fioricet addiction

[Connie51]

I have been reading this forum for a couple weeks. I have admitted my fioricet problem to my husband and am ready to help myself. I have tried before but am now determined. There does not seem to be much online about this drug but am desperate to find someone who has had the same addiction. It has a barbituate it so it is tricky to come off of but I hear it can be done.
Anyone who has been there it would be a miracle to hear from you as I have never met anyone with the same addiction.
A bit of information as to where I am at.
I am 51 and have been addicted to them for around 7 years. I take between 8 and 10 EVERY day. It started from needing pain relief from migraines and took off from there. The migrains are no longer a problem.
I am in very poor condition in the morning till I take two.
Please if any one knows of a tapering schedule or has been there I will appreciate anything you have to say. I am aware of seizures. That is why I need help from another fioricet addict (recovering)or on a taper. The people on this forum are so kind, I am so glad I have found you all.
Thank you

[vicki595]

Hi there-  Please post your question in a new thread. This thread is too long to get through...

Go back to the forum page and click on the "post a question" link on the Substance Abuse forum.

[boredswfl]

Been on oxy 30mg at the level of 300mg each day. Have stopped with the help of methadone. However insomnia after day 23 is still a big problem. My biggest problem is . back pain. It is so terrible after being off the oxy.  I realize I in NO way needed that high of a dose, I was taking that amount to get "HIGH". After moving here to Florida it is almost impossible to get a script for oxy. My question is how long will this insomnia last.
Thanks

[boredswfl]

Been on oxy 30mg at the level of 300mg each day. Have stopped with the help of methadone. However insomnia after day 23 is still a big problem. My biggest problem is . back pain. It is so terrible after being off the oxy.  I realize I in NO way needed that high of a dose, I was taking that amount to get "HIGH". After moving here to Florida it is almost impossible to get a script for oxy. My question is how long will this insomnia last.
Thanks

[vicki595]

Babyshay-    This is a long thread to get through....please start one of your own,okay?

As to your question. The drug is like any,other: works well if taken in moderation. BUT, it can sneak up on you. Also, I think the doctor has prescribed too much per day. 12 per day is just wrong. It's a prn drug, not to be taken around the clock. Just my opinion from experience...

Start a new thread and I'm sure you'll hear from a lot of members!

[babyshay34]

Hi, i just came from my dr and he wants me to startr fioricet (50-325-40). He wants me to take 2 every four hours and he also prescribed neurontion 600mg at bed. How safe is this for me to take, it seems like alot and am very nervous about taking fioricet after reading some of the posts. Any answers would be great. Thank you

[my_mayberry]

wow...an oldie!

yes...go ahead and start your own thread. there are a few people here who can relate.

[vicki595]

Go ahead and start your own thread. Click on the blue post a question button at the top of the forum page.   This thread is pretty old although full of great info!

Just start your own and we'll help you!  How long have you taken this? How much per day?

[desperatetostop1439]

Thank God I found this website.
After reading several posts I realize I am not alone.
I just hope I have not irreparably damaged my liver.
I have been taking a LOT of Fioricet for years...
This stuff is incredibly addictive.

Withdrawal symptoms are nightmarishly scary.

I have tried and failed several times.

[thehelper976]

i could have some help i have been there too, drink a small red bull and take one fioicet, then four hrs later take two excdrine migriane, four hours laters take one fioicet with one tylonol 500 at bed time take one more fioricet repeat for three day but do red bull for a week with excdrine. then the folloing week red bull and one tylonol. it weens you off but caffinee is the main problem but its save in small does, just be strong after then the withdrawls will go away but u will still need some caffine for headachs.i am not a doctor but would love to help people. be honest with yourself then your life will be back to normal...

