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

Key takeaways

Ubrelvy (ubrogepant) and Zomig (zolmitriptan) are both medications used to treat migraine attacks in adults. However, they belong to different medication classes. Ubrelvy is a calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor blocker, while Zomig is a triptan. Ubrelvy is taken orally and is available only as a brand-name medication, whereas Zomig is available in oral tablets, orally disintegrating tablets, and nasal spray forms, with both brand-name and generic options. Ubrelvy can be taken with or without food. Zomig should be taken at the first sign of a migraine, and its nasal spray form is suitable for those who have trouble swallowing pills. Common side effects of Ubrelvy include nausea, sleepiness, and dry mouth, while Zomig can cause dizziness, nausea, and chest pain. Ubrelvy interacts with many medications, including certain antibiotics and seizure medications, while Zomig can interact with medications that raise serotonin levels, increasing the risk of serotonin syndrome.

Ubrelvy

(ubrogepant)

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Zolmitriptan

(Zomig)

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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 Zolmitriptan

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 Zolmitriptan

Treatment of migraine

Pros and Cons for Zolmitriptan

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 Zolmitriptan

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 Zolmitriptan

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