Esgic Plus is a barbiturate sedative (Butalbital) combined with acetaminophen, a non-aspirin medication, and caffeine. Esgic Plus is used as a non-narcotic pain medication and relaxant. It is generally prescribed for migraines and tension headaches caused by muscle contractions in the neck and shoulder regions. Butalbital belongs in a class of drugs that affect the central nervous system (brain and nerve impulses) by slowing them down, causing relaxation. Acetaminophen works at reducing pain and fevers, while caffeine is believed to relieve tension headaches by constricting dilated blood vessels.

Esgic Plus Directions

 

Esgic Plus should be taken with food or milk to prevent upset stomach. Esgic Plus should be taken before pain occurs to be most effective. Esgic is not effective once the pain becomes intense. The dosage or frequency of the medication should not be increased without first seeking your doctor’s approval.

 

Esgic Plus Side Effects

 

Immediately stop taking Esgic Plus and seek medical attention for any of the following reasons: allergic reaction (difficulty breathing, closing of the throat, hives or swelling of the lips, tongue or face), slow or weak breathing, damage to the liver (yellow coloration of the skin or eyes, nausea, abdominal pain or discomfort, severe fatigue, or unusual bleeding or bruising), easy or unusual bleeding or bruising or lower than normal blood sugar (fainting, fatigue, thirst, dizziness and hunger that increases). Normally these side effects are very rare and not likely to occur with the proper use of this drug. If you experience any other unusual reactions, stop taking this medication and seek immediate medical treatment.

 

It is more likely that less serious side effects may occur. Continue taking Esgic and consult your doctor if you experience drowsiness, dizziness, confusion or lightheadedness, feeling of intoxication, agitation, irritability, nervousness, anxiety or excitability, tiredness, leg pain, muscle weakness, shortness of breath, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, decreased appetite, rash, itching, headache or constipation. The use of Butalbital may be habit forming. Talk to your doctor about any unusual or severe side effects not listed above.

 

Esgic Plus Precautions

 

When performing hazardous activities, driving or operating machinery, exercise extreme caution. If you experience drowsiness or dizziness caused by this product, avoid performing these activities. Avoid taking other medicines that may cause drowsiness such as sleeping pills, antihistamines, sedatives and tranquilizers, except as directed by your doctor. Alcohol can increase drowsiness and dizziness and may also be very damaging to your liver if taken with this medication. Do not exceed 4 grams (4000 mg) of acetaminophen per day with this medication. Esgic Plus also contains caffeine, so avoid taking too much caffeine by checking the content of beverages and other medications.

 

Drug Interactions with Esgic Plus

 

Persons who have taken monoamine oxide inhibitor (MAOI) such as iscarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil) or transylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days should not take Esgic Plus. Taking these along with Esgic Plus could result in side effects that may be dangerous. Other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (used in the treatment of insomnia), some pain relievers, anxiety medicines and muscle relaxants may amplify the side effects when taken with Esgic Plus. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you may be taking, especially allergy, fever, cold and other over-the-counter drugs. Some drugs not listed above may interact with Esgic Plus. Always talk to your doctor and pharmacist before beginning any over-the-counter or prescription drug regimen.

 

Esgic Plus Overdose

 

In case of overdose, medical attention should be sought immediately. Symptoms of an overdose of Esgic Plus can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, insomnia, restlessness, tremor, sweating, seizures, drowsiness, dizziness or fainting, decreased breathing, irregular heartbeat, confusion and coma.