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Proper Use of This Medicine
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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Significant Interactions:
Butalbital slows the central nervous system (CNS) and intensifies the effects of alcohol and other CNS depressants. Use of alcohol with this drug may also cause overdose symptoms. Avoid alcoholic beve
rages while taking Fioricet.
It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Fioricet with the following:
- Antihistamines such as Benadryl
- Drugs known
as monoamine oxidase inhibitors, including the antidepressants Nardil and Parnate
- Drugs to treat depression such as Elavil
- Major tranquilizers such as Haldol and Thorazine
- Muscle
relaxants such as Flexeril
- Narcotic pain relievers such as Darvon
- Sleep aids such as Halcion
- Tranquilizers such as Xanax and Valium
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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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Side Effects
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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Special warnings about this medication
If you have been taking large amounts of this medicine, or if you have been taking it regularly for several weeks or more, do not suddenly stop taking it without first checking with your doctor. Your
doctor may want you to reduce gradually the amount you are taking before stopping completely in order to lessen the chance of withdrawal side effects.
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Other medical problems
Before taking acetaminophen, butalbital, and caffeine,
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially anticoagulants ('blood thin
ners') such as warfarin (Coumadin), antidepressants, antihistamines, pain medications, sedatives, sleeping pills, tranquilizers, and vitamins. Many nonprescription pain relievers contain acetaminophen
. Too much of this drug can be harmful.
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