Im on 80mg daily of methadone and took 2 Fioricet,that were given to me for a headache. After eating a couple hours later it seemed as if i had taken a larger dose of methadone. It would seem it was the fioricet that caused this ,but everything that ive read said that fioricet will decrease methadone not increase it.I would like to find out the facts,and not guess.Thanks for your time with this question.
Is it possible that fioricet can increase the effects of methadone?
Question posted by tsrygley on 21 Jan 2011
Last updated on 23 August 2019
3 Answers
caringsonbj
22 Jan 2011
from the little experience that I have had with checking about Methadone(have never taken it) it won't allow other narcotics to work the more you use the more you have to take and it still doesn't heko (I hope I am understood it right) I know my doctor says she will not precribe Methadone she has used very strong medication with me but she has a great dislike for methadone and I don't know why, if I can come up with anything else I will post it again I am sorry I have not been of further help caringsonbj please take care
Inactive
22 Jan 2011
Interactions between your selected drugs
methadone ↔ butalbital
Applies to: methadone, Fioricet (acetaminophen/butalbital/caffeine)
MONITOR: The coadministration of barbiturates and methadone may result in decreased plasma concentrations of the latter. There have been case reports of patients receiving methadone maintenance treatment who performed poorly or developed withdrawal symptoms during the use of barbiturates, which generally correlated with low plasma methadone levels. The mechanism of the interaction is accelerated clearance of methadone due to induction of hepatic CYP450 enzymatic activities by barbiturates. Although the interaction has only been reported with phenobarbital and pentobarbital, it is expected to occur with all barbiturates based on their known enzyme-inducing capabilities.
MANAGEMENT: Caution is advised during concomitant therapy with these agents. Pharmacologic response to methadone should be closely monitored and the dosage adjusted accordingly, particularly following initiation, discontinuation or change of dosage of the barbiturate in patients who are stabilized on their methadone regimen. Patients should be advised to notify their caregiver if they experience possible symptoms of methadone withdrawal, including restlessness, insomnia, sweating, lacrimation, or rhinorrhea.
Other drugs that your selected drugs interact with
methadone interacts with more than 400 other drugs.
Fioricet (acetaminophen/butalbital/caffeine) interacts with more than 400 other drugs.
Interactions between your selected drugs and food
methadone ↔ food
Applies to: methadone
GENERALLY AVOID: Coadministration with grapefruit juice may increase the plasma concentrations of methadone. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall by certain compounds present in grapefruits. In 8 study subjects stabilized on methadone maintenance treatment, ingestion of regular strength grapefruit juice (200 mL one-half hour before and 200 mL simultaneously with the daily methadone dose) for five days resulted in an approximately 17% mean increase in methadone peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and systemic exposure (AUC) and a 14% mean decrease in apparent clearance for both the R(+) and S(-) enantiomers. Grapefruit juice did not affect the time to peak level (Tmax), terminal half-life, or apparent volume of distribution of methadone. No signs or symptoms of methadone toxicity or changes in intensity of withdrawal symptoms were reported in the study.
MANAGEMENT: Given the interindividual variability in the pharmacokinetics of methadone, a more significant interaction with grapefruit juice in certain patients cannot be ruled out. Patients treated with methadone should preferably avoid or limit the consumption of grapefruit juice, particularly during the induction of maintenance treatment.
caffeine ↔ food
Applies to: Fioricet (acetaminophen/butalbital/caffeine)
The effect of grapefruit juice on the pharmacologic activity of caffeine is controversial. One report suggests that grapefruit juice increases the effect of caffeine. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of cytochrome P-450 metabolism of caffeine. However, a well-conducted pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic study did not demonstrate this effect. The clinical significance of this potential interaction is unknown.
https://www.drugs.com/interactions-check.php?drug_list=1578-0,21-8571
Take care.-
htwooh
22 Jan 2011
It probably seemed like that but I think you were just feeling the effects of the fioricet itself. That is the addictive quality of the butalbytal which is a barbiturate itself. I got very addicted to it and it almost ruined my life so be careful. Did a Dr. give you the fioricet or was it a friend? I wouldn't take it again - it is better to get rid of the headache - I took them for migraines they aren't genereally used just for regular headaches. But the fioricet really would show its affects about 20 inutes after taking it so this could just be in your mind.or you felt better - don't analyze it too much.
christineATU
22 Jan 2011
Hi htwooh! I had a feeling you might post on this one. I hope your new year started out well and continues to be a wonderful one for you. Take care and hope to see you soon.
best wishes,
chris
chadhale71
29 Dec 2018
i hear that... i started Fioricet awhile back and i had a serious migraine... before i knew it i had took 22 of em over the course of bout 6 to 8 hours... all i know it i had a migraine n wanted it gone..
Related topics
fioricet, opiate withdrawal, pain, methadone
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