[debberdo53]

Gosh, anybody out there, I have been taking fioricet since early 20's on & off no problem, but geeze I really don't know, I got hooked probably 20 yrs ago, then quit myself, no problem, then started again, so for about the past 4 to 5 years been taking them ALOT! I probably take 10 to 12 a day, for the past couple of yrs. I do get migraines, I have since I was 13, Iam now 53, back 6 yrs ago I had a very bad seizure, was in hospital 4 days, they ran every test on me that they could, had nothing to do w/fioriect, they did a tox screen, I was barely taking it then, so because of that, I now take foxamax, which is also for mirgaine & seizures, but now I'm addicted to the darn fioricet! My neuro Doc tried to wing me off of it this past Aug. but I fell off the wagon, So I decided the 1st of the yr. to go on  diet & gt off the fioriect! I'm cut myself down to 4 a day, but yesterday scared myself to death, I only had 2 hardly anything to eat, went out for a chick night with my 3 daughters and had 3 alcohol drinks, & I flipped out, I kinda halusinated for a few seconds, 2 times! Is that normal for withdrawal? I have never done that before! Geezo!

[Patience8814]

I am 24 years old and have suffered from migraine headaches since i was 6 years old. First time i was prescribed Fioricet i believe i was 16. I never had any problems with it then. I only took when need which was thankfully not very often maybe 2 a week. I got back on Fioricet for headaches about 2 years ago now. I was having headaches every single day when i would wake up. Which i believe was caused when i got kicked in the chest by my horse. (After that accident is when i got the headaches everyday) I believe maybe my spine got knocked out of alignment. So back to the Fioricet, i take at least 2 - 4 a day. In 15 mins the headache is gone. I am so frustrated with myself for having to take meds but cant live with the pain without them. I have no insurance so i cant afford meds like imitrex. I think i might be addicted to them, but they are the only thing that gets rid of this horrible headache/ spinal? pain. Any ideas on what to do or what to ask the doctor to prescribe me instead?

[Cindy1966]

I have been taking fioricet as needed for 15  years. In the last 7 months I have been taking it more and more. I finally realized I was getting rebound headaches and stopped taking them. I was very sick when I stopped them for only a day and realized something was different. I went back on them and tried to figure out what had happened. I guess I was up to 4 a day for a good 7 months. I dropped down to 2 a day for a week or so and stabilized on that. Than I tried to cut only 1/2 a pill a day and was sick again and a horrible jumpy stomache. I decided to add valium to see if that would help and it did. So than I decided to just go to 1 pilll a day since the w/d was so bad on cutting 1/2 a pill I might as well cut a whole pill. This is only day 2 of 1 pill in the am and I only needed 10mg of valium in the am to help with the w/d. I also take 22mg of valium at night. I was on a valium taper plan until I found out I was addicted to fioricet so that taper is on hold. I just tapered off sleeping pill (restoril) and that was tough. My body is a mess. I have to keep working my Monday thru Friday job. I hope to stabilize on the 1 pill a day in the next 2 weeks as I have 9 days of vacation coming up and would like to cut the last pill out. I will be home and can deal with w/d better and I will have 9 days to cope. When I stopped popping valium I started popping Fioricet. I can't believe 4 pills a day can wreck this kink of mess on my body. I hope the diarreah ends soon. I have antinausea suppositories if needed. Right now the valium is helping. My body feels like I was in a car accident. I welcome any and all advice.

[rileyup]

Wow!!!  I thought I was the only one that was ever addicted to fioricet!!!
I have been taking the nasty things for over 20 years and was taking 12 to 14 a day.  Two years ago I was in detox at the hospital (my doctor at that time sent me and made me feel like such a loser-more about him later) and was off of the fioricet for 2 months.  It was the most humilitating experince and told myself that I would never go thru that again. Lo and behold, here I am again.  Finally confessed to my new Doctor on Monday that I was taking these.  Had to tell her I get them off the internet.  She was amazed and we made a plan to taper off and try physical therapy.  Went ot PT for the first time today and it was great.  I also go for a massage once a month and the chriopracor every 3 weeks.  I am down to 11 pills a day and every 5 days I will decrease by 1.  Afraid of the withdrawals.  

