Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Amerge vs. Cafergot

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Naratriptan (Amerge) and ergotamine/caffeine (Cafergot, Migergot) are both medications used to treat migraines, but they belong to different medication classes. Naratriptan is a triptan, while ergotamine/caffeine is an ergot derivative combined with caffeine. Naratriptan is available as an oral tablet, whereas ergotamine/caffeine can be taken as an oral tablet or a rectal suppository. Naratriptan is typically taken as a single dose, with the option to take another dose 4 hours later if needed, but you shouldn't exceed 5 mg in a day. Ergotamine/caffeine is taken as soon as you feel a headache coming on, with a limit of 6 tablets per headache episode or 10 tablets per week. Both medications are available as a lower-cost generic. Common side effects of naratriptan include nausea and dizziness, while ergotamine/caffeine can cause nausea, vomiting, and numbness. Naratriptan can interact with antidepressants, while ergotamine/caffeine should not be taken with certain antibiotics or protease inhibitors.

  • Naratriptan
    Cafergot (ergotamine / caffeine)
  • Naratriptan
    Cafergot (ergotamine / caffeine)

  • Summary of Amerge vs. Cafergot

    Summary for Triptan
    Prescription only

    Naratriptan is a triptan that's used to treat migraines with or without aura in adults. While the brand name Amerge is no longer available, there's a generic version that you can get by prescription. Naratriptan is a tablet that's swallowed whole once, typically as a single dose. But you can take the medication again 4 hours later if the first dose didn't work to relieve your migraine. Side effects aren't common, but it might make you nauseous, sleepy, or dizzy.

    Summary for Ergot derivative / PDE inhibitor, nonselective
    Prescription only

    Cafergot (ergotamine / caffeine) is used to treat cluster headaches and migraines in adults. It's available as a tablet that's taken by mouth, as well as a suppository that's inserted into the rectum. Typically, you take a dose as soon as you feel a headache coming on. But there's a limit to how many doses you can take each week because taking this medication too often can lead to serious side effects, such as vomiting and numbness. Brand name Cafergot is discontinued.

  • Indications of Amerge vs. Cafergot

    Indications for
    •Treatment of migraine attacks with or without aura in adults
    Indications for
    •Headache pain caused by swollen or widened blood vessels (vascular headaches)

  • Pros and Cons of Amerge vs. Cafergot

    Pros and Const for Triptan
    Pros
    •One of the first-choice options for short-term treatment of migraines
    •Might cause less side effects than sumatriptan (Imitrex)
    •Available as a lower-cost, generic medication
    Cons
    •Only available as a tablet, so it might not be a good option for people who have trouble swallowing pills during migraine attacks
    •Can take up to 4 hours to get the maximum benefit
    •Hasn't been studied in children
    •Can't use to prevent migraines
    Pros and Const for Ergot derivative / PDE inhibitor, nonselective
    Pros
    •Suppository is a good option for people who've trouble swallowing pills
    •Tablet is available as a lower-cost generic
    •Can start to feel relief after a half hour (for the tablets) or an hour (for the suppository); and you may take an additional dose if no relief
    Cons
    •Not for daily or long-term use
    •Can't take while pregnant
    •Not safe for use for people with kidney or liver problems
    •Rectal suppository is brand name only and requires refrigeration

  • Common Side Effects of Amerge vs. Cafergot

    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea (up to 5%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea

  • Warnings of Amerge vs. Cafergot

    Common Side Effects for
    •Heart problems and high blood pressure
    •Stroke or other brain injury
    •Extreme narrowing of blood vessels
    •Worsened headaches if naratriptan is taken too often
    •Serotonin syndrome
    Common Side Effects for
    •Dangerously low blood flow to your brain and limbs
    •Fibrosis (scarring)
    •Allergic reaction to yellow dye

  • Prices with our coupons for Amerge vs. Cafergot

    Learn more about Naratriptan
    Learn more about Cafergot

Compare other Migraine drugs

Amerge vs CafergotAmerge vs MigergotAmerge vs MigranalAmerge vs ZomigFrova vs AmergeImitrex vs AmergeMaxalt vs AmergeRelpax vs AmergeElavil vs CafergotEmgality vs FrovaEmgality vs ZomigFioricet vs FrovaFioricet vs ZomigFiorinal vs FrovaFiorinal vs ZomigFrova vs CafergotFrova vs ZomigImitrex vs CafergotMaxalt vs CafergotMaxalt vs ZomigOnzetra vs CafergotPropranolol vs CafergotRelpax vs CafergotRelpax vs ZomigTopamax vs CafergotVyepti vs ZomigZomig vs AxertZomig vs CafergotZomig vs ErgotamineZomig vs Imitrex
View More

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.