Compare Fiorinal vs. Imitrex
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Butalbital/aspirin/caffeine (formerly Fiornal) and sumatriptan (Imitrex) are both used to treat headaches, but they work in different ways and are used for different types of headaches. Fiorinal is a combination medication that includes a barbiturate, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), and caffeine, and it is used to treat tension headaches. It is a Schedule III controlled substance due to the risk of misuse and dependence. Sumatriptan, on the other hand, is a triptan used to treat migraines with or without aura. It works by activating serotonin receptors to tighten blood vessels and reduce inflammation. Unlike Fiorinal, sumatriptan is not a controlled substance and is typically taken as a single dose, with the option to take a second dose if the migraine persists. Fiorinal is taken every 4 hours as needed, while sumatriptan should not be taken more than twice in 24 hours. Both medications have generic versions available, but they have different side effects and risks. Fiorinal can cause sleepiness and dizziness, while sumatriptan can cause tingling, numbness, and fatigue. Additionally, Sumatriptan has specific interactions with other migraine medications and antidepressants, which can lead to serious conditions like serotonin syndrome.
- FiorinalSumatriptan (Imitrex)
- FiorinalSumatriptan (Imitrex)
Summary of Fiorinal vs. Imitrex
Summary for Barbiturate / NSAID / Adenosine antagonistPrescription onlyFiorinal is a combination medication that contains three active ingredients: butalbital (a barbiturate), aspirin (an NSAID), and caffeine (an adenosine antagonist). It's used to treat symptoms of tension headaches in adults. The brand name Fiorinal has been discontinued, but there are still lower-cost generic pills available. The medication is taken by mouth every 4 hours. The most common side effects are sleepiness and dizziness. This medication is a schedule III controlled substance because it has a risk of misuse and dependence.
Summary for TriptanPrescription onlySumatriptan (Imitrex) is used to treat migraines with or without aura in adults. The medication is typically taken as a single dose for your migraine. But, it's possible that you can take it again 2 hours after the first dose if your migraine doesn't go away. Side effects of sumatriptan (Imitrex) include tingling or numbness of fingers or toes, feeling too warm or too cold, and fatigue. It can interact with antidepressants and other similar migraine medications. Sumatriptan (Imitrex) is available as a lower-cost generic tablet.
Indications of Fiorinal vs. Imitrex
Indications for•Tension headaches in adultsIndications for•Treatment of migraine attacks with or without aura in adultsPros and Cons of Fiorinal vs. Imitrex
Pros and Const for Barbiturate / NSAID / Adenosine antagonistPros•Works well to treat tension headaches•Combines three medications into a single pill to relieve headache pain in different ways•Available as a lower-cost genericCons•A controlled medication that can be habit-forming•Can cause bothersome withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop the medication after taking it for a long time•Hasn't been studied in childrenPros and Const for TriptanPros•First-choice option for treating migraines•Can take with commonly used over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol)•Can start relieving migraine headaches within 30 minutes to 2 hours•Available as a lower-cost genericCons•Can't use to prevent migraines•Must wait at least 2 hours after the first dose to take a second dose, if needed•Your migraines can get worse if you use this medication too often.•Unknown if it's safe or if it works well in childrenCommon Side Effects of Fiorinal vs. Imitrex
Warnings of Fiorinal vs. Imitrex
Common Side Effects for•Stomach bleeding and ulcers•Kidney problems•Reye's syndrome in children•Difficulty concentrating and extreme sleepiness•Potential for misuse, dependence, and withdrawal•Severe allergic reactions and skin reactionsCommon Side Effects for•Heart problems and high blood pressure•Stroke or other brain injury•Extreme narrowing of blood vessels•Serotonin syndrome•Allergic reactions•SeizuresPrices with our coupons for Fiorinal vs. Imitrex
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