Fioricet is a combination medication commonly used to treat tension headaches but doctors also recommend it for recurring migraines.

Butalbital, acetaminophen, and caffeine is a combination medication often prescribed for the treatment of tension headaches. Here’s a brief breakdown of each component:
- Butalbital: A barbiturate that helps to relax muscle contractions involved in tension headaches.
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol): A pain reliever and fever reducer, often used to alleviate mild to moderate pain.
- Caffeine: A central nervous system stimulant that helps improve the efficacy of pain relievers and can also help constrict blood vessels, reducing headache symptoms.
This combination is effective for short-term relief of headaches but can be habit-forming if used over an extended period. It should be used under a doctor’s supervision to avoid issues like dependency, overuse headaches, or liver damage (due to acetaminophen).
The recommended dosage is of 1-2 tablets every 4 hours or as the doctor prescribes.
Fioricet is a prescription medication commonly used for treating tension headaches. It contains a combination of three main ingredients:
- Acetaminophen: a pain reliever (analgesic) that can reduce fever.
- Butalbital: a barbiturate that helps to relax muscle contractions in the body, which may help alleviate tension-type headaches.
- Caffeine: a stimulant that enhances the effectiveness of acetaminophen and improves blood flow by dilating blood vessels.
Fioricet treatments can cause nausea and this is why most patients prefer to take this medication without food. Talking to the doctor about the nausea problem could lead to finding out essential information on how to reduce this unwanted effect. In fact, he/she can prescribe antihistamines for the nausea but there is also the possibility of lying down one hour after taking the medication.
Off-Label Uses of Fioricet
Fioricet is primarily approved for treating tension headaches, but it is sometimes used off-label to manage other conditions. “Off-label” refers to the use of a medication for purposes other than those approved by regulatory agencies like the FDA. These off-label uses are based on a doctor’s judgment and the medication’s known pharmacological effects.
Common Off-Label Uses of Fioricet
- Migraine Headaches
- Fioricet is occasionally prescribed for migraines, although it is not FDA-approved for this purpose.
- Caution is advised because frequent use may lead to medication overuse headaches or dependence.
- Cluster Headaches
- Fioricet may be prescribed to alleviate pain during cluster headache episodes due to its sedative and muscle-relaxing properties. However, it is not a first-line treatment.
- Anxiety or Sleep Disorders
- The butalbital component of Fioricet has sedative effects, so it is sometimes used to manage anxiety or as a short-term sleep aid.
- This use is risky due to the potential for dependence.
- Neck and Muscle Tension
- The muscle-relaxing properties of butalbital may help alleviate pain associated with neck stiffness or muscle tension.
- Post-Concussion Headaches
- Fioricet is occasionally prescribed for headaches following a concussion or mild traumatic brain injury. However, its use in such cases is controversial due to the risk of side effects and overuse.
- Dental Pain or Post-Dental Surgery Pain
- In rare cases, Fioricet might be prescribed for pain related to dental issues or recovery from dental procedures, especially if the pain includes a tension-like component.
- Chronic Daily Headaches
- Some physicians prescribe Fioricet off-label for managing chronic daily headaches, though long-term use is discouraged because of the risk of dependency and rebound headaches.
How Does Fioricet Work ?
Fioricet is a combination medication used primarily to treat tension headaches and other types of pain. It works by combining three active ingredients: butalbital, acetaminophen, and caffeine, each contributing to its overall effect in a unique way.
How Fioricet Works:
- Butalbital (a barbiturate):
- Function: Acts as a sedative and muscle relaxant.
- Effect: Relieves tension and anxiety associated with headaches, helping the muscles in the head and neck relax, which reduces headache severity.
- Acetaminophen (analgesic and antipyretic):
- Function: Reduces pain and lowers fever by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins in the brain.
- Effect: Provides direct pain relief and reduces discomfort associated with headaches.
- Caffeine (a central nervous system stimulant):
- Function: Enhances the effectiveness of acetaminophen by improving blood flow through vasoconstriction (narrowing of blood vessels).
