1. This is the only medicine I’ve ever found to actually work on my tension headaches. I have used it about 2 – 3 times a year for a few to several days in a row to knock out my headaches. This is my ‘last resort’ medication and for great reason – it works. As someone else posted, if this doesn’t work, nothing is going to work. I’m so thankful for this medication.

2. I have been having headaches for about five months and the doctor prescribed me Fioricet and it does nothing for my headaches.

3. I use Fioricet on regular basis and most of the time it seems to help.

4. Fioricet does wonders! It helps my tension headaches, especially when I am stressed!

5.I was getting cluster headaches for about 3 weeks. Went to ER and they gave me a shot of Stadol, but that didn’t even take my headache away. Got Fioricet prescription filled next day (today). Haven’t had a headache all day.

6.I have had almost daily headaches since I was 15. I am now 43. I would not have believed such a simple medication would have worked so well.

7.I have brain tumors and Fioricet works wonders. It makes the pain go away in about an hour. I couldn’t live without this wonder drug.

8.Works great but it does make me sleepy at first. I have found that I only have to take it once and my headache is gone for the rest of the day!

9.I have been a suffering from migraine headaches for 20 years. I’ve tried EVERYTHING. My experience has shown if you take 2 tablets of Fioricet at the onset of one, you will do yourself a huge favor. It works. It may not eliminate your migraine but it will make it tolerable and less severe. Like others above, you have to be careful about how much you do take. I’ve found if I had a bad headache and have taken several pills, I have to then ween myself off of it by taking one pill every 4 hours over the next day or so to prevent a rebound headache. If you take many of these to relieve a headache, I recommend taking a few when your headache is gone to prevent a rebound. I make sure I carry my Fioricet with me at all times.

10.Have been using this drug for about 16 years now. No other migraine medicine compares to it. Have recommended it to several other migraine sufferers. In turn they have called their doctors and now they are on it. They have had the same luck I have.

11.I was not one prone to headaches until recently. They started at the base of my neck and continued upward until I didn’t want to move a muscle. Oddly enough, these were prescribed by my dentist due to an upcoming root canal I was getting ready for. I took one the next time I had a headache and within 30 minutes it was completely gone. I was amazed.

12.BEWARE – THIS DRUG MAY GIVE REBOUND HEADACHES.

13.For the first six months it worked great but now it doesn’t relieve my headaches at all. In fact the only thing it does is gives me insomnia.

14.I have tried just about every option available and this medication has been the only one to truly relieve my headache AND allow me to feel “normal” so that I am able to function.
15.This is a wonderful drug. It takes the pain away within a few minutes and even if the migraine doesn’t go away altogether, the pain isn’t as bad as it would be or could be, without some form of medication. Believe me I’ve tried them all. I am now on Topamax 50mg twice a day, Fioricet and Midrin.

16.I GET PROBABLY 4 OR 5 MIGRAINES A MONTH. I COULDN’T BEAR TO BE WITHOUT MY FIORICET. IT’S THE ONLY MEDICINE THAT SEEMS TO WORK FOR ME. IF I FEEL A HEADACHE STARTING, I TAKE 2 TABS AND WITHIN 20-30 MINS, THE HEADACHE IS GONE. IN ADDITION TO BEING A MOTHER OF 4 GIRLS, I HAVE RUN MY FAMILY DAY CARE FOR 17 YEARS AND I JUST WOULDN’T BE ABLE TO FUNCTION WITHOUT MY FIORICET. I HAVE TRIED SEVERAL OTHER MEDICINESS BEFORE FIORICET, AND NOTHING SEEMED TO HELP SO I AM VERY THANKFUL FOR FIORICET. IT WORKS GREAT FOR ME. I’VE TRIED TO AVOID THINGS THAT SET OFF MY HEADACHES, LIKE NOT EATING BEFORE 2 PM, OR MY PILLOWS NOT BEING RIGHT WHEN SLEEPING, BRIGHTNESS, SOUNDS, SMELLS AND STRESS. BUT SOME CAN’T BE AVOIDED. THANK YOU.

