Woman deciding rizatriptan vs sumatriptan for a migraine

Individuals suffering from migraines can understand how challenging it may be to perform day-to-day tasks while suffering excruciating pain. There are several medication options available, but determining which one is suitable for your migraine symptoms may be challenging since what may work for one person may not necessarily work for all. Read on to learn about some common migraine medicine like Rizatriptan and Sumatriptan.

Rizatriptan Vs Sumatriptan

Rizatriptan and Sumatriptan belong to a group of medications known as triptans; however, a few differences set both drugs apart. Let’s discuss both migraine treatments to see what may work best for you.

Rizatriptan

For many years, migraine sufferers have relied on the medication Rizatriptan to alleviate their symptoms. The medication relieves migraine-related discomfort, headache, and other symptoms like vomiting, nausea, and sensitivity to sound and light. The medications work by interfering with an organic compound called serotonin that causes the brain’s blood arteries to shrink.

By influencing specific brain nerves, it can also help reduce pain. However, the medication does not act as a migraine prevention drug. The effects of Rizatriptan dose may show as soon as 30 minutes, which is why it has become a go-to drug for migraine sufferers. (1

The sulfur group present in Sumatriptan’s fundamental chemical structure is absent from Rizatriptan. Although Sumatriptan has not been linked to have allergy reports, the sulfur group can cause allergies.

Image of Rizatriptan

Sumatriptan

Specifically designed to treat migraines, Similar to Rizatriptan, Sumatriptan has also been on the market for quite some time, initially under the brand name Imigran and more recently as a generic drug. Migraine sufferers can access Sumatriptan in various dosage forms, such as pills, nasal sprays, dispersible tablets, and injections.

Rizatriptan often provides pain relief more quickly than Sumatriptan since Sumatriptan’s 100 mg dosage is much more significant and typically takes closer to an hour to provide adequate relief from migraine symptoms. Results from Sumatriptan reach their peak two to four hours after consumption. 

Both drugs appear to be effective treatments for migraine sufferers. However, Rizatriptan is a better option for people with severe migraine symptoms as it relieves symptoms considerably more quickly than Sumatriptan. Sumatriptan might be excellent for people who experience moderate migraine symptoms. (2)

Image of Sumatriptan

Side Effects of Rizatriptan And Sumatriptan

Rizatriptan and Sumatriptan both have similar side effects. Below are a few common side effects reported by individuals who take these medications:

  • Fatigue
  • Moderate nausea
  • Moderate headache
  • Dry mouth
  • Dizziness
  • Sense of pressure or heaviness in the body
  • Mild tingling sensation or redness on the skin
  • Drowsiness

It is crucial to stop taking the pills and get medical help immediately if you experience any additional side effects after taking either of these drugs, such as swelling of the face or lips, tightness in the chest, or any blue tints to the skin. (3)  

Symptoms of Migraine

Migraine is a neurological disorder that can generate numerous symptoms, including awful headaches. However, before the headache, some individuals might feel other symptoms, as migraine symptoms might start one to two days earlier. This phase is referred to as the prodrome. During this phase, symptoms might include:

  1. Stiff neck
  2. Depression
  3. Fatigue
  4. Frequent yawns
  5. Food cravings
  6. Hyperactivity
  7. Irritability

Episodic versus chronic migraine headaches are most commonly reported by migraine sufferers, followed by those with and without aura. The aura stage of a migraine develops following the prodrome phase. You could experience issues with your speech, movement, sensation, and eyesight when experiencing an aura.

Woman with a migraine needing rizatriptan vs sumatriptan

After the aura phase, you may experience the attack phase, when severe migraine pain develops. Some individuals may experience this phase during an aura phase. Symptoms during the attack phase might linger for hours or days. Here are a few other symptoms one may experience during the attack phase.

  1. Vomiting
  2. Nausea
  3. Throbbing or pulsing pain in the head
  4. Dizziness or fainting
  5. Sensitivity or light or sound
  6. A headache on one side of your head, either in the temples or elsewhere on the left, right, front, or back

Most individuals experience the postdrome stage after the attack stage. You may experience variations in mood and emotions throughout this stage. These might include everything from feeling ecstatic and extraordinarily joyful to being completely worn out and disinterested. A dull, moderate headache might linger.

These phases might vary in length and severity depending on the individual. A phase can occasionally be missed, resulting in a migraine episode without a headache. ( )

Where Can I Buy Rizatriptan And Sumatriptan?

We’ve all experienced how exhausting migraines can be, which may drain our energy and motivation to leave the house. E-surgery allows you to purchase migraine medications such as Rizatriptan and Sumatriptan from the convenience of your own home.

Talk to a doctor before starting any new medication to rule out the chances of any drug interactions.

Woman ordering rizatriptan vs sumatriptan

Takeaway

The Triptan class of medications like Sumatriptan and Rizatriptan have been used for years to treat migraines effectively. The first Triptan medication was Sumatriptan, and others like Rizatriptan were created. Comparatively speaking, Rizatriptan works faster than Sumatriptan. Sulfur is present in Sumatriptan, which may make people allergic. Hence, a skin test before using the medication is recommended.

Sources

  1. Rizatriptan Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing | WebMD
  2. Sumatriptan Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing | WebMD
  3. Sumatriptan vs Rizatriptan: How Do the Two Migraine Drugs Stack Up | Express Pharmacy
  4. Migraine: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, Triggers, and More | Healthline

Further Reading

  1. Sumatriptan vs Rizatriptan: How Do the Two Migraine Drugs Stack Up | ExpressPharmacy
  2. Comparison of Rizatriptan and Other Triptans On Stringent Measures Of Efficacy | Neurology
  3. Rizatriptan vs Sumatriptan in the Acute Treatment of Migraine | JAMA Network