Key takeaways
Butalbital / aspirin / caffeine (Lanorinal, formerly Fiorinal) and almotriptan are both medications used to treat headaches, but they belong to different medication classes and have distinct uses. Butalbital / aspirin / caffeine is a combination medication that treats tension headaches in adults and includes a barbiturate, an nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), and caffeine. Almotriptan, on the other hand, is a triptan used to treat migraine attacks with or without aura in adults and children aged 12 to 17. While both medications are available as generics, butalbital / aspirin / caffeine is a Schedule III controlled substance due to its potential for misuse and dependence, whereas almotriptan is not controlled. Butalbital / aspirin / caffeine is taken every 4 hours as needed, with a maximum of 6 pills per day, while almotriptan is taken as a single dose when a migraine starts, with a possible second dose after 2 hours if needed, but not exceeding 25 mg in 24 hours. Common side effects of butalbital / aspirin / caffeine include sleepiness and dizziness, while almotriptan may cause nausea, dizziness, and sleepiness. You should avoid taking butalbital / aspirin / caffeine with other NSAIDs, and almotriptan should not be taken with certain heart conditions or within 24 hours of other triptans.
