Pain Prescriptions

Fioricet is a medication that combines three active ingredients: acetaminophen, butalbital, and caffeine. Each of these components serves a specific purpose in relieving tension headaches:

1. Acetaminophen: Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and fever reducer. It works by reducing pain and lowering fever, which can help alleviate the discomfort associated with tension headaches.
2. Butalbital: Butalbital belongs to a group of drugs known as barbiturates. It has a muscle relaxant effect and works by relaxing muscle contractions that contribute to tension headaches. By reducing muscle tension, it helps ease headache symptoms.
3. Caffeine: Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant. In Fioricet, caffeine is included to enhance the effects of the other ingredients. It has vasoconstrictive properties, meaning it narrows blood vessels. This can be beneficial in tension headaches by improving blood flow and reducing the dilation of blood vessels that can contribute to headache pain.

Fioricet is specifically indicated for the treatment of tension headaches that are caused by muscle contractions. It is typically prescribed when other treatments have not provided adequate relief.  

Opioids are lab-made narcotic pain medicines. They change how your brain perceives pain messages. Because they can be addictive, healthcare providers rarely prescribe opioids for chronic pain. You may take opioids for a short time after a surgery or traumatic injury. Codeine, fentanyl, hydrocodone and morphine are all opioids.

In terms of treatment, your healthcare provider has several options available, including prescription-strength topical products like skin creams, gels, sprays, and patches. These can effectively alleviate muscle pain, arthritis, and fibromyalgia. Examples of these topical treatments include lidocaine (Lidoderm®) skin patches.