Posts Tagged ‘Central Nervous System’

Using Fioricet Properly to Relieve Pain

June 16th, 2010
Milton Sykes asked:




When thinking of the right medication for any of your health conditions, it is important to know a little bit more about this certain drug. Being informed with your medications is much similar to having an armed gun in the middle of a war. This information will help you get ready for the treatment, and will also give precautionary measures, all for your overall health and safety.

For a prescription medication called Fioricet, the same principle still applies. Like any other medications, Fioricet may be harmful to one’s health if taken without a prescription, or it can cause effects that might be unpleasant for the person. Fioricet is a barbiturate sedative (Butalbital), mixed with a non-aspirin pain medication called acetaminophen and added caffeine. This non-narcotic pain reliever and relaxant is often prescribed for those people who suffer from tension headaches caused by contractions of the muscles in the neck and shoulders area, and also for treating migraine. Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and a fever reducer, while Butalbital slows down your central nervous system (brain and nerve impulses) causing relaxation. Caffeine, on the other hand, is believed to constrict dilated blood vessels that may contribute to tension headaches. Together, all three components of Fioricet are used to relieve complex tension headaches (muscle contraction).

Always take Fioricet exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If in case you do not understand the labels’ instructions, you can ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain this to you. Take each Fioricet dose with a glass of water, and with food or milk in case this medication upsets your stomach. Never take more of what is prescribed to you. Like I said earlier, it may cause some unwanted effects that may harm your body. If the pain is not being adequately treated, consult your doctor for possible dosing adjustments. Another key reminder is to store this medication at room temperature, away from heat and moisture. The usual dosage for Fioricet is one or two tablets every four hours as needed. Total dosage of this medication should not exceed to six tablets.

Medications nowadays may bring certain side effects, but knowing about them beforehand would make it easier for the patient to bear. Some side effects of Fioricet include drowsiness, lightheadedness, and dizziness, and sedation, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and experiencing an intoxicated feeling. Other side effects like heartburn, constipation, leg pain, muscle fatigue, earache, fever, and allergic reactions to Fioricet are considered as infrequent or less experienced by patients under this medication.

The effects of Butalbital may be enhanced by MAO inhibitors, so caution is advised when taking such medications. The three components of Fioricet may enhance the effects of other narcotic analgesics, alcohol, anesthetics, and tranquilizers. When taking other medications other than Fioricet, be sure to inform your doctor to prevent any interaction that might lead to negative results. By knowing all these, people can be more aware of how they use Fioricet, or any other medication for that matter. Knowledge is power, so take a look and know more about your medications as early as now.



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Facts to Know About Muscle Relaxant

April 27th, 2010
Yury Bayarski asked:




Carisoprodol (also known under the brand name Soma) is a commonly prescribed muscle relaxant. It is chemically, structurally, and pharmacologically related to meprobamate. Meprobamate was a best-selling minor tranquilizer for a time, but has largely been replaced by the benzodiazepines.

Uses

Strains, sprains, and other muscle injuries can result in pain, stiffness, and muscle spasms. It is important to understand that muscle relaxants do not heal the injuries, but they do help to ease the discomfort and pain. Carisoprodol is prescribed along with rest, exercise, physical therapy, or other treatments for short-term relief of painful muscle conditions. Although the drug may provide prompt relief, it should never be considered a substitute for these other forms of treatment.

Carisoprodol works quite well for relieving muscle pain due to injuries, but is not effective for other types of pain.

Side effects

The most common side effects of carisoprodol are drowsiness, dizziness, agitation, nervousness, tremor, irritability, insomnia and nausea.

Because muscle relaxants work on the central nervous system, they may add to the effects of alcohol and other drugs that slow down the central nervous system, such as antihistamines, cold and allergy medicine, sleeping pills, medicine for seizures, some pain relievers, and other muscle relaxants.

How does it work?

Carisoprodol is a muscle relaxant that does not directly relax tense skeletal muscles. It acts by blocking electrical communication among nerves in the reticular formation of the brain and in the spinal cord. The pharmacological effects of the drug appear to be due to the combination of the effects of carisoprodol and meprobamate. The medication also has weak anticholinergic, antipyretic, and analgesic properties.

The drawback

The main disadvantage is its abuse and dependence potential. And the risk increases with prolonged use of the drug. A considerable portion of carisoprodol is metabolized to meprobamate, which is a known drug of abuse and dependence. However, a many physicians are unaware of the potential of carisprodol for abuse and of its metabolism to meprobamate.

Carisoprodol is a Schedule IV controlled substance in Arizona, Georgia, Hawaii, Florida, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Nevada, Oregon, but not a federally Schedule IV controlled substance. In the United States, the drug is available only with a physician’s prescription.

Taking Fioricet