Is Fioricet Available Over The Counter?

Edmund Murphy
Dr. Jacquie Leone
Written by Edmund Murphy on 22 February 2022
Medically reviewed by Dr. Jacquie Leone on 23 December 2024

There are many medications available that are designed to treat varying degrees and types of headaches. While some can be obtained easily from your local pharmacists, others require a prescription from a doctor, such as medications like Fioricet.

Key takeaways:
  • Use of Fioricet without a prescription is considered abuse of the substance as it can have hazardous side effects, especially when abused with other substances such as alcohol or MAOIs.
  • Fioricet is often only prescribed if the patient exhibits symptoms of tension headaches or migraines more than 10 times in a calendar month.

Fioricet is a prescription-only medication

Fioricet is a Schedule III drug under the Controlled Substance Act (CSA) meaning that it requires a prescription from a doctor to be used. Use of Fioricet without a prescription is considered abuse of the substance as it can have hazardous side effects, especially when abused with other substances such as alcohol or MAOIs.

Over the counter alternatives to Fioricet

Fioricet is often only prescribed if the patient exhibits severe or chronic symptoms of tension headaches or migraines that impact their daily life. If your symptoms are not as severe as this or you have yet to receive a prescription, the following over-the-counter pain medications could help:

  • Naproxen
  • Ibuprofen
  • Advil
  • Aleve
  • Motrin

While these medications are available without a prescription (though some doctors will still prescribe them) it is important to check with a medical professional before taking them if you are on any other course of medication.

Related: How long does Fioricet stay in your system?

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Resources:

  1. Comparing Motrin vs Fioricet. Retrieved Feb 22, 2022, from

Activity History - Last updated: 23 December 2024, Published date:


Reviewer

Dr. Leone holds a BA in Psychology, a Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine, and has been board-certified in holistic nutrition. Alongside her medical practice, teaching, and writing, she has extensive experience in outpatient addiction care where she integrated conventional and alternative medicine to support recovery and address underlying physical and mental health challenges associated to addiction. Dr. Leone blends the wisdom of Eastern medicine with the science of Western medicine, offering a functional and integrative approach to care.

Activity History - Medically Reviewed on 19 December 2024 and last checked on 23 December 2024

Medically reviewed by
Dr. Jacquie Leone

Dr. Jacquie Leone

NMD

Reviewer

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