Acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine for Headache User Reviews (Page 3)
Brand names: Fioricet, Phrenilin Forte Vtol LQ Vanatol LQ Anolor 300 Zebutal Vanatol S Capacet
Reviews for Acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine
- Spa...
- June 29, 2012
Acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine "I suffered from tension headaches starting in my right temple and then manifesting in the back of my neck that would hang on for days-pain in the temple alternating between dull background to incapacitating twinges. Fioricet has been very effective in cutting my headache cycle short. It has been a Godsend."
- Anonymous
- July 17, 2008
Acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine "I've learned to 'live' with headaches; often lasting up to four days or more. I was prescribed Fioricet about two years ago, and I find it to be a relief not to have to 'live' with a headache for days anymore. I'm careful about using it and often as a last resort after trying Advil and the like. Therefore, I don't find it habit-forming for me. It is an absolute relief drug."
- mrh...
- Taken for 10 years or more
- May 18, 2024
Acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine "I’ve been using Fioricet for over 50 years and have found it to be a big help with headaches and to stop some migraines from starting or returning. When I feel a migraine starting, I take one or two and often it stops or delays it (sometimes so in a better place). I’ve suffered from migraines for over 50 years as well, and for the last 10, they have been chronic, requiring expensive drugs, and this is the only “cheap” medication that works well for an old drug. I recommend it, but take only 1 if you have to drive soon."
- Ksh...
- Taken for 10 years or more
- February 28, 2019
Acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine "I began getting migraines about a year after my first child. It is legit, hands down, the best drug I've taken for migraine. I stopped drinking in 2011, fully expecting to be healthy. That didn't even happen a little bit. I've devoted diabetes, and when my BS crashes, I instantly get a migraine. Fioricet works better than any drug that I've tried. The only thing that I don't like is sometimes I do get a rebound headache or the hangover feeling."
Are you taking this medicine?
Your review helps others make informed decisions.- SJJ...
- Taken for 10 years or more
- October 21, 2021
Acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine "Have had sinus, tension, migraine headaches since childhood. Began taking Dristan regularly. It was a helpful OTC product until it was discontinued. Neurologist then prescribed Imitrex. Worst thing ever. Given at Dr’s office and headed back to work. Had horrible chest pain while driving. Barely made it into the parking lot at work and had to vomit while leaning out the car door. Vowed to never again take those types of drugs. I then resorted to Excedrin. Still suffered through many headaches but got a little relief with it on occasion. Went to California in 1992 and was given two Fiorinal tablets by a doctor there for a severe migraine. I was astonished at how effective those tablets were! My doctor prescribed Fioricet when I returned home, and I have been taking them ever since with no issues or side effects. I average 2 to 3 tablets per day as needed. Unfortunately, opioid abuse has resulted in hesitancy (along with some shaming) in prescribing this safe, effective drug."
- Mrs...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- February 12, 2013
Acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine "I had a severe concussion and was given Fioricet, after Toradol and something else wouldn't offer any relief. Talk about a miracle. Once it kicked in, my headache was gone! One pill every 4 hours, but with my injury, it seemed to wear off in about 3 hours, and unfortunately, it takes an hour plus to start working. I did sleep after each pill, so maybe I'm just immune to the caffeine. Love this medicine, just wish it worked faster and lasted longer."
- Kym...
- April 15, 2009
Acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine "Have been using this drug for about 16 years now. No other migraine medicine compares to it. Have recommended it to several other migraine sufferers. In turn, they have called their doctors, and now they are on it. They have had the same luck I have."
- che...
- April 2, 2008
Acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine "I suffer from TMJ syndrome and sinusitis. I have recurring headaches. I have taken this drug on and off for 12 years. I am allergic to a lot of meds, so it's been well-suited for me. I do know it is habit forming, as if I have to take it for several days, I do have some withdrawal symptoms."
- Har...
