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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)

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Eletriptan

(Relpax)

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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 Relpax

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 for Relpax

Pros and Cons for Relpax

Pros

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 for Relpax

  • 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 for Relpax

  • 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

Price Card Drug Icon
Rizatriptan9 tablets / 10mg
$12.22$41.53
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Eletriptan12 tablets / 40mg
$31.90$461.31
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