Ubrelvy vs. Rizatriptan for Migraine: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Key takeaways

Ubrelvy (ubrogepant) and Maxalt (rizatriptan) are both medications used to treat migraine attacks with or without aura. However, they belong to different medication classes. Ubrelvy is a calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor blocker, while Maxalt is a triptan. Ubrelvy is taken orally in doses of 50 mg to 100 mg, with a maximum of 200 mg per day, and is not available in a generic form. Maxalt is available as a generic and comes in oral tablets and orally disintegrating tablets (ODT), with a typical adult dose of 5 mg to 10 mg and a maximum of 30 mg per day. Ubrelvy can cause side effects like nausea, sleepiness, and dry mouth, and it interacts with many medications, including certain antibiotics and seizure medications. Maxalt can cause dizziness, sleepiness, and heart-related side effects, and it interacts with antidepressants and other migraine medications. Additionally, Maxalt is approved for use in children ages 6 and older, while Ubrelvy is only for adults.

Ubrelvy

(ubrogepant)

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Rizatriptan

(Maxalt)

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Summary for Ubrelvy

Prescription only

Ubrelvy (ubrogepant) is a migraine medication called a calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonist. It can treat sudden migraine attacks in adults. Ubrelvy (ubrogepant) is a tablet you take by mouth. You take one dose when you feel a migraine starting. If needed, you can take a second dose at least 2 hours later. Your dose depends if Ubrelvy (ubrogepant) interacts with the other medications you take. Side effects include nausea and tiredness.

Indications for Ubrelvy

Treatment of migraine attacks with or without aura in adults

Pros and Cons for Ubrelvy

Pros

A tablet that's taken by mouth
Helps treat sudden migraine attacks
Good option when triptans like sumatriptan (Imitrex) haven't worked well

Cons

Takes 1 to 2 hours to start working
Not for preventing migraines
Can interact with other medications, like verapamil and phenobarbital

Common Side Effects for Ubrelvy

Nausea (up to 4%)
Sleepiness (up to 3%)
Dry mouth (up to 2%)

Warnings for Ubrelvy

Allergic reactions
High blood pressure
Raynaud's phenomenon

Summary for Rizatriptan

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 Rizatriptan

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

Pros and Cons for Rizatriptan

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 Rizatriptan

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

Warnings for Rizatriptan

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