Been on Fiorinal/cod 30mg cap.

[laysea]

Hi I am a 37 yr old female married with kids and I was in a car accident over 3 yrs ago which got me on my roller coaster ride with pain meds, I started on vicodin es for about 2 yrs then they stopped working then started on fiorinal/cod for the past year and I take these on a daily basis and find myself taking them even when I don't have any pain, I try to stop but start getting a headache so end up taking one. I know I am addicted but am afraid to stop. does this certain med damage your liver, kidneys, heart and so on. I don't know what to do. My doc was out of the office for 2 weeks and I ran out so I seen his associate and he refused to refill my meds so I found another doctor who did. I feel terrible about this, I also see the same doc and he freely gives me 60 pills at a time usually with 2 refills, his associate was so rude to me, he told me I needed rehad to get counsleing and just his attitude twards me, he is very strict on giving out pain meds so he said I should have known better than to ask him. Is the best way to stop is to cut down slowly or go cold turkey? I don't think I could handle just stopping is that a professional way to get someone off these meds when they have been on them for years on a daily basis. I just need some advice on the best way to kick this habbit, I don't feel just taking the pills away at once is right but I could be wrong. any info you can give me is appreciated.          Thank You
                         Laysea

[TrayCee]

FYI-  this thread is 6 years old, none of these people are here anymore.

[michellelee1]

they make a drug valled suboxone to help you get off pain pills I so took it to get off adderall....they drug test you before they give you it so there is no way to lie....I've been clean for almost 3 years by using suboxone at the lowest dose...help is always there....you just need to want it.

[LinnieSue]

Hi, I was on vacation.....month in Key West........I'm still taking fiorinal but I have the Dr. appt. tomorrow. I think the one you have been seeing. Hope I can taper with her help.
thanks for posting....................we all need feedback.

                           Linnie

[Kat49]

To everybody - Miss you all so much! I can't believe all the changes in the forum. It's so frustrating! We need this to "talk" back & forth to help us get and stay clean. I've been through the most difficult time in my life this past week with the death of one of my dearest friends. I have had all kinds of emotions and have, once again, started taking fiorinal - but no more than 4/day. Today, I haven't had any and it's been about 18 hrs. JR you sound like you've stuck with the plan all along. So glad to hear from you. Dancing, I can't believe you can buy anything in Canada w/codeine!!!! Don't they regulate how much you buy? I hope LinnieSue and Golden are also doing fine. Golden, sounds like the fiorinal just doesn't want to lose its hold on you. I hope your headaches have improved because I have no problem with taking 1 or 2 for a "mother". Like Pilot said, "if ya gotta take one, ya gotta take one". I hope this thread doesn't reach the max or we'll have to start a new one. After all, we have a new member to the "F Club" and we have to help her, too. I guess I'll have to dig into the checkbook and make a donation, if that's the problem. I personally haven't been emailed with a solicitation, but others have and I would rather give it here than somewhere else. Everyone, keep in contact no matter which thread we have to use! I've scrolled up and down for the last 2 days and looked for all of you. This is so sad! Kat

[The Golden Slipper]

HI

LinnieSue- Welcome back and good luck with your doctor appt. I really think you will find some help.

To everyone else let's just keep posting and I guess opening new threads if we have to.  I am going to make a donation and feel it is worth it to help out this forum. Not only us (fioricet addicts) but every other addict/alcoholic who comes here for help.

Just to update you - I am having a very rough day today.  I am suffering from constant headaches and am so tempted to take a fioricet. I am trying so hard to stay clean but this stuff is really hard to get off of.  I also feel like I have no self-confidence anymore without the pills.  I know how crazy this sounds but that is just how I feel today. I feel like I am constantly messing up in work and am afraid I will get fired.  I am probably exagerating but it seems very real to me.  I think JR is right that it really takes a few months for this **** to be out of your system.  I stopped taking it on November 22nd so that would put me at almost 2 months.

JR - Glad to hear you are doing well, it does get tougher as your taper gets lower but please keep up the good fight you have done so well.  

Anyone who may have relapsed we want to hear from you too.  Relapse is a part of recovery.  Please post and let us know how you are.

