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Compare Imitrex vs. Maxalt

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

Key takeaways

Sumatriptan (Imitrex) and rizatriptan (Maxalt) are both triptans used to treat migraines, but they have some differences. Sumatriptan is only approved for adults, while Rizatriptan can be used by children as young as 6 years old. Sumatriptan is available in various forms, including tablets, injections, and nasal sprays, whereas rizatriptan comes as a tablet and an orally disintegrating tablet (ODT). Rizatriptan might work faster than sumatriptan, but its effects may not last as long. Common side effects of sumatriptan include tingling or numbness of fingers or toes, while rizatriptan often causes dizziness and sleepiness. Both medications can interact with antidepressants and other migraine treatments, so it's important to discuss all your medications with your prescriber.

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  • Sumatriptan (Imitrex)
    Rizatriptan (Maxalt)
  • Sumatriptan (Imitrex)
    Rizatriptan (Maxalt)

  • Summary of Imitrex vs. Maxalt

    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

    Rizatriptan (Maxalt) is used to treat migraines with or without aura in people ages 6 years and older. Rizatriptan (Maxalt) is available as a lower-cost generic tablet and an orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) that's placed on the tongue. Common side effects include dizziness, headache, and sleepiness. It can interact with antidepressants and other similar migraine medications.

  • Indications of Imitrex vs. Maxalt

    Indications for
    •Treatment of migraine attacks with or without aura in adults
    Indications for
    •Treatment of migraine attacks with or without aura in people ages 6 years and older

  • Pros and Cons of Imitrex vs. Maxalt

    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
    •First-choice option for treating migraines
    •Can be used by children ages 6 years and older
    •Orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) a possible option for people who have problems swallowing
    •Works within 30 minutes
    Cons
    •Can't use to prevent migraines
    •Is short-acting, so it might not last as long
    •Not clear if taking a second dose (adults only) is actually helpful
    •Your migraines can get worse if you use this medication too often.

  • Common Side Effects of Imitrex vs. Maxalt

    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
    •Dizziness (4-9%)
    •Sleepiness (4-8%)
    •Tiredness (4-7%)
    •Nausea (4-6%)

  • Warnings of Imitrex vs. Maxalt

    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
    •Taking too much rizatriptan (Maxalt)
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Caution use in people with phenylketonuria (PKU) - orally disintegrating tablets only

  • Prices with our coupons for Imitrex vs. Maxalt

    Learn more about Sumatriptan
    Learn more about Rizatriptan

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