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Zomig vs. Maxalt

Are Zomig and Maxalt the Same Thing?

Zomig (zolmitriptan) Nasal Spray and Maxalt (rizatriptan) are headache medicines called selective serotonin receptor agonists used to treat migraine headaches.

What Are Possible Side Effects of Zomig?

Common side effects of Zomig include:

  • unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth,
  • discomfort in the nose or throat after using the nasal spray,
  • warmth/redness/tingling/numbness under the skin,
  • nausea,
  • dry mouth,
  • weakness,
  • drowsiness,
  • dizziness, or
  • pressure or heavy feeling in any part of your body

What Are Possible Side Effects of Maxalt?

Common side effects of Maxalt include:

  • mild headache (not a migraine),
  • dry mouth,
  • nausea;
  • feeling of pain or tightness in the jaw, neck, or throat;
  • pressure or heavy feeling in any part of your body,
  • dizziness,
  • drowsiness,
  • tired feeling,
  • weakness,
  • feelings of tingling/numbness/prickling/heat, or
  • flushing (warmth, redness, or tingling feeling under your skin).

What is Zomig?

Zomig (zolmitriptan) Nasal Spray is a headache medicine that narrows blood vessels around the brain used to treat migraine headaches. Zomig Nasal Spray will only treat a headache that has already begun. Zomig Nasal Spray will not prevent headaches or reduce the number of attacks.

What is Maxalt?

Maxalt (rizatriptan) tablets is a selective 5-hydroxytryptamine1B/1D (5-HT1B/1D) receptor agonist used to treat the pain of migraine headache. Maxalt is believed to work by narrowing the blood vessels around the brain and by decreasing levels of substances involved in the development of migraine pain. Maxalt will only treat a headache that has already begun.

What Drugs Interact With Zomig?

Zomig may interact with other migraine headache medicines, cimetidine, or antidepressants. Tell your doctor all medications you are taking. During pregnancy, Zomig should be used only when prescribed. It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

What Drugs Interact With Maxalt?

Maxalt may interact with other migraine headache medicines, propranolol, or antidepressants.

How Should Zomig Be Taken?

The initial dose of Zomig is 2.5 mg or less. The dose can be repeated after 2 hours if symptoms persist. The maximum dose is 10 mg per day.

How Should Maxalt Be Taken?

The recommended starting dose of Maxalt is either 5 mg or 10 mg for the acute treatment of migraines in adults.

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