Compare Fioricet vs. Relpax

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.

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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.

Relpax (eletriptan) is a first choice medicine to treat migraines, but it can be expensive.

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.
  • Relpax (eletriptan) works as well as other first choice medicines for migraines.
  • Relpax (eletriptan) comes in 2 different strengths.
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.
  • Relpax (eletriptan) is only available as a brand name.
  • Relpax (eletriptan) can cause dizziness and might make you more likely to fall.
  • If you have more than 3 migraines a month, Relpax (eletriptan) isn't a good choice because of its side effects.
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Oral solution
  • Pill
Price
Lowest price
$21.66
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Lowest price
$63.44
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Reviews
17 reviews so far
88%
saidit'sworth it
76%
saiditworked well
12%
saidit'sa big hassle

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Side effects
The Fioricet (Butalbital / Acetaminophen / Caffeine) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
8possible side effects
  • Nausea
    4%
  • Headache
    4%
  • Weakness
    4%
  • Tingling or prickling sensation
    3%
  • Dizziness
    3%
  • Sleepiness
    3%
  • Flushing
    2%
  • Dry mouth
    2%
See more detailed side effects
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
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • Heart attack and rhythm problems
    • Heart rhythm problems
    • History of chest pain
    • Uncontrolled high blood pressure
  • Stroke
    • History of a stroke
  • Medication overuse headache
    • Using Relpax (eletriptan) for more than 10 days a month
  • Serotonin syndrome
    • Tricyclic antidepressants
    • Fentanyl
    • Tramadol
    • Buspirone
    • ADHD medicines
    • Triptans
  • Higher blood pressure
    • Uncontrolled high blood pressure
  • Blood vessel issues
    • High blood pressure
    • History of stroke
    • History of heart attack
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Fioricet (Butalbital / Acetaminophen / Caffeine)
Learn more about Relpax (eletriptan)