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.

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 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.

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

Fioricet is a prescription medication used to relieve tension headaches. It works by relaxing muscle contractions that can result in mild to moderate head pain.

Fioricet (butalbital, acetaminophen, and caffeine capsule) is a combination of a barbiturate, a non-salicylate analgesic and antipyretic, and a central nervous system stimulant indicated for the relief of the symptom complex of tension (or muscle contraction) headache. Common side effects of Esgic include:

• • drowsiness
  • lightheadedness
  • dizziness, sedation
  • shortness of breath
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • abdominal pain, and
  • intoxicated feeling

The dose of Fioricet is one or two capsules every four hours. The total daily dosage of Fioricet  should not exceed 6 capsules.

Fioricet may interact with monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors, other narcotic analgesics, alcohol, general anesthetics, tranquilizers such as chlordiazepoxide, sedative-hypnotics, or other CNS depressants. Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use. During pregnancy, Fioricet should be taken only if prescribed. It is unknown if it would affect a fetus. All the drugs in Fioricet pass into breast milk, and breastfeeding while taking Fioricet is not recommended. Withdrawal symptoms may occur if you suddenly stop taking Fioricet.

Barbiturates may be habit-forming: Tolerance, psychological dependence, and physical dependence may occur especially following prolonged use of high doses of barbiturates. The average daily dose for the barbiturate addict is usually about 1500 mg.

As tolerance to barbiturates develops, the amount needed to maintain the same level of intoxication increases; tolerance to a fatal dosage, however, does not increase more than two-fold. As this occurs, the margin between an intoxication dosage and fatal dosage becomes smaller.

The lethal dose of a barbiturate is far less if alcohol is also ingested. Major withdrawal symptoms (convulsions and delirium) may occur within 16 hours and last up to 5 days after abrupt cessation of these drugs. Intensity of withdrawal symptoms gradually declines over a period of approximately 15 days. Treatment of barbiturate dependence consists of cautious and gradual withdrawal of the drug.

Barbiturate-dependent patients can be withdrawn by using a number of different withdrawal regimens. One method involves initiating treatment at the patient’s regular dosage level and gradually decreasing the daily dosage as tolerated by the patient.

Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and is distributed throughout most body tissues. The plasma half-life is 1.25 to 3 hours, but may be increased by liver damage and following overdosage. Elimination of acetaminophen is principally by liver metabolism (conjugation) and subsequent renal excretion of metabolites. Approximately 85% of an oral dose appears in the urine within 24 hours of administration, most as the glucuronide conjugate, with small amounts of other conjugates and unchanged drug.

Caffeine

Like most xanthines, caffeine is rapidly absorbed and distributed in all body tissues and fluids, including the CNS, fetal tissues, and breast milk.

Caffeine is cleared through metabolism and excretion in the urine. The plasma half-life is about 3 hours. Hepatic biotransformation prior to excretion, results in about equal amounts of 1-methylxanthine and 1-methyluric acid. Of the 70% of the dose that is recovered in the urine, only 3% is unchanged drug.

 

