Should butalbital-containing analgesics be banned? Yes
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 2, 2026

Cecal Ligation Puncture Procedure
Published on: May 7, 2011
William B Young1, Hua Chiang Siow
1Jefferson Headache Center, Department of Neurology, Thomas Jefferson University, 111 South 11th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA. William.B.Young@mail.tju.edu
Abstract:
In the United States analgesic-overuse headache is often caused by butalbital-containing analgesics. These agents can cause physical and psychological dependency, and dangerous withdrawal syndromes. Butalbital-containing analgesics have already been banned in several European countries. They are proven effective in tension-type headache, but not in migraine; there are many alternative treatments for migraine and tension-type headache. In the 20 years since analgesic overuse headache was widely recognized, butalbital overuse has remained distressingly common. It is time to ban these agents.
Related Concept Videos
Sedatives and Hypnotics Drugs: Barbiturates
CNS Depressants: Barbiturates and Benzodiazepines
Opioid Analgesics: Synthetic and Semisynthetic Opioids
Analgesia and Pain Management
Opioid Analgesics: Morphine and Other Natural Cogeners
Depressants
Alcohol is a common depressant that can induce a sense of relaxation and reduced inhibition at low doses. Contrary to its occasional...
