Clusterheadaches.com Message Board


    
      
        Clusterheadaches.com Message Board
        (http://www.clusterheadaches.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi)
      

        New Message Board Archives >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies 2005 >> Fioricet
        
(Message started by: Bethany1 on Jun 17^th, 2005, 5:37pm)

Title: Fioricet
Post by Bethany1 on Jun 17^th, 2005, 5:37pm

Was at the er this morning, gave me shot of demerol and script for Fioricet, the doc said its the only thing to take during pregnancy. I went online trying to figure this stuff out. The demerol didn't do much and the fioricet just made me sleep. Just kind of "masked' the pain. Its a combo of Acetaminophen, pain killer and caffeine. It doesnt sound that great to take. He told me to stay away from the o2 as it may cause rebound headaches. I thought that was odd. Anyways, just curious if anyone has had any luck with the fioricet.

thx-
Beth

Title: Re: Fioricet
Post by nani on Jun 17^th, 2005, 5:43pm

I didn't. There was a thread recently about whether or not O2 causes rebounds. I think the overwhelming feeling was that it doesn't. If used correctly.
Have you discussed the Fioricet with your OB? It sounds pretty heavy duty for use during pregnancy. Good luck sweetie. [smiley=hug.gif]

Here's the thread on O2:

http://www.clusterheadaches.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi?board=general;action=display;num=1117750521

Title: Re: Fioricet
Post by Bob P on Jun 17^th, 2005, 6:00pm

fioricet is ok for tension headaches but it won't even put a dent in a cluster.

Title: Re: Fioricet
Post by E-Double on Jun 17^th, 2005, 7:08pm

Fiorecet might cause rebounds and can also be addictive.
The Oxygen is a safer bet for you.

Hang in there kiddo!!

Hugs,

Eric

Title: Re: Fioricet
Post by hurtinunit on Jun 17^th, 2005, 7:27pm

was in er last night they gave me a shot of demerol didnt help and a script for percocet didnt help my primary care doc gave me fiorecet when this whole thing started didnt help a bit at this point its pretty clear to me narcotics dont help a bit and id be pretty leery taking while pregnant just my opinion good luck i hope you find something that works :)

Title: Re: Fioricet
Post by bnfreeman on Jun 17^th, 2005, 8:00pm

Fioricet never did anything for me either. I had one doctor tell me that Lorcet would be safe if used sparingly during my pregnancy. But when I was pregnant my pain specialist wouldn't give me anything until I was 16 weeks along. I would say stick with the O2 and try your best not to take anything. I have been there and I know it's hard. Best wishes!

Brandi

Title: Re: Fioricet
Post by Kris_in_SJ on Jun 17^th, 2005, 9:26pm

We could probably use Lizzie's input here, but I always thought that Fioricet contained a barbiturate!

If that's the case, you should avoid it totally during pregnancy. I believe it's the barbiturate in it that's addictive, and it depresses respiration - which could harm your baby.

Stick with the oxygen. Like Nani said, it won't hurt the baby, and if used correctly, should help your clusters without rebound.

Best of luck, mommy,

Kris

Title: Re: Fioricet
Post by hdido on Jun 17^th, 2005, 9:49pm

Fiorocet is not a barbituate but is a minor opiate type pain medication, not much good for anything except minor, normal, headaches; it is not very addictive. I don't know much about what to take or not take during pregnancy, so please follow your OB-GYN's advice.

Title: Re: Fioricet
Post by Gator on Jun 17^th, 2005, 10:36pm

Bethany!!! Don't touch that bottle before you read this!!! Personally, I would take it to your doctor and tell him to shove it up his ass!!!

Fioricet contains Butalbital, Acetaminophen and Caffiene. Butalbital IS a barbituate and can cause birth defects. Check out this from MedLine Plus:

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/uspdi/202102.html

Quote:

Pregnancy—

For butalbital: Barbiturates such as butalbital have been shown to increase the chance of birth defects in humans. Also, one study in humans has suggested that barbiturates taken during pregnancy may increase the chance of brain tumors in the baby.Butalbital may cause breathing problems in the newborn baby if taken just before or during delivery.
For acetaminophen: Although studies on birth defects with acetaminophen have not been done in pregnant women, it has not been reported to cause birth defects or other problems.
For caffeine: Studies in humans have not shown that caffeine (contained in some of these combination medicines) causes birth defects. However, use of large amounts of caffeine during pregnancy may cause problems with the heart rhythm and the growth of the fetus. Also, studies in animals have shown that caffeine causes birth defects when given in very large doses (amounts equal to those present in 12 to 24 cups of coffee a day).