• Is Gabapentin an Opiate? - Gabapentin is a drug that is sold under numerous brand names (most commonly, Neurontin), and there are numerous generic forms of the drug. Gabapentin is formally listed as an anticonvulsant drug, meaning that it is designed to control seizures. It is also used for the control of certain types of pain, for anxiety control in… ...
• Gabapentin for Postmenopausal Symptoms - Menopause is one of the most significant events in a woman's life and brings in a number of physiological changes that affect the life of a woman permanently. There have been a lot of speculations about the symptoms that appear before, during and after the onset of menopause. These symptoms constitute the postmenopausal syndrome; they… ...
• How to Prevent and Treat Diabetic Neuropathy - Diabetic neuropathy is a type of nerve damage caused by prolonged high blood sugar levels and is one of the most common complications of diabetes. Prevention and treatment focus on managing blood sugar levels, alleviating symptoms, and slowing the progression of nerve damage. Foot pain is common in people who have diabetes. It’s commonly caused… ...
• Does Gabapentin Cause Sexual Side Effects? - Gabapentin is a medication primarily used to treat nerve-related conditions such as neuropathic pain, seizures, and sometimes anxiety disorders. Gabapentin (Neurontin) is FDA approved to treat seizures and nerve pain from shingles. But it’s often used for off-label reasons, such as nerve pain from diabetes. It can cause sexual side effects, but it’s rare. Gabapentin… ...
• How Long Does Gabapentin Take to Work? - Gabapentin is a prescription medication initially developed to treat epilepsy. It is also widely used for managing certain types of nerve pain (neuropathic pain). Gabapentin belongs to a class of drugs called anticonvulsants, which work by calming overactive nerve signals in the brain and nervous system. It depends on what you’re treating. For example, you… ...
• Can Gabapentin Affect Your Liver and Kidneys? - Gabapentin is generally considered safe for the liver and kidneys when taken at prescribed doses. However, certain considerations are important for individuals with pre-existing liver or kidney conditions, as gabapentin is primarily eliminated by the kidneys and not metabolized significantly by the liver. Gabapentin (Neurontin) usually isn’t bad for your liver or kidneys. In most… ...
• Gabapentin for Anxiety - Gabapentin is sometimes prescribed off-label for anxiety disorders, even though it is not FDA-approved specifically for this purpose. Its effectiveness for anxiety stems from its calming effects on the nervous system, which can help reduce the hyperactivity often associated with anxiety. Gabapentin (Neurontin) is FDA approved to treat seizure disorder and nerve pain from shingles.… ...
• Gabapentin Interactions You Should Know About - Gabapentin (Neurontin) is an anticonvulsant (antiseizure) medication that's FDA approved to treat seizures and post-herpetic neuralgia (nerve pain from shingles). It’s also considered a first-choice treatment option for general nerve pain. But this is an off-label use. Gabapentin is also available as Gralise, an extended-release (ER) formulation. It's approved for post-herpetic neuralgia. Another ER formulation… ...
• Gabapentin is Used to Treat Shingles - About 1 million people in the U.S. get shingles (herpes zoster) each year, according to the CDC. Anyone who has had chickenpox can get it, but it’s much more common in people over 50 years old. Shingles occurs when the chickenpox virus gets reactivated in the body. It causes a painful rash on one side… ...
• How Much Is Gabapentin Without Insurance? - Gabapentin (Neurontin) is a prescription medication that’s FDA approved to treat nerve pain from shingles and certain types of seizures. It may also be used off-label for a variety of conditions, including fibromyalgia, diabetic neuropathy, insomnia, and alcohol use disorder. Gabapentin is a prescription medication initially developed to treat epilepsy. It is also widely used… ...
• Research Studies on Gabapentin - Gabapentin is a medication primarily used to treat epilepsy, neuropathic pain, and certain types of anxiety in humans. It works by affecting the way nerves send signals in the brain and nervous system. In people, it’s often prescribed for conditions such as seizures, nerve pain caused by shingles or diabetes, and as an adjunct treatment… ...
• Erectile dysfunction: Viagra and other oral medications - Medicines that you take by mouth are called oral medicines. They're often the first line of treatment for trouble getting or keeping an erection, called erectile dysfunction (ED). Oral medicines for ED usually work well and cause few side effects. The four main medicines taken by mouth for erectile dysfunction are: Avanafil (Stendra). Sildenafil (Viagra).… ...
• Erectile dysfunction and diabetes - Erectile dysfunction is a common problem for men who have diabetes — but it's not inevitable. Consider prevention strategies, treatment options and more. Erection problems, also called erectile dysfunction or ED, are common in men with diabetes. Especially those with type 2 diabetes. High blood sugar over a long period of time can damage the… ...