- Effect: Reduces the dilation of blood vessels in the brain that can contribute to headache pain.
Overall Mechanism:
- The combination of a sedative, a pain reliever, and a stimulant addresses the multiple aspects of tension headaches:
- Pain Relief: Acetaminophen directly alleviates pain.
- Tension Reduction: Butalbital relaxes muscles and calms the mind.
- Enhanced Effect: Caffeine improves the efficiency of pain relief.
The dosage for Fioricet is adapted according to each patient and the medical condition.
Throughout the entire period of the treatment, the doctor will monitor constantly the progress of the patient and the general response to the administration of the drug. One of the side-effects caused by Fioricet is drowsiness. There are a lot of patients who report to the doctor complaining of day-time somnolence and in many cases the dosage of Fioricet is lowered. By going to the doctor, you can find out all there is to be known about Fioricet. You will be instructed to take it as soon as the first symptoms of tension headaches appear.
Fioricet is prescribed with extreme caution and medical specialists advise against using this medication for prolonged periods of time and in high doses.
It may cause dependence and severe withdrawal symptoms if the treatment is stopped of all a sudden. These symptoms are extremely varied, including flu-like symptoms with running nose and watery eyes.
At the same time, there are patients who experience more serious symptoms with abnormal behavior, mental confusion and seizures. The best thing to prevent withdrawal syndromes is to ask your doctor to reduce the dosage gradually. You can also ask about the addiction potential presented by Fioricet and you will certainly be informed that this medication should not be taken in larger quantities or more frequently than indicated.
Regular checkups are a must when you follow a treatment with Fioricet.
Talk to your doctor if you have started to use more than the usual dosage, if you notice the headaches to have become worse or if they appear often. Only a healthcare professional can decide if you need dosage adjustment or special tests performed in order to determine the cause of your headaches. Never try to solve these problems by yourself and do not believe the higher doses of this medication will do the trick.
Why Fioricet Can Treat Sleep Disorders ?
Fioricet is not officially approved for treating sleep disorders, but it may have effects that indirectly aid sleep in certain individuals. This is primarily due to the butalbital component, a barbiturate, which has sedative properties. Here’s how Fioricet might help with sleep:
1. Sedative Effects of Butalbital
- How It Works: Butalbital depresses the central nervous system (CNS), promoting relaxation and drowsiness. This can help individuals fall asleep more easily, particularly if they experience tension, stress, or anxiety that interferes with sleep.
- Why It’s Effective: The calming effect can make it easier to transition into sleep, especially for people with difficulty “shutting off” their minds at night.
2. Relief of Tension-Related Discomfort
- Headache Relief: Fioricet is designed to treat tension headaches, which can interfere with sleep. By alleviating this discomfort, Fioricet indirectly helps improve sleep quality.
- Muscle Relaxation: The butalbital component helps relax muscles, which may be beneficial for individuals whose sleep is disrupted by muscle tension or stiffness.
3. Reduction of Stress or Anxiety
- Some individuals experience difficulty sleeping due to stress or anxiety. Fioricet’s combination of sedative (butalbital), stimulant (caffeine), and pain-relieving (acetaminophen) properties may help reduce both physical and emotional stress, indirectly improving sleep.
What Are Dosages of Butalbital/Acetaminophen/Caffeine?
