What drug is similar to Fioricet?
Fioricet (butalbital/acetaminophen/caffeine) and zolmitriptan (Zomig) are both used to treat headaches, but they work differently and are used for different types of headaches. Fioricet is a combination medication that includes a barbiturate, an analgesic, and caffeine, and is typically used for tension headaches. If you are prescribed Fioricet by your doctor, take it as prescribed. It should be used rarely and with caution. As with all barbiturates, Fioricet should never be taken daily. Common side effects of Fioricet include dizziness and mild lethargy.Fioricet (butalbital/acetaminophen/caffeine) and Relpax (eletriptan) are both used to treat headaches, but they work differently and are used for different types of headaches.Although Fioricet may be prescribed for migraine headaches, it is not FDA-approved for this and the evidence does not support its use for migraine. Only available as tablets.Taking Fioricet frequently can cause a medication-overuse headache. And when the caffeine in Fioricet wears off, some people get a rebound headache. Too much Fioricet can damage the liver.Some studies have found the OTC “migraine cocktail” of aspirin, acetaminophen, and caffeine more effective against migraine pain than ibuprofen or sumatriptan alone.
Who cannot take Fioricet?
You should not use Fioricet if you are allergic to it, if you have porphyria, or if you have recently used alcohol, sedatives, tranquilizers, or other opioids. No, Fioricet is not considered a narcotic or controlled substance. However, it does contain butalbital – a barbiturate that has the potential for misuse and addiction.Fioricet® with Codeine (butalbital, acetaminophen, caffeine, and codeine phosphate) is controlled by the Drug Enforcement Administration and is classified under Schedule III. Codeine can produce drug dependence of the morphine type and, therefore, has the potential for being abused.Alternative Names for Fioricet These include Americet, Ezol and Alagesic among others. Street Names: There are few known street names for Fioricet that does not contain codeine, as it is lower risk for abuse and addiction. Barbiturates, a drug component of Fioricet, may be referred to simply as Barbs.At high doses, Fioricet can intoxicate a person in a manner similar to alcohol. People who abuse Fioricet for this purpose have as much of a risk of developing an addiction as they would have if they repeatedly used an illegal drug.
Why is Fioricet bad for you?
But before taking Fioricet, it’s crucial to understand the risks. This medication contains the active ingredients butalbital, acetaminophen, and caffeine – a combination that can lead to: Dependence and addiction, even when taken as prescribed. Life-threatening overdose and withdrawal. Butalbital can cause someone to get “high” because it’s a central nervous system (CNS) depressant. Since butalbital is part of Fioricet, it is possible for someone to abuse Fioricet as a recreational drug. At high doses, Fioricet can intoxicate a person in a manner similar to alcohol.
Why don’t doctors like Fioricet?
It is very possible to become addicted to Fioricet, which is another reason it is not a front-line treatment. Because people with migraine get headaches fairly regularly, they have a higher risk of becoming addicted to Fioricet and/or its ingredients. Barbiturates, in particular, can be a drug of abuse. Fioricet is a combination medication containing butalbital, acetaminophen, and caffeine. It’s taken by mouth as needed, typically every 4 hours, to treat tension headaches.Because it contains butalbital, a medication that can be misused and cause dependence, some state governments place strict regulations on Fioricet. But it’s not classified as a controlled substance in all states because it contains acetaminophen.May not be suitable for some people, including the elderly and people with kidney or liver disease. Although Fioricet may be prescribed for migraine headaches, it is not FDA-approved for this and the evidence does not support its use for migraine.