Compare Fioricet vs. Imitrex
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Treats tension headaches.
Fioricet (Butalbital / Acetaminophen / Caffeine) works well for tension headaches, but isn’t recommended due to the ability to overuse it and have withdrawal symptoms.
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4.3/ 5 average rating with 17 reviewsforFioricet
Treats migraine headaches.
Imitrex (Sumatriptan) is an excellent choice for acute migraine relief, but you might need another medication to prevent headaches.
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3.9/ 5 average rating with 31 reviewsforImitrex
Upsides
- Fioricet (Butalbital / Acetaminophen / Caffeine) works better and faster in treating tension headaches than the combination of acetaminophen and codeine.
- Fioricet (Butalbital / Acetaminophen / Caffeine) doesn’t cost much since it's available as a generic medication.
- Fioricet (Butalbital / Acetaminophen / Caffeine) has very few side effects.
- It has been widely used for a long time.
- Comes in several forms. Ask your doctor if you should use the pill, nasal spray, patch, or injection.
- A combination of forms can be used if symptoms do not improve.
- The nasal spray and injectable forms work very quickly.
- It's generally safe to use if you are pregnant.
- Comes in a generic form, so it can be pretty cheap.
Downsides
- Fioricet (Butalbital / Acetaminophen / Caffeine) isn't the first choice medication for treating tension headaches.
- It's 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.
- The oral and nasal versions of Imitrex (Sumatriptan) have an unpleasant after-taste.
- Does not prevent migraine headaches; it only treats them once they start.
- Must wait 1 hour before using second injection.
- Can cause rebound (more) headaches if Imitrex (Sumatriptan) is used too often.
- Need to have your blood pressure checked often, especially if you're pregnant.
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Oral solution
- Pill
- Injection
- Nasal spray
Price
Lowest price
$26.27
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$12.81
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Reviews
17 reviews so far
88%
saidit'sworth it
76%
saiditworked well
12%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Fioricet (Butalbital / Acetaminophen / Caffeine)?
Leave a review31 reviews so far
74%
saidit'sworth it
68%
saiditworked well
19%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Imitrex (Sumatriptan)?
Leave a reviewSide effects
The Fioricet (Butalbital / Acetaminophen / Caffeine) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
6possible side effects
- Pain and other pressure sensations6%
- Atypical sensations5%
- Paresthesia (all types)3%
- Sensation warm/cold3%
- Pain - location specified2%
- Malaise/fatigue2%
Risks and risk factors
- Liver damage
- Drinking more than 2 alcoholic beverages a day
- Taking with other acetaminophen-containing medicines
- History of liver disease
- Hypersensitivity (allergic) reactions
- Tightening of blood vessels (myocardial angina, ischemia, or infarction)
- History of heart problems
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Being overweight or obese
- Smoking
- Stroke
- History of heart problems
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Being overweight or obese
- Smoking
- Stomach bleeding
- Serotonin syndrome
- Patients taking SSRIs and SNRIs
- High blood pressure
- History of high blood pressure
- Seizures
- History of seizures