What Is Fioricet Used for?
Fioricet is a medication containing a combination of a pain reliever, a sedative and a mild stimulant. Manufactured by Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Fioricet includes 325mg of acetaminophen, more commonly known as Tylenol, along with 50mg of the barbiturate, butalbital and 40mg of the central nervous system stimulant, caffeine. Fioricet is primarily used to relieve certain types of headache pain.
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Function
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The ingredients in Fioricet all work together to reduce or eliminate headache pain. Acetaminophen is an analgesic, which inhibits the activity of prostaglandins, enzymes that cause pain. Butalbital and caffeine relax muscle contractions involved in tension headaches.
Tension Headaches
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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Fioricet to treat tension headaches. This type of headache is caused by muscle contractions in the head, neck and shoulders, which also create a feeling of tightness in the shoulders and neck. Tension headaches often are associated with stress.
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Migraine and Sinus Headaches
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Doctors are allowed to prescribe medication for off-label (unapproved) uses, and Fioricet is commonly prescribed to relieve the severe pain of migraine headaches. Migraines are characterized by throbbing and disabling pain, usually felt only on one side of the head. Doctors also prescribe Fioricet to treat sinus headaches, which typically are centered above and below the eyes, with pressure around the cheekbone area.
Additional Advantages
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For some people, Fioricet may be effective when other medications such as narcotic pain relievers, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and vasoconstrictors do not work, or cannot be used because of another condition or medication. People taking anticoagulants, for instance, are not supposed to use NSAIDs because those drugs also have blood-thinning properties.
Expert Insight
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In a study published in a 1987 issue of Clinical Therapeutics, researchers contrasted the effects of Fioricet against acetaminophen with codeine in people experiencing tension headaches. Fioricet was significantly better than acetaminophen, with codeine in relieving emotional or psychic tension. Also, significantly more patients achieved complete pain relief with Fioricet than those taking acetaminophen with codeine.
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