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Compare Maxalt vs. Relpax

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

Key takeaways

Rizatriptan (Maxalt) and eletriptan (Relpax) are both triptans used to treat migraines, but they have some differences. Rizatriptan is available in both generic form and as an orally disintegrating tablet (ODT), which can be helpful if you have trouble swallowing pills. Eletriptan, on the other hand, is only available as a tablet. Rizatriptan can be used by children ages 6 and older, while eletriptan is only approved for adults. Both medications start working within 30 minutes, but eletriptan might provide longer-lasting relief. You can take up to two doses of either medication in a 24-hour period, but rizatriptan has a maximum of 30 mg per day, whereas eletriptan has a maximum of 80 mg per day. Both medications can cause side effects like dizziness and sleepiness, and they share similar risks, such as heart problems and serotonin syndrome. However, eletriptan is not recommended for people with severe liver damage, while rizatriptan has no such restriction.

  • Rizatriptan (Maxalt)
    Eletriptan (Relpax)
  • Rizatriptan (Maxalt)
    Eletriptan (Relpax)

  • Summary of Maxalt vs. Relpax

    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

    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 Maxalt vs. Relpax

    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. Relpax

    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
    •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 Maxalt vs. Relpax

    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness (4-9%)
    •Sleepiness (4-8%)
    •Tiredness (4-7%)
    •Nausea (4-6%)
    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 Maxalt vs. Relpax

    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 eletriptan (Relpax) is taken too often
    •Serotonin syndrome

  • Prices with our coupons for Maxalt vs. Relpax

    Learn more about Rizatriptan
    Learn more about Eletriptan

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