Compare Topamax vs. Fioricet
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Prevents seizures and migraine headaches.
Topamax (topiramate) is very effective at preventing many types of seizures and migraines, but it can cause several severe side effects that can lead to stopping the medication.
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3.3/ 5 average rating with 56 reviewsforTopamax
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
- Can lower your number of seizures and also prevent migraine headaches. This medicine can be used on its own or with other antiepileptic medicines to lower the frequency of seizures.
- Doesn't need routine blood tests like similar medications.
- Available in short-acting and long-acting forms.
- Comes as a generic, so it's relatively 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
- Can cause many severe side effects. People starting Topamax (topiramate) need to be monitored for these effects as soon as they start treatment.
- This medicine can take 4 to 6 weeks for the full effects of this medication to kick in, especially for people taking it for migraines.
- Children taking Topamax (topiramate) for long periods of time need to have their dose adjusted by their pediatrician as they grow.
- At higher doses (ie. 400 mg/day), children may experience difficulty with concentration/attention, fever, flushing, and confusion.
- 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
- Seizures
- Migraine prevention
- Alcoholism
- Essential tremors
- Eating disorder
- Tension headache
- Muscle contraction headache
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Extended release capsule
- Pill
- Solution
Price
Lowest price
$53.90
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$12.01
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Reviews
56 reviews so far
52%
saidit'sworth it
50%
saiditworked well
36%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Topamax (topiramate)?
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
39possible side effects
- Sleepiness26%
- Loss of appetite24%
- Fatigue16%
- Injury14%
- Nervousness14%
- Personality disorder (behavior problems)11%
- Difficulty with concentration/attention10%
- Weight loss9%
- Aggressive reaction9%
- Abnormal gait8%
- Purpura8%
- Difficulty sleeping8%
- Viral infection7%
- Impaired coordination6%
- Nausea6%
- Increased saliva6%
- Muscle spasm5%
- Constipation5%
- Difficulty with memory5%
- Pneumonia5%
- Dizziness4%
- Speech disorders/ related speech problems4%
- Nose bleed4%
- Confusion4%
- Urinary incontinence4%
- Stomach flu3%
- Psychomotor slowing3%
- Skin disorder3%
- Allergic reaction2%
- Abnormal reflexes2%
- Thirst2%
- Pussing2%
- Hair loss2%
- Dermatitis2%
- Increased hair growth2%
- Red skin rash2%
- Eye abnormality2%
- Abnormal vision2%
- Leukopenia2%
The Fioricet (butalbital / acetaminophen / caffeine) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
Risks and risk factors
- Suicidal thoughts or behavior
- History of depression
- Fever and inability to sweat
- Children
- Mental and cognitive changes
- History of metabolic disorders
- People also taking Depakote
- Kidney stones
- Low-carb diet
- Dehydration
- Drug interactions
- Vision problems
- Withdrawal seizures
- Stopping Topamax (topiramate) suddenly
- 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)