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Compare Imitrex vs. Amerge

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

Key takeaways

Sumatriptan (Imitrex) and naratriptan (Amerge) are both triptans used to treat migraines with or without aura in adults. Sumatriptan is available in various forms, including tablets, injections, and nasal sprays, while naratriptan is only available as a tablet. Sumatriptan can be taken again 2 hours after the first dose if needed, but naratriptan requires a 4-hour wait before a second dose. Sumatriptan starts working within about 2 hours, whereas naratriptan can take up to 3 or 4 hours to reach its maximum effect. Both medications can cause serious issues like heart problems and serotonin syndrome. Sumatriptan is available as a lower-cost generic, and while the brand name Amerge for naratriptan is no longer available, its generic form can still be prescribed.

drug combination

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  • Sumatriptan (Imitrex)
    Naratriptan
  • Sumatriptan (Imitrex)
    Naratriptan

  • Summary of Imitrex vs. Amerge

    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.

    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.

  • Indications of Imitrex vs. Amerge

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

  • Pros and Cons of Imitrex vs. Amerge

    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
    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

  • Common Side Effects of Imitrex vs. Amerge

    Common Side Effects for
    •Tingling or numbness of fingers or toes (3-5%)
    •Feeling too warm or too cold (2-3%)
    •Fatigue (2-3%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea (up to 5%)

  • Warnings of Imitrex vs. Amerge

    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
    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

  • Prices with our coupons for Imitrex vs. Amerge

    Learn more about Sumatriptan
    Learn more about Naratriptan

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