Compare Maxalt vs. Zomig

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

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Maxalt (Rizatriptan)

Prescription only

Zomig (zolmitriptan)

Prescription only
Treats migraine headaches.

Maxalt (Rizatriptan) is great for relieving short migraines, but doesn't work as well for long-lasting headaches.

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3.8/ 5 average rating with 26 reviewsforMaxalt
Treats migraines.

Triptans are the first-choice to treat migraines. Zomig (zolmitriptan) works just as well as other triptans for migraines.

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.
  • Zomig (zolmitriptan) is is a first choice treatment to treat severe migraines.
  • There are different forms of Zomig (zolmitriptan) available, including a dissolving pill and a nasal spray if you have trouble swallowing during a migraine attack.
  • The regular and dissolving pill forms of Zomig (zolmitriptan) are available as generics.
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.
  • If you're taking the nasal spray form of Zomig (zolmitriptan), you have to follow the instructions exactly or you won't get the full dose of medicine.
  • The nasal spray form of Zomig (zolmitriptan) is only available as brand name, so it can be expensive.
  • If you have heart disease or history of stroke, Zomig (zolmitriptan) may not be the best choice for you. Talk to your doctor about your medical history.
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Dissolving tablet
  • Pill
  • Dissolving tablet
  • Nasal spray
Price
Lowest price
$13.38
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Lowest price
$307.44
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Reviews
26 reviews so far
81%
saidit'sworth it
62%
saiditworked well
19%
saidit'sa big hassle

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Side effects
The Maxalt (Rizatriptan) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
12possible side effects
  • Changes in taste
    21%
  • Tingling or prickling sensation
    10%
  • Oversensitivity of the skin
    5%
  • Pain
    4%
  • Pain in the throat
    4%
  • Nausea
    4%
  • Sleepiness
    4%
  • Discomfort in the nose
    3%
  • Dizziness
    3%
  • Weakness
    3%
  • Tightness in the throat
    2%
  • Dry mouth
    2%
See more detailed side effects
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)
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • Heart attack
    • Heart disease
    • history of chest pain/angina
    • uncontrolled high blood pressure
  • Stroke
    • History of a stroke
  • Medication overuse headache
    • Using Zomig (zolmitriptan) or other migraine treatment medications for 10 or more days a month
  • Changes in heartbeat
    • History of arrhythmia
  • Serotonin syndrome
    • Taking tricyclic antidepressants, fentanyl, tramadol, buspirone, or ADHD medicines
  • Blood vessel issues
    • High blood pressure
    • history of stroke
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Maxalt (Rizatriptan)
Learn more about Zomig (zolmitriptan)