Fioricet is a drug used to treat tension headaches and it combines caffeine, butalbital and acetaminophen. The latter is used as a fever reducer and pain reliever. The butalbital belongs to the class of drugs known as barbiturates and it relaxes the muscle contractions caused by tension headaches. The caffeine stimulates the central nervous system, relaxes muscle contractions in the blood vessels and improves blood flow.
Benefits Of Fioricet
• Relieves tension headaches
• Reduces pain and fever
• Relieves migraines
How It Works
Fioricet works to alleviate migraines and tension headaches by combining three different drugs. Butalbital is a sedative used to relax the muscles, caffeine improves blood flow by relaxing muscle contractions and makes the acetaminophen more effective and the acetaminophen reduces fever and lowers pain.
Taking Fioricet
Never take a higher dose of Fioricet than prescribed as it can cause liver damage. Don’t take the drug if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as Azilect, Parnate, Marplan, Emsam or Nardil within the past 2 weeks or if you are taking any other sleep, allergy, cold or pain medication. If you do so, you may suffer serious side effects that can be life threatening.
You should also avoid drinking alcohol when taking Fioricet which can increase your risk of liver damage. It’s also important to note that the drug can become addictive so talk to your doctor if you have ever suffered from addiction or drug abuse problems. You should take Fioricet with milk or food and store the medication at room temperature away from heat and moisture.
Possible Side Effects
When taking Fioricet, you may experience minor side effects such as headaches, vomiting, loss of appetite, dry mouth, dizziness, lightheadedness, a drunk feeling, stomach pain, nausea, confusion or an anxious feeling. Seek immediate medical attention if you suffer any of the following serious side effects: unusual weakness, flu symptoms, dark urine, jaundice, shortness of breath, fast or uneven heartbeat, chills, fever or clay-colored stools.