Skip to main content

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)

Get free coupons

Naratriptan

 

Get free coupons

Summary for Maxalt

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 for Maxalt

Pros and Cons for Maxalt

Pros

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 for Maxalt

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

Warnings for Maxalt

  • 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

Summary for Amerge

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 for Amerge

Pros and Cons for Amerge

Pros

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 for Amerge

  • Nausea (up to 5%)

Warnings for Amerge

  • 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

Price Card Drug Icon
Rizatriptan9 tablets / 10mg
$12.22$41.53
Get free coupons
More Information
Price Card Drug Icon
Naratriptan1 dose pack / 9 tablets of 2.5mg
$22.46$203.03
Get free coupons
More Information

Compare other Migraine drugs

Emgality vs. MaxaltImitrex vs. MaxaltMaxalt vs. AmergeMaxalt vs. AxertMaxalt vs. Cafergot
Maxalt vs. ErgotamineMaxalt vs. FioricetMaxalt vs. FrovaMaxalt vs. RelpaxMaxalt vs. TreximetMaxalt vs. ZomigReyvow vs. MaxaltAimovig vs. EmgalityAjovy vs. EmgalityElavil vs. ImitrexEmgality vs. FioricetEmgality vs. FrovaEmgality vs. NurtecEmgality vs. Trokendi-xrEmgality vs. UbrelvyEmgality vs. ZomigFiorinal vs. ImitrexImitrex vs. AmergeImitrex vs. AxertImitrex vs. CafergotImitrex vs. DepakoteImitrex vs. DilantinImitrex vs. EffexorImitrex vs. ErgotamineImitrex vs. Keppra

Browse medications by letter

Show All

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