Fioricet Withdrawal & Detox

Fioricet withdrawal symptoms usually begin within around a day after your last dose of the drug if you attempt to stop suddenly.

Fioricet is a prescription medication typically prescribed as a treatment for tension headaches. The medication is also available as an opiate painkiller, and experiencing a Fioricet withdrawal is a definite possibility when someone has taken the substance regularly for a long period of time.

When a person goes through the process of withdrawing from a substance, including prescription painkillers, it’s essentially the body going into shock. The individual may have been taking the substance for such a long period of time that their body and brain became used to the substance’s presence. When someone with Fioricet use disorder suddenly stops taking the substance, their body feels like it’s lost a sense of normalcy and balance.

The medical definition of withdrawal symptoms can include anything that’s psychological or physically abnormal that occurs after an individual stops taking a substance to which they had a physical dependence. Similar to opioid withdrawal, some of the common Fioricet withdrawal symptoms include sweating, vomiting, and insomnia.

The withdrawal symptoms of any substance can range from being mildly uncomfortable to nearly debilitating, but the key to stopping substance misuse is going through withdrawal without too many complications. One of the best ways to do this for Fioricet, or any substance, is in a medically supervised detoxification program.

During a medically supervised detox, medical professionals and addiction specialists can help clients remain comfortable and then give them the tools and resources they need to begin on the path to recovery.

What is Fioricet Withdrawal?

Fioricet is a combination of acetaminophen and caffeine as well as butalbital. Butalbital is a barbiturate, and this the component of the drug that makes it addictive and also leads to a physical dependence that then creates a withdrawal if someone suddenly stops taking the substance.

In terms of treating headaches, butalbital can help release the tension of muscle contractions that often cause headaches. The acetaminophen is included to fight pain differently from the butalbital and thus makes the substance more effective. The presence of caffeine helps improve blood flow through blood vessels.

It’s important for people to realize the dangers of misusing Fioricet, and these risks are why doctors are advised to only use it for the treatment of headaches when all other options fail.

Fioricet can cause addiction and dependence because of the presence of butalbital, but there are also risks associated with the acetaminophen. When people take more than 4,000 mg of acetaminophen a day, it can lead to liver damage or even liver failure. Because of the potential for such serious symptoms, Fioricet treatment should be taken seriously. A medically supervised detoxification process can help an individual deal with Fioricet withdrawal and from there they can then move on to more in-depth treatment.

Fioricet Withdrawal Signs and Symptoms

People often wonder what Fioricet withdrawal is like or what the common Fioricet withdrawal symptoms are. Withdrawal can be different for everyone, but in general, some potential symptoms of Fioricet withdrawal include:

• Nausea
• Anxiety
• Delirium
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Irritability

More severe potential Fioricet withdrawal symptoms can include convulsions, hallucinations, hypertension and a depressed respiratory system.  

Generally what should happen if an individual experiences Fioricet withdrawal is that they should detox under medical supervision, particularly if they have misused the substance for a long period of time. A physician or medical team might opt for a weaning schedule, where they would gradually reduce the dosage of Fioricet until the patient is eventually off of it completely. Slowly weaning off a substance like Fioricet can help reduce withdrawal symptoms and improve a client’s chances of successfully recovering from an addiction to the substance.

Also, with symptoms such as anxiety and insomnia, in a medically supervised detox, the professional team can help to appropriately mitigate some of these symptoms. It’s also important to participate in a program that includes eventual cognitive-behavioral therapy so that clients can work through their addiction and also help ease away from things such as their cravings for the substance. [/cs_text]

Fioricet Withdrawal Timeline

Withdrawal from barbiturates can be dangerous. Some people report dangerously high body temperature or hallucinations. Some people may even experience coma or death.

Those preparing to undergo Fioricet detox often ask, “How long does Fioricet withdrawal last?” While there is no clear-cut answer, physical withdrawal symptoms from Fioricet can begin within a few hours after the last dosage. Within a day or two, people often experience physical symptoms of Fioricet withdrawal. Withdrawal severity often peaks within the first five days the body may experience sweating, vomiting and diarrhea. These bodily functions help remove the substance from the system.

The timeline for Fioricet withdrawal varies depending on how long the substance remains in the body. Usually, withdrawal begins within a few hours after the last dose:

• 24-72 hours: During the first three days, Fioricet withdrawal symptoms are felt most intensely. During this time is when an individual could experience seizures. The initial Fioricet withdrawal is accompanied by increased heart rate, mood swings, insomnia, nausea, and vomiting. The first three days often carry the highest risk and therefore require 24/7 medical monitoring and care.
• Week one: The difficulties continue after the few days in barbiturate withdrawal and linger for the whole week. A client’s pulse and heart rate may continue to race, they also might face insomnia, and withdrawal symptoms may make them irritable. During the first week of withdrawal, clients can also experience depression, anxiety, and cravings for Fioricet.
• Week two: Many of the same emotional symptoms will continue during this week. Depression and irritability may still be present and mood swings may become even more intense. During the second week, clients may still have difficulties sleeping. The risk of seizures and other severe reactions are much lower during this time.
• Week three: During the last two weeks insomnia will become less of a problem, although sleep may continue to be an issue to some degree for quite some time. Physical symptoms can begin to fade, but some, such as headaches and sensitivity, may still be present. Mental and emotional symptoms may still be present, but overall the patient’s condition should begin to stabilize at this time.

