• Fioricet is used to treat tension headaches. It combines a sedative barbiturate (butalbital), a non-aspirin pain reliever (acetaminophen), and caffeine.

How should you take this medication?

• Take Fioricet by mouth with or without food, take each dose with a full glass of water. Take this medicine with food or milk if it upsets your stomach.
   
• Fioricet  will relieve a headache best if you take it as soon as the headache begins . If you get warning signs of a migraine, take this medicine as soon as you are sure that the migraine is coming.
   
• If your doctor has ordered you to take this medicine according to a regular schedule and you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

General Precautions with Fioricet

• Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to acetaminophen, caffeine, or butalbital.
   
• Do not drink alcoholic beverages. Drinking large amounts of alcoholic beverages regularly while taking this medicine may increase the chance of liver damage, especially if you take more of this medicine than your doctor ordered or if you take it regularly for a long time.
   
• This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy or are not alert and clearheaded.

What are the possible side effects of Fioricet?

• If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Fioricet and seek emergency medical attention: an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives); slow, weak breathing; liver damage.
   
• check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome:
  abdominal pain, dizziness, drowsiness, intoxicated feeling, lightheadedness, nausea,  vomiting.