Take Fioricet by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually every 4 hours as needed.
If you are using the liquid form of this medication, carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose.
Buy Fioricet Online
The dosage is based on your medical condition, age, and response to treatment. This medication works best if it is used as the first signs of a headache occur. If you wait until the headache has worsened, the medication may not work as well.
If you suddenly stop using this medication, you may have withdrawal symptoms (such as nausea/vomiting, mental/mood changes, seizures). To help prevent withdrawal, your doctor may lower your dose slowly. Withdrawal is more likely if you have used this medication for a long time or in high doses. Tell your doctor or pharmacist right away if you have withdrawal.
Though it helps many people, this medication may sometimes cause addiction. This risk may be higher if you have a substance use disorder (such as overuse of or addiction to drugs/alcohol). Take this medication exactly as prescribed to lower the risk of addiction. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
Tell your doctor if you notice increased use of this medication, a worsening of headaches, an increase in the number of headaches, the medication not working as well, or use of this medication for more than 2 headache episodes a week. Do not take more than recommended. Your doctor may need to change your medication and/or add a separate medication to prevent the headaches.
Fioricet contains a combination of acetaminophen, butalbital, and caffeine Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and fever reducer.
Fioricet Withdraw
Butalbital is in a group of drugs called barbiturates. It relaxes muscle contractions involved in a tension headache. Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant. It relaxes muscle contractions in blood vessels to improve blood flow.
Fioricet is used to treat tension headaches that are caused by muscle contractions.
When taking butalbital, you may experience withdrawal symptoms 8 to 36 hours after the last dose. Withdrawal symptoms may include anxiety, muscle twitching, tremor, weakness, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, insomnia, weight loss, and even seizures when the medication is discontinued.
Due to the risk of seizures with a withdrawal from butalbital, medical treatment in a monitored setting under the care of a physician is indicated.
Fioricet can cause withdrawal symptoms if taken for long periods of time.
Withdrawal happens as a result of physical changes to homeostasis. The body tries to maintain balance in all organ systems, which is forced to change when taking the Fioricet.
In order to maintain this balance, the body takes into account the effects of Fioricet to change the body’s equilibrium. Once the Fioricet is removed, the body falls out of equilibrium in the other direction, often becoming ill.
In most cases, Fioricet withdrawal lasts anywhere from 8 hours to three days after the last dose. Withdrawal is the biggest obstacle to overcoming dependence on Fioricet, which is why rehab centers provide detox programs so that people can safely undergo the withdrawal cycle without the risk of relapse. It is best to undergo withdrawal under medical supervision because some withdrawal symptoms are dangerous.
Symptoms of Fioricet Withdrawal
Nausea/vomiting
Mood changes
Seizures
Headaches
Anxiety
Irritability
Depression
Suicidal thought
Anxiety
Dizziness
Insomnia
Muscle spasms
Nausea and vomiting
Rapid emotional changes
Seizures (in rare cases)
Tremors
Weakness
How to Treat Fioricet Withdrawal ?
Fioricet contains butalbital, which is a barbiturate and can be habit-forming if used excessively or for an extended period. Abruptly stopping Fioricet after long-term use may lead to withdrawal symptoms, which can range from mild to severe. Here are some steps to manage Fioricet withdrawal:
Gradual tapering: If you’ve been using Fioricet regularly and want to stop, it’s essential to do so gradually under the guidance of a healthcare provider. Tapering off Fioricet slowly can help minimize the severity of withdrawal symptoms.
Medical supervision: Seek medical supervision when discontinuing Fioricet, especially if you’ve been using it for an extended period or at high doses. Your healthcare provider can create a tapering schedule tailored to your individual needs and monitor your progress throughout the process.
Symptom management: If you experience withdrawal symptoms, your healthcare provider may recommend medications to help alleviate specific symptoms. For example, over-the-counter pain relievers may help alleviate headache or muscle pain, while anti-nausea medications may help relieve gastrointestinal symptoms.
Hydration and nutrition: Stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet to support your body during withdrawal. Drink plenty of water and consume nutritious foods to help replenish essential nutrients and support overall health.
Rest and relaxation: Allow yourself plenty of rest and relaxation as your body adjusts to the absence of Fioricet. Practice stress-reduction techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or gentle exercise to promote relaxation and ease withdrawal symptoms.
