Fioricet

Fioricet and Esgic are brand name drugs made from a combination of acetaminophen (325 mg), butalbital (a barbiturate, 50 mg), and caffeine (40 mg). They are usually used to treat tension headaches and migraine headaches. more...

Usage and Dosage

Fioricet is usually perscribed for difficult to treat tension headaches as well as migraine. The common dosing schedule is to take 1 - 2 tablets every 4 hours as needed, being careful not to exceed 12 tablets in 24 hours, both to avoid an overdose on the Butalbital and Caffeine, but also because an exceess of 4 grams of Acetaminophen per day causes a serious risk of liver damage.

This usage and dosing info is for informational purposes only and should not be used in place of the instructions of your doctor.

Side Effects

Side effects for any drug are difficult to predict, but commonly reported side effects for Fioricet include:

• Abdominal pain
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Intoxicated feeling
• Light-headedness
• Nausea
• Sedation
• Addiction

There are other potential side-effects, this list should not be considered all-inclusive.

Dangers and Risks

Fioricet contains acetaminophen, which has been shown to cause Liver damage at higher dosages. Care should be excersized when using Fioricet to prevent possible liver damage. Fioricet also contains Butalbital, which is an addictive, mind (and behavior) altering barbituate. Fioricet can be habit forming. Fioricet should not be mixed with Alcohol, both due to the possibility of exacerbating liver damage in combination with the APAP, and due to increased risk of intoxication in combination with the Butalbital.

There are other potential risks, this list should not be considered all-inclusive.

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