Uses of Fioricet

Fioricet is a non-narcotic pain reliever and relaxant. It is used to treat tension headaches and migraine. It is a mix of barbiturate sedative, caffeine and non-aspirin pain medication.

Fioricet is in either capsule or tablet form. Take one or two tablets by mouth every 4 hours while needed. You should not exceed a daily dose of 6 tablets. Do not go over maximum as it can make you dependent on it.

Safety Guidelines & Possible Side Effects

Consult with your doctor if you have or had depression or have abused drugs. Also tell him if you have liver or kidney problems, pregnant, planning to get pregnant or breastfeeding. If Fioricet is an important medication for you at the moment, your doctor will ask you to discontinue breastfeeding as it can affect your developing baby. Your dosage and monitoring will depend on your health, age and lifestyle. If you are elderly, you may have to be cautious with your Fioricet use. Also be careful when driving or operating machinery as the drug can cause drowsiness and decrease alertness.

Common side effects of taking Fioricet are abdominal pain, breathing difficulty, dizziness, drowsiness, intoxicated feeling, light-headedness, nausea, sedation and vomiting. Other side effects include allergic reactions, agitation, constipation, depression, dry mouth, mental confusion, a shaky feeling, seizure, ringing in the ears, palpitations, heartburn, headache, fever fatigue, excessive urination, flatulence, skin redness, stuffy nose, sluggishness and more.

Missed Dose

As soon as you remember that you missed a dose, take it. However, it your next scheduled dose is almost due, skip the missed dose. Double dosing, especially an addictive medication, is highly discouraged.

Storage

Store Fioricet below 86° F (30° C). Place the tablets or capsules in a tight container, which is kept away from the reach of children.

Overdose

If you overdose on Fioricet or if you combine the medication with alcohol or other CNS depressants, the result may be unconsciousness and even death. Symptoms of an overdose may include breathing difficulty, confusion, lack of coordination, severe drowsiness, very slow breathing and unusually low heartbeat.

More Information

Do not take Fioricet within 14 days of taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI). Fioricet may aggravate the effects of other drugs that also cause drowsiness.