Supportive therapy: Consider seeking support from a therapist or counselor to help cope with the emotional aspects of withdrawal. Therapy can provide valuable tools and strategies for managing stress, anxiety, and cravings during the withdrawal process.
Avoid triggers: Identify and avoid triggers that may increase cravings or exacerbate withdrawal symptoms. This may include avoiding places, situations, or people associated with Fioricet use and seeking out alternative activities or hobbies to occupy your time.
Stay connected: Stay connected with supportive friends, family members, or support groups who can provide encouragement, understanding, and accountability during the withdrawal process. Having a strong support network can make a significant difference in your recovery journey.
Follow-up care: Continue to follow up with your healthcare provider regularly throughout the withdrawal process and beyond. They can monitor your progress, adjust your treatment plan as needed, and provide ongoing support and guidance to help you successfully overcome Fioricet withdrawal.
It’s important to remember that Fioricet withdrawal can vary in intensity and duration depending on factors such as the duration and dosage of use, individual physiology, and other factors.
Fioricet is a prescription medicine that’s used to relieve tension headaches primarily because it relaxes the muscle contractions that cause head pain, ranging in severity from mild to moderate in most cases.
A tension headache is different from a migraine because as was touched on above, it’s believed that migraines stem from neurological issues, whereas a tension headache is often the result of triggers like stress, bad posture, or tension in the muscles of the neck and shoulders. Tension headaches don’t necessarily affect your vision, strength or balance, but a true migraine can affect all of these things. Migraines can also cause nausea and vomiting.
Additionally, tension headaches don’t have a genetic component, whereas migraines often run in families.
All of these distinctions are important to recognize when considering what Fioricet is used for, and why it’s not necessarily the best treatment option for migraines.
Fioricet contains three primary ingredients which are butalbital, acetaminophen, and caffeine.
Butalbital is a barbiturate, and it can relieve muscular tension by acting as somewhat of a muscle relaxant, and it can also relieve pain because it acts on the central nervous system. Along with releasing muscle contractions, butalbital can also create a sense of relaxation and relieve symptoms of anxiety. The acetaminophen acts as a pain reliever, and the caffeine can open up the flow of blood through blood vessels, which is thought to help with some headache pain.
So, with all that being said, people wonder if Fioricet is used for headaches, can it also be used for migraines?
Important information
You should not use Fioricet if you have porphyria, or if you have recently used alcohol, sedatives, tranquilizers, or other narcotic medications.
Do not use Fioricet if you have taken a MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, and tranylcypromine.
Do not take more Fioricet than is recommended. An overdose of acetaminophen can damage your liver or cause death.Call your doctor at once if you have nausea, pain in your upper stomach, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or jaundice (yellowing of your skin or eyes).
In rare cases, acetaminophen may cause a severe skin reaction. Stop taking Fioricet and call your doctor right away if you have skin redness or a rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling.
Before taking this medicine
Do not use Fioricet if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, and tranylcypromine.
You should not use Fioricet if you are allergic to acetaminophen, butalbital, or caffeine, if you have porphyria, or if you have recently used alcohol, sedatives, tranquilizers, or other narcotic medications.
To make sure Fioricet is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
liver disease, cirrhosis, a history of alcoholism or drug addiction, or if you drink more than 3 alcoholic beverages per day;
kidney disease;
asthma, sleep apnea, or other breathing disorder;
stomach ulcer or bleeding;
a history of skin rash caused by any medication;
a history of mental illness or suicidal thoughts; or
if you use medicine to prevent blood clots.
It is not known whether Fioricet will harm an unborn baby. If you use butalbital while you are pregnant, your baby could become dependent on the drug. This can cause life-threatening withdrawal symptoms in the baby after it is born. Babies born dependent on habit-forming medicine may need medical treatment for several weeks. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
This medicine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
What Are Side Effects of Fioricet ?
Fioricet is a combination medication containing acetaminophen, butalbital, and caffeine, commonly prescribed for tension headaches and certain types of migraines. Like any medication, Fioricet can cause side effects, which may vary in severity and frequency among individuals. Here are some potential side effects associated with Fioricet:
Drowsiness: Butalbital, a barbiturate found in Fioricet, can cause drowsiness or sedation, which may impair your ability to drive or operate machinery. It’s important to avoid activities that require alertness until you know how Fioricet affects you.
