Fioricet

What is Fioricet?

Fioricet is a drug meant to relieve pain and to reduce fever. Belonging to a group of barbiturates, Fioricet efficiently relaxes strained muscles which cause pain. The medication also improves the blood flow and is effective for headache treatment.

What is the most important information about Fioricet?

You are not recommended to take Fioricet if you were under such MAO inhibitors as rasagiline (Azilect), tranylcypromine (Parnate), isocarboxazid (Marplan), selegiline (like Eldepryl, Emsam) and phenelzine (Nardil) within the past 2 weeks, otherwise it may result in life-threatening side-effects. Avoid overdosage to prevent any damage to your liver.

Do not mix Fioricet with any cold, allergy, cough or menstrual pain drug without consulting with your health care provider.

Be aware that Fioricet may be habit-forming and should be taken only by the patient it was recommended to. Keep the drug in a safe place where others can't find it.

Avoid using Fioricet without talking to your doctor in case you suffer from alcoholic liver disease like cirrhosis or take more than 3 alcoholic beverages per day. Do not take this drug if you suffer from porphyria or are allergic to acetaminophen, caffeine or butalbital.

If you have such conditions as liver disease, kidney disease or a history of mental illness or suicidal thoughts, you should have special tests and keep dosage adjustment.

Fioricet has FDA pregnancy category C. That means that the drug can have a negative effect on an unborn baby. If you are pregnant or going to be one, consult with your doctor before starting the treatment with Fioricet. Avoid taking Fioricet if you are breastfeeding.

How should I take Fioricet?

Take Fioricet with food or milk if the drug upsets your stomach. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Remember that the maximum dosage of Fioricet for adults is 1000mg per dose and 4000mg per day. Do not abuse the medication, as it can lead to serious health problems.

Store Fioricet at room temperature, away from heat and moisture.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Fioricet should be used when needed only, so there is no particular dosage schedule to keep. In case you are taking the drug on a regular basis and occasionally missed a dose, you should take the pill asap. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Never use an extra dose to catch up.

What happens if I overdose?

If overdosage is suspected, you should seek emergency medical help.

Overdose symptoms include restlessness, dizziness, increased sweating, confusion, drowsiness, nausea, insomnia, tremor, diarrhea, loss of appetite, shallow breathing, seizure, uneven heartbeat, stomach pain, vomiting or even coma.

Other side effects may occur as well, so, if you notice some strange symptoms developing to any level of intensity, you should seek immediate medical assistance right away.