Drug Uses
Fioricet is a barbiturate sedative mixed with a non-aspirin pain medication and caffeine. This Fioricet medication is often prescribed for tension headaches caused by contractions of the muscles in the neck and shoulder area, and for migraine headache.
How Taken
Fioricet comes as a capsule or tablet to be taken by mouth. One or 2 tablets every 4 hours as needed. Total daily dosage should not exceed 6 tablets.
Extended and repeated use of this medication is not recommended because of the potential for physical dependence.
Fioricet Precautions
Fioricet may cause you to become drowsy or less alert; therefore, driving or operating dangerous machinery or participating in any hazardous activity that requires full mental alertness is not recommended. If you are being treated for severe depression or have a history of severe depression or drug abuse, consult with your doctor before taking Fioricet.
Also use Fioricet with caution if you are elderly or in a weakened condition, if you have liver or kidney problems, or if you have severe abdominal trouble.
If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Fioricet can affect a developing baby and appears in breast milk. Your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding your baby until your treatment is finished.
Side Effects
Side effects cannot be anticipated.
More common side effects may include:
Abdominal pain, dizziness, drowsiness, intoxicated feeling, light-headedness, nausea, sedation, shortness of breath, vomiting.
Less common or rare side effects may include:
Agitation, allergic reactions, constipation, depression, difficulty swallowing, dry mouth, earache, exaggerated feeling of well-being, excessive sweating, excessive urination, excitement, fainting, fatigue, fever, flatulence, headache, heartburn, heavy eyelids, high energy, hot spells, itching, leg pain, mental confusion, muscle fatigue, numbness, rapid heartbeat, ringing in the ears, seizure, shaky feeling, skin redness and/or peeling, sluggishness, stuffy nose, tingling.
Storage
Store your Fioricet below 86° F (30° C), in a tight container, out of the reach of children.
Overdose
Fioricet overdose is indicated by severe drowsiness, confusion, extreme weakness, hallucination, shortness of breath, too slow or troubled breathing, slurred speech, lack of coordination, vomiting with blood, unusually slow heartbeat.
An overdose of Fioricet, or combining butalbital with alcohol or other central nervous system depressant, may lead to unconsciousness or perhaps death.
More Information
Do not take Fioricet if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) in the last 14 days. Dangerous side effects can result. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do not take any medicine unless your doctor approves.
Fioricet may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), other pain relievers, anxiety medicines, and muscle relaxants.
Disclaimer
The medication monograph provided above is for your information purposes only, it is not intended to cover all uses, directions, drug interactions, precautions, or adverse effects of this drug. This is general information, and should not be relied on for any purpose and can not be construed as containing specific instructions for any particular patient. This website disclaims all responsibility for the accuracy and reliability of the information, and of any consequences arising from the your use of the information, including damage or adverse consequences to persons or property, however such damages or consequences may arise.
