I've been on Norco for about 3 yrs now and my doctor suddenly has an adversion to calling my prescription in on time. I realize that it's not good to be on pain killers long term so please spare me the lectures, but when you suffer with chronic pain and do not wish to have surgery it's really the only option. I'm just worried that she's going to cut me off cold and I dont know what the side effects of that would be or if its safe to be cut off without a gradual step-down. I guess what i need to know is whats the protocol for getting off pain killers safely?