Breast-feeding—

For butalbital: Barbiturates such as butalbital pass into the breast milk and may cause drowsiness, unusually slow heartbeat, shortness of breath, or troubled breathing in nursing babies.
For acetaminophen: Although acetaminophen has not been shown to cause problems in nursing babies, it passes into the breast milk in small amounts.
For caffeine: Caffeine (present in some butalbital and acetaminophen combinations) passes into the breast milk in small amounts. Taking caffeine in the amounts present in these medicines has not been shown to cause problems in nursing babies. However, studies have shown that nursing babies may appear jittery and have trouble in sleeping when their mothers drink large amounts of caffeine-containing beverages. Therefore, breast-feeding mothers who use caffeine-containing medicines should probably limit the amount of caffeine they take in from other medicines or from beverages.

Title: Re: Fioricet
Post by Gator on Jun 17^th, 2005, 10:49pm

on 06/17/05 at 21:49:58, hdido wrote:

Dude, don't be giving advice about meds if you don't know WTF you are talking about.

Fioricet DOES contain a barbituate and it CAN be addictive. It CAN cause birth defects and respiratory problems in the baby.

THIS is the very reason we talk with each other and research what our doctors prescribe for us. A scary percentage of the time, they haven't got a clue about the drugs they are doling out. What's REALLY scary is how many babies have been born with birth defects and respiratory problems because this loser didn't bother to check out the meds he prescribed?

Title: Re: Fioricet
Post by E-Double on Jun 17^th, 2005, 10:59pm

on 06/17/05 at 21:49:58, hdido wrote:

Drugs.com:http://www.drugs.com/xq/cfm/pageID_0/brand_Fioricet/qx/index.htm
FIORICET

Description:
Butalbital and acetaminophen (byoo-TAL-bi-tal and a-seat-a-MIN-oh-fen) combination is a pain reliever and relaxant. It is used to treat tension headaches. Butalbital belongs to the group of medicines called barbiturates (bar-BI-tyoo-rates) . Barbiturates act in the central nervous syst...

This drug combination is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that its effects on an unborn baby are not known. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

I'm sure your or A NEW doc can better answer

Hugs my friend!!!

Eric

edit to add how awesome Gator is!!! I tend not to read all posts and just start researching.....Mike rocks!

Title: Re: Fioricet
Post by Gator on Jun 17^th, 2005, 11:20pm

LMAO Well, that's two tonight. We must be some kind of twins separated at birth by an evil scientist conducting an experiment on the effects environment of child development.

We shall be reunited in Dallas in a few weeks, though. See you there my brother!

Title: Re: Fioricet
Post by burnt-toast on Jun 18^th, 2005, 12:05am

Beth,

Please read carefully.

Brand name:
Fioricet
Pronounced: fee-OAR-i-set
Generic ingredients: Butalbital, Acetaminophen, Caffeine
Other brand names: Anolor 300, Esgic, Esgic- Plus

Why is this drug prescribed?

Fioricet, a strong, non-narcotic pain reliever and relaxant, is prescribed for the relief of tension headache symptoms caused by muscle contractions in the head, neck, and shoulder area. It combines a sedative barbiturate (butalbital), a non-aspirin pain reliever (acetaminophen), and caffeine.

Most important fact about this drug

Mental and physical dependence can occur with the use of barbiturates such as butalbital when these drugs are taken in higher than recommended doses over long periods of time.

How should you take this medication?

Take Fioricet exactly as prescribed. Do not increase the amount you take without your doctor's approval.

--If you miss a dose...

Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take 2 doses at the same time.

--Storage instructions...

Store at room temperature in a tight, light-resistant container.

What side effects may occur?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Fioricet.

More common side effects may include:

Abdominal pain, dizziness, drowsiness, intoxicated feeling, light-headedness, nausea, sedation, shortness of breath, vomiting

Less common or rare side effects may include:
Agitation, allergic reactions, constipation, depression, difficulty swallowing, dry mouth, earache, exaggerated feeling of well-being, excessive sweating, excessive urination, excitement, fainting, fatigue, fever, flatulence, headache, heartburn, heavy eyelids, high energy, hot spells, itching, leg pain, mental confusion, muscle fatigue, numbness, rapid heartbeat, ringing in the ears, seizure, shaky feeling, skin redness and/or peeling, sluggishness, stuffy nose, tingling

Why should this drug not be prescribed?

