Compare Maxalt vs. Zomig
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.
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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.
Used for
- Migraine
- Menstrual migraine prevention
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Dissolving tablet
- Pill
- Dissolving tablet
- Nasal spray
Price
Lowest price
$13.99
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$776.93
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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 taste21%
- Tingling or prickling sensation10%
- Oversensitivity of the skin5%
- Pain4%
- Pain in the throat4%
- Nausea4%
- Sleepiness4%
- Discomfort in the nose3%
- Dizziness3%
- Weakness3%
- Tightness in the throat2%
- Dry mouth2%
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)
- 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