Butalbital (Fioricet)
Butalbital, commonly sold under the brand name Fioricet is a powerful barbituate pain medication used primarily to treat persistent intense headaches due to tension. Butalbital operates on the central nervous system to stem pain this and other conditions. Popular mixtures of this medication also include acetaminophen (and sometimes even caffeine). Over time it is possible for Butalbital to become less effective and larger dosages may be required. It is available in capsule, tablet and liquid form.
Proper Usage
Butalbital should only be taken as directed by your physician and you should not take Butalbital for longer periods than prescribed. It is possible for Butalbital/Acetaminophen combinations to become habit forming so users should, if possible, avoid taking on a daily basis. If usage guidelines are not followed other serious medical conditions may arise such as liver damage.
Butalbital should be taken at the immediate onset of headache or migraine pain. Taking Butalbital as close to the beginning of headaches as possible is important to receive the maximum benefits of the drug. Drugs like Butalbital may take some time to be fully effective so following your doctor's dosage schedule is important.
If your Butalbital medication stops working effectively in treating your headache pain, consult your physician immediately for further diagnosis.
Precautions When Taking Butalbital(Fioricet)
Notify any Doctor (including your Dentist) prior to having any medical procedure performed to avoid dangerous drug interactions.
Make sure you check the labels and information of other pain medications that you currently take to see if there are any possible interactions. If you are unsure, contact your doctor for clarification.
Do not suddenly stop taking this medication if you have used it regularly over a period of time (several weeks) without consulting a physician. In most cases it is preferable to gradually reduce the dosage when ending use of Butalbital. This is usually recommended to stem off any unwanted effects related to barbituate withdrawal.
Butalbital can increase the effects of alcohol use and other drugs that are classified as depressants. It is recommended that users of Butalbital avoid alcohol intake while on the medication.
Drug Interactions
If you suffer from any of the following medical conditions, notify your doctor before taking Butalbital:
- Drug Abuse
- Kidney Disease
- Asthma
- Alcohol Abuse
- Hepatitis
- Diabetes
- Depression
- Heart Disease
Common Brand Names for Butalbital
- Fioricet
- Anolor
- Geone
- Ezol
- Nonbac
- Margesic
- Phrenilin
- Dolgic
- Esgic Plus
Side Effects
There are some side effects that can occur with Butalbital (Fioricet). These include (but are not limited to): Anxiety, Chest Pain, Muscle Cramps, Skin Rash, Shortness of Breath, Fever, Nausea, Shortness of Breath, Swollen Glands, Dizziness, Bleeding Lips, Mouth Sores, Drowsiness, Loss of Appetite. If you experience any of these symptoms contact your physician immediately.