Day 1 - Again

[T2112]

So after 53 hours off Fioricet thing got really strange. Couldn't really connect the thoughts while speaking. I was told about seizures from dropping too fast - not sure what was happening but wanted to be safe. So I took 2 Fioricet Tuesday (3/05) afternoon. Then yesterday I woke up with a bad migraine so I took another 2. Today I am just kinda beat. I tired, muscles ache, foggy but at least I don't have a headache. So I shall call today Day-1 and start again. I only have a few Fioricet left but actually don't have any interest in taking them (at least not at the moment).

On a happy note - My daughter got an email from the varsity softball coach saying she is interested in meeting my daughter. Our area has the largest high school in our state and there is a chance my kid may be pitching for the varsity team as a freshman. She's been pitching since she was 8 y/o and this year as a 14 y/o was drafted to pitch on a 16 y/o & 17 y/o ASA travel team. She's put in so much work - she truly deserves it. I am very proud of her.

[YesLife4Me]

Gabapentin is NOT addictive.  I've done a ton of research on it to make sure when I prescribed it.  I have not found any documented cases of people buying Gabapentin off the streets.  LOL!   The problem with it is that coming off it after taking long term is the withdraw can be hell and potential seizures.   I asked my Dr about the seizures and he said that the only risk of seizures was if you were prone to them or have them.  I'm not so sure about that.  

[T2112]

I just wrote a letter to my younger sister that I have never met.  I live in Maine and she lives in Washington state.  I tied to explain why I have never written her back even though she has continued to write for the past 10 years.  I didn't meet my Dad until I was 33 y/o.  I had found his number through research and called one day just to say hi.  He then abandons his family in WA, which included his daughter, and drives to Maine, stays for a few years then dies.  His daughter in Washington never saw him again and it is because I made one friggin' call to him when I was 33 y/o.  That was 16 year ago and I still feel guilty that this little sister I have never met lost her Dad she so loved and was unable to see him when he died. Aimee - I'm sorry.    

[EvolverU]

Connie, I was actually talking about GABA an essential amino acid. It has a valium like effect and occurs in our brains naturally but is depleted by stress & addiction.
                From now on I'll write - an essential amino acid to make sure that the person realizes that it's not the addictive Gabapentin.
                                    Just to clarify

[clean_in_ks]

Hey T....we're good.....
Just didn't want someone to think the nutritional amino acid was the same as the prescription drug.  I was on gabapentin, too, post back surgery and eventually decided the side effects were messin w/my head and got off it about 6 mos ago.  
You're doing GREAT......keep on keepin on~

[T2112]

Wait...wait...I am reading the post as the wrong person. I see what your saying and you're right.

[T2112]

Sorry if it was unclear. The gabapentin I take is a prescription that my pain management doctor had me take after a surgery on my spine 2 years ago. Since I was taking it anyway she wanted me to increase the doseage and to eliminate the Fioricet. I saw the abrivation "gaba" used for the Rx version so I continued using it the abrivation.

[clean_in_ks]

Just for clarification.....the posters above you, EvolverU, are talking about the prescription drug, gabapentin......where you are talking about the nutritional amino acid supplement GABA.

[T2112]

Thanks.. I kinda got lucky in a way. When I decided to quit I was taking Gaba, Magnesium and drinking 80oz of Vitamin Waters per day which contain vitamins b5, b6, b12 & c. I am still very foggy and a somewhat unmotivated but I've been told it will pass at some point.

[EvolverU]

      Hey! Congratulations & huge kudos to you!
                      Barbs. are rough..Sounds like you're determined and I'm so glad you have support. A poster above mentioned GABA to minimize risk and help with some of the symptoms. I take an injectible (IM) form of it from a site called "Trim Nutrition" & it's really helped (I also take their B-complex  "Trim Complete" injectible.) You can chat w/ a nurse online. The GABA formulation is called "Trim Calm" and is a mix of GABA, Magnesium (which will help calm you & help with sleep and L-Theanine.) Glad you have your music. It's so important. It'll come back. It's hard to be patient with yourself but do -- because you deserve it!


                               - All good things your way -

[YesLife4Me]

Lol..I have done so many goofy things since taking the gaba too.  The thing that happens most often is I forget names or words as I am speaking. Then I have to pause for a moment til it comes to me.   Good job on throwing out the rest, you dont need them and they whisper to you.   The fog should start lifting soon.  

[T2112]

Today is Day 5.  The weekend was tolerable. I am hoping by this time next week the fog will be less. Still not attacking the guitar like I should be but I am hopeful. Thanks all.

[T2112]

Hey - Yesterday I put shampoo on my head before I had actually got my hair wet and then got out of the shower with dry hair and a glob of shampoo. Kinda weird - but kinda funny at the same time. I agree, it's the Gaba.

[Pat1956100]

Just wanted to add that I am prescribed Gaba for fibromyalgia pain too.  It does make you kind of forgetful.  I got into the shower with my glasses on this morning.  I am definitely blaming the gaba and not my age.

[vicki595]

I'm sure happy to read that you're taking GABA. That will cover you perfectly from any seizure risk and I can stop thinking about!  I just know how having a seizure can impact your life. You could lose your drivers license...and that would be horrible for YOU!  

