Fioricet-Butalbital (pain killers)

What is Fioricet?
Fioricet is an analgesic, barbiturate, and stimulant combination used to relieve complex tension (muscle contraction) headaches. Precisely how the combination works is still unknown.

What are the most common side effects of Fioricet?
Serious side effects of Fioricet include (but are not limited to): an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives); slow, weak breathing; liver damage (yellowing of the skin or eyes, nausea, abdominal pain or discomfort, unusual bleeding or bruising, severe fatigue); blood problems (easy or unusual bleeding or bruising); low blood sugar (fatigue, increased hunger or thirst, dizziness, or fainting.

Continue to take Fioricet if you experience drowsiness; dizziness, confusion or lightheadedness shortness of breath, dry mouth; nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or decreased appetite, tiredness, leg pain, or muscle weakness; agitation, irritability, nervousness, anxiety or excitability rash or itching, feeling of intoxication, headache; or constipation and contact your physician. Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur.

How do I take Fioricet?
Fioricet should be taken according to your physician’s directions. Take each dose of Fioricet with a full glass of water.

What if I miss a dose?
Do not take a double dose of Fioricet.  Take the missed dose of Fioricet as soon as you remember. If  it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to taking Fioricet on your regular dosing schedule.

Are there any drug interactions with Fioricet?
Do not take Fioricet if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor in the last 14 days. Acetaminophen and butalbital 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. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do not take any medicine unless your doctor approves. Many other medicines contain acetaminophen, especially over-the-counter pain, fever, cold, and allergy medications. Too much acetaminophen can be very dangerous. Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Fioricet. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicine.

Is there any additional information about Fioricet that I should know?
Avoid sleeping pills, antihistamines, sedatives, and tranquilizers except under the supervision of your doctor. These may also make you drowsy Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Butalbital will cause drowsiness or dizziness. Avoid alcohol. Alcohol taken during therapy with acetaminophen and butalbital can be very damaging to your liver and can increase drowsiness and dizziness. Never take more Fioricet than is prescribed for you. If your pain is not being adequately treated, talk to your doctor.

How should I store Fioricet?
Store Fioricet at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep out of reach of children.