- Taken for 5 to 10 years
- May 18, 2018
Acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine "So thankful for Fioricet as I have had migraines/tension headaches for ten years daily. I can tell they are coming on and take 2 tabs within 15 minutes, have relief without side effects. A specialist tried 2 other pills that made me dizzy for 2 days as required before he would do Botox. He also tried amitriptyline along with the Fioricet, which gave me relief plus great sleep...maybe too much. I have been charged up to nearly $1000/year for 2 each 12 hours as needed...basically daily. I have demanded and gotten a $243 price, /120 days, self-pay, as my insurance does not have it in the formulary. Why is it so costly?...."
- Gal...
- Taken for 10 years or more
- June 27, 2014
Acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine "Nothing else works. I only use it on the really bad, hormone-induced headaches. Normally, my proactive regimen of meditation, acupuncture, exercise, hydration, and supplements works. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen, along with stretching, ice, and heat usually work once I get a migraine. But for the biggies, it's Fioricet."
- Wor...
- May 22, 2015
Acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine "This Rx works wonderfully. I love that it doesn't make me jittery or nauseous. It works 98% of the time for me. Luckily, I was able to have my tablets coated, having a migraine and the bitter taste of the pill wasn't a very good mix. There are times when I have a migraine that comes in too strong and too fast, and this tablet doesn't work. That's when I take my Maxalt. Although, I hate the aftereffects of Maxalt."
- MJu...
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- August 9, 2016
Acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine "I was first prescribed Fioricet for hormonal headaches during my pregnancy. It was so effective and helped ease the pain. It did make me drowsy. I still use it for chronic headaches as needed. The only thing I wish for is that it would work a little more quickly. It takes 45 min-1 hr for my headaches to ease off. Great help all around, though!"
- Anonymous
- June 28, 2008
Acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine "I used Fioricet for years to not only treat my headaches, but to help with tense aches and pains in my shoulders. It was the only thing that worked and allowed me to continue with my daily routine. I did notice that after taking it for such a long time I experienced some of the withdrawals. I would recommend taking it but follow how your doctor says to take your dosages even if you think you are starting to have a 'headache', it might just be a rebound reaction."
- Bam...
- January 15, 2020
"I have had bad stress headaches for as long as I can remember, they started around age 11. I’m going to be turning 50 in September. This is the only medicine that works 100%. My family doctor put me on them at age 15, so for 35 years, I would have probably put myself down if I hadn’t started these. The headaches hurt so bad that I was like I just couldn't go on. I'm so thankful for this medicine."
- Anonymous
- March 30, 2008
Acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine "This medication has been used as an as-needed pain reliever. This is the only medication that works for my type of headaches. This has been a wonder drug in my treatment with head pain. Thank you, Dr. Z."
- jam...
- August 21, 2008
Acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine "I have been suffering from strong tension headaches since the birth of my second son. Fioricet has been wonderful. Fioricet has taken the pain away quickly and has allowed me to be a more pleasant parent to my children and a nicer co-worker."
- aer...
- Taken for 1 to 2 years
- October 5, 2017
Acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine "I started getting severe headaches 3 months after starting a new job I loved; I was only getting between 4-6 hrs of sleep a night after being on my feet 16 hrs a day. Artificial lights were like swords in my brain during the day, and towards the evening were intolerable. Noise was also making my head hurt worse - to the point where I was throwing up from the pain. I was given Topamax and had great results for a week. Then tapered to better results than not taking it. I was still getting the headaches daily. My doctor prescribed Fioricet PRN along with Propranolol to take with the Topamax as a preventative measure. What a relief. What a difference. I had a doctor of osteopathy who immediately knew what to prescribe via my symptoms."
- Not...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- August 3, 2017
Acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine "It helps to knock out the pain and reduce the tension in the head and eyes associated with migraines, but it appears to be somewhat of a controlled substance, or at least one that they're wary of, so I'm not sure what else I can do to be migraine-free. I've tried Botox twice. I now know that does not work for me. I tried Effexor as a prophylactic. Not working. This is hormone-related, so there's not a heck of a lot I can do here - but just keep asking for more pills. Not ideal, but worn out. My eyeball hurts right now just looking at this screen."
