Butalbital

Butalbital, 5-allyl-5-isobutylbarbituric acid, is a FDA approved for the treatment of tension headaches.

Combinations include:

• butalbital and acetaminophen (trade names: Axocet, Bucet, Bupap, Cephadyn, Dolgic, Phrenilin, Phrenilin Forte, Sedapap)
• butalbital, acetaminophen, and caffeine (trade names: Fioricet, Esgic, Esgic-Plus)
• butalbital and aspirin (trade name: Axotal)
• butalbital, aspirin, and caffeine (trade names Fiorinal, Fiormor, Fiortal, Fortabs, Laniroif)
• butalbital, acetaminophen, caffeine, and codeine phosphate (Fioricet #3 with Codeine)
• butalbital, Fiorinal #3 with Codeine)

Side effects

Side effects for any drug are difficult to predict, but commonly reported side effects for butalbital include:

• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Intoxicated feeling
• Light-headedness
• Nausea
• Sedation
• Addiction
• Severe impairment of judgement

There are other potential side effects; this list should not be considered all-inclusive.

Dangers and Risks

Butalbital is a physically and psychologically addictive barbiturate. Butalbital should not be mixed with alcohol due to increased risk of intoxication.

There are other potential risks; this list should not be considered all-inclusive.

Butalbital and Acetaminophen (Systemic). MedicinePlus Drug Information. Retrieved on December 31, 2006.

Controlled Substances in Schedule III. Drug Enforcement Administration (2007). Retrieved on 2007-01-13.