If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, take no other medication or have no other medical conditions, side effects you are more likely to experience include:
- Dizziness, drowsiness, lightheadedness, sedation, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or an intoxicated feeling are the most commonly reported side effects.
- Other side effects, such as constipation, excessive sweating, itch, serious skin reactions, and mental confusion are less common.
- Butalbital is habit-forming and there is a high risk of dependence with extended and repeated use of Fioricet. Therefore it is not considered a first-choice medicine for headaches.
- May cause medication-overuse headache with repeated use and a withdrawal syndrome upon discontinuation.
- The potential for liver damage with the acetaminophen component exists, even at recommended dosages. The risk is increased with higher dosages, with chronic alcohol use, with some medications, and in patients with significant liver disease.
- May not be suitable for some people, including the elderly and people with kidney or liver disease.
- Although Fioricet may be prescribed for migraine headaches, it is not FDA approved for this and evidence does not support its use for migraine.
- Should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- May interact with a number of other medications including those that also cause sedation such as opioids, benzodiazepines, and sedating antihistamines. Alcohol should be avoided.
What Are the Possible Side-Effects of Fioricet?
Like any medication, Fioricet can cause side-effects. People who misuse Fioricet or use it compulsively are at greater risk for experiencing the worst side-effects of the medication.
The possible side-effects of Fioricet are:
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- Anxiety
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Feelings of being intoxicated
- Lightheadedness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Shaking and tremors
- Shortness of breath
- Stomach pain
- Trouble sleeping
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In some cases, a person who takes Fioricet may develop an allergic reaction to the drug. The symptoms of an allergic reaction are trouble breathing, itching, rashes, intense dizziness, and swelling in the face, throat, and tongue.
What are the Symptoms of a Fioricet Overdose?
While butalbital is the addictive ingredient in Fioricet, acetaminophen is the ingredient which is liable to cause an overdose. Unfortunately, people who misuse Fioricet as a recreational drug or as a way to suppress withdrawal are most likely to suffer an overdose.
When a person overdoses on Fioricet, the acetaminophen will damage their liver. In severe cases, an overdose can even provoke fatal liver failure. For this reason, it is dangerous to take Fioricet together with another medication which contains acetaminophen because it increases the risk of overdose and death. Furthermore, drinking alcohol while taking Fioricet may also inflict liver damage.
A Fioricet overdose is a medical emergency, so it’s important to know the symptoms. An overdose on Fioricet and all other forms of liver failure cause jaundice, the yellowing of the skin and eyes. Other symptoms of an overdose include:
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- Confusion
- Convulsions and seizures
- Fainting
- Irregular heartbeat
- Lack of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Restlessness
- Stomach pain
- Sweating
- Tremors
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Tension Headaches
The most common type of headache disorder, a tension headache occurs when neck and scalp muscles become tense, or contract, meaning they squeeze down. This causes pain, often described as a rubber-band-around-the-head feeling or a pressure sensation, on both sides of the head.
Tension headaches can be triggered by a number of factors including stress, hunger, lack of sleep, anxiety, and temperature changes. They may occur at any age but are most common in adults and older teens. Some people are more prone or vulnerable to developing tension headaches than others, although the reason behind this is not very clear.
Most tension headaches are mild in pain and can be easily alleviated with rest, fluids, removal of the trigger, and/or an over-the-counter medication like Motrin (ibuprofen) or Tylenol (acetaminophen). Behavioral therapies too can be effective like physical therapy or cognitive-behavioral therapy.
Butalbital
When recurring tension headaches do not respond to other treatments, your doctor may prescribe Fiorinal or Fioricet. Codeine may also be added to this combination of medicine. While this medication is very effective in the short-term, there are some things to watch out for.
Butalbital is a barbiturate, which means that it helps to slow down the central nervous system and relax the muscle tension believed to be associated with tension headaches.
Before taking medication containing butalbital, tell your doctor if you:
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- Are allergic to any ingredients in the medication, such as acetaminophen or aspirin.
- Are currently taking blood thinners, antidepressants, antihistamines, or other sedatives such as sleeping pills or tranquilizers
- Have or previously had liver disease, porphyria, or depression
- Are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are currently breastfeeding