Everything You Need to Know About Fioricet Addiction and Treatment

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Everything You Need to Know About Fioricet Addiction and Treatment

Fioricet addiction can be a very serious issue. If you or someone you know is addicted to Fioricet, it’s important to seek treatment as soon as possible. This article will provide you with all the necessary information on what Fioricet addiction and treatment are and how they work.

What Is Fioricet?

This medication, used to relieve tension headaches, is a combination of Butalbital, acetaminophen, and caffeine. Tension headaches cause moderate pain in the front, sides, or back of the head and are a common occurrence experienced by many people.

When the occurrence of these tension headaches exceeds ten to fifteen times a month, a medical practitioner may prescribe Fioricet.

This medication is also prescribed for migraines which are headaches that cause severe pain in one side of the head. The drug is manufactured by Pfizer, Inc., and comes in tablet form of 5-, 10- or 20-mg doses.

The dosage depends on the patient’s weight and the medication is available in several formulations, including:

Fioricet with codeine (5-, 10- or 20-mg)
Fioricet with caffeine (5-, 10- or 20-mg)
Fioricet with codeine and caffeine (10-, 20- or 40-mg)

How Does Fioricet Help Relieve Headaches?

The three ingredients in standard Fioricet are acetaminophen, barbiturate butalbital, and caffeine which have different effects and in combination, soothe headaches. Acetaminophen, which is commonly known by the brand name Tylenol, reduces pain and fevers.

It works by impairing the brain’s production of prostaglandin which is a chemical essential to activate pain signals in the central nervous system. Butalbital relieves pain by acting as a sedative. It slows down the activity in certain parts of the brain, which helps relieve headache pain. The stimulant, caffeine increases a person’s blood pressure which although regarded as unhealthy, causes the blood vessels in the brain to constrict and alleviates the headache.

Although this medication is an effective headache reliever, it is without the risk of side effects, the possibility of overdose, and the likelihood of abuse causing addiction. Many doctors are reluctant to prescribe this medication for these reasons unless all other safer over-the-counter medications fail in helping the patient.

Is Fioricet Addictive?

When this medication is used correctly and according to its prescription, the risk of addiction is low. Otherwise, Fioricet has a high potential to be abused and cause addiction.

In many cases, taking too much of this medication will cause tolerance, and what would be a regular dosage to relieve headaches will not be effective. This in turn requires more of the medication and becoming dependent on it.

Fioricet addiction happens when a person is unable to get through the day without taking the drug and will suffer withdrawal symptoms if they were to stop.

The Signs of Fioricet Addiction

Although opioids and benzodiazepines are considered the prescription medications that are commonly addictive, Fioricet also can be habit-forming.

The butalbital in Fioricet and in some cases, codeine which some Fioricet contains are both addictive elements in the medication. If you or someone you care about displays the following signs, there is reason to be concerned that a Fiocicet addiction is the cause.

Fioricet is taken in larger doses and more often
getting multiple prescriptions by pharmacy or doctor shopping
Constant thoughts on getting and taking the medication
Feelings of not being able to function without it
If stopping the use of Fioricet, experiencing withdrawal symptoms

The Withdrawal Symptoms of Stopping Fioricet

When Fioricet-dependent users attempt to stop the use of the drug, they will experience withdrawal symptoms that can last from eight hours to 72 hours. Some of these withdrawal symptoms are dangerous and it is always recommended that Fioricet detox should be done under medical supervision. Furthermore, managing the withdrawal symptoms in a safe and supervised detox facility reduces the chances of relapse.

The most common symptoms of Fioricet withdrawal are headaches, however, anxiety, insomnia, dizziness, nausea, muscle spasms, vomiting, fatigue, rapid emotional changes, and in rare cases seizures, may happen.

The Side Effects Of Fioricet

As with any medication, this drug can cause side effects and there is a greater risk of experiencing stronger side effects when the drug is abused. Anxiety, drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, difficulty sleeping, lightheadedness, and shortness of breath are some of the possible side effects.

A small percentage of Fioricet users may develop an allergic reaction that manifests as trouble breathing, rashes, itching, severe dizziness, and swelling of the throat, tongue, and even of the face.

Fioricet Overdose and Its Symptoms

Fioricet’s three main ingredients are caffeine, butalbital, and acetaminophen. The butalbital makes this prescription drug addiction but it is the acetaminophen that can cause an overdose. Using the medication as prescribed is unlikely to cause an overdose. The risk is much higher for those who use Fioricet recreationally or to suppress withdrawal.

The Acetaminophen in Fioricet during an overdose damages the liver and in severe cases, can even cause total liver failure which is fatal. Taking Fioricet with any other medication that contains Acetaminophen will certainly increase the chance of overdose and death. The consumption of alcohol also damages the liver more with Fioricet. Knowing the symptoms of Fioricet overdose is important as it is considered a medical emergency.

These symptoms range from jaundice which is the yellowing of the eyes and skin, a state of confusion, seizures and convulsions, tremors, nausea, vomiting, irregular heartbeat, fainting, loss of appetite, sweating, stomach pain, and restlessness. If these symptoms are seen in someone you believe has a Fioricet addiction, emergency services must be called immediately.

If a person has overdosed on Fioricet, he or she will most likely be taken to the hospital. There, doctors will attempt to remove as much of the drug from his or her body as possible. They may use a pump that forces liquids and air through the stomach to help remove the drug. They may also use a tube inserted into the stomach that will pump out even more of the drug. Doctors may also give activated charcoal, which helps to absorb the drug or a laxative to help move the drug through the body faster.

Fioricet Addiction Treatment

The US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) classifies Fioricet as a Schedule III drug because it has a low potential for abuse and addiction, but can still cause physical dependence. It is not considered an opioid or narcotic analgesic, but it does contain a combination of acetaminophen and butalbital.

Treatment for addiction to Fioricet is similar to treatment for addiction to other narcotic drugs and may include a combination of behavioral therapy and medications. The most effective way to treat this kind of addiction is through an inpatient rehabilitation center. Here, those being treated can be monitored and cared for by professionals who are trained to help people with addictions.

A number of medical and psychiatric professionals who can help you with the process of detoxifying from the drug are accessible. After the body has been cleared of the negative effects and the craving for Fioricet has been suppressed, treatment can begin by participating in individual and group therapy sessions as well as different kinds of therapy and counseling that help you to come to terms with the addiction.

These are integral in helping understand the reasons for Fioricet addiction. You will have access to a number of medical and psychiatric professionals who can help you with the process of detoxifying from the drug.

Inpatient rehab centers offer a safe place for people to detox under medical supervision and get round-the-clock support and care during the treatment phase. It also provides time away from the triggers that may lead to the use of the drug again.

Fioricet abuse and addiction can be just as serious as the abuse and addiction of other prescription medications. If you or someone you love is experiencing Fioricet addiction, you do not have to continue suffering unnecessarily anymore.

The first and biggest step in treating addiction is the decision to get help. We at West Valley Detox understand what a big step that is and when you call us, you are assured that the person on the other side of the line is there with your best interest at heart, You will be guided and advised as to the different treatment options available. Do not be chained to medication that is controlling your life, call us today.

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