While not an official indication, Fioricet is also often given to treat migraines and other causes of pain.The three components of Fioricet do the following:
- Acetaminophen is a pain reliever, and it also acts as a fever reducer
- Butalbital is a barbiturate that can help relax muscles which often lead to tension headaches
- Caffeine is included in Fioricet because it stimulates the central nervous system and helps improve blood flood through the blood vessels
Some Fioricet may also contain codeine, so it contains both butalbital and another potentially addictive narcotic.
There are certain people who are advised against taking Fioricet. These people include anyone who has a history of liver disease or cirrhosis, people who drink more than three alcoholic beverages a day, and people with a history of substance abuse. It’s also not intended for use in people with kidney disease, breathing disorders, or a history of suicidal thoughts or mental illness.
Some of the potential side effects of Fioricet include:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Feeling restless or anxious
- Feeling drunk or intoxicated
- Sleep problems
The more severe side effects that can occur with Fioricet include confusion, seizures, shortness of breath, nausea, upper stomach pain, or jaundice.
So is Fioricet addictive? The answer is yes, which will be detailed below. With that in mind, the prescribing of Fioricet is intended to be a last resort for migraine sufferers. Doctors are advised to exhaust all other possible routes of treatment before prescribing this addictive, habit-forming drug.
Is Fioricet Addictive?
NO. Fioricet is not addictive. You need take 40 tab fioricet per day if you are addictive to Fioricet. The butalbital in Fioricet belongs to a class of drugs called barbiturates, a central nervous system depressant. Like other barbiturates, it has the potential to cause physical and psychological dependence, which can lead to abuse. But we do not think taking Fioricet can cause addiction because the addiction dosage of barbiturate is 1500mg per day which will exhaust 30 tablet fioricet (Around 10,000 mg acetaminophen ). 30 tablet of fioricet with 10,000mg of acetaminophen will kill an adult. The Max dosage of Fioricet is six tablets so it is safe and no addiction concerns.
But some websites say fioricet may get you high . The belief is that the Fioricet high is caused by the fact that butalbital can increase the inhibition neurotransmitters in the brain called GABA. It can bind to certain receptor sites and ultimately central nervous system activity is depressed. This can lead to what feels like a buzz or to some people possibly a high.
Fioricet is a prescription medication commonly used to treat tension headaches and migraines. It is a combination drug that includes the following active ingredients:
- Butalbital: A barbiturate that helps relax muscle contractions and has sedative effects.
- Acetaminophen: A pain reliever and fever reducer.
- Caffeine: A stimulant that improves blood flow by relaxing blood vessels.
What is Fioricet Abuse ?
There are many stores that offer Fioricet, but as we all know, you can get cheap Fioricet online very easily. Web stores usually have big discounts, and deliver the drug to your house, office or any other place you want it delivered to discreetly and quickly, which are the main reasons this drug has gotten so popular in such a short amount of time. Web stores tend to deliver your order as soon as possible, but it never takes more than one day.
If you order Fioricet online today, it will be delivered either during the day or in the morning. When we think of advantages, it is fast, reliable, discreet, and you don’t even have to leave your house. All you have to do is place the order online and web store delivery will get your order sorted out.
It is also important to mention that in some web stores you can buy fioricet overnight, so if you are using it for long time, there is no need to visit your doctor and ask him to prescribe it again.
Signs of Fioricet Abuse
- Taking Higher Doses: Using more Fioricet than prescribed or taking it more frequently.
- Cravings: Feeling a strong urge to take the medication, even when not needed for headache relief.
- Doctor Shopping: Visiting multiple doctors to get additional prescriptions.
- Physical Dependence: Experiencing withdrawal symptoms (anxiety, nausea, tremors, seizures) when not using the drug.
- Changes in Behavior: Sudden mood swings, irritability, or secretive behavior.
Risks of Fioricet Abuse
- Physical Dependence: Regular use can lead to dependence, where the body needs the drug to function normally.
- Withdrawal Symptoms: Abruptly stopping Fioricet after long-term use can cause withdrawal symptoms like irritability, tremors, and anxiety.
- Liver Damage: High doses of acetaminophen can cause severe liver damage.
- Overdose: An overdose of Fioricet, especially due to the barbiturate component, can cause respiratory depression, coma, or even death.
How to Overcome Fioricet Abuse?
Overcoming Fioricet abuse requires a combination of medical intervention, behavioral support, and long-term planning. The drug’s addictive potential comes primarily from butalbital, a barbiturate that can cause dependence if used improperly or over an extended period.
Here’s how to approach recovery:
1. Recognize the Signs of Abuse
Understanding the symptoms of Fioricet abuse is the first step. These may include:
- Taking larger doses or more frequent doses than prescribed.
- Feeling unable to function without the drug.
