How to get off fioricet

[zoned]

I have a friend who is getting fioricet on line. She wants to get off. She only
has 38 pills left and was taking 6-8 daily. Before this up to 10-15  a week ago. How do
you decrease, how often and what withdrawals might she have?

Thanks in advance

[my_mayberry]

i took fiorinal for the taper. for a more gradual taper, there is also phrenillin (butalbital 50mg and tylenol 325, NO caffeine) or esgic plus (butalbital 50mg, caffeine 40mg, tylenol 500mg)....i mention these because they are scored, so work better for a taper....but with esgic plus, you have to keep in mind the higher tylenol content.

[zoned]

I apologize for taking so long to get back to you.
I understand your taper lasted nearly a year. Could you tell me what you were taking?
I see you believe my friend needs to tell her Dr to prevent new RX's. I see this is a
serious drug also and needs to be monitored with tapering. I will stress the importance
of this needing to be addressed with her Dr. I appreciate your help and thank you
very much.

Thanks so much again!

[my_mayberry]

i understand...of course we all would rather NOT let anyone know about our problems for one reason or another. unfortunately thats absolutely not the way to go with this drug. besides, anyone who is serious about getting off this drug will want their doctor to know...primarily because it will prevent new RX's.

we can provide info and support here...but unfortunately, no one here can provide a taper. that can only be given by a doctor. my taper lasted nearly a year...perhaps this seems like overkill, but depending on the length of addiction and the total daily dose, it isn't. even more aggressive tapers will typically last more than a month.

[zoned]

But she doesn't want her Dr. to know. How else could she find out how to taper off?
I really appreciate you answering. I also appreciate your help. Thanks :)

[my_mayberry]

well the withdrawals could be mild to VERY severe...even life threatening. symptoms include severe migraines, increased anxiety, seizures, major sleep disturbances, and possibly death. as far as a taper....a loooong taper is required with this drug. your friend needs to find a doctor to help with this. doing on your own is far too risky.

there are some drugs where you wonder if its really that important to be so cautious with a taper...but with barbiturates, you don't have to wonder...it absolutely IS important to do a slow doctor supervised taper.