If you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to barbiturates, acetaminophen, or caffeine, you should not take this medication. Make sure that your doctor is aware of any drug reactions that you have experienced.

Unless you are directed to do so by your doctor, do not take this medication if you have porphyria (an inherited metabolic disorder affecting the liver or bone marrow).

Special warnings about this medication

Fioricet may cause you to become drowsy or less alert; therefore, driving or operating dangerous machinery or participating in any hazardous activity that requires full mental alertness is not recommended until you know your response to this drug.

If you are being treated for severe depression or have a history of severe depression or drug abuse, consult with your doctor before taking Fioricet.

Use this drug with caution if you are elderly or in a weakened condition, if you have liver or kidney problems, or if you have severe abdominal trouble.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking this medication

Butalbital slows the central nervous system (CNS) and intensifies the effects of alcohol and other CNS depressants. Use of alcohol with this drug may also cause overdose symptoms. Avoid alcoholic beverages while taking Fioricet.

If Fioricet is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Fioricet with the following:

Antihistamines such as Benadryl
Drugs known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors, including the antidepressants Nardil and Parnate
Drugs to treat depression such as Elavil
Major tranquilizers such as Haldol and Thorazine
Muscle relaxants such as Flexeril
Narcotic pain relievers such as Darvon
Sleep aids such as Halcion
Tranquilizers such as Xanax and Valium

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Fioricet can affect a developing baby. It also appears in breast milk. If this medication is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding your baby until your treatment is finished.

Recommended dosage

ADULTS

The usual dose of Fioricet is 1 or 2 tablets taken every 4 hours as needed. Do not exceed a total dose of 6 tablets per day.
The usual dose of Esgic-Plus is 1 tablet every 4 hours as needed. Do not take more than 6 tablets a day.

CHILDREN

The safety and effectiveness of Fioricet have not been established in children under 12 years of age.

OLDER ADULTS

Fioricet may cause excitement, depression, and confusion in older people. Therefore, your doctor will prescribe a dose individualized to suit your needs.

Tom

Title: Re: Fioricet
Post by Kevin_M on Jun 18^th, 2005, 12:14am

Sorry to alter the subject, but within Gator's link, there was reference to "rebound" headaches which is being used.

Quote:

. In patients who get headaches, the first symptom of withdrawal may be new (rebound) headaches.

caffeine can also cause physical dependence when it is used for a long time. This may lead to withdrawal (rebound) headaches when you stop taking it

This sheds some light on the use of the term, as has been previously discussed elsewhere to some confusion. This is how I understood them to be described. Having experiencing caffeine withdrawal and fiorcet withdrawal years ago, leaning toward persistant dull ache, as I've felt. If this is a guideline, I am a no for oxygen rebound. Although the word rebound can mean to bound, or spring back, but adds, from force of impact. Neither application reqarding headaches makes perfect sense though. Then again, we have cluster headaches and that as an accurate description has some want of a better label too. Muddy water.

just tell me to STFU, or that I'm missing reruns of "King of the Hill" for this.

Kevin M

Title: Re: Fioricet
Post by don on Jun 18^th, 2005, 8:11am

Quote:

Personally, I would take it to your doctor and tell him to shove it up his ass!!!

Hmmm? Sounds eerily like my suggestion to you Friday. He's worried about rebound headcahes from O2. What about the primary headache from not using the 02?

Dump this moron and dump him fast. Call my Doc MONDAY MORNING!

Or I will storm your house like the FBI. Only I'll make sure your home.

Nextel ... the preferred service of bank robbers everywhere.

Title: Re: Fioricet
Post by cheNY on Jun 18^th, 2005, 9:07am

Fioricet is absolutely a barbiturate. its a non-narcotic analgesic, schedule III, pregnancy category D. IT WILL CROSS THE PLACENTA BARRIER. and will enter the breast milk. And it does not work for CH's. Its 'old-school' medicine. Fioricet/ fiorinal are known as butalbital compound, one has aspirin the other tylenol, otherwise they are the same. Demerol is pre-op sedative, and widely used for sedation, and any first year med student knows that it crosses the placenta barrier & breast milk.
My suggestion is to grab this incompetent useless individual & tell him he should not be treating humans. Go see a high risk OB/ GYN or one reccommended by a Headache Center, if you have a hard time finding one locally, try larger medical centers & teaching hospitals. your more likely to have up to date talent.
You need also to double check everything you take. Many meds cross the placenta barrier, meaning your unborn baby is also taking it.
Definitely use this website. You have a lolt of good people here with lots of care & experience. hopefully this helps. Good luck.