[FiorinalJR]

Oh my God!  Kat, Goolden Slipper, Dancing and everyone.  It's so good to "hear" from you!  I have been trying to post in the "Fioricet Addiction" thread, and like you all could not.  I can't believe this!  I guess we all need to contribute some $$$$.  I just hope that it will be enough.  Seems to me they could dump some of the archives to make room for more current posts, but who knows?

I hope you are all doing well.  I'm down to 6/day, soon to be 5.  Even with the Neurontin, it's getting tough.  We NEED each other!  Let's hope we can continue to post.  FOr now, let's post here.

Take care, and think positive!    JR

[laysea]

Hi all I have read all the post, I have pretty good control of how many I take a day, no more than 6 but I don't always take 6 a day but I have to confess if I have other drugs like vicodin es or darvocet which I recently got after my surgery I take them too so my firional will last longer. They don't really do for me what my firional with cod does but it's like it makes me feel at ease to know I have some sort of pill to take. I know that sounds crazy. I really don't know if I can get off these pills, I wake up drink my coffee then take a pill within an hour of being up. I see my regular doc wednesday and I don't know what the other jerk has told him about me beings this doc knows nothing about me but he is strict on giving out narcotics. He told me he was going to have a talk with my doc when he got back I'm just praying to God that he doesn't just take the pills away and make me go cold turkey, I have to say he's not the best doc in the world he is good for colds and handing out drugs, he was my drug man and that's about it. I have to tell all what this other doc told me about firional/cod when I asked him to refill it, he said he would give me firocit but with no codeiene, he said the firocit wasn't that addicting so he would give me that but of course I got upset and never filled that script because it wasn't my fir/cod I figured it would do nothing for me without the codeiene. I guess I am addicted to both drugs in this pill. God help me, and all of us. I don't want to keep rambling but I am scared to quit and I do like the way the pills make me feel, how did this happen to me. any help is appreciated. thank you
                               laysea

[feelsobad]

Your in the same situation most all of us have fallen into. It never fails that just when you seem to have a doctor prescribing what you want. The bottom falls out. It's the neverending struggle to find, secure and discretly buy the meds. Tell the doctors and pharmacist anything just to keep from running out. But we always run out. Thats when the addiction rears it ugly head, withdrawals. That is our true addiction. It's a viscous cycle of warmth, that fades with time to just taking pills to feel normal. We will go to the ends of the earth, hell and back to get our fix. Anything to keep withdrawals at bay. I've even had unessessary surgeries to keep an "ailment" to justify my use.
One day it just gets to be be too much to lose pieces of you as you lie and theive to get what you want. It finally gets to the piont that you have to throw in the towel and get through  wd's. so you can gain your life and self esteem back. And as you move further away from the fog you realize all the B.S. you thougt was so convencing wasn't at all. Many inocent bystanders get hurt by our selfishness.
You aren't on a very high dose, compared to some around here. You ought to do yourself and your kids a favor, quit before your habit doubles and triples. Not for a better high but because the pills will betray you. When you start having to take 25 or 30 a day your brain and body will go through much worst detoxification. Severity of wd's can usually be gaged by how much and how long you have used. You will definatly get off easier now than on farther down this rocky road of addiction.
You can do it. We will all be here for you. There are plenty of people on here that have weathered this and come out on the other side a different person.

You go girl!!
feelsobad

[dancinginthedark]

Laysea - I too am addicted to fiorinal & am now 3 wks. clean of the codeine. My doc has been slowly decreasing my fiorinal but gave me Tylenol 3's to supplement...? (smart  for an addict, huh?) Also, I live in Canada where we can buy tylenol with codeine over the counter & did I buy!  4 of those equals what you get in a T3 or Fiorinal w/codeine.  I was taking huge amts.

The codeine is NOT hard to get off of. Unlike bultabital, codeine is OUT of your system in 24-48 hrs.  Nasty 5 days or so (runs, chills, sweats, etc.) & then it's out of your body.  The fiorinal is another matter altogether & it *must* be done slowly.

I would urge you to scroll down to near the bottom of the Q&A page where we had the most terrific thread on fiorinal/codeine addiction.  It might take you some time to get thru it but it is very worth reading & you will learn much.