[Kat49]

Hey, you had some interesting comments! First of all, I HAVE to say, don't think you're some kind of loser and I'm "petal to the metal"! First of all, I've had the WORST kinds of WD's and am getting to the point that I actually feel nauseous from too much fiorinal (6-7). If you felt like you were going to puke after your drug of choice, don't tell me you'd take it, either. I slip every now and then and I'm really on the brink now. A soul-mate kind of friend died unexpectedly on Tues. at 4am of cancer that was cured. It was the chemo that killed her. I've known her for 26 yrs. and have shared so much with her. Her son and mine are the same age and grew up best friends since birth.They've lived nextdoor, too. I'm devastated and have tension headaches to knock an elephant off it's feet! The funeral will not be do-able unless I take some fiorinal and valium. In other words, ZONKED OUT! My son in L.A. is flying in tomorrow and he's about as good as a bowl of oatmeal. This is a great loss and for our community, too. A very special person who made a difference. So, please don't put me up there with those who never fall.

Also, am I understanding that you can buy codeine products in Canada over the counter????? And also, your Daytox program sounds so wonderful. I wish we had that here. We couldn't post last nite, but I wanted to tell you that I went out and bought a bag of Epsom salts and took a bath as you recommended. I did feel better and sort of cleansed. What the hell is that used for in the tub anyways? Keep me informed on what your progress is. Sounds like you're taking on an awful lot at one time. You deserve alot of credit.                                                                                                                            To everyone else, I hope that you all are doing great. Haven't heard from alot of people in so long. Maybe your recovery is such that you don't talk about it alot or you'll be tempted to use again. But, I'm thinking of each and every one who has posted since September.  Lots of good feelings!   Kat

[dancinginthedark]

Since my soak, 4.5 hours without a headache!  Not even a whimper.
I'm in shock.  The last 2 wks has been like Buddy Rich was playing a solo between my ears!

I'm going to start snorting Epsom salts!  

REALLY Dancing!

[dancinginthedark]

After the best decade of my life in the U.S., I am back in Canada & happy to report, our nationalized medicine has something which can help me & I thought I'd pass a tip onto you.

Turns out in our nationalized medicine (Cda) there's a Detox which has a Daytox, meaning free out-patient treatment, counseling, classes & 4-5 acupuncture sessions a week - All free.  Well, color me pink!  

In speaking to a nurse today she told me I was going thru not just the codeine withdrawal but fiorinal as well, binging or not.  She gave me a cheap trick & I figured for $5. I could try it.  I am delighted to report I am *floating* & feel relaxed for the first time in weeks. She told me my body was full of toxins & junk & this helped release those & relax you. So, for what it's worth: (5*****'s from this patient)

1/2 c. epsom salts in tub
Fill tub halfway with water "just warm enough" to get in.
Get in  :-)
Keep increasing the heat, inch by inch until you're really cooking.  Simmer slowly.  When meat is tender, remove, wrap in towels until dry.  Meat can then be cut with a spoon.

Take care all.  

Dancing in the Dark

[dancinginthedark]

Speaking of the "big brother" computers.  I live in BC which has its own Pharmacare...or something, which is the provincial repository for all drugs dispensed by a pharmacist.  As soon as you fill ANYTHING - including a scrip for Folic Acid, whichever pharmacy you go to has to run it thru the central d-base. They also pull up your pharmacare record of all drugs dispensed to you & I doubt you could use a fake name as you have to produce a govt. card (like a SS#) to get any scrip filled. Once the pharmacist puts this info into computer, it's approved  or not, on the spot.  I suspected it was so but I was mildly embarassed once.  My neurologist had insisted F was the best for me & gave me another scrip for it & there was no way I was going to try & dbl dip but I felt stupid going to my usual pharmacy as it was a few days early.  So, went to another.  After a few min. I was called to the front & the pharm discretely told me that I was 3 days early & she couldn't give me any.  I was mortified!

I'm sure there are ways to dr. shop etc. but I've no idea.  I think I'm too afraid I'd wind up on the evening news or something!

