How Does Fioricet
Work?
Fioricet is a barbiturate sedative (butalbital) mixed with a non-aspirin pain medication (acetaminophen) and caffeine. This non-narcotic pain medication and relaxant is often prescribed for tension headaches caused by contractions of the muscles in the neck and shoulder area and migraines.
Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and
fever reducer. Butalbital is in a class of drugs called
barbiturates that slow down your central nervous system
(brain and nerve impulses) causing relaxation. Caffeine
is believed to constrict dilated blood vessels that
may contribute to tension headaches. Together, acetaminophen,
butalbital, and caffeine are used to relieve complex
tension (muscle contraction) headaches although precisely
how it works is unknown.
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