Compare Maxalt vs. Zomig

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

ADVERTISEMENT

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.

●●●●●
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.
ADVERTISEMENT
Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Dissolving tablet
  • Pill
  • Dissolving tablet
  • Nasal spray
Price
Lowest price
$15.03
Find instant savings near you
Lowest price
$1057.16
Find instant savings near you
Want 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 review
Not enough review data.Leave a review
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)