I have a great liaison with the pharmacy I go to & they know how bad it's been & how far I've come & they are terrific.  This AM the mgr advanced me 4 (did it!) for the day as she knew I was in bad shape but she's usually pretty tough with me, yet always nice.  Only strange thing was this AM she suggested I refill (have plenty of refills) the Emtec.  I was surprised as I'd talked to her about how much I was taking & how much I wanted to stop & that I had.  She's very anti-drug & this stunned me.  I was taking a LOT of codeine & she knew it & to suggest I go back on it was very weird to me.  She just said, you're going to need more F otherwise.

Kat..I don't take a combo of Fiorinal & codeine.  I was taking Fior.Plain + Emtec (Tyl. 3 w/out caffeine) + (BIG plus) the OTC ones we buy here which are 8 mg. of codeine, tylenol or aspirin & caffeine.  4 of those equals one T3.  I stopped all that nonsense 15 days ago so now I've got the rebounds from that + a 12 a wk. drop in F since early Dec. He just dropped the last 7 a few wks. ago & I'm nowhere close to adjusted.

You 2 have some amazing stories.  I'm feeling like an under-achiever here!  BTW; you both inspire me so much.  Here's Kat, pedal to the metal, full throttle ahead.  And Pilot, so focused, calm & deliberate.  And you're both succeeding.

Only, Kat!  Don't feel guilty for taking a wee bit for the mother of all....it sounds to me like you've got it under control because you know what out of control is.  Besides, all that worrying will just give you the mother of all.....!!!

Best,
Joods

[Kat49]

Yes, I know how your name gets in the database.  It's very simple: if you order a controlled substance and the cops confiscate the shipping person, i.e. a Fedex truck or UPS truck or the border guards search & seize anything coming overseas or from the Mexican pharmacies, your name is on the package and they send you a form that says they have it and unless you can produce a valid American doctor's prescription and a letter on his letterhead that you've been his patient and on this drug, withing 10 days, THEY keep it or destroy it and your name goes on a DEA list of people smuggling controlled drugs into the U.S. Some people have valid scripts and are simply trying to save money going to Mexico. Mexican doctors also write scripts for a small fee for Americans to justify their use, but the law says it HAS to be an American doctor. So it's no good. Also, my doctor said everytime you pick up a script that's controlled, your name goes into the DEA's files and if too much is being prescribed, you're caught. That's how they catch people who "doctor shop" alot. With computers now the pharmacies can be in touch with each other and flag you because they know you just were at one unrelated to their franchise and picked up the same drug. I know all these laws because my dad was a District Atty. growing up. He's 82 now, but told me how people get caught. If you use an American pharmacy on the net, I doubt you'll get caught because THEY know you don't have a script from your regular doc and THEY will be shut down it YOU get caught. I'd really try to stick with your doctor's scripts and then you are being controlled by him and the weight of doing all these things to stop your overusage of F comes off your shoulders. But, it sounds like you're on the right track and you AREN'T taking the "binge" amount. Just take it easy and slow and you'll conquer this nasty habit.  Kat

[pilot116]

PS...sorry your weekend was not so good.  I agree, the crash was depressing.  But, to be sick in addition...YUCK.  Hope your week is better.

[pilot116]

Well, I wonder if my name is in that database?  I did have several doctors for a while (6 was the max).  You probably read that story earlier in the chain of posts.  I got turned in by one doctor.  I know he called several of my other doctors, but don't know if he put me in the database.  Do you know how to find out?  Just curious.

Anyway, I am with one doctor, who will give it to me 30 w/3 refills.  Typically I can refill with him about every 21-25 days.  But, he really wants it to last a month.  I am supplementing with the internet.  I was very very nervous, but found a way to make it work.  Nobody knows.  It helps that I have my own credit cards and bank account.  I place the order using my laptop (so nobody can see the web site I went to in teh history) and have it held at the fed ex (about a block away from work) office for pickup.  So, I end up spending a mint.  I figure if I can quit these, I can save at least $$600-800 a year.  You know what I am going to do with that money??? I am going to buy new furniture for my office!!! Or put it down on a new bedroom set.   Maybe a new couch!!  Something I can enjoy every day and tell myself I have it because I quit being stupid!

