Hi
I have been a migraine sufferer for over 20 years. Roughly 5 years ago I was put on
Imitrex and it did work well at first, but then it stopped working for me altogether. About 3 to 4 years ago my Dr. at that time prescribed me
Fioricet on a regular basis. I didn't know that this drug was addictive since I was told at that time it wasnt.
about 8 months after taking it on a daily basis, I became severly depressed and was put in a hospital for depression. I saw a neurologist while I was there and when he heard the word fioricet and how much I had been taking, he immediately put me on 1000mg of
Depakote and he started a taper plan which I did at home. I followed his plan by the book and was off that drug in 6 weeks.And to be honest I had no Mental cravings at all. I was kept on the 1000mg of depakote even after I was off, well I was feeling so good after a few months I weened myself off the depakote.BIG MISTAKE. The headaches returned within a week and all I could think about was the Fioricet. My insurance had changed so I had to change primnary Dr's.
The new Dr. is very cautious with the fioricet, only dispensing 60 a month and that worked fine for the first few months, but then I would take them for every reason in the book and I still do.At my highest I was taking 20 Fioricet a day, knowing I had become addicted to them again, I tried my own taper plan but could never get below 6 a day, next thing I know I am back up to 10 to 12 a day, and I think some stressful days more than that. Online pharmacies is where I got my supply until my prescription with the Dr. was 30 days since last refill and I could get another refill. It has turned into a vicious cycle. It no longer helps Migraines or tension headaches, it causes them and I know they are rebound headaches. I finally fessed up to my Dr. about my addiction to fioricet and asked if she could do a medical detox for me. She didn't want to do it and has prescribed me to a Pysciatrist who I will see on Monday. She says they have a lot more experience at that. I know the dangers of coming off Fioricet as I have researched it and have a good friend who recently went through Medical detox and is doing wonderfully. I hit Rock bottom about 5 months ago but at the same time I am scared to death of seizures and other unpleasant side effects while coming off the horrible Medicine. I have to do it as an outpatient as my insurance doesn't cover detox of any kind. I did it as an outpatient last time, I am sure I can do it again. Has anyone had experience with Fioricet addiction and has come off it with a Pysciatrist's help or any other Dr.? Another reason I have to do it as an outpatient is I am now a single Mom and have a 10 year old and 8 year old son to take care of, I don't have anyone else to do it. Like I said before my biggest fear is seizure's, although I have never had one before, I would like to keep it that way. I will deal with the rebound headache's although they are the worst headaches I have ever felt, I do know they pass. Please if anyone has been through anything like this, I would like to know how your experience was. Thank you!!