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Zomig vs. Imitrex

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

Key takeaways

Zolmitriptan (Zomig) and sumatriptan (Imitrex) are both triptans used to treat migraines, but they have some key differences. Zolmitriptan is available as an oral tablet, orally disintegrating tablet, and nasal spray. Sumatriptan comes as an oral tablet, nasal spray, nasal powder, and under-the-skin injection. Zolmitriptan typically works within 2 hours, whereas sumatriptan can start working in as little as 30 minutes. The maximum daily dose for zolmitriptan is 10 mg, while for sumatriptan, it's 200 mg. Both medications can cause side effects like dizziness and chest pain, but sumatriptan also commonly causes tingling or numbness in fingers or toes. Zolmitriptan is not recommended for people with moderate or severe liver problems, while sumatriptan should be avoided in those with severe liver issues. Both medications are available in generic forms and require a prescription.

Zolmitriptan

(Zomig)

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Sumatriptan

(Imitrex)

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Summary for Zomig

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 Zomig

  • Treatment of migraine

Pros and Cons for Zomig

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 Zomig

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 Zomig

  • 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

Summary for Imitrex

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 for Imitrex

  • Treatment of migraine attacks with or without aura in adults

Pros and Cons for Imitrex

Pros

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 for Imitrex

  • Tingling or numbness of fingers or toes (3-5%)
  • Feeling too warm or too cold (2-3%)
  • Fatigue (2-3%)

Warnings for Imitrex

  • 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 Zomig vs. Imitrex

Price Card Drug Icon
Zolmitriptan3 dose packs / 3 tablets of 5mg
$24.04$91.68
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Price Card Drug Icon
Sumatriptan1 dose pack / 9 tablets of 100mg
$14.09$89.07
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