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Maxalt vs. Axert

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

Key takeaways

Rizatriptan (Maxalt) and Almotriptan (Axert) are both triptans used to treat migraines, but they have some differences. Rizatriptan is available as a generic and comes in both oral tablets and orally disintegrating tablets (ODT), making it easier for those who have trouble swallowing. It can be used by children as young as 6 years old. Almotriptan, on the other hand, is also available as a generic but is only available as a pill that must be swallowed and can be used by children 12 years and older. Rizatriptan works within 30 minutes, while Almotriptan takes about 2 hours to start working. Both medications can cause side effects like dizziness and sleepiness, as well as risk of causing heart problems and high blood pressure. Almotriptan is generally not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, while Rizatriptan's safety during pregnancy is unclear. Both medications should not be used to prevent migraines and can worsen headaches if taken too often.

Rizatriptan

(Maxalt)

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Almotriptan

 

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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 Axert

Prescription only

Almotriptan is a type of migraine medication called a triptan. It treats migraine with or without aura in adults and certain children age 12 to 17 years. Its brand name Axert has been discontinued, so almotriptan is now only available as a generic. Almotriptan is a tablet that's swallowed whole when a migraine starts. You can take another tablet at least 2 hours later if the medication doesn't completely relieve your migraine. Side effects include sleepiness and headache.

Indications for Axert

  • Treatment of migraine attacks in adults with a history of migraine with or without aura
  • Treatment of migraine pain in children age 12 to 17 years with a history of migraine with or without aura that lasts 4 hours or more

Pros and Cons for Axert

Pros

  • A first-choice option for treating a migraine attack in adults
  • Approved for certain children 12 years and older
  • Might start working as soon as 30 minutes after taking the 12.5 mg strength

Cons

  • Might not be a good option for people who have trouble swallowing pills whole during a migraine
  • Not used to prevent migraine or to treat other types of headaches
  • Must wait at least 2 hours to take another tablet if the first dose didn't fully relieve the migraine

Common Side Effects for Axert

Adults:

  • Nausea (1-2%)
  • Dry mouth (1%)
  • "Pins and needles" feeling in the arms or legs (1%)

Children age 12 years and older:

  • Sleepiness (up to 5%)
  • Dizziness (3-4%)
  • Nausea (1-3%)
  • Vomiting (up to 2%)
  • Headache (1-2%)
  • "Pins and needles" feeling in the arms or legs (1%)

Warnings for Axert

  • Heart attack, chest pain (angina), and irregular heart rhythm
  • Stroke or other brain injury
  • Extreme narrowing of blood vessels
  • Serotonin syndrome
  • Worse headaches if you take almotriptan too often
  • High blood pressure
  • Serious allergic reaction

Prices with our coupons for Maxalt vs. Axert

Price Card Drug Icon
Rizatriptan9 tablets / 10mg
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Price Card Drug Icon
Almotriptan1 dose pack / 12 tablets of 12.5mg
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