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Imitrex vs. Axert

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

Key takeaways

Sumatriptan (Imitrex) and almotriptan (Axert) are both triptans used to treat migraines, but they have some differences. Sumatriptan is available in various forms, including tablets, injections, and nasal sprays, while almotriptan is only available as a tablet. Sumatriptan can be taken by adults and is available as a lower-cost generic, whereas almotriptan can be used by both adults and children aged 12 and older. Sumatriptan starts working within about 2 hours, while Almotriptan typically starts working within 1 to 3 hours. Both medications can cause side effects like dizziness and fatigue, as well as serious side effects like high blood pressure and heart problems. Almotriptan can cause allergic reactions those allergic to sulfa medications. Both medications should not be used more than 9 days per month to avoid worsening headaches.

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Which Triptan Medication Is Best For Migraine Relief?

Sumatriptan

(Imitrex)

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Almotriptan

 

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Summary for Imitrex

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 for Imitrex

  • Treatment of migraine attacks with or without aura in adults

Pros and Cons for Imitrex

Pros

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 for Imitrex

  • Tingling or numbness of fingers or toes (3-5%)
  • Feeling too warm or too cold (2-3%)
  • Fatigue (2-3%)

Warnings for Imitrex

  • Heart problems and high blood pressure
  • Stroke or other brain injury
  • Extreme narrowing of blood vessels
  • Serotonin syndrome
  • Allergic reactions
  • Seizures

Summary for Axert

Prescription only

Almotriptan is a type of migraine medication called a triptan. It treats migraine with or without aura in adults and certain children age 12 to 17 years. Its brand name Axert has been discontinued, so almotriptan is now only available as a generic. Almotriptan is a tablet that's swallowed whole when a migraine starts. You can take another tablet at least 2 hours later if the medication doesn't completely relieve your migraine. Side effects include sleepiness and headache.

Indications for Axert

  • Treatment of migraine attacks in adults with a history of migraine with or without aura
  • Treatment of migraine pain in children age 12 to 17 years with a history of migraine with or without aura that lasts 4 hours or more

Pros and Cons for Axert

Pros

  • A first-choice option for treating a migraine attack in adults
  • Approved for certain children 12 years and older
  • Might start working as soon as 30 minutes after taking the 12.5 mg strength

Cons

  • Might not be a good option for people who have trouble swallowing pills whole during a migraine
  • Not used to prevent migraine or to treat other types of headaches
  • Must wait at least 2 hours to take another tablet if the first dose didn't fully relieve the migraine

Common Side Effects for Axert

Adults:

  • Nausea (1-2%)
  • Dry mouth (1%)
  • "Pins and needles" feeling in the arms or legs (1%)

Children age 12 years and older:

  • Sleepiness (up to 5%)
  • Dizziness (3-4%)
  • Nausea (1-3%)
  • Vomiting (up to 2%)
  • Headache (1-2%)
  • "Pins and needles" feeling in the arms or legs (1%)

Warnings for Axert

  • Heart attack, chest pain (angina), and irregular heart rhythm
  • Stroke or other brain injury
  • Extreme narrowing of blood vessels
  • Serotonin syndrome
  • Worse headaches if you take almotriptan too often
  • High blood pressure
  • Serious allergic reaction

Prices with our coupons for Imitrex vs. Axert

Price Card Drug Icon
Sumatriptan1 dose pack / 9 tablets of 100mg
$14.40$91.65
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Almotriptan1 dose pack / 12 tablets of 12.5mg
$133.66$410.45
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