Fiorinal with Codeine
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Drug Description
Fiorinal with Codeine is the brand name for a medication containing aspirin, butalbital, caffeine and codeine. The medication works by reducing substances in the body that cause pain, fever and inflammation. It is used to treat complex tension headaches although doctors and scientists are not completely clear on how it works.
The butalbital within Fiorinal with Codeine is a short- to intermediate-acting barbiturate. Aspirin acts as an anti-inflammatory and a fever reducer. Codeine with in the medication is a narcotic pain reliever. The caffeine included in this drug is believed to constrict the dilated blood vessels that may play a factor in tension headaches.
Abuses of Fiorinal with Codeine
Fiorinal contains three very addictive ingredients: codeine, caffeine and Butalbital, which is a barbiturate. Those who are dealing with tension headaches may end up taking more than the prescribed amount if it is not providing the desired relief. This increase in dosage can lead to tolerance, abuse and addiction.
While Fiorinal with Codeine is known to cause addiction in some patients, only 10 percent report that the drug causes feelings of euphoria, which can be a main trigger for addiction. Problems arise when the drug is used for recreational purposes or for long periods of time as tolerance builds very easily.
The codeine within the medication can produce drug dependence of the morphine type and has the potential for being abused. Psychological dependence, physical dependence, and tolerance may develop upon repeated administration.
Effects of Fiorinal with Codeine
The effects of Fiorinal with Codeine are driven by the different main ingredients. The Butalbital is well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and is then distributed to most of the tissues in the body. It is a barbiturate and relaxes the muscle contractions involved in a tension headache.
The aspirin is generally fully absorbed by the body as well, although speed and total absorption depends upon other factors, such as food, gastric pH, particle size, etc. Caffeine is rapidly absorbed and distributed through all body tissues and is a central nervous system stimulant. It acts by relaxing the muscle contractions in blood vessels to improve blood flow.
With full absorption, serious side effects can include shallow breathing, slow heart rate; fast or pounding heart rate, muscle twitching; confusion, unusual thoughts or behavior; black, bloody, or tarry stools; coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds; problems with urination; or nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice.
Less serious side effects include: feeling dizzy, shaky, anxious, or agitated; heartburn, mild nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, constipation, diarrhea; mood changes, sleep problems; sweating, urinating more than usual; or ringing in your ears, blurred vision, or dry mouth. Withdrawal of Fiorinal with Codeine
The withdrawal symptoms that can be associated with abrupt cessation of Fiorinal with Codeine typically start within 12-20 hours after the last dose. The length of time and intensity of the symptoms greatly depend upon the level of addiction or the amount of medication taken over a long period of time.
The symptoms associated with the withdrawal from Fiorinal with Codeine can include but are not limited to:
• Muscle and bone pain
• Restlessness
• Goose bumps
• Involuntary leg and arm movements
• Profuse sweating
• Runny nose
• Sweating
• Muscle twitching
• Headaches
• Insomnia
• Nausea and vomiting
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Elevated heart rate
• Irregular heartbeat
• Elevated respiration rate
• High blood pressure
• Fever
• Dehydration
• Confusion
• Hallucinations
• Seizures
Treatment of Addiction to Fiorinal with Codeine
Fiorinal with Codeine that is taken over extended periods of time can lead to intense pain and psychological distress when the drug is discontinued abruptly. An individual who has taken the medication long-term is likely to not only have a physiological dependence, but also a psychological dependence, which can intensity the withdrawal symptoms. As a result, it is recommended that users taper off the medication slowly under the care of a board-certified physician and board-certified addiction psychiatrist.
Entering a quality center for 24/7 comfortable detox treatment is highly recommended and will ensure the individual rids their body of the drug completely through a safe and calming method. This approach is used to correct the chemical imbalances in the individual suffering with a Fiorinal with Codeine addiction and should be combined with psychological evaluations and other medical care to address cravings for the drug.
