Compare Fioricet vs. Relpax

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

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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
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) has a cheaper, generic version.
  • Fioricet (butalbital / acetaminophen / caffeine) does not require dosage adjustments if you have kidney and liver problems.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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
  • Solution
  • Pill
Price
Lowest price
$35.44
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Lowest price
$57.44
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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 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)
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)