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Compare Nurtec vs. Rizatriptan

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

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.

  • Nurtec odt (rimegepant)
    Rizatriptan (Maxalt)
  • Nurtec odt (rimegepant)
    Rizatriptan (Maxalt)

  • Summary of Nurtec vs. Rizatriptan

    Summary for Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonist
    Prescription only

    Nurtec ODT (rimegepant) is a type of migraine medication called a calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonist. It helps treat migraine attacks with or without aura in adults. It can also help prevent migraines from happening in the long run. This medication is an orally disintegrating tablet (ODT). You put it on or under the tongue and let it dissolve. The dosage is 1 tablet each time. But how often you take the medication depends on if you're taking it to prevent or treat migraines. Side effects include nausea and stomach pain. Nurtec ODT (rimegepant) is a brand-name medication; there's no generic version yet.

    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.

  • Indications of Nurtec vs. Rizatriptan

    Indications for
    •Treatment of migraines with or without aura in adults
    •Prevention of migraines with or without aura in adults
    Indications for
    •Treatment of migraine attacks with or without aura in people ages 6 years and older

  • Pros and Cons of Nurtec vs. Rizatriptan

    Pros and Const for Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonist
    Pros
    •A first-choice option for preventing migraines
    •Generally has fewer side effects than triptans
    •Can take without any foods or liquids
    •Dissolves on the tongue, so it's a good option for people who don't like to or can't swallow pills
    Cons
    •Usually a second-choice option for treating migraines (after trying triptans)
    •Can interact with certain medications, like some antifungals and antiseizure medications
    •Might not be the best choice if you have serious liver or kidney problems
    •Not approved for children (but studies are ongoing)
    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.

  • Common Side Effects of Nurtec vs. Rizatriptan

    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea (up to 3%)
    •Stomach pain or indigestion (up to 2%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness (4-9%)
    •Sleepiness (4-8%)
    •Tiredness (4-7%)
    •Nausea (4-6%)

  • Warnings of Nurtec vs. Rizatriptan

    Common Side Effects for
    •Allergic reactions
    •High blood pressure
    •Raynaud's phenomenon
    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

  • Prices with our coupons for Nurtec vs. Rizatriptan

    Learn more about Nurtec odt
    Learn more about Rizatriptan

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