Butalbital is a barbiturate, a sedative used most often in combination with aspirin or acetaminophen and caffeine to treat tension headaches. Although sometimes prescribed for migraines, a 2002 study published in "Pharmacotherapy" reported that butalbital was no more effective for migraine than placebo. As a barbiturate, butalbital has a number of possible side effects.
Dizziness and Sedation
Medscape reports that dizziness and light-headedness can occur with butalbital formulations. Getting up slowly from a sitting or lying position will minimize this side effect. Sedation, or drowsiness, and feelings of intoxication can occur and patients should avoid driving or any activity that requires alertness while on this medication.
Gastrointestinal
Nausea, vomiting and stomach pain can occur with butalbital. MedlinePlus suggests contacting a doctor if these side effects continue or become worse.
Breast-feeding
Drugs.com notes that barbiturates, including butalbital, can appear in breast milk. Breast-feeding women should discuss this with a doctor before taking this medication. The doctor may suggest an alternate drug.
Dependence and Tolerance
MayoClinic.com warns that butalbital can cause mental as well as physical addiction.Taking the medication for a long period of time increases this risk. In addition, with extended use the body becomes accustomed to the medication, needing higher and higher doses to get the same medicinal effect. This is termed tolerance. Abruptly stopping the medication in these cases can cause symptoms of withdrawal including rebound headaches.
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