Compare Effexor vs. Fioricet
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Improves mood and helps you relax.
Effexor (venlafaxine) is good for treating depression and anxiety, but it can cause more withdrawal symptoms if you stop suddenly compared to other antidepressants.
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3.7/ 5 average rating with 577 reviewsforEffexor
Treats some serious headaches.
Fioricet (butalbital / acetaminophen / caffeine) works well for tension headaches, but isn’t typically recommeneded as a first-line treatment due to the ability to overuse it and have withdrawal symptoms.
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4.3/ 5 average rating with 17 reviewsforFioricet
Upsides
- Effexor (venlafaxine) effectively treats depression, anxiety, and panic disorder.
- Effexor (venlafaxine) causes more sleepiness than other antidepressants, so it's beneficial for people who have trouble sleeping.
- Effexor (venlafaxine) might work when other antidepressants haven't worked since it affects two chemicals in the brain that impact your mood.
- Effexor (venlafaxine) has several uses, which may be good for people with multiple conditions.
- Effexor (venlafaxine) is available in generic, which is cheaper.
- Fioricet (butalbital / acetaminophen / caffeine) works better and faster in treating tension headaches than the combination of acetaminophen and codeine.
- Fioricet (butalbital / acetaminophen / caffeine) has a cheaper, generic version.
- Fioricet (butalbital / acetaminophen / caffeine) does not require dosage adjustments if you have kidney and liver problems.
Downsides
- Effexor (venlafaxine) can cause side effects such as decreased libido and increased blood pressure.
- Like most antidepressants, it can cause a higher risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior for people aged 24 years or younger.
- Compared to other antidepressants, it's more likely to cause unpleasant withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking it and can causes more sleepiness.
- Fioricet (butalbital / acetaminophen / caffeine) isn't the first choice medication for treating tension headaches.
- Fioricet (butalbital / acetaminophen / caffeine) is not a good medication for long-term use.
- Overuse of Fioricet (butalbital / acetaminophen / caffeine) can lead to chronic tension headaches.
- Fioricet (butalbital / acetaminophen / caffeine) can cause dangerous withdrawal symptoms, intoxication, and dependence.
- Taking Fioricet (butalbital / acetaminophen / caffeine) can decrease your ability to drive a car, or operate machinery.
Used for
- Tension headache
- Muscle contraction headache
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Extended release
- Pill
- Solution
Price
Lowest price
$10.40
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$11.51
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Reviews
577 reviews so far
62%
saidit'sworth it
51%
saiditworked well
23%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Effexor (venlafaxine)?
Leave a review17 reviews so far
88%
saidit'sworth it
76%
saiditworked well
12%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Fioricet (butalbital / acetaminophen / caffeine)?
Leave a reviewSide effects
39possible side effects
- Nausea37%
- Headache25%
- Drowsiness23%
- Dry mouth22%
- Dizziness19%
- Difficulty sleeping18%
- Constipation15%
- Nervousness13%
- Weakness12%
- Sweating12%
- Abnormal ejaculation/orgasm12%
- Loss of appetite11%
- Diarrhea8%
- Infection6%
- Vomiting6%
- Anxiety6%
- Blurred vision6%
- Impotence6%
- Indigestion5%
- Tremor5%
- Abnormal dreams4%
- Chills3%
- Rash3%
- Gas3%
- Stiff muscles3%
- Prickling/burning sensation3%
- Yawn3%
- Increased urination3%
- Chest pain2%
- Trauma2%
- Increased blood pressure2%
- Increased heart rate2%
- Decreased libido2%
- Agitation2%
- Confusion2%
- Thinking abnormal2%
- Changes in taste2%
- Ringing in the ears2%
- Dilation of pupils2%
The Fioricet (butalbital / acetaminophen / caffeine) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
Risks and risk factors
- Suicidal thoughts or behavior
- Age 24 years or younger
- Serotonin syndrome
- Taking tricyclic antidepressants, lithium, tramadol, fentanyl, amphetamines, certain headache medications (triptans), St. John's Wort
- Withdrawal
- Stopping Effexor (venlafaxine) suddenly
- Increased bleeding
- Taking other blood-thinning drugs (including aspirin, NSAIDs such as Advil, warfarin)
- Increased blood pressure
- Bipolar disorder
- History of bipolar disorder
- At risk for bipolar disorder
- Liver toxicity
- Drinking more than 2 alcoholic beverages a day
- Taking Fioricet (butalbital / acetaminophen / caffeine) with other acetaminophen-containing medicines
- History of liver disease
- Potential for habit-forming, abuse, and misuse
- Personal or family history of substance abuse
- History of mental illness
- Hypersensitivity (allergic) reactions
- Allergy to Fioricet (butalbital / acetaminophen / caffeine)