Amerge vs. Zomig

Amerge (naratriptan) and Zomig (zolmitriptan) Nasal Spray are headache medicines (“triptans”) used to treat migraine headaches. Amerge and Zomig will only treat a headache that has already begun. Amerge and Zomig will not prevent headaches or reduce the number of attacks.

Side effects of Amerge and Zomig that are similar include flushing (warmth, redness, or tingling under your skin), weakness, drowsiness, dizziness, and pressure or heavy feeling in any part of your body.

Side effects of Amerge that are different from Zomig include sensations of tingling/numbness/prickling/heat/warmth under your skin and tired feeling.

Side effects of Zomig that are different from Amerge include unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth, discomfort in the nose or throat after using the nasal spray, nausea, and dry mouth.

Both Amerge and Zomig may interact with other migraine headache medicines, antidepressants, medicine to treat a psychiatric disorder, narcotics (opioids), and medicines to prevent nausea and vomiting.

Zomig may also interact with cimetidine.

Common side effects of Amerge include:

• flushing,
• sensations of tingling/numbness/prickling/heat/warmth under your skin,
• weakness,
• drowsiness,
• tired feeling,
• dizziness, or
• pressure or heavy feeling in any part of your body

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

Amerge (naratriptan) is a headache medicine used to treat migraine headaches. Amerge will only treat a headache that has already begun. Amerge will not prevent headaches or reduce the number of attacks. Amerge is available in generic form.

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.

 Amerge may interact with other migraine headache medicines, or antidepressants. Tell your doctor all medications you use. Amerge should be used only when prescribed during pregnancy. It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

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.

Zomig may also interact with alcohol, oral contraceptives, and carbonic anhydrase inhibitors.

The dosage of Amerge is 25 mg four times a day.

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.