This drug should not be used with the following medication because very serious interactions may occur: sodium oxybate.

If you are currently using the medication listed above, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting this medication.

The following drugs can interact with Fioricet. Tell your doctor if you are using any of these:

• an antibiotic;
• a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin);
• isoniazid;
• zidovudine (Retrovir, AZT);
• seizure medication such as phenytoin (Dilantin) or phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton);
• gout medications such as probenecid (Benemid) or sulfinpyrazone;
• an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate);
• steroids such as prednisone, fluticasone (Advair), mometasone (Asmanex, Nasonex), dexamethasone (Decadron, Hexadrol) and others; or
• an antidepressant such as amitriptyline (Elavil, Etrafon), clomipramine (Anafranil), desipramine (Norpramin), imipramine (Janimine, Tofranil), and others.

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with Fioricet. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: adenosine, anti-seizure drugs (e.g., carbamazepine, phenytoin), beta agonists (e.g., albuterol), drugs affecting liver enzymes that remove this medication from your body (such as macrolide antibiotics including erythromycin, cimetidine, disulfiram, valproic acid, fluvoxamine, MAO inhibitors including furazolidone, isocarboxazid, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine), isoniazid, lithium, methoxyflurane, phenothiazines (e.g., chlorpromazine).

This drug can speed up the removal of other drugs from your body by affecting certain liver enzymes. These affected drugs include “blood thinners” (e.g., warfarin), cyclosporine, corticosteroids such as prednisone, estrogen, felodipine, metronidazole, quinidine, certain beta blockers such as metoprolol, theophylline, doxycycline.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you also take drugs that cause drowsiness such as certain antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine), medicine for sleep or anxiety (e.g., alprazolam, diazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants, narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), psychiatric medicines (e.g., risperidone, amitriptyline, trazodone).

Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products) because they may contain caffeine or drowsiness-causing ingredients. Also keep in mind that certain beverages (e.g., coffee, colas, tea) contain caffeine. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely.

Acetaminophen is an ingredient in many nonprescription products and in some combination prescription medications. Read the labels carefully before taking other pain relievers, fever reducers, or cold products to see if they also contain acetaminophen. Consult your pharmacist if you are uncertain whether your other prescription or nonprescription products contain acetaminophen. (See also adult maximum daily dose information in Side Effects section.)

This medication may decrease the effectiveness of combination-type birth control pills. This can result in pregnancy. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for details, and discuss whether you should use additional reliable birth control methods while taking any of these drugs.

This medication may interfere with certain medical/laboratory tests (including urine 5-HIAA levels, urine VMA levels, urine catecholamine levels, dipyridamole-thallium imaging tests), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

Do not take more Fioricet than is recommended. An overdose of acetaminophen can cause damage to your liver. Do not use any other cold, allergy, pain, or sleep medication without first asking your doctor or pharmacist. Acetaminophen (sometimes abbreviated as “APAP”) is contained in many combination medicines. If you use certain products together with Fioricet you may accidentally use too much acetaminophen. Read the label of any other medicine you are using to see if it contains acetaminophen or APAP. Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase the risk of liver damage while you are taking acetaminophen. If you drink more than three alcoholic beverages per day, do not take acetaminophen without your doctor’s advice, and never take more than 2 grams (2000 mg) per day.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to acetaminophen, caffeine, or butalbital; or to other barbiturates (e.g., phenobarbital) or xanthine derivatives (e.g., theophylline); or if you have any other allergies.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: severe breathing problems (e.g., bronchopneumonia), a certain enzyme disorder (porphyria).

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, kidney disease, personal or family history of regular use/abuse of drugs/alcohol, mental/mood disorders, abdominal/stomach problems (e.g., stomach ulcer), heart disease (e.g., irregular heartbeat, recent heart attack).

This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages.

Liquid products may contain alcohol, sugar and/or aspartame. Caution is advised if you have diabetes, alcohol dependence, liver disease, phenylketonuria (PKU), or any other condition that requires you to limit/avoid these substances in your diet. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about using this product safely.

