Klonopin and Butal Apap abuse

[Blondie1955]

I just learned that I have a "cross addiction."  I was prescribed Butal Apap approximately two years ago for tension headaches and migraines.  I have for the past few months requested it w/o the caffiene as it was causing heart palps.  I have never taken more than six per day, but have rarely gone a day without taking at least one or two.  

In late Jan. a p-doc prescribed me .5 klonopin at bedtime to see if it helped relax my jaws (thinking that was causing my frequent a.m. headaches).  Well, last week I found out from my new pyschologist just how addicting Klonopin is and that I'm probably also addicted to the Butal Apap.

I've figured out a taper plan for the Klonopin and am grateful I've not taken it too long or at high dosages (it was increased by the dr. to .5 mg. 3 x per day in late May).  

My concern is after reading all the threads on Fiorcet and withdrawals...I had NO idea it was addictive..I asked my prescribingi physician as well as my former pyschiatrist and both assured me it was NOT addictive.  Well, I beg to differ.  

How do I get off both of these meds safely?  Do I taper off the Klonopin first and then the Butal Apap or can it be done simultaneously.  I've read the withdrawals from each are harsh and can cause seizures.  I'm wanting off of both of them; I'll worry about what to do about the migraines later...I just want the dependency to end.

Thanks to anyone who can offer advice and support.  I do not have the drugs in my possession; they are doled out to me by a family member who is not very understanding of the situation.  Nor the dangers of withdrawal process.

Again, thank you so much!  Reading the threads of those who've licked substance abuse (of any kind) gives me hope that I can do it too!

[vicki595]

Oh boy!!   This is tough.  I was addicted to Fioricet for a long time and it must be tapered carefully,along with the Klonopin.  Please go back to your doctor and ask for a taper plan.

Both these drugs are very addicting and double the trouble because they react on the same brain receptors.  It's not good to take them together!!  It's a serious combination!

Post back...

[Blondie1955]

Thank you for confirming what I already feared. I've used the fiorcet for approx. 2 years at inconsistent amounts...until more recently; perhaps six weeks or so but probably took at leadt some more days than not..but some days just two and on a migraine day the full dose of six...or maybe 7. The klonopin has been used in much the same way...inconsistently ...but almost always lately some of each is taken each day.

Since prescribing Dr. (family dr.) assured me they were not addictive I'm wondering if he'll be able to help with a taper plan. The klonopin was initially prescribed by my former p-doc.
Family dr is  prescribing both now. I'm wondering if I should consult with an addiction specialist before trying to taper off them both. I've begun the klonopin taper but only learned of the seriousness of the fiorcet after reading all the posts on this site.  Needless to say I'm a little freaked and disturbed at what I learned!

Thanks so much for your reply. I'm feeling very alone and just a little scared.

[vicki595]

I'm sure you're scared.  I would take this up with the prescribing doctor. Most doctors don't like to taper another doctor's patient.  The family doctor can help you and must help you. If he refuses,then get with the p-doc.

Anytime is a good time to see an addictionologist

Did you know that Fioricet can cause headaches??  Crazy,huh?

Stay in touch and don't try to taper on your own...

[Blondie1955]

For some reason, the mornings are the worst time...and then reading all the horror stories on this site and a couple of others sure didn't help.  If I read about a symptom, then I'm sure to have it!  One of the doctors on this site sent me a message that was very helpful, a Dr. Juiing (sp?).  He felt I'd probably not built up a huge tolerance to either and to taper off one wait a couple of weeks and start the other.  Since I've already started tapering the klonopin, I'll just keep up w/ that one.  I'm lucky to have only been taking it since late Jan.  I'm going to have a family member supervise my taper and have decided to try the wet titration method.  

I have no p-doc at present, just the family dr. who is prescribing everything.  

I am seeing a psychologist who specializes in addiction(s) -- do you think I need an actual MD to oversee this process?  I, unfortunately, have lost faith in my MD and my p-doc turned out to be a complete flake.

I was hoping to be able to do this on my own with family help/supervision.  I do not have access to the drugs at all...they are doled out to me.  Sad, isn't it?

Yes, I know NOW that Fioricet can cause headaches.  Very crazy!

Thanks for your help, concern and tips.  You've been great!  

[vicki595]

I think the psychologist will be just fine with a back up of an MD if needed.  I'm glad you posted to the substance abuse MD.  He's a smart guy and gave you great advice.

It sounds like you're on the right track here!  Good for you!!   You'll get there!!

Post with any questions and good luck!!

[Blondie1955]

Hi, Vicki -- hope you're having a good day!  I think I'm starting to feel the withdrawals...it's been about week since I started tapering...so that's about right isn't it?  I don't know if what I'm experiencing are common side effects; vomiting, diarrhea, waking up during the night with heart palpitations...and just a general feeling of anxiety, headache and feeling yucky!  All par for the course I am sure.

My stepson's wife is a Dr. of Pharmacology and has offered to take my pills, crush them and suspend them in a liquid and I will taper with that.  She's worked up a taper plan which can be tweaked if I feel we're going too fast.  I was considering the wet titration, but I'd need a degree in chemistry to figure it out.  I think the suspension method and decreasing by ml will be a good method for me.

Thanks for the well wishes...wish I'd never started either of these drugs...but you live and learn!

Yes, I really appreciated the forum's MD posting his advice.  He had excellent credentials!

Have a great weekend...what's left of it.