Are you a healthcare professional? Join GoodRx for HCPs

Compare Imitrex vs. Keppra

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

Key takeaways

Sumatriptan (Imitrex) and levetiracetam (Keppra) are both prescription medications, but they treat different conditions. Sumatriptan is used to treat migraines in adults and belongs to the triptan class. It works by tightening blood vessels and reducing inflammation in the brain. You take it as needed for migraines, with a maximum of two doses in 24 hours. Common side effects include tingling, feeling too warm or cold, and fatigue. On the other hand, evetiracetam is an antiepileptic medication used to treat various types of seizures. It is taken daily, either once or twice, depending on the formulation. Unlike sumatriptan, levetiracetam can cause sleepiness, weakness, and mood changes, especially in children. Both medications are available in generic forms, making them more affordable. However, sumatriptan has more specific drug interactions and is not recommended for people with certain heart conditions, while levetiracetam has fewer interactions but can affect mood and behavior.

Sumatriptan (Imitrex)
Levetiracetam (Keppra)
Sumatriptan (Imitrex)
Levetiracetam (Keppra)
Summary of Imitrex vs. Keppra
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 Antiepileptic
Prescription only
Immediate-release levetiracetam is a seizure medication for adults and children. It's known as the brand names Keppra and Roweepra, and it also has a generic version. This medication comes as a tablet and liquid that's taken twice each day. The dosage depends on your age, weight, and the type of seizure you have. Levetiracetam (Keppra) doesn't have any known interactions with food or medications. Common side effects include weakness, sleepiness, and headache.
Indications of Imitrex vs. Keppra
Indications for

•Treatment of migraine attacks with or without aura in adults

Indications for

•Focal aware (partial-onset) seizures in people ages 1 month and older

•Add-on treatment for myoclonic seizures from juvenile myoclonic epilepsy in people ages 12 years and older

•Add-on treatment for generalized tonic-clonic seizures in people ages 6 years and older
Pros and Cons of Imitrex vs. Keppra
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 Antiepileptic
Pros

•Available as tablets and a liquid (liquid recommended for children weighing 44 lbs or less)

•Taken by mouth with or without food

•Usually tolerated well

Cons

•Need to take twice per day

•Might cause changes in behavior or mood

•Might not be the best option if you have a history of mental health problems (e.g., depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder)
Common Side Effects of Imitrex vs. Keppra
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
Side effects were reported by people with focal aware seizures taking levetiracetam (Keppra) with other seizure medications. Side effects might differ for other seizure types. <br> Adults:

•Weakness (15%)

•Sleepiness (15%)

•Headache (14%)

•Infection (13%)

•Dizziness (9%)

Children:

•Headache (19%)

•Common cold symptoms (15%)

•Vomiting (15%)

•Sleepiness (13%)

•Tiredness (11%)

•Being aggressive (10%)

•Cough (9%)

•Stuffy nose (9%)

•Upper stomach pain (9%)

•Lower appetite (8%)
Warnings of Imitrex vs. Keppra
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

•Abnormal mood, thoughts, or behavior

•Suicidal thoughts or behavior

•Difficulty with speech, movement, and concentration

•Serious allergic reactions and skin reactions

•Withdrawal seizures

•Low blood cell counts

•Higher blood pressure in young children

•Seizure control during pregnancy
Prices with our coupons for Imitrex vs. Keppra
Learn more about Sumatriptan
Learn more about Levetiracetam

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.

Compare Imitrex vs. Keppra

Key takeaways

Summary of Imitrex vs. Keppra

Indications of Imitrex vs. Keppra

Pros and Cons of Imitrex vs. Keppra

Common Side Effects of Imitrex vs. Keppra

Warnings of Imitrex vs. Keppra

Prices with our coupons for Imitrex vs. Keppra

Compare other Migraine and Epilepsy drugs

Browse medications

Good news for your inbox