Key takeaways
Butalbital/acetaminophen/caffeine (formerly Fioricet) and Frova (frovatriptan) 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 is used to treat tension headaches. It can be habit-forming and may cause side effects like sleepiness and dizziness. On the other hand, Frova is a triptan used to treat migraines by tightening blood vessels in the brain and stopping the release of pain-causing chemicals. Unlike Fioricet, Frova is not habit-forming and is only available as a tablet. Fioricet can be used by people as young as 12 years old, while Frova is not recommended for children under 18. Additionally, both medications are available in both generic and brand forms.