Adult and pediatric dosage
Tablet
- butalbital/acetaminophen/caffeine
- 50mg/325mg/40mg (Fioricet, Esgic)
- 50mg/500mg/40mg (Espic-Plus)
- 50mg/750mg/40mg (Dolgic Plus)
Capsule
- butalbital/acetaminophen/caffeine
- 50mg/300mg/40mg (Orbivan)
- 50mg/325mg/40mg (Esgic, Margesic)
- 50mg/500mg/40mg (Esgic-Plus, Zebutal)
Liquid, oral
- butalbital/acetaminophen/caffeine
- (50mg/325mg/40mg)15mL (Alagesic LQ)
Tension Headache
Adult dosage
- 50mg/300-325mg/40mg: 2 tablets or capsules orally every 4 hours; not to exceed 6 tablets or capsules/day
- 50mg/500mg/40mg: 1 tablet/capsule orally every 4 hours; not to exceed 6 tablets or capsules/day
- 50mg/750mg/40mg: 1 tablet/capsule orally every 4 hours; not to exceed 5 tablets or capsules/day
- 15-30 mL solution orally every 4 hours; not to exceed 180 mL solution/day
- Not to exceed 4 g/day of acetaminophen for any dosage form or regimen
Pediatric dosage
- Children younger than 12 years of age: Safety and efficacy not established
- Children 12 years of age or older:
- 50mg/300-325mg/40mg: 2 tablets or capsules orally every 4 hours; not to exceed 6 tablets or capsules/day
- 50mg/500mg/40mg: 1 tablet/capsule orally every 4 hours; not to exceed 6 tablets or capsules/day
- 50mg/750mg/40mg: 1 tablet/capsule orally every 4 hours; not to exceed 5 tablets or capsules/day
- 15-30 mL solution orally every 4 hours; not to exceed 90 mL solution/day
- Not to exceed 4 g/day of acetaminophen for any dosage form or regimen
What is Butalbital Acetaminophen Caff and How to Buy Fioricet Online ?
What should I tell my care team before I take Fioricet?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- Heart or circulation problems
- If you often drink alcohol
- Kidney disease or problems going to the bathroom
- Liver disease
- Lung disease, asthma, or breathing problems
- Porphyria
- Substance abuse or addiction
- An unusual or allergic reaction to parabens, acetaminophen, butalbital or other barbiturates, caffeine, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- Breast-feeding
How Should I Use Butalbital Acetaminophen Caff?
Take this medication by mouth. Use a specially marked spoon or dropper to measure your dose. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have a dropper or measuring spoon. Do not use a household spoon. Follow the directions on the prescription label. If the medication upsets your stomach, take the medication with food or milk. Do not take more than you are told to take.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What may interact with Butalbital Acetaminophen Caff?
- Alcohol
- Benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam, diazepam, or lorazepam
- Certain antihistamines
- Certain medications for depression, such as amitriptyline or trazodone
- Certain medications for seizures, such as carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, or primidone
- Medications that cause drowsiness before a procedure, such as propofol
- Isoniazid
- MAOIs, such as Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
- Medications that help you fall asleep
- Medications that relax muscles
- Opioids for pain or cough
- Phenothiazines, such as chlorpromazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine
- Voriconazole
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using Butalbital Acetaminophen Caff?
Tell your care team if your pain does not go away, if it gets worse, or if you have new or a different type of pain. You may develop tolerance to the medication. Tolerance means that you will need a higher dose of the medication for pain relief. Tolerance is normal and is expected if you take the medication for a long time.
Do not suddenly stop taking your medication because you may develop a severe reaction. Your body becomes used to the medication. This does NOT mean you are addicted. Addiction is a behavior related to getting and using a medication for a non-medical reason. If you have pain, you have a medical reason to take pain medication. Your care team will tell you how much medication to take. If your care team wants you to stop the medication, the dose will be slowly lowered over time to avoid any side effects.
You may get drowsy or dizzy when you first start taking the medication or change doses. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that may be dangerous until you know how the medication affects you. Stand or sit up slowly.
Do not take other medications that contain acetaminophen with this medication. Always read labels carefully. If you have questions, ask your care team or pharmacist.
If you take too much acetaminophen get medical help right away. Too much acetaminophen can be very dangerous and cause liver damage. Even if you do not have symptoms, it is important to get help right away.
What Side Effects may I Notice From Receiving Butalbital Acetaminophen Caff?
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- CNS depression—slow or shallow breathing, shortness of breath, feeling faint, dizziness, confusion, trouble staying awake
- Liver injury—right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue
- Redness, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
Side effects that usually to not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Vomiting
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Where Should I Keep Butalbital Acetaminophen Caff?
Keep out of the reach of children and pets. This medication can be abused. Keep your medication in a safe place to protect it from theft. Do not share this medication with anyone. Selling or giving away this medication is dangerous and against the law.
Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Protect from light.
This medication may cause harm and death if it is taken by other adults, children, or pets. It is important to get rid of the medication as soon as you no longer need it or it is expired. You can do this in two ways:
- Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
- If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, take the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.
Fioricet is a prescription drug which is used in treatment of headaches. It is actually a combination drug which combines three ingredients that work together and provide a relief of headache pain in tensions headaches, muscle contraction headaches and headaches that occur after post-dural puncture.
The first ingredient in Fioricet is butalbital. This is a barbiturate drug which is very rarely used alone but which has found its way into a number of combination drugs, including Fioricet. Since it is a barbiturate drug, it is a relatively potent analgesic, meaning that it provides relief from pain. It can also be dependency-forming, but in Fioricet it is not present in such large doses so as to cause dependency unless it is used improperly or for too long.
The second ingredient in Fioricet is acetaminophen, also known as paracetamol. It is one of the most basic and most common drugs in the world. It is also a painkiller which can be used to treat mild to moderate pain. On its own, it can be used in treatment of headaches and it is only logical that it was included in Fioricet. It can cause liver damage if it is used improperly and it is often included in medications to discourage overuse.
The third ingredient in Fioricet is a formulation of caffeine which is a common stimulant present in coffee and tea. It is used in Fioricet for two reasons. The first is that it can enhance the effects of the other two ingredients that provide the majority of analgesic effects and the second one is that it has been found to constrict blood vessels, especially in the brain. This can also provide substantial relief from pain that is associated with tension headaches.
Fioricet was developed specifically with headaches in mind. It has found other uses, however, although these uses are still considered off-label and investigational. For example, Fioricet is sometimes used in treatment of migraines and there are a lot of people for whom it has done wonders when their migraines are in question. Some people take Fioricet for back pain and other painful conditions. These are not common uses for this drug but we felt that we should mention them as well.
Fioricet is a relatively potent medication and it should be taken with utmost care. It is usually not the first line treatment for headaches due to its potency and the fact that it contains a barbiturate drug. It is used when less potent drugs have failed and/or when the pain is extremely severe.
Using Fioricet without your doctor recommending it is something that we would not advise and something that can be dangerous for some people. Also, using the drug improperly, for periods of time that are longer than recommended or in amounts larger than the recommended one can lead to adverse effects and serious dangerous effects on the health.
It should also be pointed out that the Fioricet formulation has changed. The old formulation included 50 mg of butalbital, 325 mg of acetaminophen and 40 mg a caffeine in the tablet. The new formulation is in form of capsules and it contains 50 mg of butalbital, 300 mg of acetaminophen and 40 mg of caffeine. As you can see, the amount of acetaminophen has been reduced due to new FDA guidelines concerning the limitation of acetaminophen amounts in combination drugs.
What is a Fioricet High?
One of the key active ingredients responsible for the so-called Fioricet high is butalbital. Butalbital is a barbiturate that’s considered short-to-intermediate acting, and it can relieve symptoms of anxiety, reduce pain, relax muscles and act as a sedative. There are many neuropsychological effects of butalbital, some of which aren’t clearly understood to this day.The belief is that the Fioricet high is caused by the fact that butalbital can increase the inhibition neurotransmitters in the brain called GABA. It can bind to certain receptor sites and ultimately central nervous system activity is depressed. This can lead to what feels like a buzz or to some people possibly a high.
So what does a Fioricet high feel like?
For the most part, it’s likely to feel similar to other central nervous system depressant effects. There is some evidence pointing to the fact that taking Fioricet can feel similar to the effects of drinking alcohol, particularly when the prescription drug is taken at higher levels.
The following are some of the common experiences that people say come along with a Fioricet high:
- Fioricet can reduce anxiety and some people with anxiety disorders may take it for this reason, although this is not what it’s approved for. There is the potential for Fioricet to decrease feelings of anxiety even when it’s taken at a normal dose, and this is because of the impact of butalbital on GABA. For some people, a Fioricet high is actually just equated with a reduction in anxiety.
