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Symptoms of overdose
Seek emergency medical attention. Symptoms of an acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine - Fioricet overdose include insomnia, restlessness, tremor, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, sweating,
seizures, drowsiness, decreased breathing,
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What special precautions should I follow?
Before you have any medical tests, tell the person in charge that you are taking this medicine. Caffeine (present in some butalbital and acetaminophen combinations) interferes with the results of cert
ain tests that use dipyridamole (e.g., Persantine) to help show how well blood is flowing to your heart. Caffeine should not be taken for 8 to 12 hours before the test. The results of other tests may
also be affected by butalbital and acetaminophen combinations.
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Other Medicines
When you are taking a butalbital and acetaminophen combination, it is especially important that your health care professional know if you are taking any of the following:
- Anticoagulants (b
lood thinners), or
- Carbamazepine (e.g., Tegretol) or
- Contraceptives, oral (birth control pills) containing estrogen, or
- Corticosteroids (cortisone-like medicines) or
- Cortic
otropin (e.g., ACTH)ˇXButalbital may make these medicines less effective
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What is this Drug
Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and fever reducer. Butalbital is in a class of drugs called barbiturates that slow down your central nervous system (brain and nerve impulses) causing relaxation. Caff
eine is believed to constrict dilated blood vessels that may contribute to tension headaches. Together, acetaminophen, butalbital, and caffeine are used to relieve complex tension (muscle contraction)
headaches although precisely how it works is unknown. Acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
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How should you take this medication?
The combination of acetaminophen, butalbital, and caffeine comes as a capsule and tablet to take by mouth. It usually is taken every 4 hours as needed. Follow the directions on your prescription label
carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take acetaminophen, butalbital, and caffeine exactly as directed. Do not take more than six tablets or capsules
in 1 day. If you think that you need more to relieve your symptoms, call your doctor.
This medication can be habit-forming. Do not take a larger dose, take it more often, or for a longer per
iod than your doctor tells you to.
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Side Effects of This Medicine
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 recomme
nded 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 Fi
oricet.
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
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