The 411 on Fioricet
The 411 on Fioricet
When thinking of the right medication for any of your health conditions, it is important to know a little bit more about this certain drug. Being informed with your medications is much similar to having an armed gun in the middle of a war. This information will help you get ready for the treatment, and will also give precautionary measures, all for your overall health and safety.
For a prescription medication called Fioricet, the same principle still applies. Like any other medications, Fioricet may be harmful to one’s health if taken without a prescription, or it can cause effects that might be unpleasant for the person. Fioricet is a barbiturate sedative (Butalbital), mixed with a non-aspirin pain medication called acetaminophen and added caffeine. This non-narcotic pain reliever and relaxant is often prescribed for those people who suffer from tension headaches caused by contractions of the muscles in the neck and shoulders area, and also for treating migraine. Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and a fever reducer, while Butalbital slows down your central nervous system (brain and nerve impulses) causing relaxation. Caffeine, on the other hand, is believed to constrict dilated blood vessels that may contribute to tension headaches. Together, all three components of Fioricet are used to relieve complex tension headaches (muscle contraction).
Always take Fioricet exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If in case you do not understand the labels’ instructions, you can ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain this to you. Take each Fioricet dose with a glass of water, and with food or milk in case this medication upsets your stomach. Never take more of what is prescribed to you. Like I said earlier, it may cause some unwanted effects that may harm your body. If the pain is not being adequately treated, consult your doctor for possible dosing adjustments. Another key reminder is to store this medication at room temperature, away from heat and moisture. The usual dosage for Fioricet is one or two tablets every four hours as needed. Total dosage of this medication should not exceed to six tablets.
Medications nowadays may bring certain side effects, but knowing about them beforehand would make it easier for the patient to bear. Some side effects of Fioricet include drowsiness, lightheadedness, and dizziness, and sedation, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and experiencing an intoxicated feeling. Other side effects like heartburn, constipation, leg pain, muscle fatigue, earache, fever, and allergic reactions to Fioricet are considered as infrequent or less experienced by patients under this medication.
The effects of Butalbital may be enhanced by MAO inhibitors, so caution is advised when taking such medications. The three components of Fioricet may enhance the effects of other narcotic analgesics, alcohol, anesthetics, and tranquilizers. When taking other medications other than Fioricet, be sure to inform your doctor to prevent any interaction that might lead to negative results. By knowing all these, people can be more aware of how they use Fioricet, or any other medication for that matter. Knowledge is power, so take a look and know more about your medications as early as now.
