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Real members of MyMigraineTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Anyone been told that Fioricet is really bad to use for migraines?

A MyMigraineTeam Member asked a question 💭
Elberon, NJ
June 17
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Answer Summary

Members discussed alternatives to Fioricet for migraines, with Nurtec being the most commonly mentioned option recommended by neurologists.... Read more

Members discussed alternatives to Fioricet for migraines, with Nurtec being the most commonly mentioned option recommended by neurologists. Several members shared that Nurtec worked well for them and was covered by insurance, while others experienced side effects or found it ineffective, and one member pointed out that Nurtec contains artificial sweetener, which can itself be a migraine trigger. A recurring theme was the challenge of finding affordable and effective pain relief, with members encouraging others to check the Nurtec website for a $0 copay card if they have insurance.

A MyMigraineTeam Member

Have new doctor and started Aimovig 3 months ago ( so 3 injections) still get migraines but seem less intense. Dr doesn’t like Fiorcet any suggestions for pain I can ask him?

June 17
A MyMigraineTeam Member

Janes: I don’t like Dr’s that don’t prescribe pain meds for Migraines. They obviously don’t know what a Migraine feels like. They should be able to give you something for pain. Sorry if I offended you,

June 23
A MyMigraineTeam Member

My neurologist won't prescribe pain meds, he prescribed Nurtec to resolve pain; it works most of the time.

June 18
MyMigraineTeam

Yes, that concern is worth taking seriously! Fioricet contains butalbital, a barbiturate, combined with caffeine and acetaminophen. While it can relieve migraine pain short-term, it comes with some real cautions.

One of the biggest concerns is medication overuse headache (MOH) — sometimes called a "rebound headache." This Show Full Answer

Yes, that concern is worth taking seriously! Fioricet contains butalbital, a barbiturate, combined with caffeine and acetaminophen. While it can relieve migraine pain short-term, it comes with some real cautions.

One of the biggest concerns is medication overuse headache (MOH) — sometimes called a "rebound headache." This happens when pain relievers are used too frequently, and the medication itself starts triggering more headaches. A common warning sign is needing migraine medicine on 10 or more days per month for several months.

Here are some key things to keep in mind about Fioricet:

- It is not approved by the FDA specifically for migraines
- It carries a risk of dependence due to the butalbital component
- Overuse can lead to more frequent headaches, not fewer
- Many neurologists and headache specialists prefer other treatments with stronger evidence

If Fioricet has been a go-to option, it may be worth having an honest conversation with a doctor about whether a different acute treatment or a preventive migraine treatment might be a better fit long-term.

June 17
A MyMigraineTeam Member

Wow, both my daughter and I swear by it,

October 11

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