Compare
Relpax vs. Cafergot

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.

• Treatment of migraine attacks with or without aura in adults

• 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%)

• 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

Cafergot (ergotamine / caffeine) is used to treat cluster headaches and migraines in adults. It's available as a tablet that's taken by mouth, as well as a suppository that's inserted into the rectum. Typically, you take a dose as soon as you feel a headache coming on. But there's a limit to how many doses you can take each week because taking this medication too often can lead to serious side effects, such as vomiting and numbness. Brand name Cafergot is discontinued.

• Headache pain caused by swollen or widened blood vessels (vascular headaches)

• Nausea

• Dangerously low blood flow to your brain and limbs
• Fibrosis (scarring)
• Allergic reaction to yellow dye