Hi everyone here on the headache forum. I am looking for info on a new drug the doc gave me for headaches, it is called Fioricet. I couldn't find alot of info on my google search plus I am looking for firsthand experience with it. any info is greatly appreciated, thanks Sue

Fioricet works for many people, and if used moderately, then that can be
good for you.

What you need to be aware of however, is that chronic use of caffeine, can
cause rebounding headaches in some people. And secondly, the butalbital in
it can induce certain liver enzymes to degrade other drugs you may be
taking faster. Butalbital is also habit forming, and a small number of
people who use it can become habituated to it.

The trend today is to not use barbiturates very much. Phenobarbital for example has been found to lower IQ in children (who used to be prescribed for childhood seizures). Also long term constant use can lower the seizure threshold over time. And all barbiturates affect the metabolism of other drugs you might need or be taking.

But for occasional use for people whose headaches are not high in frequency, it can be very effective. If you discover this effectiveness wearing off, then that is a warning sign, you are using it too much. Some doctors won't prescribe Fioricet for these reasons.

Do not take more than 2 per day. I have been given these for a year, however, found several forms. The cap seems to give me a headache while the Butalbital (generic) pill seems to work fine. But I will never, ever take more than 2 per day nor will I use them two days in a row.

I've also had the kind with codeine in them, too. Those worked 'kinda' for me because I have severe neckpain with my headaches (typically coming up after a seizure). The codeine makes me kind of funny, I get hyper and clean my house, then I feel sick and sleep.

I don't know if you can drink caff. but I try to just use a nice hot cup of black coffee (no sugar, no cream) for my headaches. It's cheaper, soothing, and my liver isn't nearly as upset about it. However, drinking too much can be bad, so I take inositol to make up for my hardcore coffee intake.

Thanks for all that info. I tried finding info on google but I mainly found ads. I think I may try it but I will only use it if other things don't work. My headaches are from cervical damage and I also have syringomyelia. I pretty much have a headache everyday but it sometimes gets out of hand. If I can stop what I am doing and ice down the base of my skull and neck I can get it under control but, I also want to try to go back to work so i won't be able to just stop like that. I was a sub teacher and working with kids is hard enough then add a headache to the mix and I am worthless. Thanks again Ellie and MrsD, I appreciate your help...Sue

Can you clarify the inositol use? What exactly is it doing for you?

All 3 of us here in this house, are using it, and find it very useful.

My son especially has greatly reduced anxiety, and same for my husband, only less so.

I use it for insulin resistance.

What dose do you use?

I am finding papers on it regarding alleviating depression too.

I drink A LOT of coffee and I know what it does in regards to inositol. By a lot, I mean I average 3-5 pots per day. I know it is weird considering my seizure disorder, but I actually have more seizures without it.

I try to keep my 'bad habits' (coffee) in mind and do research regarding any negative side effects from it. I found information about inositol initially when looking for some tips about MVP (which I do not treat). My seizure medication seems to have resolved the increased anxiety episodes I had with MVP, as did the inositol. I heard it has helped many women with PMS type symptoms, but mine are fairly extreme so I haven't had much luck on that part.

I wish more people knew about it. I have my mother taking it now, as she is quite a coffee drinker, too.

It's rare I find anyone who knows what it is, how exciting! My doctor was excited that I was taking it on my own without any doctors telling me about it. Thank goodness for the internet or I'd be clueless.

There is a section about fiorinal on this web site (and other drugs).

http://www.healingwell.com/library/migraines/info2.asp

I had little success with fioricet, but it is the only thing that helps my mother in law. she has suffered for 20 years of migraines and tried it all. Fioricet works for her, but every now and then it doesn't work. She is very careful with caffeine too. I have been taking topomax and still need to have a pain killer for really bad days. good luck I hope it works for you

Hi have used Firocet in the Hospital when I get migraines and I mean bad ones and it works like a charm for me. It helps the migraine go away very quickly. I use Imitrex when I am home which is very, very expensive but I think the Firocet is much better and a lot cheaper.

I have RSD and I do Ketamine Therapy and I usually get a migraine from the ketamine so I have used Firocet for that reason. Before the RSD I never got headaches.

Firocet has a lot of caffeine in it,one of the nurses at the hospital told me this. I really didn't care it worked and worked very fast. I don't get them to often but when I do I prefer the Firocet over the Imitrex.

Well I hope I helped answer your questions. Good Luck....

Ann

Being a long term headache/migraine sufferer, I would have to mostly agree with Mrs. D. Many years ago, I had a script for Fiorcet and for a few years, I recall that it was helpful when I took it occasionally. I also sometimes took Imitrex (and still do rely on this medication for relief). However, inch by inch...slowly but surely, my migraine problem worsened. One day, the Fiorcet hardly worked at all.

I ended up going to a neurologist with a special interest in migraines. This particular physician, does not prescribe this medication at all. My take on it is that he feels it is likely to cause rebound headaches. Perhaps he feels that people could take it on a rare occasion. I know that I suspect this is the case. However, when one is in tremendous migraine pain, it would be very hard to resist taking a tablet that might bring relief.

Today, I take Topamax daily as a preventative. I'm not happy with the side effects, but feel it was my best option. I also watch my food intake and try different supplements like Calcium, Magnesium and CoQ10. I still take Imitrex rather frequently...however, since taking Topamax, at least I rarely need those shots (which are not fun!). I do find that having a coffee with my Imitrex gives them a little boost. Day to day, I try to avoid coffee. Sometimes when I really feel the need or want coffee, I will have what is termed around here as a "half caf," which is a cup half filled with regular coffee and half filled with decaf. I find that drinking regular coffee gives me headaches. I also think if I were to get into this habit, it would not be so effective when I have a big problem and am trying to use it for medicinal purposes.

BTW, I now am curious about inositol! Anxiety certain can trigger headaches/migraines.