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Acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine and Drowsiness: What Users Say

Brand names: Fioricet, Phrenilin Forte Vtol LQ Vanatol LQ Anolor 300 Zebutal Vanatol S Capacet

Drowsiness: mentioned by 10 users (3.8%)

Based on user experiences from 260 Acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine reviews, the following table shows the most commonly mentioned side effects.

All user comments are moderated by Drugs.com. Each review is verified for relevance and screened for inappropriate content. Side effects are user-reported and not clinically verified.

headaches 6.2%
drowsiness 3.8%
nausea 3.1%
anxiety 2.3%
sleepy 1.9%
addiction 1.5%
dizziness 1.5%
allergic reaction 1.2%
lightheadedness 1.2%
migraine 1.2%

Reviews for Acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • Mag...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • December 24, 2020

Acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine for Headache "Headaches (HA) that lasted days. I was missing work and felt distant from my friends and family. Went to multiple doctors, was put on Zanaflex, Sumatriptan, Zofran, and Topamax. None of them worked, so I continued to take ibuprofen nearly every day and ended up with a stomach ulcer. Still had horrible HAs at least once a week and felt none of my doctors were listening to me, so I got a new doctor. First visit, he prescribed me Fioricet and was shocked nobody did before. It has improved my life so much. It is the first thing that I have used that actually works every time. Some people say it makes them really groggy, but I don't feel that at all. I have been prescribed opioids and benzos in the past for unrelated issues, and this drug isn't even close to either of those. I take it at work and it makes me feel relaxed, but I can still function, even better than not taking it. I feel happy again instead of dreading life because my head and neck are really bothering me."

9 / 10
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75 Report
  • MJu...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • August 9, 2016

Acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine for Headache "I was first prescribed Fioricet for hormonal headaches during my pregnancy. It was so effective and helped ease the pain. It did make me drowsy. I still use it for chronic headaches as needed. The only thing I wish for is that it would work a little more quickly. It takes 45 min-1 hr for my headaches to ease off. Great help all around, though!"

8 / 10
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28 Report
  • Mis...
  • March 16, 2012

Acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine for Headache "I have been suffering from headaches and shoulder strain for years. I finally found a medicine that works. For me, it is like taking Vicodin without the grogginess. It takes the pain away and helps me relax. Finally, a medicine that WORKS!!"

10 / 10
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29 Report
  • Ame...
  • December 24, 2015

For Headache "I have suffered from migraines since the age of 9. I've had a slew of Drs tell me I have severe tension vascular migraines. To make things worse, I had a car accident that knocked my jaw off center, which exacerbated the migraines. I now have two bone spurs in my neck. The ONLY medication that works for me is Fioricet. I have tried everything, including Maxalt, Imitrex, Zomig, and just about every painkiller from OTC to prescribed. My neurologist finally tried Fioricet, and it worked. I have never felt addicted to this medication, as side effects are a drowsy feeling. I hate feeling sleepy when I'm running around... I like feeling energy. So this medication, I strongly recommend asking your Dr. about. It works at the onset!"

10 / 10
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12 Report
  • Anonymous
  • May 13, 2010

Acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine for Headache "I tried this medicine today with no headache relief. I did get drowsy, and all of the muscles in my body were completely relaxed, however, I still had the migraine. Per my neurologist's recommendation, I waited 2 hours before taking Indocin. Still no luck. The only medicine that I have found to stop a migraine is Treximet, however, that has to be taken at the FIRST sign of the migraine. Anything later and it is too late. I am glad Fioricet works well for some people, but all it does for me is cause drowsiness and muscle relaxation. I wish I could get migraine relief from it."

1 / 10
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12 Report

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  • Anonymous
  • October 26, 2009

Acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine for Headache "Amazing. My doctor prescribed this with Phenergan to help with the nausea. Usually, just half of each pill will stop an oncoming migraine in its tracks. If it's bad, I take the other half a little later. It's cheap and effective, and the only side effect I've noticed, drowsiness, is pretty benign as side effects go, especially compared to most migraine medicines. Can't ask for better than that."

10 / 10
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7 Report
  • Anonymous
  • January 26, 2012

Acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine for Headache "Got this medicine in the ER due to normal migraine medicines not working. Started off taking 2 and would knock it right out and put me to sleep. My tolerance has built up to it, and I now take 7. If you have to take this medicine more than 3 times a week, consider a more drastic cure."

9 / 10
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10 Report
  • JEN...
  • September 28, 2009

Acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine for Headache "One Esgic tablet gets rid of my migraine. I highly recommend it as it doesn't have any other effects on me such as feeling drowsy or hyper. Also, the written side effects seem to be minimal. I take it when I can't function and am unable to tolerate bright lights or noise. It does not impair my ability to drive."

10 / 10
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6 Report
  • hea...
  • May 29, 2008

Acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine for Headache "Very effective medication for tension headache or migraine. Minimal side effects, i.e., drowsiness, etc."

10 / 10
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45 Report
  • Anonymous
  • May 29, 2008

"Very effective medication for tension headache or migraine. Minimal side effects, i.e., drowsiness, etc."

10 / 10
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Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or remove inappropriate content. Reviews appearing to come from parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any medication and should not replace the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals.