Timeframe

Does anyone out there know how long it takes before you body/brain to get back to what should be considered normal? I have been on Fioricet with codeine for 10 years, have experienced intense migraines for 42 years. Last week I ran out of them prematurely and decided to stop cold turkey. I have done this in the past, but this time I am determined to never touch this drug again!!!!  It works too well for migraines. I was taking about 6 caps a day.
If I go back to my doctor who I see every month he will probably convince me to take something else and I just don't want to ever deal with again. I was blessd enough to not experience seizures, I feel tired, lots of body aches,
Today is day 7 without the meds and I still feel pretty awful. I'm currently taking Imitrex, Excedrin Migraine, otc loperamide tabs and massive amounts of water. Some posts say that it may take up to 12-18 months to be well again. I am hoping that some kind soul out there has been through this and can me a general timeframe of when I can look forward to these awful physical symptoms subsiding.
I

[sudie58]

i just wanted to welcome you, i think they say you should taper from fioricet, but it seems you have by passed that bit, i know what its like to be on very addictive meds , and always worrying wether you will run out etc, someone with experience of your particular meds will be able to help you on here, youve done well to post on here and to tell us about yourself, i really wish you well, and god bless

[vicki595]

Hi and welcome to the forum!

I may be able to help you . I have quite a bit of experience with Fioricet(plain). It concerns me that you stopped cold turkey. You weren't taking a lot everyday but you took them for a long time. Seizures can occur weeks after abrupt withdrawal,just so you're aware. The codeine isn't the problem here;it's the batbiturate.  I'd recommend being in touch with your doctor.

Headaches will last for a week or so. They gradually get better but they're rebound headaches and not necessarily migraine. They hurt though!

It takes about 3 months,in my experience, to feel good!  And you will feel good!  Keep up the fluids right now and start some good multi vits with extra C and B vitamins. I still take mine!

Time is your friend here. Get on an exercise program. Nothing fancy just move everyday!
A walk,swimming,yoga, are all great.

I do suggest letting your doctor know what you're doing,okay?

Watch out for "triggers". This drug is very difficult to stay away from because we love it and it loves us back. We have to learn to hate it passionately. It's the only way.

Outside support is very important. Any kind of rehab as long as you do something. A doctor with addiction experience,therapist,AA etc...it's very important.

Stopping this drug is not easy...you HAVE to have a good mindset. Stopping cold turkey makes it more difficult. If I had spoken to you 7 days ago, I would have suggested you have the doctor switch you to plain Fioricet and begin a slow taper. You avoid the seizures,
feel better while your body is adjusting,and don't have the constant headahes.

Keep posting. There are some wonderful people on this forum!   Good luck!

[LeaAnn807]

Looks like you dodged the seizure bullet!  That's good!  The thing is that if you took it for ten years, it will take some time to feel better.  Barbiturates have a long half life, so you will feel crummy for longer.  The codeine part of the physical WD is probably basically over.  

Keep drinking the extra water.  Get some exercise when you can.  Talk with your doctor about how you feel about not going back on them! : )