Skip to main content

Acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine User Reviews & Ratings

Brand names: Fioricet, Zebutal, Capacet Phrenilin Forte Vtol LQ Vanatol LQ Anolor 300 Vanatol S

Acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine has an average rating of 8.8 out of 10 from a total of 250 reviews on Drugs.com. 85% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 7% reported a negative experience.

Condition Avg. Rating Reviews Compare
Headache  
8.8
250 reviews for Headache 224 medications
Add your review

Reviews for Acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine

  • Ann
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • October 9, 2019

Fioricet (acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine) for Headache "First this med Fioricet is not addictive. I take it as needed. Originally prescribed years ago for Tension & Sinus headaches. Four years ago had surgery (upper extremity) & have suffered from chronic pain upper back & shoulder muscles as well as upper cervical causing headaches. I take 1/2 tablet every 4 to 6 hrs & allows me to function. Doesn’t ever relieve all the pain Is adequate alternative to dangerous narcotics. NOT ADDICTIVE. Fioricet makes life bearable with no side effects."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
146 Report
  • Mike
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • December 3, 2019

Fioricet (acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine) for Headache "I have suffered from headaches and migraines most of my life. I use to take Excedrin Migraine like candy until my doctor prescribed Fioricet. Works like a charm everytime. Miracle drug in my opinion. I'm 62."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
136 Report
  • Deb
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • September 3, 2018

Fioricet (acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine) for Headache "I have had migraine headaches for over 30 yrs. I have taken MANY meds that were prescribed by Neurologists that created a lot of side affects- none that were helpful. I now take 2 Fiorocet pills everyday and find it manages my chronic daily headaches most days. I know it is believed that my headaches may be rebound headaches but all the many attempts to address this have failed. My use has not escalated, and I am able to work at a demanding job and be present for my family. I am very grateful for Fiorocet!"

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
155 Report
  • Katie
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • August 23, 2019

Fioricet (acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine) for Headache "FIORICET is the ONLY RX to lessen or stop my daily migraines of 15 years. Like many others, I have tried many things, always under the care of my neurologist and primary care, and pain management doctor. I never used more than prescribed. I would prefer not using it, due to the stigma of using a narcotic. Medicare Part D doesn't cover it. Only another migraine suffer knows."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
106 Report
  • Chris
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • April 3, 2021

Fioricet (acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine) for Headache "I love this medicine! Ive been struggling with terrible brain fog. Bad constant pressure in my head. I've had a CT scan and it came back normal. I've been back and forth to my primary doc and no luck with medicines. Finally after a trip to the ER one terrible night the doc prescribed me fioricet. I've been taking it since and it blew my mind how effective it is at taking away my fog and pressure. I suffer with bad anger and tension headaches. This drug has been a God send for my issues and I've been happy and calm at work and my head's never felt better!"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
77 Report

Are you taking this medicine?

  • butal...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • August 28, 2018

Fioricet (acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine) for Headache "Do not let the big drug company sponsored research scare you out of trying this medication for your tension HA. I have tried several medications in the past. All with promises of being the miracle drug for me. Fioricet is the only medication that allowed me to be truly free of my HA. I was unable to work and collected unemployment. Fioricet allowed me to work and be free from government over site. Thank you to all the companies out there that don't let the old line drugs fall away from doctors site."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
112 Report
  • Anonymous
  • September 30, 2013

Fioricet (acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine) for Headache "Have had migraines since I was in my 20's. Like many have said I was given Toradol, Cafergot, Darvocet, birth control pills, Elavil, Inderal and nothing worked. Have had to go to ER at least 2-3x yearly over the years. Twenty years ago I had a severe neck injury and closed head injury after a car accident and my migraines went from a monthly occurrence to daily. I was also given the nerve block shots at the base of the skull. My ER visits increased to several times a year. Finally, a co-worker who also suffered from migraines asked if I had ever tried Excedrin or been prescribed Fioricet. I hadn't, so I asked my doctor and he wrote a script for it. That was 20 years ago and I haven't had an ER visit since. I am 60 now."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
177 Report
  • Tsss
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • September 30, 2014

Fioricet (acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine) for Headache "Fioricet is the only medication that will quickly and effectively get rid of my migraine/tension headaches. I've tried multiple other medications, treatments without relief. Without them I'm totally incapacitated, in bed, no lights, nausea and frequent emergency room visits. So far without signs of dependence, withdrawals or addiction. However I despise the looks or comments at certain pharmacies like you're an addict! Obviously these people have never experienced severe headaches."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
159 Report
  • Maggy
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • December 24, 2020

