What is Norco Withdrawal?
Norco is a narcotic pain reliever. It is a combination of acetaminophen and hydrocodone. It is usually prescribed to people suffering from severe pain. It works by affecting the neurotransmitters in the brain; it relaxes and curbs the sensation of pain. However, this feeling of relaxation and calm may cause people to use it as a recreational drug. People first get dependent on it which gradually changes to narcotic addiction. Hence, when a person stops the intake of it the brain cannot cope with its sudden absence and reacts in a certain way. This is known as norco withdrawal or narcotic withdrawal.
Norco Withdrawal Symptoms
- Anxiety
- Muscle and bone pain
- Muscle spasm
- Diarrhea
- Increased sensitivity to pain
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal pain
- Irritability
- Cravings
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Yawning
- Dilated pupils
- Runny nose
- Chills tearing
- Insomnia
- Weakness
- Restlessness
- Sweating
Assessment
- Patient’s medical background must be checked thoroughly.
- Lab tests must be run to know the toxins affecting the body.
- The dosage and frequency in which the drug is taken must be known.
- The period for which the medication has been taken must be known.
- Underlying reasons for the use of the drug could be brought to light by talki8ng top a psychiatrist.
Treatment
- Method of treatment should be chosen according to the conditional behavior of the patient.
- Detox must be undertaken in detox centres rather than at home to ensure proper treatment.
- Rehabilitation programs that have a proper step by step organization must be undertaken.
- Group therapy is advisable to motivate and encourage the individual to give up on the addiction.
- Medication that helps to deal with the symptoms, such as suboxone and clonidine can be given to the patient.
- Methadone and buprenorphine are medications that produce the same effect as norco, but they lose their effect after certain number of doses. These can be given to the patient as alternatives to norco, while gradually tapering the intake of it.
- It is better to gradually lower the intake of the drug rather than stopping its use suddenly, so as to avoid adverse effects on health.
Prevention
- Avoid use of the drug unless it has been prescribed.
- Avoid its use in amounts other than those that have been prescribed.
- Do not consume the medication with any other substances.
- Gradually reduce the use of the medication rather than stopping its use suddenly.
How long does it take to detox from norco?
The timeline for withdrawal from narcotics depends on the dosage of the drug and the period for which the drug has been used. Time taken for detox therefore varies from person to person. However, the withdrawal symptoms usually last for about 6 weeks and may continue even after the detoxification is complete. It is important to keep the patient under supervision for the first 24 hours.
