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Compare Elavil vs. Imitrex

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

Key takeaways

Amitriptyline (formerly branded as Elavil) and sumatriptan (Imitrex) are both prescription medications, but they are used for different purposes and belong to different drug classes. Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) primarily used to treat depression, though it is also used off-label for nerve pain and migraine prevention. On the other hand, sumatriptan (Imitrex) is a triptan used to treat acute migraine attacks with or without aura in adults. Amitriptyline works by increasing levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain to improve mood, while sumatriptan (Imitrex) works by activating serotonin receptors to tighten blood vessels and reduce inflammation and pain. Amitriptyline is taken daily, whereas sumatriptan is taken as needed for migraines, with a maximum of two doses in 24 hours. Common side effects of amitriptyline include sleepiness and weight gain, while sumatriptan can cause tingling, numbness, and fatigue. Both medications are available in generic forms, making them more affordable options.

  • Amitriptyline
    Sumatriptan (Imitrex)
  • Amitriptyline
    Sumatriptan (Imitrex)

  • Summary of Elavil vs. Imitrex

    Summary for Tricyclic antidepressant
    Prescription only

    Amitriptyline is FDA approved to treat depression. But it isn't as commonly used today as other antidepressants because it can cause a lot of side effects, such as sleepiness and weight gain. In addition, amitriptyline has many interactions with other medications, including other antidepressants, sedatives, and antihistamines. But despite the side effects and interactions, amitriptyline is often used off label for nerve pain due to diabetes and migraine prevention. While its brand name Elavil is no longer available, amitriptyline is available as a generic medication.

    Summary for Triptan
    Prescription only

    Sumatriptan (Imitrex) is used to treat migraines with or without aura in adults. The medication is typically taken as a single dose for your migraine. But, it's possible that you can take it again 2 hours after the first dose if your migraine doesn't go away. Side effects of sumatriptan (Imitrex) include tingling or numbness of fingers or toes, feeling too warm or too cold, and fatigue. It can interact with antidepressants and other similar migraine medications. Sumatriptan (Imitrex) is available as a lower-cost generic tablet.

  • Indications of Elavil vs. Imitrex

    Indications for
    •Depression
    Indications for
    •Treatment of migraine attacks with or without aura in adults

  • Pros and Cons of Elavil vs. Imitrex

    Pros and Const for Tricyclic antidepressant
    Pros
    •Available in many different strengths
    •Available as a lower-cost, generic form
    •Can take with or without food
    Cons
    •Has many unpleasant side effects compared to other antidepressants
    •Can cause withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking it after long-term use
    •Not the best choice for people with heart problems, glaucoma, or seizures or people age 65 years and older
    Pros and Const for Triptan
    Pros
    •First-choice option for treating migraines
    •Can take with commonly used over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol)
    •Can start relieving migraine headaches within 30 minutes to 2 hours
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Can't use to prevent migraines
    •Must wait at least 2 hours after the first dose to take a second dose, if needed
    •Your migraines can get worse if you use this medication too often.
    •Unknown if it's safe or if it works well in children

  • Common Side Effects of Elavil vs. Imitrex

    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness
    •Dizziness
    •Weakness
    •Fatigue
    •Headache
    •Dry mouth
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Constipation
    •Weight gain
    Common Side Effects for
    •Tingling or numbness of fingers or toes (3-5%)
    •Feeling too warm or too cold (2-3%)
    •Fatigue (2-3%)

  • Warnings of Elavil vs. Imitrex

    Common Side Effects for
    •Worsening depression, suicidal thoughts, and unusual behavior
    •Not for use alone in bipolar disorder
    •Risk of heart problems, heart attack, or stroke
    •Seizures
    •Glaucoma
    •Higher risk of falls
    Common Side Effects for
    •Heart problems and high blood pressure
    •Stroke or other brain injury
    •Extreme narrowing of blood vessels
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Allergic reactions
    •Seizures

  • Prices with our coupons for Elavil vs. Imitrex

    Learn more about Amitriptyline
    Learn more about Sumatriptan

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