Key takeaways
Rimegepant (Nurtec ODT) and rizatriptan (Maxalt) are both medications used to treat migraines with or without aura. However, they belong to different medication classes. Rimegepant is a calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor blocker, while rizatriptan is a triptan. Rimegepant can be used for both the prevention and treatment of migraines in adults, whereas rizatriptan is only used to treat migraine attacks in people ages 6 and older. Rimegepant is taken as a 75 mg orally disintegrating tablet every other day for prevention or as needed for treatment. Rizatriptan is available in 5 mg and 10 mg doses taken at the onset of a migraine, with a maximum of 30 mg in a 24-hour period for adults. Rimegepant is not available as a generic, but rizatriptan is. Common side effects of rimegepant include nausea and stomach pain, while rizatriptan can cause dizziness, sleepiness, and nausea. Rimegepant generally has fewer side effects than triptans. Rizatriptan can cause serious heart problems and serotonin syndrome, especially if taken with certain other medications.
