Fioricet Uses
Fioricet is a barbiturate sedative mixed with a non-aspirin pain medication and caffeine. This non-narcotic pain medication and relaxant is often prescribed for tension headaches caused by contractions of the muscles in the neck and shoulder area, and migraine. This pain medication binds at a distinct binding site associated with a Cl- ionopore at the GABAA receptor, increasing the duration of time for which the Cl- ionopore is open. The post-synaptic inhibitory effect of GABA in the thalamus is, therefore, prolonged.
Fioricet Brand Names
Anolor 300, Cephadyn, Dolgic LQ, Esgic, Esgic-Plus, Ezol, Fioricet, Geone, Margesic, Medigesic, Phrenilin, Phrenilin Forte.
How is Fioricet Taken?
Fioricet comes as a capsule and tablet to take by mouth. One or 2 tablets every 4 hours as needed. Total daily dosage should not exceed 6 tablets.
Pain Medication Addiction Information
If you believe that you are or could be becoming addicted to this prescription pain medication - Fioricet - Please make use of this anonymous substance abuse treatment facility locator to obtain help and/or counseling for yourself or those that you love in your local area - Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Locator.
Warnings/Precautions
Butalbital is a short to intermediate-acting barbiturate. Barbiturates act as nonselective depressants of the central nervous system (CNS), capable of producing all levels of CNS mood alteration from excitation to mild sedation, hypnosis, and deep coma. In sufficiently high therapeutic doses, barbiturates induce anesthesia. 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 until you know your response to this drug.
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.
Use this drug 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. It also appears in breast milk. If this medication is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding your baby until your treatment is finished.
Side Effects
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Fioricet.
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.
Overdose
An overdose of Fioricet, or combining this medication with alcohol or other central nervous system depressant, may lead to unconsciousness or perhaps death. 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.
Fioricet Information
Chemical IUPAC Name: 5-(2-methylpropyl)-5-prop-2-enyl-hexahydropyrimidine-2,4,6-trione.
Do not take Fioricet if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) in the last 14 days. Dangerous side effects could result.
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. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do not take any medicine unless your doctor approves.
Disclaimer
This drug information is for your information purposes only, it should not be taken that this med profile covers all uses, directions, drug reactions, precautions, or side effects of your Fioricet medication. This med profile is only for your general information, and should not be relied on for any purpose nor construed as containing any specific instructions for a particular patient. We disclaim all responsibility for the accuracy and reliability of this Fioricet information, and/or the consequences that may arise from this information, including any damages, adverse consequences to persons or their property, no matter how such damages arise. There is no warranty, either expressed or implied in regard to the above information.
