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HELP!! Fiorcet Information anyone?

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Migraine Headache
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Posted 6/29/2007 2:22 AM (GMT 0)
I have recently found out that my mother is addicted to pills called Fiorcet (which contain codeine, Tylenol, caffeine, and butalbatal). Shes had migraines for years (which of course is the reason of her taking these pills in the first place). about 10 years ago she began taking them without mine, my brothers, or my dads knowledge. She has been going to doctors without telling anyone and binges on the entire bottle of pills in about 5 days then waits a month for the doctors to refill her prescription, and does it all over again. Shes hidden the Fiorcet from us for over 10 years, and we only found out about them because she was so intoxicated at her job (which wasn't a first time thing) that her boss found them and fired her. Now shes going to a 30-day program to treat her 10+ year addiction.

I have never heard of this drug before, but it looks to me as if the effects of fiorcet are serious and extremely intoxicating. I was just wondering if ANYONE had ANY type of information about this drug that you can pass onto me because i have never heard anything about fiorcet before. Is there anything anyone knows about fiorcet and addiction? Or any information about long/short-term effects to the body? Or any stories of the same addiction? Any information is greatly appreciated!!
Posted 6/29/2007 12:19 PM (GMT 0)
A similar situation happened to me. It was hard to admit to myself because I was in so much pain from the migraines but I had to be honest with myself and admit that I was taking it not only for pain (for which it no longer helped) but also to sleep, for stress and just because it was there.

I was able to stop taking them a couple of years ago. I took a week off from my life to stay in bed and suffer. After I got through that my migraine situation was actually a little bit better and my ability to sleep a little better too.

The problem lies in that one still has migraines and needs to find some way to get relief. Triptans helped me fairly well. I also recently found a migraine program (bio-identical hormone therapy) that has helped me immensely.

It is great that your Mom is in a treatment program and that you and your family are aware of the problem and seeking to help her. I know that if I was to ever need pain medication again (for surgery or the like) I would give the medication to my husband to pass out as I cannot handle them responsibly and that is all there is to it.

Having others aware of the situation and not judging, but understanding and supporting is huge. :)
Posted 7/1/2007 1:31 AM (GMT 0)
I have fiorcet for my migraines, but hardly ever take, it infact I have only taken 1 pill. It made me feel very tired, and just couldn't function well, so I didn't take anymore. I don't understand why anyone would want to feel like that. right now I'm just trying to find something that relieves my pain, and lets me be a functional person. Being spaced out, is not for me.

Blessings,

cindy4hope :)
Posted 7/2/2007 5:22 PM (GMT 0)
I am sorry to hear about your mom. I have used fiorcet for my migraines for over 10 years now. I take three tablets as needed when I get one and I do get them often. It seems to be the only medicine that works for me as I am allerigic to the tripitans that are found in the other medicines for migraines.

I am glad to hear your mother is getting the help she needs. I hope they will find a another medication that will work for her. I also take one called lyrica that once they get it up past 300mg's it works well in migraine patients. I also take topamax and a bunch of others but I am sure the doctors will find something that will work for your mom. Be patient and understanding and above all else be there for her she needs you now more then ever.

Posted 7/8/2007 7:33 PM (GMT 0)
They make fiorocet with and without codeine. Without codeine, it is not a narcotic so is less

addictive. My sister also takes fiorocet with codeine and was addicted as your mom is, she would take them heavily right after her refill, then suffer the rest of the month. I think some people have an "addictive personality" and some don't. The medicine is not bad per se, it just has to be taken

according to dr's instructions. Perhaps she can take the kind without codeine after she gets

over the addiction, or your dad can dole it out, which I do now for my sister and she is compliant.

Triptans of course are an alternative, but not all people can take them. She needs a neurologist.

I take the fiorocet without codeine, have taken it for many years and don't take more than 60 per month, and never run out early. It is a godsend to me, allows me to work, etc. I take triptans, 6-9 per month for the more intense, unmanageable migraines.

Good luck to all of you.

