Relpax vs. Zomig for Migraine: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Key takeaways

Relpax (eletriptan) and Zomig (zolmitriptan) are both triptans used to treat migraines, but they have some differences. Relpax is available only as a tablet, while Zomig comes in multiple forms, including a tablet, an orally disintegrating tablet (ODT), and a nasal spray. This makes Zomig a good option if you have trouble swallowing pills during a migraine. Relpax starts working in about 30 minutes but can take 2 hours for its full effects, whereas Zomig can take up to 2 hours to relieve migraine pain. Both medications can be taken with ibuprofen or Tylenol, but you should always check with your healthcare provider first. Relpax is available as a lower-cost generic, while Zomig is available as both a brand-name and generic medication. Both medications can cause side effects like dizziness and sleepiness, but Zomig's nasal spray form can also cause an unusual taste.

Eletriptan

(Relpax)

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Zolmitriptan

(Zomig)

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Summary for Relpax

Prescription only

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.

Indications for Relpax

Treatment of migraine attacks with or without aura in adults

Pros and Cons for Relpax

Pros

Might provide migraine pain relief for a longer period of time than other triptans
One of the first-choice options for short-term treatment of migraines
Starts to work after 30 minutes
Available as a lower-cost, generic

Cons

Only available as a tablet that's swallowed whole
Not recommended for people with severe liver damage
Not known if it's safe or works well for children
Not used for preventing migraines or treating other types of headaches

Common Side Effects for Relpax

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%)

Warnings for Relpax

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

Summary for Zomig

Prescription only

Zolmitriptan (Zomig) is used for the short-term treatment of migraines. You typically take just one dose when you have a migraine. Zolmitriptan (Zomig) can cause side effects like dizziness and chest, neck, or jaw pain. This medication is a tablet that you swallow. It also comes as an orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) and a nasal spray, which can be good options for people who have trouble swallowing pills during a migraine. Zolmitriptan (Zomig) is available by prescription only as a brand-name and generic medication; it's not found over the counter.

Indications for Zomig

Treatment of migraine

Pros and Cons for Zomig

Pros

One of the first-choice options for adults to treat moderate or severe migraine
Works within 2 hours after taking the dose
Has ODT and nasal spray forms, so it's a good option for people who have trouble swallowing pills during a migraine

Cons

Not used for other types of headaches
Doesn't prevent migraines from happening
Can worsen your headaches if you take the medication for more than 9 days in a month

Common Side Effects for Zomig

Tablets and orally disintegrating tablets

Nausea (up to 9%)
Dizziness (up to 8%)
Pins and needles feeling in the arms or legs (up to 7%)
Neck, throat, or jaw pain, tightness, or pressure (up to 7%)
Sleepiness (up to 6%)
Feeling warm or cold (up to 6%)
Body weakness (up to 5%)
Dry mouth (up to 5%)
Chest pain, tightness, pressure, or heaviness (up to 3%)

Nasal spray

Unusual taste (up to 17%)
Dizziness (6%)
Pins and needles feeling in your arms or legs (5%)
Throat pain (4%)
Feeling warm (4%)
Dry mouth (3%)
Body weakness (3%)

Warnings for Zomig

Heart attack and chest pain (angina)
Irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmias)
Stroke or other brain injury
Blood vessel issues
Serotonin syndrome
High blood pressure
Caution use in people with phenylketonuria (PKU) - for orally disintegrating tablet only