Compare Maxalt vs. Imitrex
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Treats migraine headaches.
Maxalt (Rizatriptan) is great for relieving short migraines, but doesn't work as well for long-lasting headaches.
●●●●●
3.8/ 5 average rating with 26 reviewsforMaxalt
Treats migraine headaches.
Imitrex (Sumatriptan) is an excellent choice for acute migraine relief, but you might need another medication to prevent headaches.
●●●●●
3.9/ 5 average rating with 31 reviewsforImitrex
Upsides
- Triptans like Maxalt (Rizatriptan) are considered the first-choice treatment to relieve moderate to severe migraine-type headaches.
- It can also be used to treat tension-type headaches.
- Not all triptans work the same way for people, so you can try multiple ones to find the right medication for you.
- You don't need to drink water with the orally disintegrating tablet for it to work, so this could be a good medication for people who can't keep water down when they have a migraine.
- Comes in several forms. Ask your doctor if you should use the pill, nasal spray, patch, or injection.
- A combination of forms can be used if symptoms do not improve.
- The nasal spray and injectable forms work very quickly.
- It's generally safe to use if you are pregnant.
- Comes in a generic form, so it can be pretty cheap.
Downsides
- Maxalt (Rizatriptan) doesn’t prevent migraines or tension headaches, but only works once the headache starts.
- It can cause rebound headaches if it’s used too often.
- You need to wait at least 2 hours after your first dose to take a second dose.
- May not be the best choice if you have long, drawn-out headaches. Ask your doctor about other triptans that can last longer than Maxalt (Rizatriptan).
- Not a good choice if you have heart disease or if you’re pregnant or breast-feeding.
- The oral and nasal versions of Imitrex (Sumatriptan) have an unpleasant after-taste.
- Does not prevent migraine headaches; it only treats them once they start.
- Must wait 1 hour before using second injection.
- Can cause rebound (more) headaches if Imitrex (Sumatriptan) is used too often.
- Need to have your blood pressure checked often, especially if you're pregnant.
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Dissolving tablet
- Pill
- Injection
- Nasal spray
Price
Lowest price
$13.99
Find instant savings near youLowest price
$13.56
Find instant savings near youWant to save even more money?
Sign up now for a 30-day trial and save up to 95% at CVS, Kroger, Albertsons, and other pharmacies.
Learn more
Reviews
26 reviews so far
81%
saidit'sworth it
62%
saiditworked well
19%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Maxalt (Rizatriptan)?
Leave a review31 reviews so far
74%
saidit'sworth it
68%
saiditworked well
19%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Imitrex (Sumatriptan)?
Leave a reviewSide effects
The Maxalt (Rizatriptan) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
6possible side effects
- Pain and other pressure sensations6%
- Atypical sensations5%
- Paresthesia (all types)3%
- Sensation warm/cold3%
- Pain - location specified2%
- Malaise/fatigue2%
Risks and risk factors
- Tightening of blood vessels (myocardial angina, ischemia, or infarction)
- History of heart problems
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Being overweight or obese
- Smoking
- Stroke
- History of heart problems
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Being overweight or obese
- Smoking
- Stomach bleeding
- Serotonin syndrome
- Patients taking SSRIs and SNRIs
- High blood pressure
- History of high blood pressure
- Seizures
- History of seizures
- Phenylketonuria (PKU)
- Phenylketonuria (PKU)
- Tightening of blood vessels (myocardial angina, ischemia, or infarction)
- History of heart problems
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Being overweight or obese
- Smoking
- Stroke
- History of heart problems
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Being overweight or obese
- Smoking
- Stomach bleeding
- Serotonin syndrome
- Patients taking SSRIs and SNRIs
- High blood pressure
- History of high blood pressure
- Seizures
- History of seizures