Fioricet with Codeine ruining my life!

I have been addicted to Fioricet with Codeine for 4 years. It did not start out as addictive. I took it after it was prescribed by my Dr. in the last month of my pregnancy for severe migraines. After I had my baby, I couldn't kick the habit. My baby has grown into a beautiful 4 year old that needs me, but my addiction has grown as well and I feel so horrible about it.

I have Dr. Shopped....Pharmacy swapped....taken from people close to me to get more....made up illnesses....had several major surgeries (some were much needed, others were not) to get more pain meds, and then would ask the Dr. for more F3 after because I could not kick the habit.

The withdrawal symptoms are brutal.....and I am surprised I haven't died. The chills, sweats, aches, diarrhea, creepy crawling feeling, insomnia, cravings, rebound headaches....don't even get me started.

It seems like the longest I have been off is about 2 months, which I thought I would feel somewhat better after but I did not.

I need and want my life back. Although this drug is incredibly effective in taking away the pain from headaches that plague my life, it is MUCH too addictive, and I feel so embarrassed and at the lowest of lows as I think what I have done the past 4 years of abuse. I take apprx 8 a day, I know that is not bad, but I know it is way too much and shudder at the damage it may have done to my body.

I have been off of it for 1 week now...but I was dumb and quit cold turkey-so I am suffering withdrawal majorly.  I have another refill left for 60. Should I just not refill it, and continue to suffer...Or should I get the refill, and taper off incredibly slowly (which I could sure use tips on how....) and while tapering make the conscious and continuous efforts to never ever take it again-knowing how wonderful my life can be without it?

I am wishing, hoping, praying, and searching for some help. Going to rehab is NOT an option....seriously-not an option. I live in an incredibly small town with all my family close by. Talking to my Dr. about it won't be much use either. His nurse is very gossipy and she would read my chart....and I wouldn't hold it past her to tell people in the community-even though it could cost her her job. It would destroy my life if others knew. My own sweet husband even has NO clue. I have suffered alone....trying to appear very normal to everyone else, something I am not proud of, I feel like I am living a lie.

So I need help online from fellow sufferers, or anyone who knows of ideas of how to get better! Thank you in advance.

[avisg]

I can hear how much you want to get off them .Here is the thing like you know going off the CT is very dangerous .You really do need to work out a taper plan with your doctor to safely come off them .Also You will need some aftercare help to stay off them posting here helps but it not enough because of the privacy issue you might want to see a therapist it private and confidential and you wont have to worry about running into someone you know at a meeting .However most people at meeting don't discuss other at there meeting seen as they are there for the same reason . Hang in there and continue to post ...

[Addict63]

The vision of an addict in our mind's eye can easily be the Hollywood version; someone laying on the bare cement floor of a vacant inner-city building, writhing around in pain, needing a fix. Not exactly true. There is absolutely nothing shameful in being addicted to any medication that contains opiates. You started out on a legal script. The info sheet that comes with those scripts describes dependence and addiction as a well known side effect of the medication. Your doctor expects it, because it comes with the territory. Mine did, and he worked with me to get off the stuff. He's still working with me to now get off of Ambien, a side drug I took to sleep with Vicodin.

There's a real blessing here because you've actually begun taking positive action to correct all of this. You now want to get your life back. You wrote this in the above posting. Congratulations! This is a big day in your life, a GOOD day. You've reached your bottom and now it's onward and upward.

I'm sure more of us will follow to advise you and help you along in your new journey. I just wanted to get my message to you: Don't be guilty, be proud!

[vicki595]

Hi~  Well...this is a tough spot because the first thing I would tell you is to get with your doctor to settle on a taper plan!  You've got a double whammy here. An opiate AND a
barbiturate. The codeine portion can be stopped abruptly with the ensuing withdrawal symptoms that you are experiencing. The barbiturate,however,should be tapered off from. There is a possibility of seizure with abrupt withdrawal.  Now,you say it's been a week?     Here's what I would do: Don't pick up the refill. Call to speak to or better yet visit your doctor asap. Tell him you wish to stop this med and need a taper plan with plain Fioricet.  It's been a week so I have no clue if you are in the clear or not and cannot give you a taper plan.  Having medical supervision is in your best interest. Don't
worry about the office staff! There's not a thing wrong with stopping a med. or tapering as in your case.

Tapers take a while so be prepared;it's tough. But,I promise you,it's so worth it. This drug is dangerous and you will require more and more until you're in a stupor. You
are so smart to get off it now!   Also,we all know how sick our secrets keep us.Tell
your husband,at least. You'll need the support. And call the doctor.

I took this drug for many years(without the codeine) and finally got off of it. I have a new life...it's wonderful!
Keep posting~
Vicki

[allk00]

Wow. I didn't think I would get such good help so fast. Thank you thank you. You have no idea how just admitting this problem helps-even if to complete strangers...I know you are real people who care...who took the time to type your help, and it is so appreciated.

I appreciate any more input and ideas, and I promise to keep you all posted...

I will be honest, I am REALLY suffering the withdrawels today bad. I just went and got some immodium to help with the crippling diarrhea.

One day at a time, and I am not alone...I know that now thanks to all of you! :)

[LeaAnn807]

Hi!  When I detoxed from a barb, I was in rehab and went cold turkey under medical supervision with meds on board!  Librium, as a matter of fact!  I know you are miserable and worried about gossip, but you SO need a doctor to help you with this.  Could you see another doc and tell them your circumstance?  I live in a small town. (makes Mayberry look big!) I totally understand your need for privacy, but you have GOT to get some medical advice! : )  I want you to be ok for that beautiful child!

Keep letting us know how you are doing!

[vicki595]

Hi again...You can really be a lot more comfortable than this IF you call your doctor.
There's a whole other way to deal with this...

V.

[allk00]

I have an appointment for first thing monday morning. That is the soonest he could get me in...and I am on the cancellation list.
In the meantime...I took an excedrin, benedryl, and immodium....along with a nice hot bath. I read that remedy online somewhere and it WORKED.....after I took a nice long walk outside, and I am ready to face a new day.
I do hope he calls though, I am ready for extra help that I can't get on my own.

[mommyshouldntbehere]

oh honey!!!! I so want to hug you right now with how close in commone we are!! you are NOT alone! like you said, you could have written my post, and I yours. This is just amazing, I am shocked at how much we are alike! I'm glad I don't have to suffer alone.
I'll message you check your inbox!