What Is Fioricet?

Fioricet is a prescription medication used to treat certain headaches. It is taken orally, usually every four hours as needed to treat pain from a headache. Some people taking Fioricet may become dependent on it, especially when taken at high dosages or used over a long period of time. It is also possible to build up a tolerance to Fioricet, meaning more of the medication will be needed to achieve the desired result.

How It Works

• Fioricet is one of many prescription drugs that contain acetaminophen and butalbital. The butalbital helps users relax, and acetaminophen relieves pain. There is also caffeine in Fioricet to help the acetaminophen work better.

Uses

• Fioricet is prescribed to help treat tension headaches, a type of headache characterized by constant pain or pressure in the head, neck and face that may be caused by chemicals in the brain.

Non-Serious Side Effects

• Some people taking Fioricet will experience shaking, vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, light-headedness, dizziness, drowsiness or shortness of breath. None of these is cause for concern, but because users may experience dizziness or drowsiness, use caution until you know how Fioricet will affect you.

Serious Side Effects

• Some side effects of Fioricet may be a sign of a potential complication that needs medical treatment. Although these side effects are rare, be sure to contact your doctor if you experience any of the following: mood changes; fainting; seizures; increased thirst or urination; fast or irregular heartbeat; easy bleeding or bruising; signs of an infection including sore throat, fever or chills; jaundice; dark urine; extreme fatigue; severe nausea or vomiting; and severe stomach or abdominal pain.

Warnings

• People with certain medical conditions, including bronchopneumonia and porphyria, should not take Fioricet. Also be sure to tell your doctor if you have heart, liver or kidney disease, mental illness or stomach problems such as an ulcer.