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Why is this drug prescribed?
Fioricet, a strong, non-narcotic pain reliever and relaxant, is prescribed for the relief of tension headache symptoms caused by muscle contractions in the head, neck, and shoulder area. It combines a
sedative barbiturate (butalbital), a non-aspirin pain reliever (acetaminophen), and caffeine.
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Special warnings about this medication
If you think you or anyone else may have taken an overdose of this medicine, get emergency help at once. Taking an overdose of this medicine or taking alcohol or CNS depressants with this medicine may
lead to unconsciousness or possibly death. Signs of butalbital overdose include severe drowsiness, confusion, severe weakness, shortness of breath or unusually slow or troubled breathing, slurred spe
ech, staggering, and unusually slow heartbeat. Signs of severe acetaminophen poisoning may not occur until 2 to 4 days after the overdose is taken, but treatment to prevent liver damage or death must
be started within 24 hours or less after the overdose is taken.
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What special precautions should I follow?
PregnancyˇX
- For butalbital: Barbiturates such as butalbital have been shown to increase the chance of birth defects in humans. Also, one study in humans has suggested that barbiturates tak
n during pregnancy may increase the chance of brain tumors in the baby.Butalbital may cause breathing problems in the newborn baby if taken just before or during delivery.
- For acetaminophen: Al
though studies on birth defects with acetaminophen have not been done in pregnant women, it has not been reported to cause birth defects or other problems.
- For caffeine: Use of large amounts of
caffeine during pregnancy may cause problems with the heart rhythm and the growth of the fetus.
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Symptoms of overdose
Anxiety, confusion, excitement, irritability, nervousness, restlessness, or trouble in sleeping (severe, especially with products containing caffeine) ; convulsions (seizures) (for products containin
g caffeine); diarrhea, especially if occurring together with increased sweating, loss of appetite, and stomach cramps or pain; dizziness, lightheadedness, drowsiness, or weakness, (severe) ; freque
nt urination (for products containing caffeine) ; hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there); increased sensitivity to touch or pain (for products containing caffeine);
muscle trembling or twitching (for products containing caffeine); nausea or vomiting, sometimes with blood;
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How to Use
This medicine will relieve a headache best if you take it as soon as the headache begins. If you get warning signs of a migraine, take this medicine as soon as you are sure that the migraine is coming
. This may even stop the headache pain from occurring. Lying down in a quiet, dark room for a while after taking the medicine also helps to relieve headaches.
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Possible Side Effect
Although side effects from acetaminophen, butalbital, and caffeine are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- drowsiness
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upset stomach
- vomiting
- stomach pain
- depression
- lightheadedness
- confusion
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- skin rash
- itching
- difficulty breathing
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