WHAT IS FIORICET?
Fioricet is a medication used to treat migraine and tension headaches. It is a combination of
acetaminophen, butalbital, and caffeine. Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and fever reducer.
Butalbital is in a group of drugs called barbiturates. It relaxes muscle contractions involved in a
tension headache.
Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant. It relaxes muscle contractions in blood vessels
to improve blood flow.
Fioricet is used to treat tension headaches that are caused by muscle contractions.
Fioricet 40mg may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Do not use Fioricet if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan),
phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine
(Parnate) within the past 14 days. Serious, life-threatening side effects can occur if you take
Fioricet before the MAO inhibitor has cleared from your body.
Do not take more Fioricet than is recommended. An overdose of acetaminophen can cause
damage to your liver. Do not use any other cold, allergy, pain, or sleep medication without first
asking your doctor or pharmacist. Acetaminophen (sometimes abbreviated as "APAP") is
contained in many combination medicines. If you use certain products together with Fioricet you
may accidentally use too much acetaminophen. Read the label of any other medicine you are
using to see if it contains acetaminophen or APAP. Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase the
risk of liver damage while you are taking acetaminophen. If you drink more than three alcoholic
beverages per day, do not take acetaminophen without your doctor's advice, and never take
more than 2 grams (2000 mg) per day.
MIGRAINE TRIGGERS
According to the staff at the renowned Mayo Clinic, a number of things are identified triggers for
migraines.
As you learn to recognize your own unique migraine triggers, it can be helpful to know the list of
the following triggers as they have been recognized as common by medical staff and health
care providers.
Migraine Trigger List
● Exposure to smoke, including cigarette, cigar and even inside or outside fires.
● Allergic reactions and personal allergy triggers, such as pet dander or pollen
● Bright flashing lights, such as those in the concert hall.
● Loud Noises
● Strong odours and perfumes.
● lack of sleep or irregular sleep.
● Skipping meals or faster to the point of hunger.
● Hormonal fluctuations, including menstrual cycles or on the onset of menopause.
● Tension and physical emotional stress
Migraine Food Triggers
● Alcohol especially bears and red wine.
● Foods containing monosodium glutamate(MSG) or nitrates, particularly bacon, hot dogs
and salami.
● Foods containing tyramine, which include red wine, aged cheese, smoked meats, figs
and some beans.
In addition foods such as chocolate, nuts, peanut butter, avocado, banana, citrus, onions, dairy
products and pickled foods are commonly known to be migraine triggers foods. It is important to
know this fact triggers do not always cause a migraine to start, so avoiding triggers not always
prevent your migraines. Identifying and avoiding triggers can only take your part of the way to
preventing migraines.
MIGRAINE SYMPTOMS
● Most Migraine Symptoms last a minimum of 4 hours, but some can last for months.
● Usually on one side of the head, in the temples or behind one eye or ear. The pain can
be debilitating.
● Zig-zag or static patterns are just some of the visual disturbances that occur. 80% of
migraine sufferers are sensitive to light.
● 76% are extremely sensitive to sound.
● 40 - 50% experience a change in their sense of smell often reporting perfumes, food and
cigarette smoke to be most offensive.
● 73% experience nausea and /or vomiting during an attack.
● Tingling and numbness are often reported. Weakness in a limb and lack of control are
sometimes reported during an attack.
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