I have been taking up to 12 pills of Norco a day. I have been on this pain med for 4 years and my dose has had to increase to keep up with the pain relief. I am worried about taking my butran patch and tappering down without the withdrawl feelings. The dr. said that I should be able to use the norco for breakthrough pain but how did everyone else feel when they tappered down the norco. Did you get the withdrawls or were you able to maintain with just a few norco a day. Just got the patch and I am worried about starting it until i understand what my withdrawl will feel like. Have severe spine problems and want to avoid surgery but trying to keep from letting the norco run my life. Can anyone help me with information about how many norco's are safe to take when on the patch?