• What are the risks and warnings for Tadalafil (Cialis)? - Stop using Tadalafil (Eqv-Cialis) and get emergency medical help if you have sudden vision loss or hearing problems. Get emergency medical help at once if you have nausea, chest pain, or dizziness during sex. Before taking this medicine You should not take Tadalafil (Eqv-Cialis) if you are allergic to it, or if you take other… ...
• What’s the difference between sildenafil (Viagra) and tadalafil (Cialis)? - Tadalafil is used to treat men who have erectile dysfunction (also called sexual impotence). Tadalafil belongs to a group of medicines called phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. These medicines prevent an enzyme called phosphodiesterase type-5 from working too quickly. The penis is one of the areas where this enzyme works. Erectile dysfunction is a condition where… ...
• Cialis or Viagra Taken With Chest Pain Drugs May Raise Risk of Early Death - Men with coronary artery disease who take erectile dysfunction drugs along with nitrates, a common treatment for chest pain, face a significantly higher likelihood of dying early, according to a study published this week in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. In addition to a greater death risk, the combined use of nitrates… ...
• Pharmacist tips for Tadalafil (Cialis) - Tadalafil is used to treat men who have erectile dysfunction (also called sexual impotence).  Tadalafil belongs to a group of medicines called phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. These medicines prevent an enzyme called phosphodiesterase type-5 from working too quickly. The penis is one of the areas where this enzyme works. Erectile dysfunction is a condition where… ...
• Dosing of Taking Cialis Tadalafil - The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so. The amount of medicine that you… ...
• Precautions of Taking Cialis Tadalafil - Tadalafil is used to treat men who have signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). BPH is caused by an enlarged prostate. Men with BPH usually have difficulty urinating, a decreased flow of urination, hesitation at the beginning of urination, and a need to get up at night to urinate. Tadalafil will make these… ...
• The Side Effects of Cialis Tadalafil - Tadalafil is used to treat men who have erectile dysfunction (also called sexual impotence). Tadalafil belongs to a group of medicines called phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. These medicines prevent an enzyme called phosphodiesterase type-5 from working too quickly. The penis is one of the areas where this enzyme works. Erectile dysfunction is a condition where… ...
• What tests will be done to diagnose erectile dysfunction? - Diagnosing erectile dysfunction (ED) involves a comprehensive assessment by a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause. There are several oral medications approved to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). These pills, known as phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors, work by enhancing the effects of nitric oxide, a natural chemical the body produces to relax the muscles… ...
• The Relationship of Erectile Dysfunction with Alcohol - Having an alcoholic beverage can make you feel more relaxed, which helps some people get in the mood to have sex. However, alcohol is a sedative, so heavy drinking can make you too sleepy to perform. Erectile Dysfunction Symptoms The symptoms of erectile dysfunction can vary from person to person. If you have ED, you… ...
• What are the Types of Erectile Dysfunction? - Erectile dysfunction (ED), the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance, can be classified into several types based on the underlying causes. Healthcare providers separate ED into several categories: Vascular erectile dysfunction. Vascular ED includes causes that affect the blood vessels that send blood to the tissues in your penis… ...
• What OTC medications can relieve headache symptoms? - These medications provide relief from headache symptoms, without a prescription: Generic name: Aspirin Brand name: Bayer®, Bufferin®, Ecotrin®. Symptoms relieved: Fever and pain. Precautions and possible side effects: Heartburn, gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, bronchospasm or constriction that causes narrowing of the airways, anaphylaxis and peptic ulcer. Don’t give aspirin to children under 14 years old. It… ...
• What Prescription Medications can I Take for Headache? - Talk to your healthcare provider to find out if any of these prescription medications may be right for you: Generic name: Antiemetics promethazine HCI Form: Tablet, syrup, injection or suppository. Brand name: Phenergan®. Symptoms relieved: Nausea, vomiting. Precautions and possible side effects: Confusion, drowsiness, dizziness, GI upset, excitability, nightmares, uncontrollable muscle movements, and lip-smacking or… ...