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Compare Imitrex vs. Relpax

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

Key takeaways

Sumatriptan (Imitrex) and eletriptan (Relpax) are both triptans used to treat migraine attacks with or without aura in adults. Sumatriptan is available in various forms, including tablets, injections, and nasal sprays, while eletriptan is only available as a tablet. Sumatriptan can be taken up to four migraine attacks a month, whereas eletriptan is limited to three migraines a month. Studies suggest that eletriptan might provide longer-lasting relief compared to sumatriptan. Both medications can be taken with over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, but you should consult a healthcare professional first. Common side effects for sumatriptan include tingling or numbness, while eletriptan may cause dizziness and sleepiness. Both medications carry risks of serious side effects like heart problems and serotonin syndrome, so it's important to discuss your medical history with your prescriber before starting either medication.

  • Sumatriptan (Imitrex)
    Eletriptan (Relpax)
  • Sumatriptan (Imitrex)
    Eletriptan (Relpax)

  • Summary of Imitrex vs. Relpax

    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

    Eletriptan, also known by its brand name Relpax, is a triptan that's a first-choice treatment option for adults who have migraine attacks with or without aura. This medication is available as a tablet that's taken by mouth at the first sign of a migraine attack. The dosage can be repeated 2 hours later if the migraine comes back or doesn't go away. Side effects include making you sleepy and dizzy. Eletriptan (Relpax) is available as a lower-cost generic.

  • Indications of Imitrex vs. Relpax

    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. Relpax

    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
    •Might provide migraine pain relief for a longer period of time than other triptans
    •One of the first-choice options for short-term treatment of migraines
    •Starts to work after 30 minutes
    •Available as a lower-cost, generic
    Cons
    •Only available as a tablet that's swallowed whole
    •Not recommended for people with severe liver damage
    •Not known if it's safe or works well for children
    •Not used for preventing migraines or treating other types of headaches

  • Common Side Effects of Imitrex vs. Relpax

    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 (up to 6%)
    •Sleepiness (up to 6%)
    •Nausea (up to 5%)
    •Body weakness (up to 5%)
    •"Pins and needles" feeling in the arms or legs (3%)

  • Warnings of Imitrex vs. Relpax

    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 eletriptan (Relpax) is taken too often
    •Serotonin syndrome

  • Prices with our coupons for Imitrex vs. Relpax

    Learn more about Sumatriptan
    Learn more about Eletriptan

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