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Compare Fioricet vs. Zomig

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

Key takeaways

Fioricet (butalbital/acetaminophen/caffeine) and zolmitriptan (Zomig) 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 is typically used for tension headaches. It can be habit-forming and may cause liver damage if taken too frequently. On the other hand, zolmitriptan is a triptan used for the short-term treatment of migraines. It works by attaching to serotonin receptors to reduce blood vessel swelling and pain signals in the brain. Zolmitriptan is available in various forms, including oral tablets, orally disintegrating tablets, and nasal spray, making it versatile for those who have trouble swallowing pills. Unlike Fioricet, zolmitriptan is not habit-forming but can cause side effects like chest pain and high blood pressure. Both medications require a prescription, but Fioricet is controlled in some states due to its potential for misuse.

  • Fioricet
    Zolmitriptan (Zomig)
  • Fioricet
    Zolmitriptan (Zomig)

  • Summary of Fioricet vs. Zomig

    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

    Zolmitriptan (Zomig) is used for the short-term treatment of migraines. You typically take just one dose when you have a migraine. Zolmitriptan (Zomig) can cause side effects like dizziness and chest, neck, or jaw pain. This medication is a tablet that you swallow. It also comes as an orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) and a nasal spray, which can be good options for people who have trouble swallowing pills during a migraine. Zolmitriptan (Zomig) is available by prescription only as a brand-name and generic medication; it's not found over the counter.

  • Indications of Fioricet vs. Zomig

    Indications for
    •Tension headaches
    Indications for
    •Treatment of migraine

  • Pros and Cons of Fioricet vs. Zomig

    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
    •One of the first-choice options for adults to treat moderate or severe migraine
    •Works within 2 hours after taking the dose
    •Has ODT and nasal spray forms, so it's a good option for people who have trouble swallowing pills during a migraine
    Cons
    •Not used for other types of headaches
    •Doesn't prevent migraines from happening
    •Can worsen your headaches if you take the medication for more than 9 days in a month

  • Common Side Effects of Fioricet vs. Zomig

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

    Tablets and orally disintegrating tablets

    •Nausea (up to 9%)
    •Dizziness (up to 8%)
    •Pins and needles feeling in the arms or legs (up to 7%)
    •Neck, throat, or jaw pain, tightness, or pressure (up to 7%)
    •Sleepiness (up to 6%)
    •Feeling warm or cold (up to 6%)
    •Body weakness (up to 5%)
    •Dry mouth (up to 5%)
    •Chest pain, tightness, pressure, or heaviness (up to 3%)

    Nasal spray

    •Unusual taste (up to 17%)
    •Dizziness (6%)
    •Pins and needles feeling in your arms or legs (5%)
    •Throat pain (4%)
    •Feeling warm (4%)
    •Dry mouth (3%)
    •Body weakness (3%)

  • Warnings of Fioricet vs. Zomig

    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 and chest pain (angina)
    •Irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmias)
    •Stroke or other brain injury
    •Blood vessel issues
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •High blood pressure
    •Caution use in people with phenylketonuria (PKU) - for orally disintegrating tablet only

  • Prices with our coupons for Fioricet vs. Zomig

    Learn more about Fioricet
    Learn more about Zolmitriptan

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