How Much Dosage Of Fioricet Can Cause Withdrawal Seizures If Stopped Abruptly?

Posted on Mon, 11 Mar 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 Answered on

Mon, 1 Apr 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : How much daily usage of fioricet can cause withdrawl seizures if stopped abruptly?

Answered by Dr. Sundar Gnanavel (15 minutes later)

Hello......
The drug fioricet is a combination of barbiturate, acetaminophen and caffeine. It is barbiturate withdrawal that can lead to seizures. This barbiturate has a very long half life which means chances are wiuthdrawal seizures are lesser. It would require >12 tab use (considering 1 tab has 50 mg barbiturate) with > 6 month use to predict possible withdrawal seizures on abrupt stoppage. Do clarify further if required.
Regards
Dr Sundar
Neuro-Psychiatrist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Sundar Gnanavel (8 minutes later)

Ive been using them about 3-4 yrs daily but only about 3-5 50mg tabs a day. I want to just stop. Im sure ill have rebound headaches but worried about seizures. So at that low a dose I shouldn't be worried?

Answered by Dr. Sundar Gnanavel (52 minutes later)

Hello
Yes you are right. Rebound headaches are common though seizures are unlikely. Neverthless i would suggest you taper off atleast over a week rather than stop abruptly.
Regards
Dr Sundar

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar