Compare Imitrex vs. Fioricet
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
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
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
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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
- Injection
- Nasal spray
- Pill
- Solution
Price
Lowest price
$12.76
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$11.81
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Reviews
31 reviews so far
74%
saidit'sworth it
68%
saiditworked well
19%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Imitrex (Sumatriptan)?
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
6possible side effects
- Pain and other pressure sensations6%
- Atypical sensations5%
- Paresthesia (all types)3%
- Sensation warm/cold3%
- Pain - location specified2%
- Malaise/fatigue2%
The Fioricet (butalbital / acetaminophen / caffeine) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
Risks and risk factors
- 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
- 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)