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Butalbital-Acetaminophen

Pronounced

"byou-TAL-bih-tall/uh-seet-uh-MEE-no-fen"

Uses

This combination medication is used to treat tension headaches. Acetaminophen helps to decrease the pain from the headache. Butalbital is a sedative that helps to decrease anxiety and cause sleepiness and relaxation.

How to Use This Medication

See also Warning section.

Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually every 4 hours as needed. Do not take more than 300 milligrams of butalbital in a 24-hour period.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. This medication works best if it is used as the first signs of a headache occur. If you wait until the headache has worsened, the medication may not work as well.

If you suddenly stop using this medication, you may have withdrawal symptoms (such as nausea/vomiting, mental/mood changes, seizures). To help prevent withdrawal, your doctor may lower your dose slowly. Withdrawal is more likely if you have used this medication for a long time or in high doses. Tell your doctor or pharmacist right away if you have withdrawal.

Though it helps many people, this medication may sometimes cause addiction. This risk may be higher if you have a substance use disorder (such as overuse of or addiction to drugs/alcohol). Do not increase your dose, take it more often, or use it for a longer time than prescribed. Properly stop the medication when so directed.

Inform your doctor if you notice increased use of this medication, a worsening of headaches, an increase in the number of headaches, the medication not working as well, or use of this medication for more than 2 headache episodes a week. Do not take more than recommended. Your doctor may need to change your medication and/or add a separate medication to prevent the headaches.

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Information expires December 2025.