is butalbital a controlled substance?

[confused]

I had brain surgery in 1990 for a cerebral aneurysm. I've been being prescribed Fioricet since then, as I have bad reactions to aspirin, n-saids, SSRI'S, the newer anti-depressants, most recently Depakote, and the codeine family. Fioricet is the only thing that keeps me from getting what I call my "Killer headaches from hell!" My doc said he won't give me anymore Fioricet because it's very addicting and you're supposed to take only 2 per day. I searched PlanetRx and it says Fioricet is not a controlled substance and that the maximum dosage recommendation is 6 tablets per day. Yet, because of anxiety and depression, he has been dishing out first Xanax, (but it made my headaches worse) then Valium like they were candy! I checked with PlanetRx and both benzodiazepines are controlled substances and highly addictive. I realize that the Butalbital in Fioricet is also addictive--if this is true, then why isn't it a controlled substance? Also, after taking 4-6 tablets per day for the past 10 years, why can I go for days without it and not have severe withdrawal reactions? I'd appreciate any information you can give me, as I can't seem to find out much on the web. Thank you.

[my_mayberry]

well plus they come back 20 years later and say "oh you actually TOOK that while you were PREGNANT?"......you just never know what the future is going to reveal.

2 cars running a red light? wow...now thats a BAD day, vicki!

[vicki595]

Ha!  Yes...easy for you to say!!   I agree with you...the benefit would have to far outweigh the risk.  I was "lily white" when I was pregnant,had a few headaches and muscled through.  Then one beautiful morning I was in a car wreck; hit by TWO cars running a red light. Totaled the Van and ME!!   It was a nightmare. I was in pain from my nose to my toes. They tried to give me vicodin in the ER. I said NO!!   Then the doctor came in who was female and said "Take it damnit"..."Don't be a blank blank hero!! "    It was funny as I look back but I didn't take it. I was afraid...  So,I know where you're coming from: It's all about the baby...

[my_mayberry]

yeah, i understand that. i don't know...if it were me, i would want it to be a last resort option even PRN...but thats me. her doctor trumps me, obviously. haha...but still, if it were me, i'd do the research before i took it. probably nothing at all will happen. its the 'probably' part i wouldn't be comfortable with, though. i'd have to be in a lot of pain to consider it.

then again, i will never give birth. easy for me to say!

[vicki595]

Matt--   I was thinking the doctor here probably feels the prn use is fine being that we're not talking about a fetus anymore. At 6 months,that's a baby!

I've read (it's been awhile) that Valium was tetrogenic to a developing fetus; first trimester.

Fallon--Give the doctor a call tomorrow to put your mind at ease and/or discuss another med for the headaches.

[my_mayberry]

benzodiazepines are typically thought to be ok during pregnancy...perhaps your doctor is assuming that barbiturates will be as well...however, the two drug classes are not the same. if you go along with what your doctor says, at least educate yourself on the possible outcome. simply type "barbiturate use during pregnancy" into any search engine and read through the sites that pop up...then decide.

[my_mayberry]

yeah, talk to your doctor. i just wouldn't like the idea of taking it while pregnant, though.

link:
http://www.livestrong.com/article/151758-the-effects-of-barbiturates-on-the-fetus-in-pregnancy/

there are more sources for information about barbiturates during pregnancy. if i were you, i would not take it no matter what the doc is telling you. i ordinarily would never say that, but the information just doesn't support it. ask about excedrin instead or aspirin free excedrin. whichever...but barbs during pregnancy seems to be a bad idea. and yes, taking them daily can result in the baby being born addicted.