Fioricet Is a Prescription Combination of Butalbital, Acetaminophen, and Caffeine Used to Treat Tension Headaches

If you or someone you know gets tension headaches, there's a good chance Fioricet has come up in conversation. It's one of the most commonly prescribed medications for this type of headache — but it's also one that raises a lot of questions. What's actually in it? Is it a controlled substance? How much does it cost?

This guide covers everything you need to know about Fioricet in 2026: what it is, how it works, how to take it, who shouldn't use it, and what it costs.

What Is Fioricet?

Fioricet is a brand-name prescription medication that combines three active ingredients:

• Butalbital (50 mg) — A short-to-intermediate-acting barbiturate that relaxes muscles and reduces anxiety
• Acetaminophen (325 mg) — The same pain reliever found in Tylenol
• Caffeine (40 mg) — A stimulant that enhances pain relief and constricts cerebral blood vessels

The original brand was manufactured by Allergan. Today, multiple generic versions are available under names like Esgic, Zebutal, Capacet, and Vanatol. The generic is called Butalbital/Acetaminophen/Caffeine (sometimes abbreviated BAC).

Fioricet comes in capsules and tablets (50/325/40 mg) and as an oral solution (Vanatol LQ).

Is Fioricet a Controlled Substance?

This is one of the most common questions. Fioricet (without Codeine) is not federally scheduled by the DEA. However, several states classify it as a controlled substance at the state level. Fioricet with Codeine is a Schedule III controlled substance federally.

Even though it's not federally scheduled, Butalbital is a barbiturate with abuse potential, so doctors and pharmacies still treat it with appropriate caution.

What Is Fioricet Used For?

Fioricet is FDA-approved for one indication:

• Relief of tension-type (muscle contraction) headaches

Doctors also prescribe it off-label for:

• Migraine headaches
• Other headache types
• General pain management

Tension headaches are the most common type of headache, affecting up to 80% of adults at some point. They typically cause a dull, aching pain on both sides of the head, often described as a "band" of pressure. Fioricet targets these headaches through its combination of muscle relaxation (Butalbital), pain relief (Acetaminophen), and blood vessel constriction (Caffeine).

For a detailed explanation of how Fioricet works, see our mechanism of action guide.

How Is Fioricet Taken?

The typical dosage is:

• 1 to 2 capsules or tablets every 4 hours as needed
• Maximum: 6 capsules or tablets per day

Important guidelines:

• Take it by mouth with or without food (taking it with food can reduce nausea)
• Don't take more than prescribed — exceeding the maximum dose increases the risk of liver damage and dependence
• Extended or repeated daily use is not recommended due to the potential for physical dependence on Butalbital
• If you miss a dose, just take the next one when needed — don't double up

Who Should Not Take Fioricet?

Fioricet is contraindicated (should not be used) in people with:

• Porphyria — A group of disorders affecting the nervous system or skin
• Acetaminophen allergy
• Severe liver impairment — The Acetaminophen component can worsen liver damage

Use with extra caution if you:

• Are elderly or debilitated
• Have kidney disease
• Have a history of substance use disorder
• Are pregnant (Category C) or breastfeeding
• Take other medications that interact with Fioricet — see our drug interactions guide

For a complete list of side effects and safety concerns, read our Fioricet side effects guide.

How Much Does Fioricet Cost?

Fioricet costs vary widely:

• Brand-name Fioricet: Up to ~$323 for 30 capsules at retail price
• Generic (Butalbital/Acetaminophen/Caffeine): As low as $22.92 for 30 capsules with a prescription discount card

The generic version is where the real savings are. Here's how to pay less:

• Ask for generic. Always request Butalbital/Acetaminophen/Caffeine instead of brand-name Fioricet.
• Use a discount card. SingleCare, GoodRx, and RxSaver can cut the price dramatically — sometimes by 90% or more.
• Check insurance coverage. Many insurance plans and Medicare Part D plans cover generic Fioricet, though some may require prior authorization.
• Look into patient assistance. NeedyMeds and RxAssist list programs for patients who qualify based on income.

For more strategies, read our complete guide to saving money on Fioricet.

Final Thoughts

Fioricet has been a go-to treatment for tension headaches for decades, and for good reason — it works. But it's important to understand what you're taking, follow dosing guidelines carefully, and be honest with your doctor about your medical history.

If you're having trouble finding Fioricet at your pharmacy, Medfinder can help you check which pharmacies near you have it in stock. And if cost is a concern, generic options and discount cards can bring the price down to under $25.