Is Fioricet Addictive?
Yes, Fioricet is addictive. The Fioricet ingredient that causes addiction is butalbital. Codeine is also addictive, so Fioricet with Codeine has a greater potential for addiction and abuse. While Fioricet is not a drug that is frequently prescribed, people who do take it can become dependent on it. Over time the body builds up a tolerance to the drug, which means higher doses may be needed to get the same effect. As a result, Fioricet addiction occurs.
What is Butalbital?
Butalbital is a barbiturate. Barbiturates are a class of drugs that have been around since the early 1900s. They were used as sedatives and used to treat neurological and psychiatric disorders including seizures. Today, barbiturates are primarily used to treat seizures, insomnia and anxiety. People who take barbiturates tend to become dependent on them and experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking them.
Butalbital abuse occurs when people take it for reasons other than to treat their headache. Unlike other drugs that are frequently abused, a butalbital high doesn’t cause euphoria. A butalbital high is similar to being drunk. Butalbital may be used to treat the effects of other drugs of abuse. Barbiturates are “downers” so they counteract the effects of stimulants.