This product contains acetaminophen, which may cause liver damage. Daily use of alcohol, especially when combined with acetaminophen, may increase your risk for liver damage. Avoid alcohol. Check with your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using this medication.

Kidney function declines as you grow older. This medication is removed by the kidneys. Therefore, elderly people may be at greater risk for side effects while using this drug.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Using it for long periods or in high doses near the expected delivery date is not recommended because of possible harm to the unborn baby. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Infants born to mothers who have used this medication for an extended time may have withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, abnormal/persistent crying, vomiting, seizures, or diarrhea. Tell your doctor immediately if you notice any of these symptoms in your newborn.

This drug passes into breast milk and could have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Therefore, breast-feeding is not recommended while using this drug. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Butalbital may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Fioricet should never be shared with another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it.

Do not take Fioricet without first talking to your doctor if you drink more than three alcoholic beverages per day or if you have had alcoholic liver disease (cirrhosis). You may not be able to take medication that contains acetaminophen.

You should not take Fioricet if you are allergic to acetaminophen, butalbital, or caffeine, or if you have porphyria.

Before using Fioricet, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• kidney disease,
• liver disease; or
• a history of mental illness or suicidal thoughts.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take Fioricet.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Fioricet is harmful to an unborn baby. Before taking Fioricet, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Acetaminophen, butalbital, and caffeine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use Fioricet without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, shaking (tremor), shortness of breath, lightheadedness, dizziness, or drowsiness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

To lower your risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: mental/mood changes, fainting, seizure, fast/irregular heartbeat, increased thirst/urination.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat), easy bruising/bleeding, change in the amount of urine.

If you do not have liver problems, the adult maximum dose of acetaminophen is 4 grams per day (4000 milligrams). If you take more than the maximum daily amount, it may cause serious (possibly fatal) liver disease. Seek immediate medical attention if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage: persistent nausea/vomiting, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine, severe stomach/abdominal pain, extreme tiredness.

If you have liver problems, consult your doctor or pharmacist for a safe dosage of this medication.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In Canada – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Fioricet with Codeine

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Fioricet with Codeine:

Dizziness; drowsiness; intoxicated feeling; lightheadedness; nausea; stomach pain; vomiting.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Fioricet with Codeine:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); confusion; fainting; fast heartbeat; mental or mood changes; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; ringing in the ears; seizures; severe drowsiness; shortness of breath; slow or shallow breathing.

If you are using the liquid form of this medication, carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. This medication works best if it is used as the first signs of a headache occur. If you wait until the headache has worsened, the medication may not work as well.

Inform your doctor if you notice increased use of this medication, a worsening of headaches, an increase in the number of headaches, the medication not working as well, or use of this medication for more than 2 headache episodes a week. Your doctor may need to change your medication and/or add a separate medication to prevent the headaches.

Take Fioricet exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Tell your doctor if the medicine seems to stop working as well in relieving your pain.

Take Fioricet with food or milk if it upsets your stomach. An overdose of acetaminophen can cause serious harm. The maximum amount of acetaminophen for adults is 1 gram (1000 mg) per dose and 4 grams (4000 mg) per day. Taking more acetaminophen could cause damage to your liver. One tablet may contain up to 750 mg of acetaminophen. Know the amount of acetaminophen in the specific product you are taking.

Store Fioricet at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Keep track of how much medicine has been used from each new bottle. Butalbital is a drug of abuse and you should be aware if any person in the household is using this medicine improperly or without a prescription.

This medication may cause withdrawal reactions, especially if it has been used regularly for a long time or in high doses. In such cases, withdrawal symptoms (such as nausea/vomiting, mental/mood changes, seizures) may occur if you suddenly stop using this medication. To prevent withdrawal reactions, your doctor may reduce your dose gradually. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details, and report any withdrawal reactions immediately.

Though very unlikely, abnormal drug-seeking behavior (addiction) is possible with this medication. To lessen the risk of becoming addicted, do not increase your dose, take it more frequently, or take it for a longer time than prescribed. Properly stop the medication when so directed.

This medication contains acetaminophen. Do not take more acetaminophen than recommended. (See also Side Effects, Drug Interactions sections.)