Laysea, you CAN do it.  While I'm still on fiorinal (4 a day, down from 17!), I can tell you the difference off codeine is phenomenal.  I'm more alert, my cheeks are rosy, I feel more like talking to people & less like sitting around.  I'm no longer perpetually constipated which really makes you feel better & I've actually lost a few lbs. tho my appetite is improved!  Codeine is a major CNS depressant & I think it was depressing me in everyway.  I took it for a very long time & in enormous quantities & I wouldn't take one now if I was paid.  I am still having rebound headaches but am managing those with Imitrex, Execedrin & the Fior.  

I went cold turkey off the equivalent of 10 Tyl 3's a day & had the runs...bad!..for about a day and a half.  However, I didn't take Immodium which is supposed to help.  I felt very draggy & disorientated for 2 days & headaches (more than the usual) started about day 5. However, by day 4 I was feeling positively ZESTY!  So, I've got rebound headaches to deal with.

Any doc who has any clue about bultabital will NOT let you go off fior. c/t.  To do so is to risk seizures, delirium tremens, even deaths have been assoc. with it.  All of us on that thread have been working with our docs to taper slowly.  No, it's not easy but it can be done.

How much have you been taking & for how long?

Read that thread for inspiration.  You can do it!!!

Good luck.  I know you can do it.  Dump the codeine first & you'll feel fantastic (plan on a wk. of the "flu" as everyone is different) & work with your doc. to taper...slow..off fiorinal plain.

Dancing in the Dark

[jerri 1]

FINISHED posted the otherday and said he got word from med/help they need funds to keep the threads open like before. So anyone who can needs to donate so we can have more posts.I realize not everyone can but as he said he was going to and those of us who could,should. I know what you mean about not wanting to post, cause there might be someone who really needs to.But if we can help we need to.  God blees all...          Jerri

[LinnieSue]

Hi,I sent you an E-mail.......Just got back from vacation.....will post soon.

[lisabet]

I am in total agreement of the above post. Part of the success of this forum was the unlimited threads where the back and forth comments and questions, etc. is essential to really get to know people and let them be comfortable enough to trust us with their problems. I myself, am now hesitate to post because I fear I'll be using up a thread that may be needed more urgently for someone in need. If a lack of funds is really the issue, then the moderators should just put it out there; I'm sure there are people (such as Finished) that will contribute. I have, in the past contributed a small amount, and would again, if the need arose. In the past instance, I responded to an e-mail requesting a contribution. There has not been a request thus far at this time. I find it curious that this arose after all the fighting and banning a week ago. I can't put my finger on it, but it almost feels like we are being "punished"...does this make sense to anyone?  Logically, it doesn't make any sense, but these are just my thoughts. This is a great forum, the people that come here make it great; I honestly don't know where I'd be right now without it. I just wish I understood why this is happening....Love/Peace, Lisabet

[maddawg]

I really hope that everyone realizes that this forum wont work as well for helping ourselves as it did with unlimited comments. I don't know how much storage it takes for the threads to be useful but my computer here at home is more than enough to handle these kind of text files. As I said, the biggest problem with this limited thread count is that the thread fills way before a person in need has had their particular plea "worked around the board". And that has become an important feature of a group of strangers being able to speak as one in the end of a discussion.
I am willing to part with my money if this will get the forum back to the forum I found. Otherwise this place will become nothing more than a chatter box.

maddawg

[jerri 1]

Great post!! You said it all! Come on people with the money were saving by not buying our drugs of choice if we all just give even a fraction to med/help we could keep it running with NO LIMITS ON ANYTHING!! So reach deep down and give something even 10.00 would help.(Do I sound like a preacher after a sermon!?!? We can do this. This board and all of you and GOD are how Ive gotten to where I am.. Thanks to all..         Jerri

[maddawg]

