Butalbital (Generic Fioricet)

Uses
Butalbital is a pain reliever and sedative. It is used to relieve mild to moderate pain and tension headaches.

How to Use
To prevent upset stomach, take Butalbital with food or milk. Pain medications work best in preventing pain before it occurs. Once the pain becomes intense, the medication is not as effective in relieving it. Take this as prescribed. Do not increase your dose or take it more frequently without your doctor's approval.

Side Effects
Butalbital may cause lightheadedness, dizziness, drowsiness, stomach upset, nausea, and sleeping disturbances the first few days as your body adjusts to the medication. If these symptoms persist or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop: a rapid/ irregular heartbeat. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precauations
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: serious liver disease, alcohol or narcotic dependence, emotional/mental conditions, heart disease (arrhythmias, recent MI), stomach/intestinal ulcers, any allergies. Acetaminophen may cause liver damage. Daily use of alcohol, especially when combined with acetaminophen, may increase your risk for liver damage. To prevent oversedation, avoid using alcohol and other sedative type medications while taking this.

Butalbital may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Avoid alcoholic beverages. This medication contains caffeine. Avoid drinking large amounts of caffeinated beverages while taking this medication as excessive nervousness and irritability can occur. This medication should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Small amounts Butalbital appear in breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions
Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially of: "blood thinners" Tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use that cause drowsiness such as: medicine for sleep (e.g., sedatives), tranquilizers, anti-anxiety drugs (e.g., diazepam), narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), psychiatric medicines (e.g., phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine, or tricyclics such as amitriptyline), anti-seizure drugs (e.g., carbamazepine), muscle relaxants, antihistamines that cause drowsiness (e.g., diphenhydramine). Because this medication contains acetaminophen, check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking other medications containing acetaminophen which is commonly found in nonprescription pain relievers and cough-and-cold products. Read labels carefully to check ingredients. This drug may interfere with the effectiveness of birth control pills. Discuss using other methods of birth control with your doctor. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include vomiting, unusual drowsiness, lack of feeling alert, slow or shallow breathing, cold or clammy skin, loss of consciousness, dark urine, stomach pain, and extreme fatigue.

Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.