|
|
What side effects may occur?
Although side effects from acetaminophen, butalbital, and caffeine are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- drowsiness
-
upset stomach
- vomiting
- stomach pain
- depression
- lightheadedness
- confusion
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- skin rash
- itching
- difficulty breathing
|
Description
Fioricet, a strong, non-narcotic pain reliever and relaxant, is prescribed for the relief of tension headache symptoms caused by muscle contractions in the head, neck, and shoulder area. It combines a
sedative barbiturate (butalbital), a non-aspirin pain reliever (acetaminophen), and caffeine.
|
What special precautions should I follow?
Check with your doctor:
If the medicine stops working as well as it did when you first started using it. This may mean that you are in danger of becoming dependent on the medicine. Do not tr
y to get better pain relief by increasing the dose.
If you are having headaches more often than you did before you started taking this medicine. This is especially important if a new headach
e occurs within 1 day after you took your last dose of this medicine, headaches begin to occur every day, or a headache continues for several days in a row. This may mean that you are dependent on the
medicine. Continuing to take this medicine will cause even more headaches later on. Your doctor can give you advice on how to relieve the headaches.
|
|
|
|
Symptoms of overdose
Symptoms of Fioricet overdose can be due to its barbiturate or its acetaminophen component.
Symptoms of barbiturate poisoning may include:
- Coma, confusion, drowsiness, low blood press
ure, shock, slow or troubled breathing
Overdose due to the acetaminophen component of Fioricet may cause kidney and liver damage, blood disorders, or coma due to low blood sugar. Massive dos
es may cause liver failure.
Symptoms of liver damage include:
- Excess perspiration, feeling of bodily discomfort, nausea, vomiting
|
Significant Interactions:
It is especially important that your health care professional know if you are taking any of the following:
- Antidepressants, tricyclic (amitriptyline [e.g., Elavil], amoxapine [e.g., Asendi
n], clomipramine [e.g., Anafranil], desipramine [e.g., Pertofrane], doxepin [e.g., Sinequan], imipramine [e.g., Tofranil], nortriptyline [e.g., Aventyl], protriptyline [e.g., Vivactil], trimipramine [
e.g., Surmontil]) or
- Central nervous system (CNS) depressants (medicines that often cause drowsiness)ˇXThese medicines may add to the effects of butalbital and increase the chance of drowsiness
or other side effects
- Divalproex (e.g., Depakote) or
- Valproic acid (e.g., Depakene)ˇXThe chance of side effects may be increased
|
Proper Use of This Medicine
Take acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine - Fioricet exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you. Take
each dose with a full glass of water. Take acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine with food or milk if it upsets your stomach. Never take more acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine than is prescribed f
or you. If your pain is not being adequately treated, talk to your doctor. Store acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
|
|