Hi everyone. I havn't posted but have been lurking for months. Just been too fogged up for so long I didn't want to make a fool of myself. Train of thought isn't what it used to be. But something has happened on the way to this forum that really gets under my skin. I hate to dredge up the recent "bannings" but it now seems that not only did we lose some people with great inspiration and who loved to help others by expressing faith but we are now severly limited to how much we can post. I have witnessed people teaming up to talk a desperate addict out of obsessing about ending it all. We never know whether these situations are real or imagined. But the fact is you are just a special group of people who have been enlightened because of such a personal battle for your very own soul. You have been tested beyond mere mortals. To take the time out of your own lives to selflessly help a stranger in need will surely lay up treasure in heaven. This type of compassion is rarely seen in our society and yet it is being tested by all the new rules about how many comments each thread will accept. The whole beauty of how this place works is by weaving opinions, thoughts, experiences, fear, joy, know-how and gut feeling from many different people from all walks of life. Sometimes it takes hours and hours, a lot of posts from different view points, a lot of backtracking and rethinking for everyone to feel like all angles have been addressed and that the persons question has been, at least, answered to the best of our collective knowledge and that person can at last feel like they are no longer alone. I'm sorry but this forum deals with some fragile situations that take more than 25 comments to resolve. Sometimes that may only get you info on how many pills, what mg., how long, how desperate, their age, do they have family support. Not to mention the number of concerned people trying to help. By the time you have basic information the thread is full. And uless you can hook up with them by chance on another thread, they end up hanging by a thread!! We realize we are NOT professionals but I truly believe we addicts have unmatched credentials for helping a terrified brother or sister make it one more day. Each day that passes drug free, instills a little more self esteem and relieves a bit more pain. There is no better satisfaction than to follow a person from their early desparation to, later,  becoming someone gaining back their self-confidence and giving comfort to the next generation.
I am sorry for ranting but we have all got to take a hard look at how to get this site back to what we are acustomed to. And that may mean we need to do what we should have been doing all  along, help support this site with our dollars. I must admit that I have never paid a doctor so little for so much as I receive from this site. The next few days and weeks will test our dedication to helping one another more with less.
That is my opinion

[dancinginthedark]

I've been worrying & wondering about you & was relieved to see your name again.  Not that we were well acquainted but we were both on the Fiorinal Thread & I closely followed your progress, courage & strength.

As far as your friend on Ativan...I took it over 10 yrs. ago *very* briefly but what I do know is it's a benzo, right there in bed with valium.  And having come off valium...my god, I couldn't wish that nightmare on ANYONE!  And the Ativan?  Whatever picnic that was purported to be, I wish I'd never been invited!

I had a meticulous doc & she'd give me *just* enough for my out-of-town trips & no more.  I was on the verge of screaming at the conference (I was planner).  So, took the mildest as directed, 3x a day for 10 days 3-5 x a yr. That was all I got & all I needed.  But she warned me & the more I learned, being much later addicted to valium, the more it frightens me.  They're both in the same family/class, alas,

Maybe you know (?) better than your friend (who's ever honest with themselves?) if she *really* needs it, how much she'd be getting & if you think she has the propensity to abuse.

I'd stay on the other side of anywhere to keep distance from benzos.  What does she need it for?

And as I keep asking myself.  Has anyone ever died of pain?  And what the heck do ppl do in places where meds are completely beyond their reach?  That represents over 2/3 of the population!  I've never seen soul reeling about on any broadcast, holding their head, so in pain they stop because they can't function?  Or, even complaning!  They get the same maladies but methinks they're too busy fighting to survive to worry about obtaining pain meds.  We live in an instant society & medicine is only a small aspect of this problem.  

QUESTION:  If a major war broke out tomorrow, wherein N.A. was attacked, would the emphasis on pain mgmt:
a)  go up  b) go down  c)  stay the same

*I* think that was a rhetorical question.

But that's probably just me & I am waxing philosophical because I worked all night!!!

GOLDEN:  Will you tell me how you are doing?  I've thought & wondered much how you're doing off fior. as I'm almost there myself & utterly terrified. You've so inspired me.

We need a new F thread, n'est-ce pas?  Everyone I get on that's new is full after 5-7 msgs.

BTW; How DO you open a new thread since I note you so masterfully did it?

Keep in touch & keep that petal to the metal.  You have much inspired me.

