Drug Uses
Fioricet is a barbiturate sedative mixed with a non-aspirin pain
medication and caffeine. This non-narcotic pain medication and
relaxant is often prescribed for tension headaches caused by
contractions of the muscles in the neck and shoulder area, and
migraine.
How Taken
Fioricet comes as a capsule and tablet to take by mouth. One or
2 tablets every 4 hours as needed. Total daily dosage should not
exceed 6 tablets. Extended and repeated use of this product is
not recommended because of the potential for physical
dependence.
Warnings/Precautions
Fioricet may cause you to become drowsy or less alert;
therefore, driving or operating dangerous machinery or
participating in any hazardous activity that requires full
mental alertness is not recommended until you know your response
to this drug. If you are being treated for severe depression or
have a history of severe depression or drug abuse, consult with
your doctor before taking Fioricet. Use this drug with caution
if you are elderly or in a weakened condition, if you have liver
or kidney problems, or if you have severe abdominal trouble. If
you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor
immediately. Fioricet can affect a developing baby. It also
appears in breast milk. If this medication is essential to your
health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding
your baby until your treatment is finished.
Missed Dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it
is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and
continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose
to make up for a missed one.
Possible Side Effects
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in
intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your
doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking
Fioricet. More common side effects may include: Abdominal pain,
dizziness, drowsiness, intoxicated feeling, light-headedness,
nausea, sedation, shortness of breath, vomiting. Less common or
rare side effects may include: Agitation, allergic reactions,
constipation, depression, difficulty swallowing, dry mouth,
earache, exaggerated feeling of well-being, excessive sweating,
excessive urination, excitement, fainting, fatigue, fever,
flatulence, headache, heartburn, heavy eyelids, high energy, hot
spells, itching, leg pain, mental confusion, muscle fatigue,
numbness, rapid heartbeat, ringing in the ears, seizure, shaky
feeling, skin redness and/or peeling, sluggishness, stuffy nose,
tingling.
Storage
Store below 86? F (30? C); dispense in a tight container and out
of reach of children.
Overdose
An overdose of Fioricet, or combining this medication with
alcohol or other central nervous system depressant, may lead to
unconsciousness or perhaps death. Fioricet overdose is indicated
by severe drowsiness, confusion, extreme weakness,
hallucination, shortness of breath, too slow or troubled
breathing, slurred speech, lack of coordination, vomiting with
blood, unusually slow heartbeat.
More Information
Do not take Fioricet if you have taken a monoamine oxidase
inhibitor (MAOI) in the last 14 days. Dangerous side effects
could result. Fioricet may increase the effects of other drugs
that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol,
antihistamines, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), other pain
relievers, anxiety medicines, and muscle relaxants. Tell your
doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do not take
any medicine unless your doctor approves.
Disclaimer
This drug information is for your information purposes only, it
is not intended that this information covers all uses,
directions, drug interactions, precautions, or adverse effects
of your medication. This is only general information, and should
not be relied on for any purpose. It should not be construed as
containing specific instructions for any particular patient. We
disclaim all responsibility for the accuracy and reliability of
this information, and/or any consequences arising from the use
of this information, including damage or adverse consequences to
persons or property, however such damages or consequences arise.
No warranty, either expressed or implied, is made in regards to
this information.
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