WHAT IS FIORICET?

DRUG OVERVIEW & INGREDIENTS

Generic Fioricet is a prescription combination medication used primarily for the treatment of complex tension headaches (muscle contraction headaches). It combines three highly effective active ingredients that work together to target pain, relax muscle tension, and improve blood flow.

• Butalbital (50mg): A barbiturate that acts as a central nervous system depressant. It helps to relax the muscle contractions in the neck and head that are often the root cause of severe tension headaches. It also promotes relaxation and reduces anxiety associated with chronic pain.
• Acetaminophen (325mg): A widely used non-opiate analgesic (pain reliever) and antipyretic (fever reducer). It elevates your body's overall pain threshold so you feel less discomfort.
• Caffeine (40mg): A central nervous system stimulant. In the treatment of headaches, caffeine is used to constrict enlarged blood vessels in the brain, reducing blood flow and pressure. It also accelerates the body's absorption of acetaminophen, making the pain relief act faster.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Fioricet is indicated for the relief of the symptom complex of tension (or muscle contraction) headaches. It is not intended for the treatment of migraines, cluster headaches, or general body aches. Because of the inclusion of butalbital, this medication should be used exactly as prescribed by your reviewing physician and is not intended for daily, long-term preventative use.

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

Like all prescription medications, Generic Fioricet may cause side effects in some patients. Because it contains a barbiturate (butalbital), the most frequently reported side effects involve mild central nervous system depression. Common side effects include:

• Drowsiness, lethargy, or a "heavy" feeling
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain
• Intoxicated feeling

SEVERE SIDE EFFECTS & WARNINGS

Seek immediate emergency medical attention if you experience signs of an allergic reaction (hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat).

Stop using this medication and contact your primary care provider at once if you experience:

• Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeats
• Confusion, extreme drowsiness, or feeling like you might pass out
• Seizures (convulsions)
• Upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes) which may indicate liver issues from acetaminophen

IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS

Alcohol Interaction: Do not consume alcohol while taking this medication. Alcohol combined with acetaminophen can severely damage your liver. Furthermore, alcohol combined with butalbital can cause dangerous central nervous system depression.

Habit Forming: Butalbital is habit-forming. Extended use can lead to tolerance and psychological or physical dependence. Never share this medication with another person, and never take more than your prescribed dosage. If you feel the medication is no longer managing your headaches, consult your physician rather than increasing your dose.

MAO Inhibitors: Do not use this medication if you have taken an MAO inhibitor (such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, or tranylcypromine) in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur.