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

Key takeaways

Reyvow (lasmiditan) and Zecuity (sumatriptan) are both used to treat migraines, but they have some key differences. Reyvow (lasmiditan) is a serotonin agonist taken orally and is only available as a brand-name medication, making it potentially expensive. It can relieve migraine pain within two hours but can cause dizziness and sleepiness, affecting your ability to drive. Reyvow is a controlled substance due to its potential for abuse. On the other hand, Zecuity (sumatriptan) was a topical patch that worked by tightening blood vessels in the brain to relieve migraines. However, it has been discontinued in the United States due to reports of skin burns and scarring. Unlike Reyvow, sumatriptan is available in other forms, such as tablets and nasal sprays, which your provider can recommend as alternatives.

Reyvow

(lasmiditan)

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Zecuity

(sumatriptan)

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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 Zecuity

Discontinued

Zecuity (sumatriptan) is a patch that's applied directly on the skin and is used to treat sudden migraine attacks in adults. It's no longer available in the United States, because it was discontinued.