A barbiturate. Butalbital is one ingredient among several in a number of combination drugs containing a barbiturate, an analgesic (painkiller], and sometimes a narcotic and caffeine. One example is Fiorinal with codeine, which contains butalbital, aspirin, caffeine, and codeine; another example is Fioricet, which contains butalbital, acetaminophen, and caffeine. Both combinations are prescribed for migraine and tension headaches. Butalbital can cause an impaired ability to drive.