Key takeaways
Butalbital/aspirin/caffeine (formerly Fiornal) nd Relpax (eletriptan) 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's used to treat tension headaches. It is a Schedule III controlled substance due to the risk of misuse and dependence. On the other hand, Relpax is a triptan used to treat migraine attacks with or without aura. It works by attaching to serotonin receptors in the brain to relieve migraine pain. Unlike Fiorinal, Relpax is not a controlled substance and is considered a first-choice treatment for migraines. Fiorinal is taken every 4 hours as needed, while Relpax is taken at the first sign of a migraine and can be repeated after 2 hours if needed. Both medications are available in generic forms, making them more affordable options. However, Fiorinal is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, whereas the safety of Relpax during pregnancy is not fully established and should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
