Compare Fioricet vs. Relpax
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
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.
Used for
- Tension headache
- Muscle contraction headache
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Solution
- Pill
Price
Lowest price
$11.25
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$23.47
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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
- Nausea4%
- Headache4%
- Weakness4%
- Tingling or prickling sensation3%
- Dizziness3%
- Sleepiness3%
- Flushing2%
- Dry mouth2%
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)
- 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