Are There any Side Effects of Fioricet (Butalbital APAP Caffeine)?

Are there any negative side effects of the pain killer Fioricet(Butalbital APAP Caffeine)?
My doctor prescribed Fioricet(Butalbital APAP Caffeine) to me for my migraines. My Rx says that I can take 2 pills – 4 times a day. Are there any known long term side effects from using this drug? I take them pretty regularly.

Best answer:

Fioricet, a medication commonly prescribed for tension headaches and migraines, can cause side effects. Fioricet contains a combination of acetaminophen (a pain reliever), butalbital (a barbiturate), and caffeine.

Common side effects of Fioricet may include:

  1. Drowsiness: Butalbital, one of the active ingredients in Fioricet, is a central nervous system depressant that can cause drowsiness or sedation.
  2. Dizziness: Some individuals may experience dizziness or lightheadedness while taking Fioricet.
  3. Nausea or Vomiting: Acetaminophen, another component of Fioricet, can sometimes cause gastrointestinal upset, including nausea or vomiting.
  4. Stomach Upset: Some people may experience stomach discomfort or abdominal pain while taking Fioricet.
  5. Difficulty Concentrating: The sedative effects of butalbital may impair cognitive function and make it difficult to concentrate.
  6. Feeling Anxious or Agitated: In some cases, Fioricet may cause feelings of anxiety or agitation, especially in individuals sensitive to barbiturates.
  7. Trouble Sleeping: Fioricet can disrupt normal sleep patterns and may cause difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.
  8. Rash or Itching: Allergic reactions to Fioricet are rare but can occur. Seek medical attention if you develop a rash, itching, or any signs of an allergic reaction.
  9. Liver Toxicity: Fioricet contains acetaminophen, which can cause liver damage if taken in high doses or over a long period. Taking more than the recommended dose of Fioricet or using it in combination with other acetaminophen-containing medications can increase the risk of liver toxicity.
  10. Dependence or Withdrawal: Butalbital, a barbiturate found in Fioricet, has the potential for dependence and withdrawal symptoms if used excessively or for prolonged periods.

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Fioricet Drug Interaction

Fioricet contains Butalbital, Acetaminophen, and caffeine.  A lot of other pain relievers contain Butalbital, Acetaminophen, and caffeine too.

I can only list some common over the counter medicines that contain Acetaminophen:  Actifed, Alka-Seltzer, Plus Liquid Gels, Anacin, Cepacol, Contac, Coricidin, Dayquil, Dimetapp, Dristan, Excedrin, Feverall …

Some prescriptions that contain acetaminophen are: Ultrace, Fioricet, Oxycodone, Endocet, Tylox …

You also must know what drugs contain Butalbital:  Bupap, Phrenilin, Tencon, Cephadyn; Fioricet, Esgic, Esgic-Plus; Fioricet with Codeine, Floricet with Codeine, Phrenilin with Caffeine and Codeine; Axotal; Fiorinal, Butalbital Compound, Farbital, Idenal; Fiorinal with Codeine, Fiorinal with Codeine III, Ascomp with Codeine, Fiortal with Codeine.

When you take more than one pain killer, you must read very carefully about their components.  Never exceed the max dosage of acetaminophen and butalbital of all the medicines you are taking.   Normally All the packages sent to you have the drug introduction and doctor names and phone number.  Read the drug introduction very carefully and never share the medicines with your sisters, your brothers,  your parents, or any friends. Always do not let the children touch the medicines.

Please donot drink any alcohol (Ethanol) with your Fioricet Because Ethanol together with acetaminophen will cause serious side effects that affect your liver, and Ethanol together with Butalbital will cause side effects of dizziness, drowsiness.

Please don’t take herb while you are taking Fioricet. Even Vitamins will have some interaction with Fioricet.

Be honest to place the current medicines you are taking in the health questionnaire  form. The doctor will check whether you are OK to take Fioricet.  If they think your current drugs or herbs have some interaction with Fioricet, they will phone you to discuss the situation with you. So please always leave us the correct phone number. We will never call you to promote you anything.

Most frequently checked interactions

View interaction reports for Fioricet (acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine) and the medicines listed below.

    • Adderall (amphetamine / dextroamphetamine)
    • Advil (ibuprofen)
    • Ambien (zolpidem)
    • aspirin
    • Ativan (lorazepam)
    • baclofen
    • caffeine
    • clonazepam
    • codeine
    • Cymbalta (duloxetine)
    • Excedrin (acetaminophen / aspirin / caffeine)
    • Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine)
    • gabapentin
    • hydrocodone
    • ibuprofen
    • ibuprofen
    • Imitrex (sumatriptan)
    • Klonopin (clonazepam)
    • levothyroxine
    • Lexapro (escitalopram)
    • lisinopril
    • Lyrica (pregabalin)
    • meloxicam
    • naproxen
    • Norco (acetaminophen / hydrocodone)
    • omeprazole
    • oxycodone
    • Percocet (acetaminophen / oxycodone)
    • prednisone
    • Suboxone (buprenorphine / naloxone)
    • Topamax (topiramate)
    • tramadol
    • trazodone
    • Tylenol (acetaminophen)
    • Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol)
    • Xanax (alprazolam)
    • Zofran (ondansetron)

Fioricet (acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine) disease interactions

There are 25 disease interactions with Fioricet (acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine) which include:

    • alcoholism
    • liver disease
    • acute alcohol intoxication
    • drug dependence
    • liver disease
    • porphyria
    • rash
    • respiratory depression
    • cardiac disease
    • hypertension
    • liver disease
    • PUD
    • PKU
    • adrenal insufficiency
    • depression
    • hematologic toxicity
    • osteomalacia
    • paradoxical reactions
    • cardiotoxicity
    • bipolar disorders
    • psychiatric disorders
    • psychotic disorders
    • renal dysfunction
    • seizure disorders
    • GERD

Other Prescription Interactions

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using this medicine with any of the following is usually not recommended, but may be unavoidable in some cases. If used together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use this medicine, or give you special instructions about the use of food, alcohol, or tobacco.

    • Ethanol
    • Tobacco

Using this medicine with any of the following may cause an increased risk of certain side effects but may be unavoidable in some cases. If used together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use this medicine, or give you special instructions about the use of food, alcohol, or tobacco.

    • Cabbage
    • Ethanol

Other Medical Problems

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

  • Alcohol abuse, history of or
  • Drug dependence, or history of or
  • Weakened physical condition—Use with caution. May increase risk for more serious side effects.
  • Kidney disease or
  • Liver disease—Use with caution. The effects may be increased because of slower removal of the medicine from the body.
  • Porphyria (an enzyme problem)—Should not be used in patients with this condition.
  • Stomach problems—Use with caution. May make these conditions worse.

What is Fioricet and What is Fioricet Side Effects ?

Fioricet and Esgic are brand names of a combination of butalbital (a barbiturate), acetaminophen and caffeine which is indicated for the treatment of tension headaches, muscle contraction headaches and post-dural puncture headaches. Although not indicated, they are commonly used to treat migraines and other pain related ailments.

Fioricet® (Butalbital, Acetaminophen, and Caffeine Tablets USP) is supplied in tablet form for oral administration.

Each tablet contains the following active ingredients:
butalbital USP . . . . . . . . . . . .50 mg
acetaminophen USP . . . . . . 325 mg
caffeine USP . . . . . . . . . . . . .40 mg

Inactive Ingredients: crospovidone, FD&C Blue #1, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, povidone, pregelatinized starch, and stearic acid.

Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and fever reducer. Butalbital is in a group of drugs called barbiturates. It relaxes muscle contractions involved in a tension headache. Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant. It relaxes muscle contractions in blood vessels to improve blood flow.

Before taking Fioricet

Do not use Fioricet if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, and tranylcypromine.

You should not use Fioricet if you are allergic to acetaminophen, butalbital, or caffeine, if you have porphyria, or if you have recently used alcohol, sedatives, tranquilizers, or other narcotic medications.

To make sure Fioricet is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

  • liver disease, cirrhosis, a history of alcoholism or drug addiction, or if you drink more than 3 alcoholic beverages per day;
  • kidney disease;
  • asthma, sleep apnea, or other breathing disorder;
  • stomach ulcer or bleeding;
  • a history of skin rash caused by any medication;
  • a history of mental illness or suicidal thoughts; or
  • if you use medicine to prevent blood clots.

It is not known whether Fioricet will harm an unborn baby. If you use butalbital while you are pregnant, your baby could become dependent on the drug. This can cause life-threatening withdrawal symptoms in the baby after it is born. Babies born dependent on habit-forming medicine may need medical treatment for sever

How should I take Fioricet?

Take Fioricet exactly as prescribed. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take more of this medication than recommended. An overdose can damage your liver or cause death. Tell your doctor if the medicine seems to stop working as well in relieving your pain.

Butalbital may be habit-forming. Never share Fioricet with another person, especially someone with a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it. Selling or giving away Fioricet is against the law.

Take Fioricet with food or milk if it upsets your stomach.

Store Fioricet at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Keep track of the amount of medicine used from each new bottle. Butalbital is a drug of abuse and you should be aware if anyone is using your medicine improperly or without a prescription.

Fioricet dosing information

Usual Adult Dose of Fioricet for Headache:

Acetaminophen 300 mg, butalbital 50 mg, and caffeine 40 mg:
1 or 2 capsule(s) orally every 4 hours as needed. Maximum daily dose: 6 doses.

Acetaminophen 325 mg, butalbital 50 mg, and caffeine 40 mg:
1 or 2 tablet(s), capsule(s), or tablespoonful(s) orally every 4 hours.
Maximum daily dose: 6 doses

Acetaminophen 500 mg, butalbital 50 mg, and caffeine 40 mg:
1 tablet or capsule orally every 4 hours.
Maximum daily dose: 6 doses

Acetaminophen 750 mg, butalbital 50 mg, and caffeine 40 mg:
1 tablet orally every 4 hours.
Maximum daily dose: 5 tablets

Usual Pediatric Dose of Fioricet for Headache:

12 years and older:
Acetaminophen 300 mg, butalbital 50 mg, and caffeine 40 mg:
1 or 2 capsule(s) orally every 4 hours as needed. Maximum daily dose: 6 doses.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since this medicine is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are on a schedule, use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of Fioricet can be fatal.

The first signs of an acetaminophen overdose include loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, sweating, and confusion or weakness. Later symptoms may include pain in your upper stomach, dark urine, and yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

Overdose symptoms may also include insomnia, restlessness, tremor, diarrhea, increased shallow breathing, uneven heartbeats, seizure (convulsions), or fainting.

What should I avoid while taking Fioricet?

This medication can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.

Avoid drinking alcohol. It may increase your risk of liver damage while taking acetaminophen.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any other cold, allergy, pain, or sleep medication. Acetaminophen (sometimes abbreviated as APAP) is contained in many combination medicines. Taking certain products together can cause you to get too much acetaminophen which can lead to a fatal overdose. Check the label to see if a medicine contains acetaminophen or APAP.

While you are taking this medication, avoid taking diet pills, caffeine pills, or other stimulants (such as ADHD medications) without your doctor’s advice.

Fioricet side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Fioricet: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

In rare cases, acetaminophen may cause a severe skin reaction that can be fatal. This could occur even if you have taken acetaminophen in the past and had no reaction. Stop taking this medicine and call your doctor right away if you have skin redness or a rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling. If you have this type of reaction, you should never again take any medicine that contains acetaminophen.

Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:

  • confusion, seizure (convulsions);
  • shortness of breath;
  • a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out; or
  • nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Common Fioricet side effects may include:

  • drowsiness, dizziness;
  • feeling anxious or restless;
  • drunk feeling; or
  • sleep problems (insomnia).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Fioricet?

Taking this medicine with other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing can cause dangerous or life-threatening side effects. Ask your doctor before taking Fioricet with a sleeping pill, narcotic pain medicine, muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety, depression, or seizures.

Other drugs may interact with acetaminophen, butalbital, and caffeine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Fioricet only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

How to manage your tension Headache

tension-headache
tension-headache

A lot of customers order fioricet online for relief of tension headache. A tension headache is pain or discomfort in your head, scalp, or neck. A tension headache occurs when neck and scalp muscles become tense, or contract. The muscle contractions can be a response to stress, depression, a head injury, or anxiety. A tension headache (tension-type headache) is the most common type of headache, and yet its causes aren’t well understood.

The cause of tension headache is not known. Experts used to think tension headaches stemmed from muscle contractions in the face, neck and scalp, perhaps as a result of heightened emotions, tension or stress. But research suggests muscle contractions aren’t the cause.

The most common theories support a heightened sensitivity to pain in people who have tension headaches and possibly a heightened sensitivity to stress. Increased muscle tenderness, a common symptom of tension headache, may result from a sensitized pain system.

Tension-type headache  is a significant cause of sickness absence and impaired ability at work.  Tension Headache is classified as a primary headache according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders. It is a very common form of headache and can be:

  • Episodic Tension Headache (affects 78% of the population). This occurs on fewer than 15 days each month. It can evolve into the chronic variety.
  • Chronic Tension Headache (affects 3% of the population). This occurs on more than 15 days each month and has all the features of the episodic Tension Headache.

Tension headaches can last from 30 minutes to 7 days.

