Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Maxalt vs. Fioricet

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

Key takeaways

Rizatriptan (Maxalt) and Fioricet (butalbital/acetaminophen/caffeine) are both used to treat headaches, but they work differently and are used for different types of headaches. Rizatriptan is a triptan that treats migraines by tightening blood vessels and reducing inflammation. It is available as a generic and comes in tablet and orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) forms. Fioricet, on the other hand, is a combination medication used for tension headaches. It contains a barbiturate (butalbital), an analgesic (acetaminophen), and caffeine. Fioricet can be habit-forming and is controlled in some states, whereas rizatriptan is not a controlled substance. Rizatriptan is typically taken as needed for migraines, while Fioricet is taken every 4 hours as needed for tension headaches. Both medications can cause drowsiness and dizziness, but Fioricet has a risk of misuse and dependence. Additionally, Fioricet can cause liver damage due to acetaminophen, especially if taken with other acetaminophen-containing medications or alcohol.

  • Rizatriptan (Maxalt)
    Fioricet
  • Rizatriptan (Maxalt)
    Fioricet

  • Summary of Maxalt vs. Fioricet

    Summary for Triptan
    Prescription only

    Rizatriptan (Maxalt) is used to treat migraines with or without aura in people ages 6 years and older. Rizatriptan (Maxalt) is available as a lower-cost generic tablet and an orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) that's placed on the tongue. Common side effects include dizziness, headache, and sleepiness. It can interact with antidepressants and other similar migraine medications.

    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.

  • Indications of Maxalt vs. Fioricet

    Indications for
    •Treatment of migraine attacks with or without aura in people ages 6 years and older
    Indications for
    •Tension headaches

  • Pros and Cons of Maxalt vs. Fioricet

    Pros and Const for Triptan
    Pros
    •First-choice option for treating migraines
    •Can be used by children ages 6 years and older
    •Orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) a possible option for people who have problems swallowing
    •Works within 30 minutes
    Cons
    •Can't use to prevent migraines
    •Is short-acting, so it might not last as long
    •Not clear if taking a second dose (adults only) is actually helpful
    •Your migraines can get worse if you use this medication too often.
    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

  • Common Side Effects of Maxalt vs. Fioricet

    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness (4-9%)
    •Sleepiness (4-8%)
    •Tiredness (4-7%)
    •Nausea (4-6%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Drowsiness
    •Lightheadedness
    •Dizziness
    •Loss of awareness (sedation)
    •Trouble breathing
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Stomach pain
    •Feeling "high" (intoxicated)

  • Warnings of Maxalt vs. Fioricet

    Common Side Effects for
    •Heart problems and high blood pressure
    •Stroke or other brain injury
    •Extreme narrowing of blood vessels
    •Taking too much rizatriptan (Maxalt)
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Caution use in people with phenylketonuria (PKU) - orally disintegrating tablets only
    Common Side Effects for
    •Liver damage
    •Difficulty concentrating and extreme sleepiness
    •Serious skin or allergic reactions
    •Misuse, dependence, and withdrawal

  • Prices with our coupons for Maxalt vs. Fioricet

    Learn more about Rizatriptan
    Learn more about Fioricet

Compare other Migraine and Tension Headache drugs

Emgality vs MaxaltImitrex vs MaxaltMaxalt vs AmergeMaxalt vs AxertMaxalt vs CafergotMaxalt vs ErgotamineMaxalt vs FioricetMaxalt vs FrovaMaxalt vs RelpaxMaxalt vs TreximetMaxalt vs ZomigReyvow vs MaxaltAmerge vs ZomigEmgality vs ZomigFioricet vs RelpaxFioricet vs ZomigFiorinal vs RelpaxFiorinal vs ZomigFrova vs ZomigImitrex vs RelpaxRelpax vs AmergeRelpax vs AxertRelpax vs CafergotRelpax vs ErgotamineRelpax vs ZomigUbrelvy vs RelpaxVyepti vs ZomigZomig vs AxertZomig vs CafergotZomig vs Ergotamine
View More

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.