A number of other medications are available for treating migraines. These include over-the-counter and prescription options.
- Over-the-counter medications
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
- Ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil)
- Naproxen (Aleve)
- Acetaminophen, aspirin, caffeine (Excedrin Migraine)
- Prescription medications
- Triptans, such as rizatriptan (Maxalt), sumatriptan (Imitrex), and zolmitriptan (Zomig)
- Gepants, such as ubrogepant (Ubrelvy) or rimegepant (Nurtec)
- Lasmiditan (Reyvow)
In addition, a variety of daily medications, such as amitriptyline (Amitril, Elavil), propranolol (Inderal LA), and topiramate (Topamax) are available to keep migraines from happening in the first place. Fioricet should never be used as a daily medication.
If you’re looking for alternatives to Fioricet for treating migraines, there are safer and more targeted options—especially since Fioricet contains butalbital, a barbiturate associated with dependence, rebound headaches, and limited long-term effectiveness.
Here’s a breakdown of better alternatives, grouped by use:
1. Acute Migraine Medications (Taken During a Migraine Attack)
✅ Triptans (migraine-specific)
- Examples: Sumatriptan (Imitrex), Rizatriptan (Maxalt), Zolmitriptan (Zomig)
- How they work: Constrict brain blood vessels and block pain pathways
- Use: Best if taken early during a migraine
- Prescription required
✅ Ditans (newer class, non-vasoconstrictive)
- Example: Lasmiditan (Reyvow)
- Good for: People who can’t take triptans due to heart issues
✅ Gepants (CGRP receptor antagonists)
- Examples: Rimegepant (Nurtec ODT), Ubrogepant (Ubrelvy)
- Benefit: Fewer side effects, no risk of rebound headache
- Dual use: Some are also approved for prevention
✅ NSAIDs
✅ Anti-nausea medications (for migraines with nausea)
- Examples: Metoclopramide, Prochlorperazine
- Often combined with pain relievers or triptans
2. Preventive Medications (Taken Daily to Prevent Migraines)
💊 CGRP monoclonal antibodies
- Examples: Erenumab (Aimovig), Fremanezumab (Ajovy), Galcanezumab (Emgality)
- Use: For people with frequent migraines
- Frequency: Monthly or quarterly injections
💊 Beta blockers
- Examples: Propranolol, Metoprolol
- Also used for blood pressure and anxiety
💊 Antidepressants
- Examples: Amitriptyline, Venlafaxine
- Particularly helpful if migraines are linked with sleep or mood issues
💊 Anticonvulsants
- Examples: Topiramate, Valproate
- Used for both epilepsy and migraine prevention
Why Choose These Over Fioricet?
| Medication | Migraine-Specific? | Dependence Risk | Rebound Headache Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Triptans | Yes | Low | Low |
| NSAIDs | No | Low | Moderate (if overused) |
| Fioricet | No | High | High |
| Gepants/Ditans | Yes | Low | Very Low |
Bottom Line:
Fioricet can work, but it’s not first-line and carries significant risks when used frequently. Triptans, gepants, and preventive therapies offer better long-term control with fewer side effects.