Medications containing butalbital are some of the most commonly prescribed medicines for the relief of many types of headache such as tension headaches. The drug is usually combined with either acetaminophen or aspirin, and some caffeine. Acetaminophen reduces fever and eases pain. The caffeine in the drug helps de-constrict blood vessels. The constricted blood vessels are thought to cause tension headaches. The drug itself is classified as a barbiturate. It causes relaxation by slowing the nerve impulses of the brain and central nervous system. When used together, acetaminophen, caffeine, and Butalbital help ease the pain and discomfort of tension headaches, although its not clearly understood how.
Butalbital has been used for several decades as an effective pain relief product for mild to moderate headaches, especially tension headaches. Many patients who cannot take Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), opioids, and other forms of pain relief medications find Butalbital as a good substitute. More than one in five people has at least one tension headache every month. They occur more frequently or become more severe during times of emotional stress. Three...