Fioricet (acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine) for Headache "Headaches (HA) that lasted days. I was missing work and felt distant from my friends and family. Went to multiple doctors was put on Zanaflex, Sumatriptan, Zofran, and Topamax. None of them worked so I continued to take ibuprofen nearly every day and ended up with a stomach ulcer. Still had horrible HAs at least once a week and felt none of my doctors were listening to me, so I got a new doctor. First visit he prescribed me Fioricet and was shocked nobody did before. It has improved my life so much. It is the first thing that I have used that actually works every time. Some people say it makes them really groggy but I don't feel that at all. I have been prescribed opioids and benzos in the past for unrelated issues and this drug isn't even close to either of those. I take it at work and makes me feel relaxed but I can still function, even better than not taking it. I feel happy again instead of dreading life because my head and neck are really bothering me."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
66 Report
  • BGano
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • October 8, 2019

Fioricet (acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine) for Headache "I have been in severe chronic pain for 40 years. I suffered from trigeminal neuralgia for twenty years. I had two blood vessels pressing on the trigeminal nerve which feels as though I was bring stabbed with a red hot poker in my right eye. Plus right side of face would pull down with cluster and migraines. For years fioricet was the only med that relieved the nerve pain. I used other pain meds for other pain relief. Ultimately I had to have brain surgery it has a big name but Teflon pads between blood vessels and trigeminal nerve. It worked for 20 years. I now have fifth nerve -glossopharyngeal nerve which runs. Along right side of tongue. An electric shock lasting a split second or longer from one time a day or for 30 minutes. Once a day to every hour. Nerves stays inflamed-like it is scalded. Can’t brush teeth, eat anything spicy, hot, etc. without extreme nerve Pain. The only med. that relieves some of pain is fioricet. Taking two 50-325+ caff."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
69 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • December 14, 2019

Fioricet (acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine) for Headache "I've had migraines for 40 years and tried everything and the one drug that keeps them at bay is fiorecet . I have to take 3x a day to keep them away. With the new drug rules that you can't get your pain meds until the exact day sucks. Several times when I should be able to get them Walgreens then doesn't stock them so I end up with a bad migraine for 3 days that imitrex barely helps. I too after taking for over 10 years now prefer the codeine version. Neck full of arthritis."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
61 Report
  • Katel...
  • January 11, 2015

Fioricet (acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine) for Headache "MAGIC. I never leave home without at least two pills in my purse. I've suffered from migraines since I was 17 (23 now, not that long but long enough) and have been on almost everything. I've been basically turned away by two neurologists because they have nothing left to try with me. I refuse to take any kind of heavy narcotic unless I am forced to go to the ER and I was finally prescribed Fioricet and it worked like no other. Instead of having to drop everything I was doing when the migraine started to lay in a dark room I was able to take 1-2 pills depending on the severity and go on with my day like nothing had happened. It's absolutely amazing. HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
107 Report
  • RedBa...
  • July 13, 2018

Fioricet (acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine) for Headache "I have had a headache non stop for 8 months now. Fioracet is the only thing saving me. It stops the pain (till it wears off) with no side effects. I hate taking meds. But this one I have to give a 10 stars!"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
73 Report
  • tracy...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 18, 2013

Fioricet (acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine) for Headache "I have been suffering from Post Concussion Syndrome for 10 months. I was a prisoner in my own house and lived like I was 80 and I am only 43. I had to stop working, driving and going anywhere that I had to stand or walk. Last week, I went to a new Neurosurgeon and he prescribed Fioricet. I take 2 tablets every 4 hours, but as soon as it gets close to that 4 hr mark the pain comes right back. Luckily, it only takes about 15-20 mins before it kicks in. I called my Dr today and said I love this medicine. I finally feel like I am claiming my life back again. My only worry is that I am going to have to stay on this medicine for the rest of my life. "

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
110 Report
  • Greek...
  • May 13, 2016

Fioricet (acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine) for Headache "I've had headaches for as long as I ca remember....I've taken excedrin, imitrex, tramadol.....nothing worked til my Ob gave me fioricet and it was a god send.....I've been on it for 40 yrs with no side effects....now the doctors are so worried about the barbiturate...heavens it's Not an opiod... Utah unfortunately is very strict with this drug....for reasons I will not say...it's a miracle drug for me...."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
85 Report
  • OBXHi...
  • December 4, 2018

Fioricet (acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine) for Headache "I noticed a few people mentioned that their insurance didn't cover it. I experienced the same problem. Insurance didn't cover my script. Then one day a pharmacist tried to run it as a pill instead of the capsule and like magic insurance covered the script. Fioricet works wonders for my migraines and tension headaches. Unfortunately, I go to a local clinic where doctor turnover is high so I have to jump through hoops and have my meds screwed with about every six months. They always end up prescribing me fioricet but, not until they try a litany of trial and error on my headaches. I've have clusters, migraines and tension headaches since 1971. I used to take darvocet 100's and they quit making those. Then midrin and they stopped that. Now fioricet and they're kind of weird about that. Just remember to try the pill and not capsule tablets and set if your insurance is more user friendly."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
61 Report
  • sweet...
  • May 14, 2013