Dizziness: Fioricet may cause dizziness or lightheadedness, especially when standing up quickly from a sitting or lying position. Take care when changing positions to minimize the risk of falls or injury.
Nausea and vomiting: Some individuals may experience nausea or vomiting as a side effect of Fioricet. Taking the medication with food or a glass of milk may help reduce gastrointestinal discomfort.
Stomach upset: Fioricet contains acetaminophen, which can irritate the stomach lining in some people, leading to stomach upset or abdominal pain. Taking the medication with food or an antacid may help alleviate stomach discomfort.
Constipation: Butalbital, a component of Fioricet, can cause constipation in some individuals. Increasing fluid intake, dietary fiber, and physical activity may help prevent or relieve constipation.
Confusion or impaired cognition: Butalbital, especially when taken in high doses or for a prolonged period, may cause confusion, impaired cognition, or difficulty concentrating. If you experience these symptoms, avoid activities that require mental alertness until they resolve.
Dependency and withdrawal: Fioricet contains butalbital, which is a barbiturate and can be habit-forming if used excessively or for an extended period. Abruptly stopping Fioricet after long-term use may cause withdrawal symptoms such as rebound headaches, anxiety, insomnia, tremors, or seizures. It’s essential to use Fioricet as directed by your healthcare provider and avoid prolonged use or abrupt discontinuation without medical supervision.
Allergic reactions: In rare cases, Fioricet may cause allergic reactions such as skin rash, itching, swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing, or anaphylaxis. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience signs of an allergic reaction.
Liver toxicity: Fioricet contains acetaminophen, which can cause liver damage or liver failure if taken in high doses or for a prolonged period. It’s important to adhere to the recommended dosage instructions and avoid exceeding the maximum daily dose of acetaminophen.
Other side effects: Other less common side effects of Fioricet may include heart palpitations, rapid heartbeat, mood changes, depression, and difficulty urinating.
If you experience any concerning side effects while taking Fioricet, contact your healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance. They can help determine whether Fioricet is the right medication for you and recommend appropriate management strategies to minimize side effects.
How should I take Fioricet?
Take Fioricet exactly as prescribed. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take more of this medication than recommended. An overdose can damage your liver or cause death. Tell your doctor if the medicine seems to stop working as well in relieving your pain.
Butalbital may be habit-forming. Never share Fioricet with another person, especially someone with a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it. Selling or giving away Fioricet is against the law.
Take Fioricet with food or milk if it upsets your stomach.
Store Fioricet at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Keep track of the amount of medicine used from each new bottle. Butalbital is a drug of abuse and you should be aware if anyone is using your medicine improperly or without a prescription.
Fioricet may be used as a migraine treatment, but it’s not a first or even second choice among physicians. There are a few reasons. First, as was touched on above, Fioricet is primarily used for the treatment of tension headaches, which are very different from migraines. A lot of doctors feel that Fioricet doesn’t even necessarily work on migraine pain. There are a lot of other treatment options that are more specifically for the treatment of migraines, and they work in ways that are different from Fioricet.
According to the FDA, Fioricet isn’t approved for the treatment of migraines at all. It may have some benefits for migraine sufferers in that it can provide them with a sense of physiological calmness because of how it works on the central nervous system, but there again are better ways to treat migraines.
Another reason Fioricet isn’t necessarily an ideal migraine treatment is because of the risks that come with it.
Butalbital is a substance that can be habit-forming, and the use of Fioricet has actually led to addiction problems and physical dependence for some of the people who use it. It may be a prescription medicine, but that certainly doesn’t mean it’s risk-free.
Another risk associated with the use of Fioricet is the potential for liver toxicity from acetaminophen. Acetaminophen taken in large doses can result in liver injury and failure, and it has to be taken carefully and only as prescribed.
So, to sum up, what is Fioricet used for? The FDA approves the use of this prescription medication for the treatment of tension headaches primarily, as well as something called a post-dural puncture headache, which can occur following something like anesthesia administered in the spine. The FDA doesn’t approve Fioricet for the treatment of migraine headaches, both because it’s not the most effective available treatment option, and also because there are risks that come with the use of Fioricet including addiction, dependence and side effects like potential liver toxicity.
Fioricet dosing information
Usual Adult Dose of Fioricet for Headache:
Acetaminophen 300 mg, butalbital 50 mg, and caffeine 40 mg: 1 or 2 capsule(s) orally every 4 hours as needed. Maximum daily dose: 6 doses.