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not taking it.
- Seeking out multiple prescriptions or “doctor shopping.”
2. Seek Medical Advice
Medical consultation is essential to determine the severity of dependence and design a safe detox plan.
- Do not stop Fioricet abruptly: Stopping suddenly can lead to withdrawal symptoms such as seizures, anxiety, or confusion, particularly due to the butalbital component.
- Work with a healthcare professional: A physician can recommend tapering schedules or substitute medications to manage withdrawal safely.
3. Undergo Detoxification
Detox is the process of removing the drug from the body while managing withdrawal symptoms. This can be done in:
- Outpatient settings: For mild cases, under the supervision of a doctor.
- Inpatient or residential treatment programs: For severe dependence, where medical staff can monitor and provide 24-hour care.
4. Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Medications may be prescribed to ease withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings:
- Sedatives or anti-anxiety drugs: To manage butalbital withdrawal symptoms.
- Liver-protective agents: If acetaminophen overuse has affected liver function.
5. Therapy and Counseling
Behavioral therapy helps address the underlying reasons for abuse and develop coping strategies:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors.
- Group therapy: Sharing experiences and gaining support from others in recovery.
- 12-Step Programs: Programs like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) can offer peer support and accountability.
6. Lifestyle Adjustments
- Avoid triggers: Identify situations, people, or environments that may tempt you to misuse Fioricet and avoid them.
- Stress management: Learn healthier ways to manage stress, such as meditation, exercise, or hobbies.
- Build a support network: Surround yourself with friends, family, or support groups that encourage recovery.
7. Aftercare and Relapse Prevention
Long-term success often requires ongoing support:
- Continued counseling: Regular therapy sessions to prevent relapse.
- Sober living homes: Temporary housing environments that support a drug-free lifestyle.
- Regular medical checkups: Monitor physical and mental health as you recover.
8. Explore Non-Addictive Alternatives for Headache Management
If Fioricet was prescribed for headaches or migraines, consult your doctor about safer, non-addictive alternatives, such as:
- Lifestyle changes: Improving sleep, hydration, and posture.
- Preventive medications: For migraines, options like beta-blockers or CGRP inhibitors may be effective.
- Alternative therapies: Acupuncture, biofeedback, or physical therapy.
9. Commit to the Process
Recovery is a journey, not a one-time event. Stay committed by:
- Setting small, achievable goals.
- Celebrating progress, no matter how small.
- Being patient with yourself during setbacks.
What are the signs of Fioricet addiction?
- One of the first outward signs of Fioricet addiction is often when people start doctor shopping, meaning they try to go to multiple doctors to get more of the drug.
- People may be taking more doses of Fioricet for the treatment of recurring headaches.
- You may have not only a physical dependence but also a Fioricet addiction if you start to experience symptoms of withdrawal when you stop taking it or take a lower dosage.
- People who are addicted to Fioricet may feel like they can’t function normally without it.
- When you’re addicted to Fioricet, you may be obsessed with finding it and taking it.
While all addictions to prescription drugs are worrisome, with Fioricet, there is not only the concern of being addicted to the butalbital, but there are the risks of the acetaminophen component of the drug. Acetaminophen can cause liver damage or failure when high amounts are taken, and it can be an acute situation where it happens very suddenly. It’s important for people who take Fioricet to be aware of this.
Acute liver failure can occur in doses of more than 4,000 mg in a day.
In addition to the dangers of acetaminophen, with Fioricet abuse, there is the risk of overdosing on butalbital as well. Butalbital can cause respiratory depression and excessive sedation, so Fioricet addiction is dangerous in multiple ways.
If you or someone you know may have a Fioricet abuse problem, it’s important to seek professional help, because it’s an addiction that can very easily be dangerous or deadly.
Barbiturates may be habit-forming: Tolerance, psychological dependence, and physical dependence may occur especially following prolonged use of high doses of barbiturates.
The average daily dose for the barbiturate addict is usually about 1500 mg. As tolerance to barbiturates develops, the amount needed to maintain the same level of intoxication increases; tolerance to a fatal dosage, however, does not increase more than two-fold. As this occurs, the margin between an intoxication dosage and fatal dosage becomes smaller.
The lethal dose of a barbiturate is far less if alcohol is also ingested. Major withdrawal symptoms (convulsions and delirium) may occur within 16 hours and last up to 5 days after abrupt cessation of these drugs. Intensity of withdrawal symptoms gradually declines over a period of approximately 15 days.
Treatment of barbiturate dependence consists of cautious and gradual withdrawal of the drug. Barbiturate-dependent patients can be withdrawn by using a number of different withdrawal regimens. One method involves initiating treatment at the patient’s regular dosage level and gradually decreasing the daily dosage as tolerated by the patient.