General Considerations of Fioricet

Each year, an increased number of women report to the doctor complaining of severe and recurring headaches. Doctors perform a series of tests before diagnosing them with migraines and prescribe the recommended treatment. Fioricet is considered as extremely efficient when it comes to treating migraines, even though that specific use is not mentioned on the prescription label. The active ingredients of Fioricet are represented by acetaminophen, butalbital and caffeine. All these substances are commonly used as treatment for tension headaches but they are also extremely efficient against migraines and other types of pain.

Approved by the FDA, Fioricet contains habit-forming substances and thus is must not be used by anyone else than the patient for whom it was prescribed. Before you take this medication, you should mention to your doctor if you suffer from any of the following medical conditions: deficiency of red blood cells, mental illness (depression or similar disorders, suicidal tendencies or thoughts), metabolic disorders such as diabetes, alcoholism, heart problems or blood pressure fluctuations. Your doctor needs to know all that in order to prescribe the right dosage of Fioricet and indicate a suitable treatment plan. Even if you are not comfortable with certain things, you should mention previous substance abuse or increased alcohol consumption.

What You Should Know Before Taking Fioricet

Other health problems your doctor should be aware of before prescribing Fioricet include liver or kidney impairment, respiratory disease (especially those associating breathing difficulties), porphyria and thyroid problems. There are many people who suffer allergic reactions to Fioricet's active ingredients, manifested through swelling of the face, skin rash and difficult breathing. Emergency medical assistance is required. However, if you know that you are allergic to these substances or present any other allergies, you should tell your doctor about them. It's also important that you mention pregnancy or breast-feeding. Fioricet treatment might not be recommended in these cases.

Fioricet Interactions

Fioricet is available as capsules or tablets that are prescribed for oral usage. They are not to be taken by children and you should contact your pediatrician before administering Fioricet to youngsters. On the other hand, if you miss your dosage, do not take an increased number of capsules to compensate. Watch out for drug interactions and never consume high quantities of alcohol when taking Fioricet. The pain-reducing properties of Fioricet can be affected by the following drugs: antibiotics, corticosteroids, digitalis and those used to treat hypertension. If you take birth control pills, you should know that Fioricet can reduce their efficiency. You stand an increased chance for side-effects or adverse reactions if you follow a treatment with Fioricet at the same time with antidepressants, anticonvulsants or anticoagulant medication.

Most patients who have taken Fioricet mentioned that this medication made them feel drowsy. Doctors warn against taking Fioricet simultaneously with drugs that have the same side-effect, including antidepressants and muscle relaxants. In fact, even certain types of cold medicine (those containing antihistamines) can cause extreme somnolence in combination with Fioricet. The doctor must be informed about all the drugs you are taking, no matter if you take vitamins or a simple dietary supplement.

Fioricet Side-Effects

Fioricet can cause a number of side-effects that require immediate medical attention. If you notice your behavior to modify, experience convulsions or have difficulty breathing, you should contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible. Other serious problems include mydriasis (reflex pupillary dilation), high fever, illusory perceptions and delusions, light-headedness. Signs of allergic reactions include: skin rashes, blisters on the skin, hives, raging heartbeat and subcutaneous bleeding. You will have to report to the doctor if you feel weak, notice your skin to be yellow or red spots on the skin to have appeared recently.

Less serious side-effects may not require urgent medical assistance but it is for the best that you mention your doctor about them. If you feel confused, agitated or experience palpitations, talk to a medical specialist about a possible dosage adjustment. Fioricet can also cause frequent urination, constipation, nausea, vomiting, somnolence, vertigo and headaches. Nervousness appears often, along with the specific 'hang-over' effect.

When following a treatment with Fioricet, regular visits to the doctor are a must. He/she must consult you periodically in order to observe the progress of the treatment. You will also be offered important information regarding Fioricet. For example, you should not drive or operate heavy machinery as this medication can feel you drowsy. The same indication is valid for drinking alcohol; the drowsiness might be increased and lead to more serious side-effects. During the period you are treated with Fioricet, you should change your birth control method.

As Fioricet contains butalbital, abrupt stopping of the treatment can cause serious withdrawal symptoms. These might include extreme nervousness, agitation, headaches, intense vertigo and anxiety. Patients are advised to reduce the dosage gradually under the careful supervision of the doctor. They should also be careful when taking other medicine that contains acetaminophen. Increased quantities can do permanent damage to the liver. Patients who are being treated for cancer or those who take medication suppressing the immune system should be careful when taking Fioricet. The drug can hide the signs of infection and do more harm than good.