If you have a headache on 15 or more days each month over a 3-month period, you may have chronic tension headaches. This type of headache can lead to stress and depression, which in turn can lead to more headaches.

Triggers of Tension Headaches

A variety of foods, activities, and stress can cause these types of contractions. Some people develop tension headaches after staring at a computer screen for long hours or driving for long periods. Cold temperatures may also trigger a tension headache in some people.

Other factors that may trigger a tension headache include:

  • drinking alcohol
  • anxiety
  • depression
  • Poor posture
  • Poor sleep
  • Stress
  • Muscular tightness
  • eye strain
  • fatigue
  • smoking
  • a cold or flu
  • a sinus infection
  • caffeine
  • Usually relieved by simple analgesics.

57% Headaches are tension headaches. You can follow the steps here to prevent your headache. What you need more details about prevent tension headache  or cure your tension headaches?

Treatment and medicines of Tension Headaches

Some people with tension headaches don’t seek medical attention and try to treat the pain on their own. Unfortunately, repeated use of over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers can actually cause overuse headaches.

A variety of medications, both OTC and prescription, are available to reduce the pain of a headache, including:

    • Pain relievers. Simple OTC pain relievers are usually the first line of treatment for reducing headache pain. These include the drugs aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, Diclofenac, Paracetamol:others) and naproxen (Aleve). Prescription medications include naproxen (Naprosyn), indomethacin (Indocin) and ketorolac (Ketorolac Tromethamine).
    • Combination medications. Aspirin or acetaminophen or both are often combined with caffeine or a sedative drug in a single medication. Combination drugs may be more effective than are single-ingredient pain relievers. Many combination drugs are available OTC.
    • Triptans and narcotics. For people who experience both migraines and episodic tension headaches, a triptan can effectively relieve the pain of both headaches. Opiates, or narcotics, are rarely used because of their side effects and potential for dependency.
fioricet
Fioricet is very effective for tension headache relief
  • Fioricet fioricet is a very effective headache reliever. Fioricet is consist of butalbital, apap, and caffeine.Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and fever reducer.  Butalbital is in a group of drugs called barbiturates. It relaxes muscle contractions involved in a tension headache. Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant.  It relaxes muscle contractions in blood vessels to improve blood flow.Fioricet is used to treat tension headaches that are caused by muscle contractions

Even if you are taking tension headache medicines, you still need manage your headaches. Home treatment may help you avoid headaches. You can:

      • Try to reduce stress.
      • Make sure you sleep, exercise, and eat on a regular schedule.
      • Make sure you practice good posture. Stand and sit up straight.
      • Try not to strain your eyes when you use your computer.
      • Get treatment for depression or anxiety if you have those health problems.
      • Try using a headache diary. Every time you get a headache, write down the date, the time, and what you were doing and feeling before your headache started. This may help you and your doctor find out what is causing your headaches. Then your doctor can use the diary to plan your treatment.

What is Fioricet?

Fioricet contains a combination of acetaminophen, butalbital, and caffeine.

Each tablet contains the following active ingredients:
butalbital USP . . . . . . . . . . . .50 mg
acetaminophen USP . . . . . . 325 mg
caffeine USP . . . . . . . . . . . . .40 mg

Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and fever reducer.

Butalbital is in a group of drugs called barbiturates. It relaxes muscle contractions involved in a tension headache.

Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant. It relaxes muscle contractions in blood vessels to improve blood flow.

Fioricet is used to treat tension headaches that are caused by muscle contractions.

Buy Fioricet Online and relieve pain from chronic tension headache or migraine

 

Forms of Fioricet available to treat migraines

Fioricet, which is a brand-name medication, is available only as a tablet. Other medications containing the same active ingredients are available as liquids and may contain different strengths of acetaminophen.

Other names for this combination of drugs:

  • Amaphen®
  • Anoquan®
  • Butace®
  • Endolor®
  • Esgic®
  • Fioricet®
  • Medigesic®
  • Repan®

Most common side effects of Fioricet tablets

Fioricet is a combination of three drugs, therefore each ingredient may result in different side effects.