So, there ya go..there is my new motivation get the heck off these and at least live within what my doctor is allowing me to have!

[Kat49]

Forgot to mention this: you should only quit one addiction at a time! That's very important. Of course, if your fiorinal is mixed with narcotic, you can't. But, the smoking can wait. Quit smoking when you're over the worst withdrawals from the other stuff. Smoking may help you with them! I read that in my son's neurology and how drugs affect your brain and chemistry book. Thank God he left that one here and didn't take it to UCLA. Also, I have a book , "Quitting Adddictions Naturally" and it deals with sugar, nicotine, alcohol and barbiturates. They believe the same thing - unless of course, your pills are a combination. I never took that kind so I just had the barbs to contend with!  Kat

[Kat49]

To answer your question about having a good weekend? - it was depressing because of the nonstop coverage of the Space Shuttle and I feel so bad for the families. Plus, I do have some kind of "bug" going around here - everyone is complaining about severe migraine headaches (those who never get one) and it lasts for about 4 days. Apparently, the doc that treated my neighbor with a narcotic said if you already suffer from migraines, this flu-type virus will make you go nuts! DUHH  I  KNOW that's what I have because every muscle and joint aches, too. Anyway, dancinginthedark asked how I went CT. Well, all 3 times - spread out since June of 2001 - I had no pills left, exhausted ALL my sources (2 doctors and 4 pharmacies) and I had already used the "I left them at the shore" excuse with my family doc and can't do it again. I was severly made an ass out of by a pharmacist 2 yrs. ago in front of customers and he refused to refill my last refill until HE thought it was safe! I got on another thread here and talked to an Rx and he said "that's illegal". I didn't know that then. So, I CT'd from 10 on a Friday to 0 by Sat. and the withdrawal started on Sunday and I vomited so severely, I truly thought I was going to die. I stayed clean for 2 weeks and started again because I felt a tight feeling in my neck and dreaded the horror of another tension/migraine headache. I had no pain with withdrawal except for a short 3-4 days. The shakes, trembling and hallucinations and not being able to sleep one bit bothered me tremendously. Especially the trembling and not being able to focus my eyes. I had been on that amount for a long time and probably was close to having a seizure by doing that stupid thing. Then, by 3 mon. I was hooked again (about 6-7) and I CT'd over Labor Day weekend.I was successful until 9/11 and 2 days after, I started with one and then you know the drill .....  So, I did it this time because I had no way to refill and was SO SICK of planning my life and vacations around "do I have enough". It has been liberating to say the least! But, I am going to use l or 2 in a severe situation, not just a bad day.                                                                                                                               Pilot, I got my script of 100 w/0 refills from my family doctor. I got a script for "hormonal headaches" of 30 w/2 refills from my OB/GYN every 2 months. Sometimes, the family doc wouldn't mark it in my chart because I figured out that if I made an appt. for a fake sinus infec. and asked him as he was walking out of the room for a script for fiorinal, he'd always write me one and give me the chart to hand in up at the desk. So, no record that day of a script! So, then I'd call in maybe 14 to 21 days later and the nurse would enter it in the chart for that day. In other words, I was getting more than HE even knew! I went through insurance - $10 co-pay for all drugs. So, 100 cost me $10.00 and the OB/GYN, I went to a small pharmacy and said I don't have drug coverage and paid cash. Usually, $15 for 30 or sometimes 40 pills. I don't know how to use the internet as a source and am scared I'd get caught and my kids who are so anti-drugs would be disgusted with me. If you get caught, your name goes on a Federal database and you're screwed! I also had a Ear/Nose/Throat specialist and got a few scripts from him, but after awhile, he said to ask my family doc for it. Some doctors are on to that stuff BIG TIME! Others aren't and hand out scripts like candy. Well, hope I didn't ramble on too much, but that's my story.   Kat

[pilot116]

Good morning everyone

Kat:  If ya need one, ya need one.  Taking one for a tremendous headache, after you have tried all else, is definately within the confines of what you are trying to do...not abuse the junk.

