Sedatives & Hypnotics
Butalbital (Fioricet/Fiorinal)
Street names: Fioricet, Fiorinal, Esgic
Overdose? Act now. Call emergency services — say "unresponsive, not breathing". Give naloxone for opioid-like signs. Hotlines
⚡What it does
- Sedation, relaxation
- Tension-headache relief
- Mild euphoria
⚠Key risks
- Barbiturate dependence — tolerance builds in weeks
- Rebound headaches drive overuse
- Acetaminophen component destroys the liver at high doses
✚Overdose signs
- Extreme drowsiness
- Slow breathing
- Confusion, slurred speech
Category comparison — Sedatives & Hypnotics
| Substance | Class | Top risks | Street price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Butalbital (Fioricet/Fiorinal) | Schedule III | Barbiturate dependence — tolerance builds in weeks; Rebound headaches drive overuse | ~$2–$8 per tablet |
| Zolpidem (Ambien/Stilnox) | Schedule IV | Sleep-walking, sleep-driving, hallucinations; Dependence and rebound insomnia | ~$2–$10 per 10 mg tablet |
| Secobarbital (Seconal) | Schedule II | Barbiturates: tiny margin between dose and death; Fatal in overdose, brutal withdrawal (seizures) — replaced by benzos in medicine | ~$15–$40 per capsule where diverted |
| Carisoprodol (Soma) | Schedule IV | Converts to meprobamate (Miltown) — dependence; Popular 'Soma Coma' mix with opioids — deadly | ~$1–$8 per 350 mg tablet |
| Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) | Not scheduled | Overdose causes hallucinations, seizures, heart rhythm problems; Abuse usually in combination (potentiates opioids) | ~$1–$5 per 10 mg tablet |
| Pentobarbital (Nembutal) | Schedule II | Veterinary euthanasia drug — overdose is usually fatal; Narrow safety margin (barbiturate) | ~$30–$100+ per vial/capsule-equivalent |
Street prices are regional estimates. Potency and cuts vary constantly.
?Frequently asked questions
What does Butalbital (Fioricet/Fiorinal) look like?
White/blue tablets with caffeine + acetaminophen or aspirin (50/325/40 mg)
What are the signs of a Butalbital (Fioricet/Fiorinal) overdose?
Extreme drowsiness; Slow breathing; Confusion, slurred speech Call emergency services immediately.
How addictive is it?
Barbiturate dependence — tolerance builds in weeks Dependence can develop with regular use.