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Drugs Prone to Abuse: Fioricet
While Fioricet is not a common street drug, it is still a drug prone to abuse. Users and their loved ones should be aware of the dangers of overdosing on Fioricet.
What is Fioricet?
Fioricet is a combination of Acetaminophen, Butalbital, and Caffeine. Fioricet is also available in a 'codeine added' formula.
What is Fioricet used for?
Fioricet is used to relieve complex tension (muscle contraction), and Migraine headaches. While this combination is very effective in relieving tension headaches, exactly how it works is unknown.
What does Fioricet look like?
Fioricet tablets are recognizable as light blue, speckled, and rounded with the engraving "FIORICET " on one side, and a three-head profile on other.
Who should not take Fioricet?
People with alcohol or drug abuse problems should not use Fioricet. People who have had allergic reactions to any barbiturate, acetaminophen, or caffeine should not take it. Also, do not take Fioricet if you have Asthma, depression, diabetes, heart disease, hepatitis, hyperactivity, kidney disease, overactive thyroid, or porphyria.
What are the side effects of Fioricet?
The drug Fioricet is known to cause dizziness, and drowsiness. People who take it need to be careful about driving, operating machinery, and should avoid using it with other drugs and alcohol. In addition, Fioricet can cause sedation, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and a feeling of intoxication. Some of the less frequent adverse effects of fioricet include headache, shakiness, tingling, agitation, fainting, fatigue, heavy eyelids, high energy, hot spells, seizure, mental confusion, or depression.
Is Fioricet habit forming?
Yes, because Fioricet contains Butalbital is extremely habit-forming which can lead to abuse. It should only be used for a limited amount of time and should never be taken in excess of what the doctor prescribes.
What happens when a person takes too much Fioricet?
A person who overdoses on Fioricet can experience allergic reactions, rash, thrombocytopenia, agranulocytosis, cardiac stimulation, irritability, tremor, dependence, nephrotoxicity, and hyperglycemia. Overdosing on Fioricet can also lead to barbiturate poisoning, caffeine poisoning (in rare cases), and hepatic toxicity any of which can lead to death.
What does a Fioricet overdose look like?
Signs of fioricet overdose include drowsiness, confusion, coma, respiratory depression, hypotension, and shock. A person who has overdosed on this prescription drug may also vomit, have insomnia, become restless, have tremors, and become delirious.
How is a Fioricet overdose treated?
In case of Fioricet overdose, vomiting should be induced using syrup of ipecac and they must see a doctor immediately. Oral activated charcoal is also used to minimize the amount of drug absorption as well as other immediate medical attention.
By A. Hermitt
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