Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Tegretol vs. Imitrex

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Carbamazepine (Tegretol. Equetro) and sumatriptan (Imitrex) are both prescription medications, but they are used for different conditions and belong to different drug classes. Carbamazepine is an antiepileptic medication used to treat various types of seizures, trigeminal neuralgia (a type of facial nerve pain), and bipolar I disorder (Equetro brand only). It works by blocking sodium channels in the brain. Sumatriptan, on the other hand, is a triptan used to treat migraines with or without aura in adults. It works by activating serotonin receptors to tighten blood vessels and reduce inflammation in the brain. Carbamazepine is taken regularly, often multiple times a day, while sumatriptan is taken as needed for migraine relief, with a maximum of two doses in 24 hours. Common side effects of carbamazepine include dizziness, sleepiness, and stomach upset, whereas sumatriptan can cause tingling, numbness, and fatigue. Both medications have generic versions available, making them more affordable. However, carbamazepine requires routine blood tests to monitor its effects, while sumatriptan has significant interactions with other medications, such as certain antidepressants and other migraine treatments.

  • Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
    Sumatriptan (Imitrex)
  • Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
    Sumatriptan (Imitrex)

  • Summary of Tegretol vs. Imitrex

    Summary for Antiepileptic
    Prescription only

    Carbamazepine (Tegretol) is an antiseizure medication used to treat different kinds of seizures. It can also help with trigeminal neuralgia, a type of facial nerve pain. Brand name Equetro is the only formulation that's approved to treat bipolar I disorder. Carbamazepine (Tegretol) available as pills and a liquid. Depending on formulation you take and what medical condition you have, carbamazepine (Tegretol) is taken by mouth 1 to 4 times per day. Common side effects include sleepiness, dizziness, and stomach upset.

    Summary for Triptan
    Prescription only

    Sumatriptan (Imitrex) is used to treat migraines with or without aura in adults. The medication is typically taken as a single dose for your migraine. But, it's possible that you can take it again 2 hours after the first dose if your migraine doesn't go away. Side effects of sumatriptan (Imitrex) include tingling or numbness of fingers or toes, feeling too warm or too cold, and fatigue. It can interact with antidepressants and other similar migraine medications. Sumatriptan (Imitrex) is available as a lower-cost generic tablet.

  • Indications of Tegretol vs. Imitrex

    Indications for
    •Partial-onset seizures
    •Generalized tonic-clonic seizures
    •Mixed seizure patterns
    •Trigeminal neuralgia (facial nerve pain)
    •Bipolar I disorder - Equetro brand only
    Indications for
    •Treatment of migraine attacks with or without aura in adults

  • Pros and Cons of Tegretol vs. Imitrex

    Pros and Const for Antiepileptic
    Pros
    •Works well for different types of seizures and trigeminal neuralgia (facial nerve pain)
    •Helps stabilize mood in people with bipolar disorder (Equetro brand only)
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    •Comes in many dosage forms (e.g., chewable tablets, oral pills, liquid form) for people who have difficulty swallowing pills
    Cons
    •Might need to take the immediate-release form of the medication up to 4 times a day
    •Can cause a lot of side effects
    •Might require routine blood testing while taking the medication to see how it's affecting your body
    •Can make hormonal birth control not work as well
    Pros and Const for Triptan
    Pros
    •First-choice option for treating migraines
    •Can take with commonly used over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol)
    •Can start relieving migraine headaches within 30 minutes to 2 hours
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Can't use to prevent migraines
    •Must wait at least 2 hours after the first dose to take a second dose, if needed
    •Your migraines can get worse if you use this medication too often.
    •Unknown if it's safe or if it works well in children

  • Common Side Effects of Tegretol vs. Imitrex

    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness (44%)
    •Sleepiness (32%)
    •Nausea (29%)
    •Vomiting (18%)
    •Difficulty walking or keeping balance (15%)
    •Constipation (10%)
    •Itching (8%)
    •Dry mouth (8%)
    •Weakness (8%)
    •Rash (7%)
    •Blurry vision (6%)
    •Speech problems (6%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Tingling or numbness of fingers or toes (3-5%)
    •Feeling too warm or too cold (2-3%)
    •Fatigue (2-3%)

  • Warnings of Tegretol vs. Imitrex

    Common Side Effects for
    •Severe skin reactions
    •Low blood cell counts
    •Severe allergic reactions
    •Suicidal thoughts or behavior
    •Harm to unborn babies
    •Withdrawal
    •Difficulty with speech, concentration, and movement
    •Liver problems
    •Low sodium levels
    •High eye pressure
    •Heart block (heart rhythm problems)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Heart problems and high blood pressure
    •Stroke or other brain injury
    •Extreme narrowing of blood vessels
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Allergic reactions
    •Seizures

  • Prices with our coupons for Tegretol vs. Imitrex

    Learn more about Carbamazepine
    Learn more about Sumatriptan

Compare other Epilepsy and Migraine drugs

Elavil vs TegretolLidocaine vs TegretolTegretol vs AptiomTegretol vs BanzelTegretol vs DepakoteTegretol vs DilantinTegretol vs GabapentinTegretol vs ImitrexTegretol vs KeppraTegretol vs LamictalTegretol vs NeurontinTegretol vs PropranololTegretol vs TopamaxTegretol vs TrileptalTegretol vs VimpatTegretol vs ZonegranValium vs TegretolZanaflex vs TegretolElavil vs AmoxapineElavil vs AnafranilElavil vs CafergotElavil vs CymbaltaElavil vs DesipramineElavil vs DesyrelElavil vs DoxepinElavil vs EffexorElavil vs FioricetElavil vs ImitrexElavil vs LamictalElavil vs Lidocaine
View More

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.