Key takeaways
Rimegepant (Nurtec ODT) and sumatriptan (Imitrex) are both medications used to treat migraines with or without aura in adults. However, they belong to different medication classes. Rimegepant is a calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor blocker, while sumatriptan is a triptan. Rimegepant can be used both to treat and prevent migraines, whereas sumatriptan is only used for treatment. Rimegepant is taken as a 75 mg orally disintegrating tablet every other day for prevention or as needed for treatment. Sumatriptan is taken as a 25 mg, 50 mg, or 100 mg tablet at the onset of a migrain, with the option to take a second dose after 2 hours if needed, but not exceeding 200 mg in 24 hours. Rimegepant is available only as a brand-name medication, whereas sumatriptan is available as a lower-cost generic. Common side effects of rimegepant include nausea and stomach pain, while sumatriptan can cause tingling, numbness, and fatigue. Rimegepant generally has fewer side effects than triptans. Sumatriptan can cause serious heart and blood vessel issues, especially if you have a history of heart problems. Both medications can be taken with acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), but sumatriptan has more drug interactions—including certain antidepressants, which can lead to serotonin syndrome.