Dancing in the Dark

[Kat49]

Have been in a constant state of grief since my once-in-a-lifetime buddy passed away unexpected on Tuesday. Her life touched 1000's and there were over 2,000 at the funeral. I feel a great void in my life, although I know life will go on. But, right now, to avoid monstrous amounts of Imitrex, I've been taking good ol' fiorinal for the slightest pain in my head. My heart hurts worse - I guess time heals, but doesn't forget.Anyway, I feel so bad for our new member for being treated like that by her doctor. But, I've been in her shoes so many times I lost count! It HURTS and contributes to more abuse to dull the innner pain. I'm really pissed about our other thread on fioricet addiction and this only popped in front of my eyes as I was scrolling down. I must read the rest on the donation part because this forum has provided much comfort and information to me. So, I must go now. A reception at the deceased's house.  Love to all, Kat

[feelsobad]

I can't belive what I just read! Your doc's "ass"ociate was definatly NOT professional. Do these idiots we depend on ,not, have a customary plan for rx'ing meds when they are away. Does one have to be cut off from "long term" maintenance meds because the primary prescribing doc is playing golf in Hawaii? Even if you are using pain killers for the high and avoidance of wd's does not give this knee jerk reation doc the professional "right" to rip out your heart. He obviously has no compassion or experience for rx'ing pain meds long term to someone who needs them. Then just jerk them away on an un-informed whim. Because he DOES KNOW what he is sentencing you to.
Im sure your main doc would be pissed if you told him what happened. In the first place, even if you do need to get off narcs, it is your pcp who should discuss it with you and set up a taper schedule and give you any necessary meds to ease wd's. I found my doc more helpful than I could ever have hoped for. He even admitted it to be "our" problem. And WE would work together to get me out of this hell with the least possible misery. He treated it like any other malady I could have needed treatment for. It was just another office visit that he would research/diagnose and treat the problem. All he asked of me was to be truthful and open with him since addiction treatment is a touchy matter with him essintially being your unknowing supplier.
O.K. Im starting to ramble. Your post just hit a raw nerve. Too bad you can't hook that dude up on about 2 year habit of  400-500mg of oxy/day and then cut him off ct. Some of these guys don't know lthe ife crisis they can impose on you in one statement.
Sorry for the sermon but the way thread access is getting it may be the only time I can post today. I've said before that activly participating in this forum has been the best medicine I've been on to keep me aware of why I can never go back to the pill life.
There is more hope and help in our testimonies here than any rehab program because the solutions we really need to keep us in recovery is the pouring of the soul to each other with heartfelt trust and truth. You wont find much of either at the docs office.

Once again Im sorry for the rambling, but I feel better already!
    
TGIF
feelsobad

[The Golden Slipper]

Thanks for the kind words....I don't know if I see myself as an inspiration.  I have had a zillion relapses with this drug. I am only hoping this time to keep up that good fight.

I still have cravings and headaches, but I am trying to deal with life "one day at a time" that for me anyway, is the only way I stay sane.  I also see an addicitonologist and a counselor once a week. It is not easy, but neither is being addicted to this **** and having to constantly figure out where you are going to get your next script.

Sad to say I made a career out of it.  I wasted alot of years abusing this stuff.

I hope we can keep this thread going for a while. In answer to your question about starting a new thread, you just have to post a question to the forum.  I think, at this point, they are limited to 2 questions per day, or maybe it's just 1 question, I can't really remember.

I do love reading your posts.  Keep up the good work.

KAt, Linnie, Connie and JR where are you guys?? Hope you are doing ok and if not all the more reason to post.

Please let us know how you are doing.

Golden

[Kat49]

I must say that your comment about me as "one fabulous woman" has stuck with me throughout the rest of this very difficult day and has touched me greatly. YOU are one FABULOUS writer and add so much to this forum. I will give you my email address by Wed. I'm afraid we're going to lose some of our "regulars" because of this limited regulation. That means they will not get better because we're all going to lose our collective support or they will relapse because the cheerleading section has been silenced! I also didn't talk to you on the phone - I guess that's the Fiorinal Brain Drain at work again!! ha ha You must have me mixed up with Golden. Anyhow, I hope we can all communicate and keep each other safe, strong and straight through this forum. Love to each and everyone - Kat

[FINISHED!!]

