Sumatriptan vs rizatriptan for migraine: compared
Sumatriptan (Imitrex) and rizatriptan (Maxalt) are triptans that stop a migraine attack. Rizatriptan tablets tend to work a little faster and come as a dissolving tablet; sumatriptan comes in more forms, including a nasal spray and an injection that acts within minutes.
Updated October 15, 2026
At a glance
- Forms
- Sumatriptan
- Tablets, nasal spray, injection
- Rizatriptan
- Tablets and dissolving tablets
- Speed (tablets)
- Sumatriptan
- Usually within an hour
- Rizatriptan
- Often a little faster
- With propranolol
- Sumatriptan
- Usual dose
- Rizatriptan
- Lower dose needed
- Repeat dose
- Sumatriptan
- After at least 2 hours, within the daily limit
- Rizatriptan
- After at least 2 hours, within the daily limit
- Generic
- Sumatriptan
- Yes
- Rizatriptan
- Yes
Sumatriptan Imitrex | Rizatriptan Maxalt | |
|---|---|---|
| Forms | Tablets, nasal spray, injection | Tablets and dissolving tablets |
| Speed (tablets) | Usually within an hour | Often a little faster |
| With propranolol | Usual dose | Lower dose needed |
| Repeat dose | After at least 2 hours, within the daily limit | After at least 2 hours, within the daily limit |
| Generic | Yes | Yes |
Choosing a form
If migraines bring nausea or vomiting, a dissolving rizatriptan tablet or a sumatriptan nasal spray or injection avoids swallowing a tablet; the injection is the fastest of all. For many people, tablets of either work well, and trying both is reasonable, since response varies.
Taking them well
Take a triptan at the first sign of the headache phase rather than waiting. If the headache returns, a second dose can follow at least 2 hours later, within the label’s daily limit. Using triptans on many days a month can cause rebound headaches, so frequent migraines call for a prevention plan.
Who should not take them
Triptans are not used in people with heart disease, past stroke or uncontrolled high blood pressure. They are not taken within 24 hours of another triptan or an ergotamine, and not with MAOI antidepressants. Serotonin-affecting antidepressants need care.
The propranolol interaction
Propranolol, which is also approved to prevent migraines, raises rizatriptan levels, so a lower rizatriptan dose is used. Sumatriptan does not need this adjustment.
Cost
Both are available as generic tablets, and sumatriptan also comes as a nasal spray and an injection. Each pharmacy sets its own cash price for each form, so compare quotes for the form you need, and check how many doses a month your plan covers.
Prevention
If migraines happen several times a month, preventive treatments such as propranolol, topiramate or several newer CGRP medicines, which are FDA-approved for prevention, can reduce how often they occur. Amitriptyline is also used for prevention, though that use is not FDA-approved and the prescriber decides. A headache diary helps identify triggers and shows which treatments work.
Questions for your prescriber
- Which form suits my migraines, especially with nausea?
- Do any of my medicines, such as propranolol, change the dose?
- Should I be on a migraine prevention plan?
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Sources
Written by the Script Unlock editorial team from the sources above. It is general information, not advice for you or your pet; your prescriber decides which medicine is right.
Script Unlock is a marketplace that lets licensed pharmacies quote a cash price on your prescription. It does not prescribe, dispense or sell medication, does not process patient payments, and does not give medical advice. Always follow the instructions of your prescriber and pharmacist and read the medication guide supplied with your medicine.