Fioricet

Fioricet Addiction

What is Fioricet?

Fioricet is a brand-name prescription drug used to treat tension headaches. It’s a combination of three drugs, acetaminophen, butalbital and caffeine. Acetaminophen acts to relieve pain from the headache. Butalbital has sedative properties, which work to produce the feeling of relaxation and reduce anxiety caused by the headache. Caffeine increases the pain-relieving effects of acetaminophen.

Fioricet Addiction

Fioricet is a controlled substance, meaning there is a potential for abuse that can lead to physical and mental dependence. It contains butalbital, a barbiturate sedative that is habit-forming on its own. When people take Fioricet to treat tension headaches, the butalbital produces feelings of relaxation and sleepiness. It also reduces the anxiety and restlessness caused by caffeine.

People who take Fioricet without a prescription or combine it with other Central Nervous System (CNS) depressants like alcohol might repeatedly use it to feel the initial effects of pain relief and relaxation. This is a sign of tolerance, or their body adjusting to the amount of Fioricet in their system. As a result, they might develop intense cravings to keep using the drug at higher doses. Or worse, they might experience physical withdrawal symptoms that could make them feel sick if they stop using Fioricet.

Many people might keep taking the drug to make the withdrawal symptoms go away, another sign that they depend on the drug to feel normal. It’s recommended for people struggling with Fioricet or barbiturate addiction to enter a medical detox, residential treatment or intensive outpatient program, where trained healthcare professionals can monitor them for worsening withdrawal symptoms and safely taper their bodies off the drug. Then, they can learn to manage their cravings, temptations and triggers with daily activities and counseling sessions.