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Fioricet is a barbiturate sedative (butalbital) mixed with a
non-aspirin pain medication (acetaminophen) and caffeine. This non-narcotic
pain medication and relaxant is often prescribed for tension headaches
caused by contractions of the muscles in the neck and shoulder area,
and migraines.
Before Using
Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with Fioricet.
INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter
medicine that you are taking. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE
OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking anticoagulants, birth
control pills, corticosteroids, doxycycline, isoniazid, metronidazole,
quinidine, theophylline, or medicine for high blood pressure or
heart conditions (beta blockers). Inform your doctor of any other
medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Contact
your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns
about using Fioricet.
Directions
Follow the directions for using Fioricet provided by your doctor.
STORE Fioricet at room temperature in a tightly-closed container,
away from heat and light. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF Fioricet and you
are using it regularly, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost
time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your
regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Cautions
DO NOT EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED DOSE or take Fioricet for longer than
prescribed without checking with your doctor. Exceeding the recommended
dose or taking Fioricet for longer than prescribed may be habit-forming.
AVOID ALCOHOL while you are using Fioricet. Fioricet will add to
the effects of alcohol and other depressants. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE
MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you
know how you react to Fioricet. Using Fioricet alone, with other
medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to
perform other potentially dangerous tasks. Fioricet CONTAINS ACETAMINOPHEN.
Do not take additional acetaminophen for pain or fever without checking
with your doctor or pharmacist. Ask your pharmacist if you have
questions about which medicines contain acetaminophen. Acetaminophen
may cause liver damage. If you drink alcohol on a daily basis, do
not take Fioricet without first discussing it with your doctor.
Alcohol use combined with acetaminophen may increase your risk for
liver damage. Pain medications work best if they are used as the
first signs of pain (or first signs of migraine) occur. If you wait
until the pain has significantly worsened, the pain medicine may
not work as well. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either
prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist.
FOR WOMEN TAKING BIRTH CONTROL PILLS: Fioricet may decrease the
effectiveness of your birth control pills. To prevent pregnancy,
use an additional form of birth control while you are taking Fioricet.
FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor
the benefits and risks of using Fioricet during pregnancy. Fioricet
IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking Fioricet.
Possible side effects
SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away during treatment, include drowsiness,
dizziness, lightheadedness, or nausea. If they continue or are bothersome,
check with your doctor. If you notice other effects not listed above,
contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
Drug interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent
a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker
to find out if your medicines interact with each other.
If you take too much
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center
or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include
vomiting, excessive sweating, dark urine, stomach pain, extreme
fatigue, unusual drowsiness or dizziness, lack of feeling alert,
slow or shallow breathing, cold or clammy skin, and loss of consciousness.
Additional information
IF YOUR HEADACHE SYMPTOMS do not improve or if they become worse,
contact your doctor. DO NOT SHARE Fioricet with others for whom
it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE Fioricet for other health conditions.
KEEP Fioricet out of the reach of children. IF USING Fioricet FOR
AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs
out.
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