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Compare Fioricet vs. Relpax

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

Key takeaways

Fioricet (butalbital/acetaminophen/caffeine) and Relpax (eletriptan) are both used to treat headaches, but they work differently and are used for different types of headaches. Fioricet is a combination medication that includes a barbiturate, an analgesic, and caffeine, and it's used to treat tension headaches. It can be habit-forming and may cause liver damage if taken too often. Relpax, on the other hand, is a triptan used to treat migraine attacks with or without aura. It works by tightening blood vessels in the brain and reducing swelling. Relpax is considered a first-choice treatment for migraines and is available as a lower-cost generic. Unlike Fioricet, Relpax is not habit-forming but can cause serious heart and blood pressure issues in some people. While Fioricet can be taken every 4 hours as needed, Relpax should not be taken more than twice in a 24-hour period and is not recommended for more than three migraines per month.

  • Fioricet
    Eletriptan (Relpax)
  • Fioricet
    Eletriptan (Relpax)

  • Summary of Fioricet vs. Relpax

    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

    Eletriptan, also known by its brand name Relpax, is a triptan that's a first-choice treatment option for adults who have migraine attacks with or without aura. This medication is available as a tablet that's taken by mouth at the first sign of a migraine attack. The dosage can be repeated 2 hours later if the migraine comes back or doesn't go away. Side effects include making you sleepy and dizzy. Eletriptan (Relpax) is available as a lower-cost generic.

  • Indications of Fioricet vs. Relpax

    Indications for
    •Tension headaches
    Indications for
    •Treatment of migraine attacks with or without aura in adults

  • Pros and Cons of Fioricet vs. Relpax

    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
    •Might provide migraine pain relief for a longer period of time than other triptans
    •One of the first-choice options for short-term treatment of migraines
    •Starts to work after 30 minutes
    •Available as a lower-cost, generic
    Cons
    •Only available as a tablet that's swallowed whole
    •Not recommended for people with severe liver damage
    •Not known if it's safe or works well for children
    •Not used for preventing migraines or treating other types of headaches

  • Common Side Effects of Fioricet vs. Relpax

    Common Side Effects for
    •Drowsiness
    •Lightheadedness
    •Dizziness
    •Loss of awareness (sedation)
    •Trouble breathing
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Stomach pain
    •Feeling "high" (intoxicated)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness (up to 6%)
    •Sleepiness (up to 6%)
    •Nausea (up to 5%)
    •Body weakness (up to 5%)
    •"Pins and needles" feeling in the arms or legs (3%)

  • Warnings of Fioricet vs. Relpax

    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 problems and high blood pressure
    •Stroke or other brain injury
    •Extreme narrowing of blood vessels
    •Worsened headaches if eletriptan (Relpax) is taken too often
    •Serotonin syndrome

  • Prices with our coupons for Fioricet vs. Relpax

    Learn more about Fioricet
    Learn more about Eletriptan

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