Fioricet is a brand name for a compounded oral medication containing 50 milligrams of butalbital, a barbiturate, 325 milligrams of acetaminophen and 40 milligrams of caffeine. It is prescribed for the relief of symptoms due to tension or muscle contraction headaches, as described by RxList.com. Dosage is generally indicated at two tablets every four hours as needed, with the total daily dosage not exceeding six tablets. However, the University of Washington warns that this potent medication can be habit-forming and lead to withdrawal symptoms.
Major Symptoms
One of the ingredients in Fioricet is butalbital, a barbiturate drug that acts to depress the central nervous system and cause relaxation, tension relief and sleepiness. The University of Washington underlines that this drug is potentially abusable and addictive. For this reason Fioricet is prescribed for only short periods. If addiction occurs, stopping this medication can cause typical major symptoms of withdrawal such as convulsions, delirium and hallucinations. Withdrawal symptoms may begin as early as 16 hours after cessation and may last for up to five days.
General Symptoms
Withdrawal symptoms of Fioricet in individuals that abuse this medication or become addicted can last for up to 15 days. The intensity of the symptoms generally decline day to day. Symptoms also depend on the severity of the addiction and the health of the individual and may be made worse if alcohol was also used. Drugs.com lists general symptoms of withdrawal from Fiorcet as anxiety, insomnia, nausea, an upset stomach, cramping and seizures.
Caffeine Symptoms
As Fioricet also contains caffeine in each pill, some of the withdrawal symptoms may be specific to it. Although caffeine is not as potent as butalbital, cessation after becoming addicted to Fioricet can lead to caffeine withdrawal signs such as nervousness, irritation, depression, jitteriness, headache pain and muscle tremors.
