Fioricet capsules contain a combination of acetaminophen, butalbital, 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.
Extended and repeated use of Fioricet is not recommended because of the potential for physical dependence.
- Fioricet can cause excessive sleepiness, dizziness, and lightheadedness. Don’t drive or use any heavy machinery until you know how the medication affects you.
- Since Fioricet contains some caffeine, be sure to limit how much caffeine you use per day. Too much caffeine can lead to nervousness, shakiness, restlessness, trouble sleeping, and a fast heart rate.
- Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Fioricet, since it can cause you to be more drowsy and less alert, and raise your risk of accidental injuries and liver damage.
- Many over-the-counter and prescription medications contain acetaminophen. Don’t take more than 3 to 4 grams of acetaminophen per day to avoid liver damage. Ask your provider what your maximum daily amount of acetaminophen is, since this depends on your provider’s instructions.
- Use caution if you currently take medications called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), such as phenelzine (Nardil), tranylcypromine (Parnate), or selegiline (Eldepryl). Taking a MAOI with Fioricet can lead to sleepiness, dizziness, and slowed breathing.
- If you’re using the oral syrup form of Fioricet, use the dosing cup or syringe provided by your pharmacist to measure out your dose. Don’t use kitchen spoons or cups since they might not give you the most accurate dose.
- Store Fioricet at room temperature in a place out of reach from children due to the life-threatening risk of accidental overdose, misuse, and abuse.
- If you or someone you know accidentally overdoses on Fioricet, get emergency medical help or call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 right away.
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 acetaminophen, butalbital, and caffeine 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.