Nurtec ODT vs. Maxalt

Nurtec ODT (rimegepant) and Maxalt (rizatriptan) are used to treat migraine headaches.

Nurtec ODT and Maxalt belong to different drug classes. Nurtec ODT is a calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor antagonist and Maxalt is a selective 5-hydroxytryptamine1B/1D (5-HT1B/1D) receptor agonist.

Side effects of Nurtec ODT and Maxalt that are similar include nausea.

Side effects of Nurtec ODT that are different from Maxalt include hypersensitivity reactions (including shortness of breath and severe rash).

Side effects of Maxalt that are different from Nurtec ODT include mild headache (not a migraine), dry mouth, feeling of pain or tightness in the jaw/neck/throat, pressure or heavy feeling in any part of the body, dizziness, drowsiness, tired feeling, weakness, feelings of tingling/numbness/prickling/heat, and flushing (warmth, redness, or tingling feeling under the skin).

Nurtec ODT may interact with strong and moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors, strong and moderate CYP3A inducers, and inhibitors of P-gp or BCRP.

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

Nurtec ODT (rimegepant) is a calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor antagonist used for acute treatment of migraine with or without aura in adults.

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. Maxalt will not prevent headaches or reduce the number of attacks.

Common side effects of Nurtec ODT include:

• nausea and
• hypersensitivity (including shortness of breath and severe rash)

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).

Nurtec ODT may interact with other medicines such as:

• strong CYP3A4 inhibitors,
• moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors,
• strong and moderate CYP3A inducers, and
• inhibitors of P-gp or BCRP.

Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use.

Maxalt may interact with other migraine headache medicines, propranolol, or antidepressants. Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use. It is not known whether this medication is harmful to an unborn baby. Before taking rizatriptan, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is also not known whether rizatriptan passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

The recommended dose of Nurtec ODT is 75 mg taken orally, as needed.

The adult dose of Amerge is 1 mg or 2.5 mg tablets taken with fluid. The dose may be repeated once after 4 hours, for a maximum dose of 5 mg in a 24-hour period.