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Compare Maxalt vs. Amerge

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

Key takeaways

Rizatriptan (Maxalt) and Naratriptan are both triptans used to treat migraines, but they have some differences. Rizatriptan is available in a generic form, including as an orally disintegrating tablet (ODT), which can be helpful if you have trouble swallowing pills. Naratriptan, on the other hand, is only available as a tablet that you swallow whole. Rizatriptan can be used by children ages 6 and older, while Naratriptan is only for adults. Rizatriptan works faster, often within 30 minutes, but its effects might not last as long. Naratriptan can take up to 4 hours to reach its full effect but stays in your system longer. Both medications can cause side effects like dizziness, sleepiness, and nausea.

  • Rizatriptan (Maxalt)
    Naratriptan
  • Rizatriptan (Maxalt)
    Naratriptan

  • Summary of Maxalt vs. Amerge

    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.

    Summary for Triptan
    Prescription only

    Naratriptan is a triptan that's used to treat migraines with or without aura in adults. While the brand name Amerge is no longer available, there's a generic version that you can get by prescription. Naratriptan is a tablet that's swallowed whole once, typically as a single dose. But you can take the medication again 4 hours later if the first dose didn't work to relieve your migraine. Side effects aren't common, but it might make you nauseous, sleepy, or dizzy.

  • Indications of Maxalt vs. Amerge

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

  • Pros and Cons of Maxalt vs. Amerge

    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.
    Pros and Const for Triptan
    Pros
    •One of the first-choice options for short-term treatment of migraines
    •Might cause less side effects than sumatriptan (Imitrex)
    •Available as a lower-cost, generic medication
    Cons
    •Only available as a tablet, so it might not be a good option for people who have trouble swallowing pills during migraine attacks
    •Can take up to 4 hours to get the maximum benefit
    •Hasn't been studied in children
    •Can't use to prevent migraines

  • Common Side Effects of Maxalt vs. Amerge

    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness (4-9%)
    •Sleepiness (4-8%)
    •Tiredness (4-7%)
    •Nausea (4-6%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea (up to 5%)

  • Warnings of Maxalt vs. Amerge

    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
    Common Side Effects for
    •Heart problems and high blood pressure
    •Stroke or other brain injury
    •Extreme narrowing of blood vessels
    •Worsened headaches if naratriptan is taken too often
    •Serotonin syndrome

  • Prices with our coupons for Maxalt vs. Amerge

    Learn more about Rizatriptan
    Learn more about Naratriptan

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