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Compare Imitrex vs. Ergotamine

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

Key takeaways

Sumatriptan (Imitrex) and Ergomar (ergotamine) are both used to treat migraines, but they have some key differences. Sumatriptan is a triptan that works by tightening blood vessels and reducing inflammation, while Ergomar is an ergot derivative that also tightens blood vessels but works by calming certain parts of the brain. Sumatriptan is typically taken as a single dose and can be repeated after 2 hours if needed, whereas Ergomar is taken sublingually and can be repeated after 30 minutes. Sumatriptan is available as a lower-cost generic, but Ergomar is not. Ergomar lasts longer than Sumatriptan, reducing the likelihood of a repeat headache. Both medications can cause serious side effects like heart problems and high blood pressure, but Ergomar has additional risks such as causing birth defects and fibrosis with long-term use. You should not take these medications together or within 24 hours of each other due to the risk of dangerously high blood pressure.

  • Sumatriptan (Imitrex)
    Ergomar (ergotamine)
  • Sumatriptan (Imitrex)
    Ergomar (ergotamine)

  • Summary of Imitrex vs. Ergotamine

    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 Ergot derivative
    Prescription only

    Ergomar (ergotamine) treats migraines. It's an ergot medication. It works by lessening inflammation in the brain and calming certain parts of the brain. Ergomar (ergotamine) is a brand-name medication that comes as sublingual tablets for adults. You place it under the tongue to dissolve as soon as you feel like you're about to have a migraine or headache. Side effects include nausea and vomiting.

  • Indications of Imitrex vs. Ergotamine

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

  • Pros and Cons of Imitrex vs. Ergotamine

    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 Ergot derivative
    Pros
    •Dissolves under the tongue, so it's easy to take
    •Can take a second tablet 30 minutes after you first take it if you need more relief
    •Can take on an as-needed basis
    Cons
    •Doesn't work as well as triptans
    •Not recommended for preventing migraines
    •Not for daily or long-term use

  • Common Side Effects of Imitrex vs. Ergotamine

    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
    •Vomiting
    •Numbness or tingling
    •Weakness

  • Warnings of Imitrex vs. Ergotamine

    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
    •Poor blood flow through the body
    •More severe blood circulation problems due to drug interactions
    •Fibrosis (scarring)
    •Harm to an unborn baby

  • Prices with our coupons for Imitrex vs. Ergotamine

    Learn more about Sumatriptan
    Learn more about Ergomar

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