Acetaminophen 325 mg, butalbital 50 mg, and caffeine 40 mg: 1 or 2 tablet(s), capsule(s), or tablespoonful(s) orally every 4 hours. Maximum daily dose: 6 doses
Acetaminophen 500 mg, butalbital 50 mg, and caffeine 40 mg: 1 tablet or capsule orally every 4 hours. Maximum daily dose: 6 doses
Acetaminophen 750 mg, butalbital 50 mg, and caffeine 40 mg: 1 tablet orally every 4 hours. Maximum daily dose: 5 tablets
Usual Pediatric Dose of Fioricet for Headache:
12 years and older: Acetaminophen 300 mg, butalbital 50 mg, and caffeine 40 mg: 1 or 2 capsule(s) orally every 4 hours as needed. Maximum daily dose: 6 doses.
See also:
What happens if I miss a dose?
Since this medicine is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are on a schedule, use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of Fioricet can be fatal.
The first signs of an acetaminophen overdose include loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, sweating, and confusion or weakness. Later symptoms may include pain in your upper stomach, dark urine, and yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.
Overdose symptoms may also include insomnia, restlessness, tremor, diarrhea, increased shallow breathing, uneven heartbeats, seizure (convulsions), or fainting.
What should I avoid while taking Fioricet?
This medication can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.
Avoid drinking alcohol. It may increase your risk of liver damage while taking acetaminophen.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any other cold, allergy, pain, or sleep medication. Acetaminophen (sometimes abbreviated as APAP) is contained in many combination medicines. Taking certain products together can cause you to get too much acetaminophen which can lead to a fatal overdose. Check the label to see if a medicine contains acetaminophen or APAP.
While you are taking this medication, avoid taking diet pills, caffeine pills, or other stimulants (such as ADHD medications) without your doctor’s advice.
Fioricet side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Fioricet: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
In rare cases, acetaminophen may cause a severe skin reaction that can be fatal. This could occur even if you have taken acetaminophen in the past and had no reaction. Stop taking this medicine and call your doctor right away if you have skin redness or a rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling. If you have this type of reaction, you should never again take any medicine that contains acetaminophen.
Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:
confusion, seizure (convulsions);
shortness of breath;
a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out; or
nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
Common Fioricet side effects may include:
drowsiness, dizziness;
feeling anxious or restless;
drunk feeling; or
sleep problems (insomnia).
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect Fioricet?
Taking this medicine with other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing can cause dangerous or life-threatening side effects. Ask your doctor before taking Fioricet with a sleeping pill, narcotic pain medicine, muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety, depression, or seizures.
Other drugs may interact with acetaminophen, butalbital, and caffeine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.
Tolerance and addiction may also occur with butalbital. Tolerance means that a person needs more of the medication to achieve headache relief. Addiction to butalbital is characterized by persistent behaviors, like compulsions, to take a butalbital-containing medication.
These behaviors impair their life in some way, negatively impacting relationships and/or everyday functioning.
Is Fioricet Addictive?
Although it’s only a prescription headache medication, Fioricet has the potential to cause addiction.
If a person follows their prescription guidelines and uses the medication correctly, the risks of addiction are low. However, if someone takes too much Fioricet, they may develop tolerance to its effects.
A person with tolerance to a certain dose of Fioricet will require higher doses of the medication to alleviate their headaches.
Fioricet is a useful drug doctors prescribe for treating certain types of headaches.
It’s a combination of caffeine, acetaminophen, and butalbital all working together.
The main addictive component of the drug is the butalbital, which can form tolerance and dependency over the course of several weeks or months. With frequent use, the drug can begin to cause physical dependence and addiction. Without taking the drug, it can cause uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms — ironically leading to severe headaches.
Fioricet overdose is serious, but with rapid medical attention can be treated effectively. Lasting side effects of a Fioricet overdose can result from the acetaminophen content, which damages the liver and kidneys.
If you or someone you love is addicted to Fioricet, it’s recommended that you seek immediate medical support to begin the healing process sooner than later.
What Makes Fioricet Addictive?
The addiction begins through habit formation. If taking the drug regularly for treating chronic headaches, it becomes routine to take the drug at the first sign of a headache.
With regular use, the body begins to become physically dependent. As the drug exerts its effects on the body day after day, our body begins to resist the drug by blocking the specific receptors Fioricet exerts its effects upon.