- Depersonalization may be another effect of the so-called Fioricet high, although this isn’t necessarily something people find pleasant. It can lead to feelings of confusion and sluggishness, and this is one of the reasons Fioricet isn’t frequently used
- Drowsiness and sedation may also be side effects of a Fioricet high, particularly when it’s taken in larger amounts. While Fioricet has a stimulant component which is caffeine when larger doses are taken the central nervous system depressant effects may override the stimulant effects.
- Some people may obtain a sense of euphoria when taking Fioricet, although it’s not as pronounced as what would occur with something like prescription opioids. As with most other drugs, if someone does experience euphoria with a Fioricet high, it’s likely to dissipate after using the drug a few times as they build a tolerance.
- While not everyone who takes Fioricet says they experience euphoria, some people say that it does improve their mood. This can be because of the GABA-related effects of butalbital, but also the inclusion of the acetaminophen and the caffeine. There’s also the element of stimulation that can occur with caffeine, so some people may feel this is a Fioricet high when they experience it.
- Lightheadedness and dizziness are common side effects of Fioricet, and these may also be symptoms that people associate with a Fioricet high.
- One of the primary reasons people will abuse Fioricet and take high doses is to achieve relaxation, which occurs because of the slowdown of the central nervous system. People who take this drug may feel relaxed and also tranquil. Some of this is because of the loosening up of muscles the drug can stimulate.
Not everyone will associate the use of this drug with the Fioricet high. Some of the factors that determine whether or not a person will experience a Fioricet high can include the dosage they take and their tolerance. Newer users may be more likely to experience what they would describe as the Fioricet high. Other factors that could influence this include the specific formulation of the drug and whether or not other substances are taken with it.
Some people may try to extract the butalbital from Fioricet and remove it from the caffeine and acetaminophen for a greater high. This is not only drug abuse, but might not even achieve the effects the person is looking for.
It’s important to realize that there can be serious and deadly consequences associated with trying to achieve a Fioricet high. This can include addiction, adverse reactions, brain damage, emotional crashes, and overdose. Since Fioricet has acetaminophen, if people abuse it to get high they may also sustain liver damage or failure.
Fioricet is available online at various online pharmacies where you can order it and have them deliver the drug to your address. For many parts of the world, it is possible to have overnight delivery while there are parts where you will have to wait. The prices are lower online and when you find a reputable online pharmacy, you can safely and cheaply order Fioricet.
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Risks of Using Fioricet for Tension Headache
While Fioricet might temporarily help with sleep issues, it is not a recommended or safe long-term solution for treating sleep disorders due to the following risks:
- Dependency and Abuse:
- Butalbital is habit-forming, and using Fioricet to induce sleep can lead to psychological or physical dependence.
- Rebound Effects:
- Over time, Fioricet may lose effectiveness, requiring higher doses to achieve the same sedative effects. Abrupt discontinuation after prolonged use can lead to withdrawal symptoms, including insomnia and seizures.
- Potential Side Effects:
- Sedation, drowsiness, impaired coordination, and other CNS effects can linger, causing grogginess or impacting daytime functioning.
- Liver Damage:
- Long-term or high-dose use of acetaminophen, a component of Fioricet, can harm the liver, especially if combined with alcohol or other acetaminophen-containing medications.
Prevention of Fioricet Abuse
- Follow Prescriptions Strictly: Only use Fioricet exactly as prescribed by a healthcare provider, and never increase the dosage on your own.
- Limit Duration of Use: Fioricet is intended for short-term treatment. Avoid prolonged use to reduce the risk of dependence.
- Avoid Sharing: Never share your medication with others, even if they have similar symptoms.
- Monitor Usage: Keep track of how often you’re using Fioricet, and avoid using it as a “go-to” solution for every headache.
- Regular Doctor Check-Ins: Schedule regular appointments with your healthcare provider to discuss how the medication is working and whether it’s still necessary.
- Store Safely: Keep Fioricet in a secure location out of reach of others, especially children or those with a history of substance abuse.
- Educate Yourself: Be aware of the risks of Fioricet abuse and recognize any warning signs early.