Key takeaways
Relpax (eletriptan) and Ergomar (ergotamine) are both prescription medications used to treat migraines, but they belong to different drug classes and have distinct characteristics. Relpax is a triptan that works by attaching to serotonin receptors in the brain, tightening blood vessels, and reducing swelling to relieve migraine pain. It is taken orally as a tablet and can be repeated after 2 hours if needed, with a maximum of 80 mg per day. On the other hand, Ergomar is an ergot derivative that also tightens blood vessels but is taken sublingually (under the tongue) and can be repeated after 30 minutes, with a maximum of 6 mg per day and 10 mg per week. Relpax is generally a first-choice treatment for migraines, while Ergomar is not typically a first-choice option but can be used for both migraines and cluster headaches. Relpax can cause side effects like dizziness and sleepiness, whereas Ergomar can cause weakness and vomiting. Additionally, Ergomar is known to cause birth defects and should not be used during pregnancy, while the safety of Relpax during pregnancy is less clear.