This causes the user to require larger doses of the drug to receive the desired effects.
Additionally, once this change begins, the motivations for taking the drug begins to change.
Instead of taking it to treat a headache, we take it in order to prevent withdrawal symptoms. As soon as we stop the medication, withdrawal symptoms cause severe headaches, forcing us to take more of the drug just to prevent this from happening.
Signs of Fioricet Addiction
Worsening headaches with Fioricet use
Lack of response from Fioricet
Cravings for Fioricet
Sleep problems
Doctor shopping — trying to find new sources of the drug
It’s a red flag for Fioricet addiction when someone says that they can’t function without the drug. This should be ringing alarms in anybody who hears this’ head to seek help before the problem becomes worse than it already is.
When a person with tolerance starts to take more Fioricet, possibly by obtaining more prescriptions, they may eventually become dependent on it. In other words, they may feel unable to get through the day without taking Fioricet, and if they stop, they will experience symptoms of withdrawal. These symptoms arise because their body has grown accustomed to Fioricet in high doses.
If a Fioricet-dependent person attempts to weather withdrawal alone, it’s likely they will take Fioricet again just to relieve the symptoms. This is a hallmark characteristic of addiction. Anyone who compulsively abuses Fioricet to avoid withdrawal likely has an addiction to Fioricet. Additionally, people with an addiction to Fioricet will experience cravings for the medication which further compel them to keeping using it.
Moreover, the ingredient butalbital is an addictive substance in its own right. Butalbital can cause someone to “get high” because it’s a central nervous system depressant. Since butalbital is part of Fioricet, it is possible for someone to abuse Fioricet as a recreational drug. At high doses, Fioricet can intoxicate a person in a manner similar to alcohol. People who abuse Fioricet for this purpose have as much of a risk of developing an addiction as they would have if they repeatedly use an illegal drug.
How to Prevent Fioricet Addiction ?
Preventing Fioricet addiction involves several proactive measures aimed at minimizing the risk of dependency and promoting responsible use. Here are some strategies to help prevent Fioricet addiction:
Use as directed: Take Fioricet exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Follow the recommended dosage instructions and do not exceed the prescribed dose or frequency of use. Using Fioricet in higher doses or more frequently than prescribed increases the risk of addiction and other adverse effects.
Limit duration of use: Use Fioricet for the shortest duration necessary to relieve your symptoms. Avoid prolonged or excessive use of Fioricet, as long-term use can lead to tolerance, dependence, and addiction.
Monitor use: Keep track of how often you use Fioricet and for what purpose. If you find yourself relying on Fioricet frequently to manage headaches or other symptoms, talk to your healthcare provider about alternative treatment options.
Avoid self-medication: Do not use Fioricet for purposes other than those prescribed by your healthcare provider. Using Fioricet recreationally or to self-medicate for non-medical reasons increases the risk of addiction and other adverse outcomes.
Be aware of the risks: Educate yourself about the potential risks and side effects of Fioricet, including its addictive potential. Being informed about the risks can help you make informed decisions about its use and recognize warning signs of addiction.
Explore non-medication alternatives: Consider non-medication approaches to managing headaches or other symptoms, such as stress-reduction techniques, relaxation exercises, physical therapy, or alternative therapies like acupuncture or chiropractic care. These approaches may help reduce the need for Fioricet and lower the risk of addiction.
Communicate with your healthcare provider: Keep open communication with your healthcare provider about your symptoms, treatment goals, and any concerns you may have about Fioricet use. Your healthcare provider can help monitor your use, adjust your treatment plan as needed, and provide support and guidance to help prevent addiction.
Seek help if needed: If you find yourself struggling with Fioricet use or are concerned about developing addiction, seek help from a healthcare professional or addiction specialist. They can assess your situation, provide support, and recommend appropriate treatment options, such as counseling, therapy, or addiction treatment programs.
Engage in healthy coping strategies: Develop healthy coping strategies for managing stress, pain, or other triggers for Fioricet use. This may include exercise, mindfulness techniques, hobbies, social support, or therapy to help address underlying issues and reduce the reliance on medication for symptom relief.
By taking proactive steps to use Fioricet responsibly, monitor your use, and seek help if needed, you can reduce the risk of developing addiction and promote safer and more effective management of your symptoms.
