong and encourage him to do this. If he is able to do this on his own, it will be wonderful but most patients that get addicted to prescription meds end up having to go to a treatment center. He should discuss this with his doctor. His doctor can give him something called Methadone. It is mostly used for heroine addicts but it is used to get patients off the Vicodin&Norco as well.Normally the 2nd&3rd day of withdrawals is the worse. He will have cravings and be extra cranky. He will feel a tightening in his arms as if he is having muscle spasms (actually it will be muscle spasms) because his body is used to having it. He should be a lot better by the 4th day, especially since he has only been taking it a short time.Good Luck&God Bless