Compare Relpax vs. Cafergot

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

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Relpax (eletriptan)

Prescription only

Cafergot (ergotamine / caffeine)

Prescription only
Treats migraine headaches.

Relpax (eletriptan) is a first choice medicine to treat migraines, but it can be expensive.

Treats migraine headaches.

Cafergot (ergotamine / caffeine) can treat migraines, but you're more likely to have side effects.

Upsides
  • Relpax (eletriptan) works as well as other first choice medicines for migraines.
  • Relpax (eletriptan) comes in 2 different strengths.
  • Cafergot (ergotamine / caffeine) works better than other medicines if your migraines usually last more than 2 days or if you have more frequent migraines.
Downsides
  • Relpax (eletriptan) is only available as a brand name.
  • Relpax (eletriptan) can cause dizziness and might make you more likely to fall.
  • If you have more than 3 migraines a month, Relpax (eletriptan) isn't a good choice because of its side effects.
  • Cafergot (ergotamine / caffeine) can't stop migraines from happening. They can only treat them.
  • Cafergot (ergotamine / caffeine) can only be used for migraines. It doesn't work for other types of headaches.
  • Smoking or using products that contain nicotine can make Cafergot (ergotamine / caffeine) less effective.
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Pill
  • Suppository
Price
Lowest price
$24.64
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Lowest price
$853.74
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Reviews
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Side effects
8possible side effects
  • Nausea
    4%
  • Headache
    4%
  • Weakness
    4%
  • Tingling or prickling sensation
    3%
  • Dizziness
    3%
  • Sleepiness
    3%
  • Flushing
    2%
  • Dry mouth
    2%
See more detailed side effects
The Cafergot (ergotamine / caffeine) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
Risks and risk factors
  • Heart attack and rhythm problems
    • Heart rhythm problems
    • History of chest pain
    • Uncontrolled high blood pressure
  • Stroke
    • History of a stroke
  • Medication overuse headache
    • Using Relpax (eletriptan) for more than 10 days a month
  • Serotonin syndrome
    • Tricyclic antidepressants
    • Fentanyl
    • Tramadol
    • Buspirone
    • ADHD medicines
    • Triptans
  • Higher blood pressure
    • Uncontrolled high blood pressure
  • Blood vessel issues
    • High blood pressure
    • History of stroke
    • History of heart attack
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • Heart and circulation problems
    • Overdosing Cafergot (ergotamine / caffeine)
    • Taking triptans (Imitrex, Axert, Maxalt, Amerge, Frova) for migraines
  • Dependency and withdrawal
    • Taking Cafergot (ergotamine / caffeine) regularly for months
  • Danger to fetus
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Relpax (eletriptan)
Learn more about Cafergot (ergotamine / caffeine)