I have to tell you how wonderful you've done so far...this is hard, very hard, and I admire your resolve to get this addiction behind you. Please be mindful of situations that may trigger using and be sure to avoid them or have a plan to handle them. Some examples of triggers are: pain, boredom, anger, loneliness, sadness...   A good aftercare or recovery care plan can support you in this area. Of course, having support at home is huge so you're fortunate there...

[ActingBrandNew]

Good morning T! Day 2! That's great and I see you made it through with no seizure. I'm really happy to see hear that. I just want to clarify something to you. Yes, it is a known fact Fioricet has seizure potential with abrupt withdrawal. But if you hadn't planned on taking the extra Fioricet...there was no need to keep them. Which is why you threw them away. Good job. I just find it difficult to understand how keeping Fioricet stashed away would prevent a seizure? Your supposed to take the Fioricet to prevent the seizure...not hold on to it?? So...if started having a seizure from the withdrawals...what, would you then pause the seizure and go to your stash of Fioricet? Take one and the seizure will go away? Sometimes I just don't get reasoning.
I want you to be clean. I want you to watch your daughter pitch with a clear head...free from substances. I want you to play music and enjoy life. We have acknowledged the seizure potential as real...but also that holding extra Fioricet will play no role in preventing that seizure from coming...

Your doing good T...real good. Your that much closer!

God Bless

[YesLife4Me]

Hey T!  The Gaba will definitely help with the seizure sisk, that's one of its purposes.  My research shows that it is also used for alcohol withdraw, which also has seizure risks.  I've also read that it helps many people with opiate withdraw for restless legs and anxiety.  Lots or reports on how it helps with the mood too since it works as an anti depressant as well.  I was put on it 2 weeks ago for fibro pain and it has worked wonders and my mood is definitely a marked improvement.  Some of it from not hurting so bad as well.  Lol.   Anyhow I started at 300 mg 3 times a day a d worked my way up to 4x 300 (1200) 3 times a day.  Been working my way back down and noticed some pain again.  Good thing I have a dr appt today.  It might be a good idea to discuss with your dr?  I haven't had any migraines or headaches since taking it either!   My neck muscles are much more relaxed.  Who knows, it may give you enough lift to get going with your music too?  It does make me kind of goofy and forgetful, but that is getting better as I adjust to it.  

Congrats on the good news with your daughter!   Time is the 4 letter word on here...that's all you need.  

[T2112]

Yes.. for a back surgery that actually went great.  I was told to increase then decrease the Gaba. When I was told by my Pain Dr. that she wanted to get out of Rx-ing pain meds and that I needed to increase back up to 2,700mg of Gaba, I only went up to 600mg (1 morning & 1 night). The back surgery was in year 2010 and I really don't think I need the Gaba. I had heard that it helps when getting off pain meds so that is why I take it. I never knew about the seizure risk from Fioricet before so I never asked my Dr. what relationship Gaba had in the process. All of this is a lot. It can be frustrating at times. I'd just like to be done with the process.

[Pat1956100]

Hi, nice to hear from you and glad you are doing well.  
I believe gabapentin would reduce the potential for seizure activity and it also helps with withdrawal symptoms.
It was originally used for epilepsy and prevention of seizures.
Be careful with it as it is addictive as well and you will have withdrawal symptoms from it.  Are you prescribed gabapentin?

[T2112]

All things considered - everthing seems Ok. I somewhat expect to not feel the best. I am no expert on WDs or seizures or the medication with respect to stopping. I have read so much on this that it seems as though everyone has a different situation/reaction to stopping. Some can taper others need to CT. Some do Ok on either and others have more of a hard time. So far - so good. Tomorrow is Sat. which will be day 3. Then Monday back to work will be day 5. I sincerely appreciate the concern and support and will remain on this site for many weeks to come. I could not have gotten to this point if I had not found this sight and received support from all my Anonomus Friends (Hey .. wait ..that could be a song title)

QUESTION: Does Gabapentin reduce the potential for any seizure activity?  

[Pat1956100]

Please let us know how you are doing.  I'm a little concerned as well.  There are some drugs that need to be tapered and fioricet is definitely one of them.
Check in with us as soon as you can.

[vicki595]

Fioricet contains a barbiturate and abrupt withdrawal is dangerous due to the high incidence of seizure activity....especially when the drug has been taken in large doses over a long period of time.

[vicki595]

I just want to mention that the seizure risk after a fast taper or abrupt withdrawal from Fioricet  can be present for up to three weeks.

[clean_in_ks]

FOR SURE don't sell your music equipment!! Hahaha!  It's in your soul....
and you don't want to do anything radical in the first 6 mos to yr while you
are healing.  I even have a soprano sax I bought that I have played ONE
time......I keep saying I'm gonna sell it....but naw......"I'm gonna hold on to what I've got"..(a song, too, remember?)
I'll be looking forward to your new composition.....and your posting of the song you write for all of us.....that's a GRAND idea. :)

And after reading ALL the places in KS you have lived...another song comes to mind, "I get around".  Haha!  Hang in there...your healing has just begun~

[ActingBrandNew]

I think that's great you called your wife and had her toss the pills! Absolutely great! Im no doctor...but uh, if you took ONLY 2 on Tues and ONLY 2 on Wed....and none today...and haven't had a seizure...then holding them is just unneeded temptation. You did good...you did right...keep moving forward.