Is Fioricet available over the counter?

Edmund Murphy
Dr. Kimberly Langdon
Written by Edmund Murphy on 22 February 2022
Medically reviewed by Dr. Kimberly Langdon on 25 October 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 symptoms of tension headaches or migraines more than 10 times in a calendar month. 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: 25 October 2024, Published date:


Reviewer

Kimberly Langdon M.D. has been contributing to medical fields including mental health and addiction since she retired from medicine; with over 19 years of practicing clinical experience.

Activity History - Medically Reviewed on 15 December 2022 and last checked on 25 October 2024

Medically reviewed by
Dr. Kimberly Langdon

Dr. Kimberly Langdon

M.D.

Reviewer

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