Drug Uses

Fioricet is a barbiturate sedative combined with a non-aspirin pain drug and caffeine. This non-narcotic pain medicine is prescribed to relieve tension headaches cause by migraine or muscle contractions in the neck and shoulders.

How Taken

Fioricet is available as capsules or tablets that are taken orally. The common dosage is one or two tablets every 4 hours. Do not exceed 6 tablets per day. Using this medicine for a long period or repeated usage is not recommended because you may develop dependence to it.

Warnings/Precautions

Fioricet may cause drowsiness or dizziness and therefore you should avoid driving, operating machinery or performing any dangerous activities until you know how the medicine affects you. Consult your doctor before taking Fioricet in case you are currently being treated for severe depression or you have a history of severe depression or drug abuse. Be cautious with the usage of Fioricet if you are of older age or in a weakened condition, if you have liver or kidney problems, or if you have severe abdominal trouble. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant because Fioricet can affect a fetus. Also, consult your doctor if you are breast feeding because Fioricet passes into breast milk. If the treatment with Fioricet is crucial for you, your doctor may determine you should stop breast feeding your baby during the treatment.

Missed Dose

In case you miss a dose, take the missed tablet as soon as you remember. However, if it is already time for the next scheduled dose, skip the missed one and take the regular dose. Do not take a double dose to catch up the missed one.

Possible Side Effects

Adverse effects cannot be anticipated. You should talk to your doctor as soon as possible if you experience any side effects or if their intensity changes. Your doctor would decide if it is sage for you to continue using Fioricet. Among the most common side effects are abdominal pain, dizziness, drowsiness, intoxicated feeling, light-headedness, nausea, sedation, shortness of breath, vomiting. Other less serious and 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.

Storage

Fioricet should be stored at a temperature below 86° F (30° C) in a tightly-closed container. Keep the medicine away from children.

Overdose

An overdose of Fioricet or combined usage of this medicine with alcohol or other central nervous system depressants may result in unconsciousness and even death. A Fioricet overdose may be signaled 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.

More Information

You should not take Fioricet in case you have taken monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) in the previous 14 days because their combined usage may lead to dangerous side effects. Fioricet may enhance the drowsiness caused by other drugs among which are some antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), other pain relievers, anxiety medicines, and muscle relaxants. Inform your doctor about all other medicines that you are using and do not take any medicines without the approval of your doctor.

Disclaimer

This drug information is for your information purposes only, it is not intended that this information covers all uses, directions, drug interactions, precautions, or adverse effects of your medication. This is only general information, and should not be relied on for any purpose. It should not be construed as containing specific instructions for any particular patient. We disclaim all responsibility for the accuracy and reliability of this information, and/or any consequences arising from the use of this information, including damage or adverse consequences to persons or property, however such damages or consequences arise. No warranty, either expressed or implied, is made in regards to this information.