Fioricet (acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine) for Headache "I have had migraines forever. I have had to go to the hospital and they would give me shots of Toradol, Phenergran and Dilaudid. It worked but it made me sick and my headache came back as soon as I finally woke-up. I had one that helped the most which was amitriptyline but I gained so much weight from it, I quit it and gave up until recently I went to the after hours clinic and they prescribed me Fioricet tablets 4 times a day for headaches. It's the best prescription ever and better it only cost 13 dollars and works 100% better."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
103 Report
  • Cilly
  • June 17, 2019

Fioricet (acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine) for Headache "I have had a headaches of some sort since 1992. Migraine, tension and cluster among others I can't describe. This is the only med that comes close to giving me relief! It's not intended for migraines but, it seems to take the sharp edge off of it! Thank goodness I haven't had any bad side effects from it. Now and then I will have a rebound h/a but nothing bad!"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
52 Report
  • addieje
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • August 17, 2019

Fioricet (acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine) for Headache "I've had migraines for about 30+ years. After many tests and trials by a neurologist, she put me on a "triple therapy" treatment consisting of 25 mg Indomethacin capsule, 50 mg Fioricet, & an anti-nausea med. I stopped taking the anti-nausea meds because I never get nauseous with my migraines but the other 2 are the ONLY meds that have ever totally gotten rid of my migraines. So my testament is from using these 2 for over 30 years. At the first sign of a migraine or waking up with one, I usually take 1 indomethacin and 1/2 tablet Fioricet and I'm good for the rest of the day! Thumbs Up!!"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
47 Report
  • meteo...
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • September 6, 2014

Fioricet (acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine) for Headache "I have had a lifetime of debilitating headaches, through which pricey neurologists have determined that I have 2 types of headache going on - though perhaps not at the same time. I have severe tension headaches, as well as heachaches with a significant migraine component (I see the aura - I can tell when those are on the way). Fioricet is a fundamental front-line treatment for the tension headaches, and with Fioricet, they usually do not develop into the severe (keep me in a quiet, dark room) type, which were MUCH more frequent without Fioricet. I fully endorse it in my case."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
80 Report
  • Anonymous
  • September 9, 2017

Fioricet (acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine) for Headache "I have had a pounding throbbing migraine for 18 days a terrible throbbing pain on the left side of my head. I tried everything under the sun imitrex over the counter everything the only thing that worked for me is fioricet it took away my migraine in an instant I suffer from anxiety so that caused my tension migraines this medicine puts anxiety at easy and your migraine completely gone. Please don't be in pain anymore go to your doctor and get fioricet. I feel for all the migraine sufferers I have been dealing with it for half my life don't be in pain anymore this medicine will really work also if you have moderate to severe anxiety like I do hope this helps!!!"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
59 Report
  • Matd
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • November 9, 2015

Fioricet (acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine) for Headache "I've taken this medicine for nearly 15 years for debilitating migraines. I am not addicted to Fioricet. I do not get rebound headaches. When the pain is gone, it's gone. I have bad arthritis in the neck causing a combination of migraine and cluster migraines. I've taken every possible anticonvulsant combo and tried all kinds of migraine relief drugs and OTC's. Nothing takes the pain away like Fioricet. I take zonsiimide as a prophylactic now along (along with Fioricet as needed). The frequency of headaches have decreased with age but nonetheless still occur. Fioricet will now not be covered by insurance company. This is appalling. Really? Because of what? Addicts? Why are we penalizing those who need it by making them pay full price?"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
71 Report
  • Brandy
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • January 30, 2019

Fioricet (acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine) for Headache "Fiorcet works to eliminate most of my migraine symptoms; ie: tight, tense neck, shoulders, upper back and facial muscles, throbbing, radiating and stabbing pains and nausea. It greatly reduces and sometimes eliminates changes in tastes and smells, sound and light sensitivities."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
49 Report
  • Anonymous
  • October 19, 2008

Fioricet (acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine) for Headache "I've had headaches since early childood and I swear I tried everything; OTC medicines, chiropractic, acupuncture, yoga, different diets, physical therapy, ultrasound. Finally after seeing a million doctors, including two neurologists and a pain specialist, I moved to a new state and started seeing a Physician's Assistant, who prescribed me Fioricet. What a diffrence in my life. My headaches go away within an hour or so now, instead of just "waiting it out" for 3 to 6 days. I would tell anyone with TMJ and/or tension headaches to try this. It works best if you take it as soon as you feel a headache coming on. I too tried to use it as a last resort, but I have learned that it's not worth the suffering."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
105 Report
  • farme...
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • December 31, 2012

Fioricet (acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine) for Headache "I've been taking Fioricet for 40 years. I've had migraines for 53 years. I was 19 when it was first prescribed for me, before that, my life revolved around my headaches. Fioricet changed my life for the incredibly better. I'm third generation migraine sufferer, so I suppose there's an argument for a genetic predisposition. Up until I was 19, headaches were an almost daily occurrence since I was very young, lasting from 8 hours to days. So many things triggered them that I won't even begin to make a list. I am careful about the acetaminophen component, which seems to be the main potential negative health issue. Rebound headaches can also occur, but, it's nothing compared to the life enhancing benefits, at least for me."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
73 Report

Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.