Reyvow vs. Maxalt for Migraine: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Key takeaways

Reyvow (lasmiditan) and Maxalt (rizatriptan) are both used to treat migraines, but they have some key differences. Reyvow (lasmiditan) is a serotonin agonist, while Maxalt (rizatriptan) is a triptan. Reyvow (lasmiditan) is only available as a brand-name medication, making it more expensive, whereas Maxalt (rizatriptan) is available in a lower-cost generic form. Reyvow (lasmiditan) is a controlled substance due to its potential for abuse, but Maxalt (rizatriptan) is not. Reyvow (lasmiditan) can cause significant dizziness and sleepiness, requiring you to avoid driving for at least 8 hours after taking it. Maxalt (rizatriptan) can also cause drowsiness but typically works faster, within 30 minutes. Additionally, Maxalt (rizatriptan) can be used by children ages 6 and older, while Reyvow (lasmiditan) is only approved for adults.

Reyvow

(lasmiditan)

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Rizatriptan

(Maxalt)

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Summary for Reyvow

Prescription only

Reyvow, the brand name for lasmiditan, is a serotonin agonist. It's used to treat migraine with or without aura in adults. It comes as a tablet that's taken by mouth when you have a migraine. Many people feel pain relief within 2 hours. Common side effects include dizziness, sleepiness, and a "pins-and-needles" feeling. Reyvow (lasmiditan) is a controlled substance because of the risk of misuse. Currently, Reyvow (lasmiditan) is a brand-name medication only; there's no generic yet.

Indications for Reyvow

Treatment of migraine attacks with or without aura in adults

Pros and Cons for Reyvow

Pros

Starts to work to relieve migraine pain within 2 hours
Can take with or without food
Available in 3 different strengths

Cons

Might not work as well as triptans
Need to wait at least 8 hours before driving or operating machinery after taking the medication because it affects how well you can stay alert
Not used to prevent migraines

Common Side Effects for Reyvow

Dizziness (up to 17%)
Numbness or tingling feeling (up to 9%)
Sleepiness (up to 7%)
Tiredness (up to 6%)

Warnings for Reyvow

Dizziness and sleepiness
Serotonin syndrome
Medication-overuse headache

Summary for Maxalt

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 for Maxalt

Treatment of migraine attacks with or without aura in people ages 6 years and older

Pros and Cons for Maxalt

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 for Maxalt

Dizziness (4-9%)
Sleepiness (4-8%)
Tiredness (4-7%)
Nausea (4-6%)

Warnings for Maxalt

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