Fioricet (butalbital, acetaminophen and caffeine) ® (Butalbital,Acetaminophen, and Caffeine Tablets USP) is indicated for the relief of the symptom complex of tension (or muscle contraction) headache.
One or 2 tablets every 4 hours as needed. Total daily dosage should not exceed 6 tablets. Extended and repeated use of this product is not recommended because of the potential for physical dependence.
Fioricet is indicated for the treatment of muscle tension or muscle contraction headaches. It is also commonly prescribed for migraines although it is not FDA indicated for this use in the United States. The usual adult dose is 1-2 tablets every four hours as needed, not exceeding six tablets in a 24 hour period.
An overdose can damage your liver or cause death. Tell your doctor if the medicine seems to stop working as well in relieving your pain.
Store Fioricet at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of Fioricet can be fatal.
The first signs of an acetaminophen overdose include loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, sweating, and confusion or weakness. Later symptoms may include pain in your upper stomach, dark urine, and yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.
Overdose symptoms may also include insomnia, restlessness, tremor, diarrhea, increased shallow breathing, uneven heartbeats, seizure (convulsions), or fainting.
Common Overdose Symptoms
Acetaminophen relieves pain by inhibiting prostaglandin synthetase enzymes, and it has a half-life of no more than three hours. Butalbital depresses the central nervous system and has a half-life of about 35 hours. Caffeine causes the cerebral blood vessels to constrict and has a half-life of about six hours. Mild Fioricet overdose symptoms include the following:
- Abdominal aches
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Euphoria
- Intestinal problems
- Sedation
- Shortness of breath
- Vomiting
Butalbital can also cause Stevens-Johnson syndrome in rare cases, like all barbiturates. This syndrome is a life-threatening skin condition.
Available Treatment Options
In the event of an overdose on Fioricet, call 911 immediately. Emergency treatment is critical to ensure the person remains stable. After the immediate overdose risk is averted, subsequent care is essential to effectively address the drug abuse or addiction issue.
Fioricet rehab treatment normally begins with the detoxification phase. This process reduces the patient’s dosage of Fioricet until they are no longer taking the drug at all. The detoxification phase of the treatment eliminates the patient’s physical dependence on Fioricet. The remainder of a treatment program for Fioricet addiction deals primarily with the psychological aspect of the addiction.