The drug with the brand name of Fioricet in the United States is a combination of the barbiturate butalbital and the analgesic acetaminophen. It is used in the treatment of tension headaches because it combines with the analgesic to fight pain and the barbiturate to cause relaxation through the central nervous system. However, barbiturates can be habit-forming if they are taken for a long period. There are no common, serious side effects of the medication other than the potential for addiction.
Bloating
When you begin taking Fioricet, you may feel a sensation of bloating. This feels like having eaten a great deal of food, even if you have an empty stomach. Associated with bloating, you also may feel full of gas. This side effect, the Mayo Clinic states, is not serious and should stop without medical aid after a few days of using Fioricet. The clinic recommends consulting a physician if the problem is severe or does not end soon on its own.
Nausea
Fioricet also may induce other problems in the stomach and abdomen. For example, you may experience nausea that makes you feel like you will vomit. Vomiting, too, is a common side effect of the medicine. Along with this problem, you may feel pain in your abdominal area when first taking Fioricet. This side effect is common but not serious and should be temporary, Drugs.com reports.
Sedation
Taking Fioricet may induce a feeling of being sedated or drunk when first using it. This is a common effect of barbiturates. The effect may extend to being abnormally tired and drowsy, even with enough sleep and rest. These common, nonserious side effects also usually pass without medical help after a few days of using Fioricet.
Shortness of Breath
Many types of medications can interfere with normal breathing. Sometimes this can be serious, but in the case of Fioricet, the problem of being short of breath may be mild and temporary, Drugs.com states. However, any breathing problem in which you cannot catch your breath can cause anxiety and even panic. If the problem appears severe or does not end shortly, contact your physician.
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