Title: Re: Fioricet
Post by cheNY on Jun 18^th, 2005, 9:07am

Title: Re: Fioricet
Post by Bethany1 on Jun 18^th, 2005, 9:23am

Ok, no more fioricet. I only took the 2 pills yesterday at the er. I threw them out. Don, I promise to call your doc on Monday for the 02. Thanks everyone. You all just scared the absolute shit out of me. Water & ice. I'll just keep it at that and hopefully get the script for the 02.

Title: Re: Fioricet
Post by Kevin_M on Jun 18^th, 2005, 10:15am

on 06/18/05 at 08:11:14, don wrote:

He's worried about rebound headcahes from O2. What about the primary headache from not using the 02?

Exactly. Makes the most sense.

Title: Re: Fioricet
Post by Langa on Jun 18^th, 2005, 11:27am

I was prescribed fiorecet to help with "my migraines" years ago. All they did was made me sleepy...and in my opinion very addicting.

Glad you threw then out and are getting a script for 02.

Hang in there girl... [smiley=hug.gif]

Love,
Langa

Title: Re: Fioricet
Post by hdido on Jun 18^th, 2005, 9:39pm

My posting was made early in the morning, head foggy, got my meds mixed up re"fioricet", Gator-my mistake, but I did write that the lady should consult her OB-GYN before taking anything. My apologies and thanks for pointing out my error.

Now, I usually don't write like this-and it has nothing to do with you-but I need to release some CH tension, so here goes: STFU! Kiss My Ass! Die! Slowly and Painfully! The world is coming to an end! Fuck you and the horse you rode in on!-There, that feels better! Having a rough morning, going into the hospital for a week later today. It is great to be able to curse and swear on this site-on the UK site you can't even write "damn", have to write d**n. FREEDOM is WONDERFUL!

Title: Re: Fioricet
Post by Kevin_M on Jun 18^th, 2005, 10:30pm

Quote:

just tell me to STFU
Kevin M

on 06/18/05 at 21:39:12, hdido wrote:

I need to release some CH tension, so here goes: STFU! Kiss My Ass! Die! Slowly and Painfully! The world is coming to an end! Fuck you and the horse you rode in on!-There, that feels better! Having a rough morning, going into the hospital for a week later today. It is great to be able to curse and swear on this site

Thanks for replying in spades man, I'll personally take it.
I feel so at home now.

:)

Kevin M

Title: Re: Fioricet
Post by hdido on Jun 19^th, 2005, 12:29am

Happy to make your day, Kevin. I like this swearing stuff-it could become addictive and the more that I do it the more chance that I might suffer "rebound" swearing attacks! You guys (and girls, women, females and whatever else is the PC way to address you-and is there a PC way to undress you?) are like a PF breath of fresh air-EAT ME (whoops, rebound attack!)! Love you all [smiley=laugh.gif]

Better start packing for my flight-be back on Saturday.

Title: Re: Fioricet
Post by Callico_Kid on Jun 20^th, 2005, 10:22pm

Glad you threw them out! Haven't been pregnant, (wrong kind of plumbing), but I have been fioricet and fiorinol. BOTH are addictive and neither does a thing for CH except if you take enough to totally block out the pain you probably will not wake back up. O2 has never caused a rebound for me, and I don't understand how it could. Your Dr. may know a little about some types of medicine, but he has NO knowledge of CH. Dump him fast, preferably with predjudice.

jc

Title: Re: Fioricet
Post by don on Jun 21^st, 2005, 7:24am

Quote:

My posting was made early in the morning, head foggy,

Posting in red makes my head foggy. Geeesh!

Title: Re: Fioricet
Post by hdbngr on Jul 11^th, 2005, 2:23pm

When I was pregnant I had a big giant green O2 tank in the corner of my bedroom. It was such a fixture I bought throw pillows to match.

Glad you chunked the fioricet. Don't know how bad yours are or how often you get hit, but they will occasionally allow stadol ns if things get really extreme. Another headache person used to get nubain injections and her baby girl who is now 5 is just fine.

The only other thing I know of is decadron, a steroid medication that helps with swelling (as in brain) but you run the risk of a really big baby if you take it long term.