As for the only 2 1/2...well, the reason I am trying to get off from here is because I am not using it for headaches, most of the time.  I use it for everything else...ignoring the grocery bill, standing up to the head honcho at work, having the energy to keep up with my kids.  And I know that if I don't set a goal, I will be back up to the 100 a week I was at several years back.

You know what is really funny.  I can ration them because I know I still have some.  If I had quit, like Kat did, and still had a few in a bottle...they would be gone.  I guess everyone's strength is different.

I have never done the codiene thing, because I am actually allergic to it.   So, can't help anyone there.

Out of curiousity, is everyone here getting it thru a physician/pharmacy on their insurance??  I am only able to get 30 w/3 refills from my physician.  I get the rest thru the internet and pay $140 for a bottle of 100.  That is extreme, now isn't it.  I am just wondering what everyone else is spending on average.  I can't do the multi-doctor thing, after my last run in with the doctor network.  

So, did everyone have a good weekend?

[dancinginthedark]

Good morning all,

This morning, after yet another sleepless night, I had a pre-dawn epiphany of sorts.  I'd been using the codeine - however unwittingly - to manage my btwn fiorinal binge times.  It's been 15 days w/out codeine & when I ran out of F on Fri. as per usual, with no refill until Tues. I didn't give that any thought because it was always the same.

I WAS A MESS! I *felt* bitchy;-) restless, frustrated & worst of all: What a thumping headache.  An unremitting, ceaseless SOB I might add.  Imitrex, Excedrin, aspirin...no luck.  The only bit of good news is I had no weekend plans but I still couldn't work, read, think...I just sat and watched TV & felt sad & depressed about the shuttle disaster & the impending war.  

Is this what you all meant by withdrawal?  It SUCKS!  I didn't really have this last wk. because it was right after I stopped codeine, thus I was in withdrawal hell.

All this time, I've been able to binge on F because codeine chilled me out & worked on my headaches, rebound or otherwise.  

I'm prescribed 28 F for 7 days & I've NEVER taken less than 6 or 8 in a day.  4 a day seems almost humorous.  After 4 days w/out, I need 3-4 at once just to get going again!  

JR!  How did you get thru this codeine differential?  As I recall, you went thru a nasty spell taking yourself from 20-10 on your own steam.  HOW long did it last if you CT'd codeine?  And how many F3's were you taking p. day?  
BTW; I LOVED your stories, especially the one where you switched the fiorinal 3's for plain.  What a scream!  Their inventory must have been only slightly off, n'est-ce pas?

Kat!  At which pt. did you go cold turkey?  You are so inspiring.  You just did it.  You've got me thinking I should go that route but for the moment, methinks I'd better restabilize.  I've 3 articles & 4 column type pcs. due this week AND I AIN'T GOT NO BRAIN!  :-)

And Mizz Pilot!  I don't know where you have the strength & fortitude to hide & tape up your pills.  I had quite a giggle  picturing you running back to the office with your keys to "liberate" a few.  I don't know where to hide mine from me.  In the cat's litter box?  

I don't think my mood has been helped by quitting smoking last Mon.  (Duh!)  I was just feeling so proud of myself for quitting codeine, I thought I'd take care of the cigs too.  It's lucky I'm not compulsive...;-)  

Well, if I cave anywhere, that's where it will be.  I'm staying OFF the codeine & I MUST get on a routine with the fiorinal.  I need to wake up & realize it's not about getting high; it's about keeping withdrawal & headaches at bay.   They really should put that in the dispensing information!  I'm sure I was told otherwise.....:-)

Have a good week everyone & hang tough!!

Dancing in the Dark