Fioricet is a brand-name prescription medication that contains a combination of butalbital, acetaminophen, and caffeine. It belongs to a class of medications known as combination analgesics, with butalbital acting as a barbiturate that helps relax muscle tension and calm the nervous system, acetaminophen providing pain relief, and caffeine enhancing the effectiveness of the pain-relieving components.

Doctors most commonly prescribe Fioricet for the treatment of tension headaches and certain types of recurrent head pain that are associated with muscle contraction and stress. By addressing both pain and muscle tension, Fioricet can provide effective relief when simpler pain relievers are insufficient. The medication has been used in clinical practice for decades and remains a trusted option when taken strictly as prescribed, under medical supervision, due to its potential for dependence and overuse-related headaches.