Some symptoms can last beyond the weeks of withdrawal. These symptoms can stick around for months or years after the last dose. These symptoms are referred to as “Protracted Withdrawal Symptoms” or PAWS. PAWS occurs because the brain’s ability to react to stress has been weakened due to chronic Fioricet misuse. While stressful situations arise in early recovery, PAWS produces further distress to an individual’s body. These symptoms usually come and go in waves, with different intensities and severities. Frequent symptoms include:

• Impaired cognition
• Irritability
• Depressed mood
• Anxiety

It can be difficult to distinguish between PAWS and underlying mental health issues. PAWS may produce symptoms identical to Generalized Anxiety Disorder or Panic Disorder, for example. PAWS can include:

• Coordination problems
• Cravings
• Depression
• Emotional overreactions
• Feelings of guilt
• Memory problems
• Obsessive-compulsive behavior
• Stress sensitivity
• Sleep disturbances

Individuals can expect their condition to improve gradually after several months. However, if their condition is severe, complete stabilization might take as long as a year.  

Fioricet Detox

Fioricet is known to have withdrawal symptoms when regular use is discontinued. These symptoms can decrease gradually over an estimated two-week period.  However, the safest way to proceed through withdrawal from Fioricet requires medical assistance, as withdrawal symptoms from Fioricet can be fatal if they are not properly supervised.

Detoxification is the body’s natural process of removing toxins. People who frequently use a substance never truly detoxify from the substance because they are always adding more into their system. When someone with a Fioricet use disorder chooses to seek treatment, the first thing they must do is stop taking Fioricet and let the body detoxify.

The detoxification process can be challenging, but it is a necessary part of a person’s recovery. A medically supervised detox program is important to safely remove the substance from the body. Some people choose to try “cold turkey” detoxification, which is a potentially dangerous detox approach that involves an individual abruptly halting the intake of the drug. Because of the sudden lack of the substance that the body and mind have become used to, a person can experience severe withdrawal symptoms that often result in a failed attempt at detoxing. Quitting Cold Turkey is not a recommended or an efficient way to detox from Fioricet.

There is not one specific detoxification program that works the same for everyone. To meet individual needs, The Recovery Village has staff and resources to tailor a detox approach for each client’s unique needs. At a rehabilitation facility, trained medical professionals will guide each patient through their unique treatment plan and usher them safely through their personal withdrawal symptoms.

Detox Process for Fioricet Abuse

There are two ways to detox: “cold turkey”, or by tapering, which is gradually lowering substance dosages. Many people who choose to detox on their own at home attempt the “cold turkey” method. However, a cold-turkey detox can be dangerous, because the onset of withdrawal symptoms is more severe. Because of the potential intensity of Fioricet withdrawal symptoms, the person going through detox may end up experiencing setbacks without the proper supervision and care that a rehabilitation facility can provide.

Professional medical detoxification is the safest option when it comes to beginning on the path to recovery. At The Recovery Village, clients are monitored 24/7 to ensure that withdrawal is as comfortable as possible, that their vitals are at healthy levels and that they are not experiencing any life-threatening symptoms.

The primary risks during detox include dehydration and delirium tremens. Severe dehydration can lead to seizures,, which can easily become lethal, especially if they occur in an at-home environment without medical supervision. Delirium tremens can also lead to cardiac arrhythmia and respiratory failure, which can be fatal if left untreated.

Following detox, the patient is ready to begin treatment for their Fioricet use disorder. The Recovery Village offers many different treatment options including inpatient and outpatient rehab. Rehab is a proven treatment method for Fioricet addiction because it addresses both the physical and psychological sides of the disease.

Fioricet Detox Medications

Some rehab facilities may offer medically assisted detox. A medically assisted detox is supervised detoxification, using a substitute substance. There are several substitute substances available including suboxone, methadone, and benzodiazepines. Overall, the average medically assisted detox lasts between three and seven days, depending on the individual circumstances.

The most common substitute substances used during medically assisted detoxification are suboxone and methadone. The main advantage of a medically assisted detox is the reduction in  severity of withdrawal symptoms. A Fioricet withdrawal —among withdrawals from most substances —is an uncomfortable experience and it is often the desire to avoid these symptoms that encourages people to keep taking the substance.

Medical detox is only the first step of an addiction rehabilitation program. After a client completes withdrawal from Fioricet, it is encouraged that they go through some kind of rehabilitation program.

Fioricet Detox Centers

Undergoing withdrawal symptoms in a professional treatment center can make the entire process significantly safer. While no Fioricet-specific detox centers exist, there are a number of options available to help people detox from barbiturates or other substances. In a formal medical detox setting, clients can have access to care that addresses both the physical and psychological symptoms of withdrawal, all with 24/7 supervision from a team of physicians and clinicians.

If you or someone you love struggles with a Fioricet use disorder, comprehensive detox centers are available to provide care during their treatment. A leading behavioral health care provider, The Recovery Village provides clients with a full continuum of substance use disorder treatments, including medical detox. Withdrawal can be tough, but outlasting the symptoms is worth it. The Recovery Village has a dedicated team of professionals ready to help you or a loved one begin detoxification and addiction recovery.

The Recovery Village offers a broad range of opioid detox options at centers across the country.

• The Recovery Village – Umatilla, Florida
• Orlando Recovery Center – Orlando, Florida
• The Recovery Village Palmer Lake – Palmer Lake, Colorado
• The Recovery Village Ridgefield – Ridgefield, Washington
• The Recovery Village Columbus – Columbus, Ohio
• The IAFF Center of Excellence – Upper Marlboro, Maryland

You can get help today. Reach out to a representative at The Recovery Village today to explore your options, learn more about treatment and take the first step toward a path to recovery.