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Compare Fioricet vs. Axert

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

Key takeaways

Fioricet (butalbital/acetaminophen/caffeine) and almotriptan are both used to treat headaches, but they work in different ways and are used for different types of headaches. Fioricet is a combination medication that includes a barbiturate, an analgesic, and caffeine, and it is used to treat tension headaches. It can be habit-forming and may cause side effects like sleepiness and dizziness. Almotriptan, on the other hand, is a triptan medication used to treat migraine attacks. It works by tightening blood vessels in the brain and stopping the release of pain-causing chemicals. Almotriptan is considered a first-choice option for migraines and is available in generic form, making it potentially less expensive. Unlike Fioricet, almotriptan is not habit-forming but can cause serious side effects like heart problems and high blood pressure. Fioricet is available in both pill and liquid forms, while almotriptan is only available as a pill.

  • Fioricet
    Almotriptan
  • Fioricet
    Almotriptan

  • Summary of Fioricet vs. Axert

    Summary for Barbiturate / Analgesic / Adenosine antagonist
    Prescription only

    Fioricet is a combination medication containing butalbital, acetaminophen, and caffeine. It's taken by mouth as needed, typically every 4 hours, to treat tension headaches. But it's not a first-choice option because it can become habit-forming and can worsen headaches if taken too frequently. In addition, Fioricet can cause side effects, such as sleepiness and dizziness. It's available as pills and an oral syrup.

    Summary for Triptan
    Prescription only

    Almotriptan is a type of migraine medication called a triptan. It treats migraine with or without aura in adults and certain children age 12 to 17 years. Its brand name Axert has been discontinued, so almotriptan is now only available as a generic. Almotriptan is a tablet that's swallowed whole when a migraine starts. You can take another tablet at least 2 hours later if the medication doesn't completely relieve your migraine. Side effects include sleepiness and headache.

  • Indications of Fioricet vs. Axert

    Indications for
    •Tension headaches
    Indications for
    •Treatment of migraine attacks in adults with a history of migraine with or without aura
    •Treatment of migraine pain in children age 12 to 17 years with a history of migraine with or without aura that lasts 4 hours or more

  • Pros and Cons of Fioricet vs. Axert

    Pros and Const for Barbiturate / Analgesic / Adenosine antagonist
    Pros
    •Available as a lower-cost, generic medication
    •Combination of three medications in a single dosage form (e.g., pill, liquid), which is more convenient
    •Available in a liquid form as a fruit punch-flavored syrup
    •Can be used in people as young as 12 years old
    Cons
    •Can cause misuse and physical dependence, so it's a controlled substance in some states
    •Not a first-choice medication for treating tension headaches
    •Might cause liver damage because of the acetaminophen
    •More difficult to customize the dose since it's a combination of three medications
    Pros and Const for Triptan
    Pros
    •A first-choice option for treating a migraine attack in adults
    •Approved for certain children 12 years and older
    •Might start working as soon as 30 minutes after taking the 12.5 mg strength
    Cons
    •Might not be a good option for people who have trouble swallowing pills whole during a migraine
    •Not used to prevent migraine or to treat other types of headaches
    •Must wait at least 2 hours to take another tablet if the first dose didn't fully relieve the migraine

  • Common Side Effects of Fioricet vs. Axert

    Common Side Effects for
    •Drowsiness
    •Lightheadedness
    •Dizziness
    •Loss of awareness (sedation)
    •Trouble breathing
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Stomach pain
    •Feeling "high" (intoxicated)
    Common Side Effects for

    Adults:

    •Nausea (1-2%)
    •Dry mouth (1%)
    •"Pins and needles" feeling in the arms or legs (1%)

    Children age 12 years and older:

    •Sleepiness (up to 5%)
    •Dizziness (3-4%)
    •Nausea (1-3%)
    •Vomiting (up to 2%)
    •Headache (1-2%)
    •"Pins and needles" feeling in the arms or legs (1%)

  • Warnings of Fioricet vs. Axert

    Common Side Effects for
    •Liver damage
    •Difficulty concentrating and extreme sleepiness
    •Serious skin or allergic reactions
    •Misuse, dependence, and withdrawal
    Common Side Effects for
    •Heart attack, chest pain (angina), and irregular heart rhythm
    •Stroke or other brain injury
    •Extreme narrowing of blood vessels
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Worse headaches if you take almotriptan too often
    •High blood pressure
    •Serious allergic reaction

  • Prices with our coupons for Fioricet vs. Axert

    Learn more about Fioricet
    Learn more about Almotriptan

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