The most common side effects seen from butalbital are:

  • Dizziness
  • Sedation
  • Drowsiness
  • Lightheadedness
  • Shortness of breath
  • Dulled senses
  • Abdominal pain
  • Nausea and/or Vomiting

Possible side effects from the acetaminophen:

  • Allergic reactions
  • Rash
  • Low blood cell count

Possible side effects from the caffeine:

  • Rapid heart rate
  • Irritability
  • Dependence
  • Shaking
  • Poisonous effect on the kidneys
  • Increased blood sugar

Serious side effects

Some people may experience serious side effects when they take Fioricet. The maximum daily dose of acetaminophen for adults without liver problems is 4,000 mg or 4 grams per day. Seek immediate medical attention immediately if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage:

  • Persistent nausea or vomiting
  • Yellowing of the eyes or skin
  • Dark-colored urine
  • Severe abdominal pain or stomach pain
  • Extreme fatigue

Barbiturates, including Fioricet, can cause dangerous and potentially life-threatening dependency. Consuming alcohol while taking Fioricet is dangerous. Because Fioricet can be addictive, it should only be taken while under a doctor’s supervision and the medicine should be stopped gradually, not abruptly.

Like many painkillers used for treating migraines, if Fioricet is taken often over a long time it can lead to a rebound headache, which is also called medication overuse headache. This results in headaches worsening.

Who should not take Fioricet for migraines

Fioricet may interact with other medicines you are taking. Therefore, as always, you must inform your doctor of all other medications you are currently taking including over-the-counter drugs and any natural remedies.

Let your doctor know if you are taking certain antidepressants called MAO inhibitors, drugs that act on the central nervous system, alcohol, antihistamines, sleep aids, anti-anxiety medications, muscle relaxants, narcotic pain killers or drugs for mental illness.

Fioricet should not be used if you take sodium oxylate, a drug for narcolepsy, if you suffer from porphyria or if you drink alcohol.

Fioricet interacts with several other drugs including:

  • Adenosine
  • Anti-seizure drugs
  • Beta agonists (such as albuterol) used to treat asthma
  • Birth control pills (oral contraceptives)

Fioricet also interacts with drugs that affect liver enzymes, including:

  • Erythromycin
  • Cimetidine
  • Disulfiram
  • Valproic acid
  • Fluvoxamine
  • Isoniazid
  • Lithium
  • Methoxyflurane
  • Phenothiazines (such as chlorpromazine)

Fioricet can also speed up the removal of other drugs from your body by affecting your liver enzymes including:

  • Blood thinners (such as warfarin)
  • Cyclosporine (used for organ transplant)
  • Corticosteroids (such as prednisone)
  • Estrogen (a female sex hormone)
  • Felodipine (a calcium-channel blocker)
  • Metronidazole (an antibiotic)
  • Quinidine (used to treat irregular heart rate)
  • Certain beta blockers (such as metoprolol)
  • Theophylline (used for asthma)
  • Doxycycline ( a type of tetracycline antibiotic)
Product Name Price Shipping Total Order
Butalbital/APAP/Caffeine (Generic Fioricet )- 50/325/40 mg- 90 Tabs $169 free $169 Order
Butalbital/APAP/Caffeine (Generic Fioricet )- 50/325/40 mg- 120 Tabs $199 free $199 Order
Butalbital/APAP/Caffeine (Generic Fioricet )- 50/325/40 mg- 180 Tabs $229 free $229 Order

Fioricet is used to treat migraine and various forms of headache. Many doctors prescribe it to their patients because it is a sedative and a pain killer wrapped in one. When you have a prescription, you can buy Fioricet anywhere, but you should know that you should not exceed dosage prescribed by your doctor. However, if you have exceeded the dosage, you should call your doctor and tell him what side effects you are experiencing so he can help you out.

When you order Fioricet next day, you will get it in form of pills for oral usage of various shapes and colors. Usually it’s made in white or blue color, and the shape might be round or oval. Dosage is same for any of mentioned, 40mg, only shapes and colors are different.

 

Before taking this medicine

Do not use Fioricet if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, and tranylcypromine.

You should not use Fioricet if you are allergic to acetaminophen, butalbital, or caffeine, if you have porphyria, or if you have recently used alcohol, sedatives, tranquilizers, or other narcotic medications.

To make sure Fioricet is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

  • liver disease, cirrhosis, a history of alcoholism or drug addiction, or if you drink more than 3 alcoholic beverages per day;
  • kidney disease;
  • asthma, sleep apnea, or other breathing disorder;
  • stomach ulcer or bleeding;
  • a history of skin rash caused by any medication;
  • a history of mental illness or suicidal thoughts; or
  • if you use medicine to prevent blood clots.

It is not known whether Fioricet will harm an unborn baby. If you use butalbital while you are pregnant, your baby could become dependent on the drug. This can cause life-threatening withdrawal symptoms in the baby after it is born. Babies born dependent on habit-forming medicine may need medical treatment for several weeks. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.