Fioricet and Esgic are brand name drugs made from a combination of acetaminophen (325 mg), butalbital (a barbiturate, 50 mg), and caffeine (40 mg). They are usually used to treat tension headaches and migraine headaches, but are also indicated for other types of pain, such as shoulder and upper back pain.

Usage and Dosage

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Fioricet is usually prescribed for difficult to treat tension headaches as well as migraine. The common dosing schedule is to take 1 - 2 tablets every 4 hours as needed, being careful not to exceed 12 tablets in 24 hours, both to avoid an overdose on the Butalbital and Caffeine, but also because an exceess of 4 grams of Acetaminophen per day causes a serious risk of liver damage.

Side effects

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Side effects for any drug are difficult to predict, but commonly reported side effects for Fioricet include:

• Abdominal pain
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Intoxicated feeling
• Light-headedness
• Nausea
• Sedation
• Addiction

Dangers and risks

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Fioricet contains acetaminophen, which has been shown to cause liver damage at higher dosages. Care should be excercised when using Fioricet to prevent possible liver damage. Fioricet also contains butalbital, which is an addictive, mind (and behavior) altering barbituate. Fioricet can be habit forming. Fioricet should not be mixed with alcohol, both due to the possibility of exacerbating liver damage in combination with the APAP, and due to increased risk of intoxication, respritory depression, and general sedation in combination with the butalbital.Be careful when taking fioricet, as you can unknowingly start slurring your speech.Use the least effective dose only.

Analgesics