Amerge vs. Zomig for Migraine: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Key takeaways

Naratriptan and zolmitriptan (Zomig) are both triptans used to treat migraines. But they have several differences. Naratriptan is available only as an oral tablet, while zolmitriptan comes in multiple forms: oral tablet, orally disintegrating tablet (ODT), and nasal spray. This makes zolmitriptan a better option if you have trouble swallowing pills during a migraine. Naratriptan can be taken again 4 hours after the first dose if needed, but zolmitriptan can be taken again after just 2 hours. Both medications can cause side effects like dizziness and sleepiness, but zolmitriptan has a higher chance of causing nausea and unusual taste, especially with the nasal spray. Additionally, zolmitriptan is available in both brand-name and generic forms, while naratriptan is only available as a generic. Both medications should not be used to prevent migraines and have similar warnings regarding heart problems and serotonin syndrome (high serotonin levels).

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Naratriptan

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Zolmitriptan

(Zomig)

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Summary for Amerge

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.

Indications for Amerge

Treatment of migraine attacks with or without aura in adults

Pros and Cons for Amerge

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

Common Side Effects for Amerge

Nausea (up to 5%)

Warnings for Amerge

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

Summary for Zomig

Prescription only

Zolmitriptan (Zomig) is used for the short-term treatment of migraines. You typically take just one dose when you have a migraine. Zolmitriptan (Zomig) can cause side effects like dizziness and chest, neck, or jaw pain. This medication is a tablet that you swallow. It also comes as an orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) and a nasal spray, which can be good options for people who have trouble swallowing pills during a migraine. Zolmitriptan (Zomig) is available by prescription only as a brand-name and generic medication; it's not found over the counter.

Indications for Zomig

Treatment of migraine

Pros and Cons for Zomig

Pros

One of the first-choice options for adults to treat moderate or severe migraine
Works within 2 hours after taking the dose
Has ODT and nasal spray forms, so it's a good option for people who have trouble swallowing pills during a migraine

Cons

Not used for other types of headaches
Doesn't prevent migraines from happening
Can worsen your headaches if you take the medication for more than 9 days in a month

Common Side Effects for Zomig

Tablets and orally disintegrating tablets

Nausea (up to 9%)
Dizziness (up to 8%)
Pins and needles feeling in the arms or legs (up to 7%)
Neck, throat, or jaw pain, tightness, or pressure (up to 7%)
Sleepiness (up to 6%)
Feeling warm or cold (up to 6%)
Body weakness (up to 5%)
Dry mouth (up to 5%)
Chest pain, tightness, pressure, or heaviness (up to 3%)

Nasal spray

Unusual taste (up to 17%)
Dizziness (6%)
Pins and needles feeling in your arms or legs (5%)
Throat pain (4%)
Feeling warm (4%)
Dry mouth (3%)
Body weakness (3%)

Warnings for Zomig

Heart attack and chest pain (angina)
Irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmias)
Stroke or other brain injury
Blood vessel issues
Serotonin syndrome
High blood pressure
Caution use in people with phenylketonuria (PKU) - for orally disintegrating tablet only