Dr just prescribed Fioricet for my headaches - anyone take this?

MrsLeanna · March 2010

I'm really torn. I am getting headaches almost daily, sometimes they last 2-3 days at a time. I have tried taking Tylenol, drinking Coke, drinking water. But it doesn't help. It's bad enough that I have a difficult time functioning. So i called my OB and they called in a Rx for Fioricet. I'm just hesitant to take anything during my 1st tri. Wondering if anyone has taken it, either during pregnancy or before.

Ivana_Stolichnaya · March 2010

I was prescribed Tylenol 3's Tylenol w/ Codeine) in my 1st Tri. which really helped.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has labeled Fioricet (butalbital and acetaminophen) as a category C drug, meaning the effects of the medication have not been completely studied in pregnant women. Women should only use Fioricent during pregnancy when the benefits to the mother clearly outweigh any potential risks to the fetus. Fioricent may increase the risk of fetal abnormalities and brain tumors in infants exposed to the medication while in-utero.¹

Fast Facts:

Respiratory depression was also reported in infants exposed to Fioricent during the end of the third trimester.¹
Consult with your physician before breastfeeding, as Fioricet is known to be excreted into breast milk and may cause CNS depression in the nursing infant.¹
Fioricet is used to treat tension headaches.²

- https://organizedwisdom.com/Fioricet_and_Pregnancy

I googled "Fioricet while pregnant" and also found these pages.

https://headaches.about.com/od/medsarticlesandinfo/a/pregnancy.htm

https://www.babycenter.com/400_has-anyone-been-prescribed-fiorecet-for-headaches-during-pre_965549_85.bc

https://www.drugs.com/cons/fioricet.html

MrsLeanna · March 2010

Thanks for the info!!

I know the Dr said this does not have codeine, I don't know if it makes a difference. I'm going to check out those links.

BlakeG · March 2010

I get really bad migraines and aside from the hormones I find what I eat really effects my head. It may not work for you but for me I can't really eat any processed food or pre-packaged food. It's because MSG & nitrates are big triggers for most people and I only recently learned that MSG is often classified as "natural flavors" on ingredient listings. I never eat anything that has "natural flavors" and its helped me a lot. Not sure if it will help you but maybe if your desperate and against the pills its worth a shot?

steveanddani07 · March 2010

I completely feel your pain and have been getting some massive headaches, my OB won't prescribe anything and instead refered me to a neurologist.

AKay25 · March 2010

I have taken it (I am a migraine sufferer.) My understanding is that it is not safe during pregnancy/breastfeeding. Fioricet is tylenol(acetaminophen), caffeine, and butalbital, a barbiturate (it's a central nervous system depressant.) Fioricet did help my migraines to an extent, but it WILL make you feel mildly sleepy/drunk. I probably wouldn't take it while pregnant, unless directed to do so by a doctor. I'd chat with your doctor if you're unsure.

firsttogo · March 2010

honestly, if your OB prescribed it, I would take it as needed. Tylenol is also a class C medication if I am correct... Most meds that you may have to take during pregnancy are class C.

ASmallWonder · March 2010

I've had a prescription for this since first tri because I could barely function. True, it IS a class C but that doesn't mean it IS bad...just that no specific studies have been done on pregnant women. Unlike the other poster, I don't feel drunk or sleepy when I take it. This was a bonus over Tylenol with codeine because I can still take it at work.

FWIW, all my baby's tests have come back perfect and I haven't had to take any meds since early December because headaches get better in 2nd (according to my doctor).

disbride061103 · March 2010

I took it once when I was 36 weeks with DS because I had a migraine that wouldn't go away. My SIL is a pharmacist and said it was fine to take. I trust what she says about meds so between her OK and my OB's prescription, I was comfortable taking it.

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Dr just prescribed Fioricet for my headaches - anyone take this?

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