- Mis...
- March 16, 2012
Acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine "I have been suffering from headaches and shoulder strain for years. I finally found a medicine that works. For me, it is like taking Vicodin without the grogginess. It takes the pain away and helps me relax. Finally, a medicine that WORKS!!"
- jon...
- November 10, 2015
Acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine "Have been prescribed this for 20 plus years for migraines. I only have them a few times a year, and as long as I take Fioricet as soon as I start getting the visuals before the migraine pain kicks in, then the migraine is not bad at all. The headache is very light, if at all, as well as the nausea."
- Anonymous
- April 11, 2012
Acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine "My son has suffered with severe migraines since the age of 8 when he was diagnosed with seizures. For the better part of the next 9 years, I had to watch him suffer because we were told there was nothing to be done other than diet, etc. No one wants to see their child suffer! At last, we found a wonderful doctor who first prescribed Midrin, which really helped, but then, of course, insurance didn't want to pay for it anymore and suggested Fioricet. Two pills at the most, and I have my happy son back!"
- kit...
- Taken for 5 to 10 years
- August 3, 2014
Acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine "Works wonders for my headaches. Started having stomach pain about 6 months ago that I haven't checked out (can't afford testing I expect to follow). But I also think I have an ulcer from stress - who knows. Point is, it took me 20 years to get a doctor to help me find a medicine that works. This does."
- MIB...
- April 6, 2009
Acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine "I was not one prone to headaches until recently. They started at the base of my neck and continued upward until I didn't want to move a muscle. Oddly enough, these were prescribed by my dentist due to an upcoming root canal I was getting ready for. I took one the next time I had a headache, and within 30 minutes, it was completely gone. I was amazed."
- not...
- September 6, 2011
Acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine "Fioricet is truly a wonder drug. I've had migraines since I was 15 (27 now), and if you take it right when the headache starts, lay down for 30 minutes, you'll feel rejuvenated. BUT, Fioricet can cause rebound headaches (headaches that one gets when they are used to taking a medicine for a while), so while it may be hard to just take one pill when your head is throbbing and you have things to do, it will pay off in the long run. So try to alternate with other medicines in there so your body doesn't get used to it. Because I rebounded from Fioricet, which means I have chronic daily migraines = no fun. In conclusion, great medicine."
Are you taking this medicine?
Your review helps others make informed decisions.Learn more about Headache
- Advil Dosage Charts for Infants and Children
- Dosage Charts for Infants and Children
- Motrin Dosage Charts for Infants and Children
- Top 9 Things You Must Know About Naproxen
- Tylenol Dosage Charts for Infants and Children
- What are the risks of mixing pain medications and alcohol?
Care guides
- Acute Headache
- Acute Headache in Children
- Chronic Post Traumatic Headache
- Chronic Post Traumatic Headache in Children
- Cluster Headache
- Tension Headache
Symptoms and treatments
More about acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine
- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Pricing & coupons
- Drug images
- Side effects
- Dosage information
- Patient tips
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: analgesic combinations
- En español
Patient resources
- Acetaminophen, butalbital, and caffeine drug information
- Butalbital, acetaminophen, and caffeine (Advanced Reading)
Other brands
Fioricet, Esgic, Esgic-Plus, Medigesic, ... +10 more
Professional resources
- Butalbital, Acetaminophen and Caffeine prescribing information
- Butalbital, Acetaminophen and Caffeine Capsule (FDA)
- Butalbital,Acetaminophen and Caffeine Solution (FDA)
Other brands
Fioricet, Esgic, Esgic-Plus, Phrenilin Forte, ... +4 more
Acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine "I was having severe migraines, and my eyes would be sensitive to light, I could not tolerate noise. I found myself laying down most of the time in a ball with a headache. I finally was sent to a doctor that prescribed this medicine for me, and what a relief. My headaches are under control, but every now and then I get a flare-up. This is one of my preventive meds that I've been receiving for years. It works for me."