Please read my post in the thread below regarding the limited posts. I have corrisponded with the administration here @ med-help via e-mail & was told that there is a severe lack of funding for our forum...the addiction segement being up to 90% of the content. I would love for this forum to remain as open as it has been without making donations myself but it seems as though that's not going to be possible. I've made a contribution in hopes that it'll help to restore the ability to post as often as needed or desired. If those of us who are in a position finacially could give a little bit of a contribution, I'd hope that things could get back to the way they were. I cherish this community & hope it stays with us a long, long time.

FINISHED!!

[dancinginthedark]

IS IT ONLY ME, OR ARE ALL THE NEW THREADS CLOSING SPONTANEOUSLY AFTER BUT A FEW REPLIES?

They wouldn't cut us off without warning & then try & skank funds out of us to keep up our much needed camaraderie, would they?

I would think not but I am much confused.

Ideas?

Dancing in the Dark

[dancinginthedark]

Kat,

I tried to reply to your msg but that thread is full too!  I'm feeling a major national article coming on....charging $ for a question, cutting ppl off, no warning.  Before I hit the editors, I'll ensure if I'm 100% correct or not.  If I'm not....I too have been going thru holy hell these last few days so forgive me!  You all are my support grp & I went to buy but the pharmacist knew I'd quit & engaged me in a long conversation, soon lost the urge & quickly decided to tough it out.  Tough it was & then some.  But I was so proud of myself for not acquiescing!

Fortuitously, Golden has started another thread under the Question near the top about Fior/Cod.  

I know you're busy but as you recall, we talked on the phone a few wks. ago about contractual work for you thru a long-time client of mine.  Can you email her ASAP today?  I know you're busy & sad with the funeral but she wants to reward the contract Mon. & your proposal, she liked best!  In other words, she must talk to you today, at least by email.  So, dash her off an em to set up a time for a good yaw & I'm pretty certan you'll get the contract.

You GO Girl!  Her email is ***@****

Dancing

[dancinginthedark]

Hi there,

Well, you came to the right place! I, and many others on this thread have been right there in front & beside you, some, for 20+ yrs.

Few things:

Right now, scroll down 80% & find "Fiorcet Addiction" thread.  You will learn that not only are you not alone but you'll learn a LOT about this very addictive, seductive drug.  THAT'S AN ORDER!

UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES, go cold turkey off this med, because of the bultabital.  Codeine, OK.  Just did that one myself & no prob.  But as you read thru the thread you will understand that cold turkey off bultalb. is almost asking for seizures, delirium tremens & sometimes death.  You'll understand once you read the thread.

You didn't say how much you take per day but as an addict & knowing this combo all too well, I'd have to say  your words are resplendent with hints that you are, or VERY close to becoming one.  The fact that your heart tells you to seek help here says much, n'est-ce pas?  Do you mind telling me how much you are taking?  And for the record, if you said 50 p. day, well it wouldn't knock any of *us* over!

I am *not* a med. practitioner of any flavor but as a journalist/writer (meaning utterly anal about research) & having read what everyone else has been taking, not to mention myself (!), I'd say, fret not right now about your liver, heart & kidneys...for now.  If you've taken tylenol or aspirin in high doses for a long time & drink regularly & fairly heavily (causes dbl whammy on liver), I take the above back.  But AS A NON MEDICAL PERSON, I'd say, assess what your intake has been, do the research, read our thread & it should set your mind at rest for the moment.  You can also try all sorts of natural detox's such as Milk Thistle which is purported to be for the liver over-inundated with drugs and other sundrie items.  You can also have your doc check your liver enzymes which is just a blood test like getting your hemagloben checked.

We have a fabulous thread tho we seem to have been cut off :-(  Nice to do to an addiction grp w/out any warning!  One fabulous woman is Kat49, whose name you'll see just below your post on the Q&A  page.  

Pls read the thread.  It is long but reading it is worthwhile.

Take care, keep your chin up & DO NOT hesitate to send me questions.  AND REMEMBER:  You will get thru this!  And I'm 105 lbs. & taken FAR more of both substances for much longer than I imagine you ever could & I'm not only alive alive & kicking but feeling better than I have in, oh, a decade!  And I'm almost off it & 2 yrs. ago I was on 115 a wk. of Fior. Plain & tons of Tylenol 3.  And in our grp, sometimes I feel like an under-achiever!

Take care & do write me if you are so inclined.  YOU WILL GET THRU THIS!

Dancing in the Dark