Fioricet Detox and Withdrawal
Fioricet, manufactured by Watson Pharmaceuticals, is a brand name of the combination drug containing acetaminophen, caffeine and butalbital. Acetaminophen is a non-narcotic pain reliever. Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant that increases acetaminophen’s effects. Butalbital is a short- to immediate-acting barbiturate that decreases anxiety, resulting in drowsiness and relaxation. A doctor will often prescribe Fioricet, a controlled substance, to relieve tension headaches.
Dangers of Acetaminophen, Caffeine and Butalbital
The potentially addictive drug, acetaminophen, is one of the most frequently used drugs in the United States. As stated by the U.S. Federal Drug Administration (FDA), in 2005, US residents bought over 28 billion dosages of acetaminophen products. Taking more than the maximum recommended daily dosages of 4 grams may produce serious Fioricet overdose symptoms. In 2011, the FDA limited the strength of acetaminophen per dosage unit because of its potential for causing severe liver damage.
The University of Rochester University Health Service indicates 90 percent of individuals across the globe consume caffeine, a naturally occurring drug, in one form or another. Most consume the mildly addictive caffeine as a beverage, although it is found in several types of plants. It increases dopamine levels.
Butalbital is habit-forming. The butalbital component, a generalized central nervous system depressant, is the main attributable factor in the toxic effects of Fioricet. The acetaminophen component is the secondary attributable factor.
The number of deaths in the United States attributed to painkiller overdose has quadrupled from 1999 to 2010. In some states, the number of fatalities resulting from painkiller overdoses surpasses the number of fatalities resulting from vehicle accidents.
Why Should I Detox?
Fioricet, which is potentially addictive, is a commonly misused and abused drug. Consuming Fioricet over a long period may result in tolerance, making it necessary to take increasing amounts to produce the same effect. Taking large quantities of Fioricet can result in dangerous consequences, including death.
Experiencing Detox
“Suddenly stopping or dramatically reducing your intake of Fioricet after heavy and extended use may cause withdrawal symptoms…”Suddenly stopping or dramatically reducing your intake of Fioricet after heavy and extended use may cause withdrawal symptoms including:
- Severe sleepiness
- Severe dizziness
- Unusual sweating
- Persistent nausea or vomiting
- Slow breathing
- Seizures
- Delirium
Your body needs time to recover from extended Fioricet use. It’s important that you are monitored by medical professionals during the detox process to ensure your systems remain stable and you are safe throughout the process. Oftentimes, medications are given to alleviate the severity of withdrawal symptoms, making the detox process more tolerable and helping to offset the likelihood of relapse during the process.
Getting Fioricet Addiction Help
Fioricet addiction can ruin your life if left untreated. Oftentimes, addicts begin consuming larger and larger amounts of the drug in effort to achieve the same feeling they got with their initial high. In this chase of that first high, the risk of overdose increases. Overdoses pose a variety of health risks, up to and including death.
Don’t let Fioricet continue to have a hold on your life. Getting help is the best way.