Posted 7/17/2007 7:27 PM (GMT 0)
I have been on Fioricet for years. Yes, it can be addictive and shouldn't be taken if you aren't in medical need of it. I wouldn't consider it super dangerous compared to being addicted to some of the narcotic meds.

Seems like your mom is taking a bunch of them at once trying to increase the effect (not a good thing). That's when they can be dangerous, like any prescribed medication you need to follow the recommended dose.
Posted 7/25/2007 3:44 PM (GMT 0)

I have been taking fiorcet without codeine for 11 years, I have tried everything - triptans and all of the rest, it seems like fiorcet works the best. I get thirty a month, I saw a comment on one of the above posts that said someone gets sixty a month. I have asked my Dr. to raise me to forty but she seems to give me a hard time and want to just keep me at thirty.  I hate vicodin, I have a few of those for the really awful headaches, but I get ten pills about every six months or so. Does anyone know if thirty is the "magic" number for most Dr.'s with fiorcet? I take two pills at a time. One just doesn't cut the pain at all.

I guess I like firocet because I can also function at work - even though sometimes the pain isn't totally gone I am not in a nasty fog like with vicodin.

Also, I am in my 30's but have the beginnings of Glaucoma so that rules out some of the triptan's. 

Does everyone pretty much get thirty a month?

Posted 8/5/2007 7:39 AM (GMT 0)
hi there...new to boards..excited to find a place to discuss in safety and compassion....

in reply to the Fiorcet amounts....my pain specialist recently suggested them for migraines...without codiene bc I take hydrocodone for disc problems, cysts, tmj, and arthritis...yea :-) ...lol..anyway..my first prescription was for 90 a month...he is rather conservative with medications..only starting them out at lower doses....no refills..and makes sure lots of test are done in the mean time...another family  member takes them for migraines as well (hereditary) and gets 90 a month from their pcp...My doc prescribed them as 3 a day to keep them from even coming on..however..I felt drunk and off balance and with to many things zapping my energy I didnt need another....he then gave me elivil(spelling) but once I found it it was a anti-depressant I have to go back now to have it changed bc..anti's (and Ive taken about all of them) make me rageful and a few times from sad to suicidal...I dont know what he will try next..but my mother had them for 50 years b4 doctors helped her..she woul black out and spent half of life in bed....finally she was given a beta blocker..and other than a few "tunnel vision "seconds twice a month she has been pain free for 5 years....I wish I could take them..but I can not....however for anyone else suffering ...look into beta blockers (inderal is what my ma takes)....she went from black outs...pain that took her to bed days at a time and all the extras since 9 years of age..now...pain free and happier....

sorry if a long post..is my first one..

HI to all..

Wishing pain free vivacious lives to you all...

Posted 8/16/2007 2:56 PM (GMT 0)
i was addicted to fioricet. pretty bad.
i learned that chronic pain sufferers (SOME) have pretty much the same type of brain structure as addicts-hmm you wonder why huh? (sarcasm) it is a double edged sword for me-pain=meds=addiction.
i guess what i did was change my way of life while off the pills-with the help of treatment and a pain clinic. everything has to change-not just meds-food, excercise ect.....
i can honestly say i am feeling much better-clean and sober. encourage your mom to go to AA (you can still go if your problem is not alcohol) their philosophy on life helps with stress-which in turn helps with headaches! your mom could also maybe try outpatient treatment after (maybe a womens group)-the pain is still there after 30 days and she will need the support!
you could try a alanon meeting too-it may help you and your family identify.
good luck and best wishes to your mom-good for her!
Posted 8/20/2007 12:35 PM (GMT 0)
Sorry to hear about your mother.

Fioricet may be a very effective pain reliever, and often is used when other meds (vasoconstrictors, opioids, NAIDs) are ineffective or contraindicated. The main drawbacks of this medicine are high potential for rebound headache and abuse, addiction and withdrawal after long use. Fioricet with codeine contains even two addict compounds: codeine and butalbital.

Here is some info about fioricet: http://www.emedexpert.com/facts/fioricet-facts.shtml
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