Headache Channel
Topics
Medications
Quicklinks
Related Channels
Maxalt Alternatives
For treating migraine headaches, there are a number of alternatives to Maxalt. Lifestyle changes are among these Maxalt alternatives. Some examples of lifestyle changes that can help treat migraines include getting regular exercise, preventing migraine triggers (including certain foods or stressful situations), and getting biofeedback for migraines. There are also a number of other medications that can be alternatives to Maxalt. A few of these drugs include sumatriptan, almotriptan, and ergotamine.
from eMedTV.comAlternatives to Maxalt: An Overview
There are several alternatives to Maxalt® (rizatriptan benzoate) for the treatment of migraine headaches. These alternatives can include lifestyle changes and other migraine medications.Lifestyle Changes
Many people benefit from lifestyle changes to improve migraine headaches. Preventing migraine triggers, such as certain foods or stressful situations, can help improve migraines (see Migraine Diet for more information). Biofeedback for migraines can also be helpful. Regular exercise can also help improve migraine symptoms.
Medications
There are basically two types of migraine medications: those used to treat migraine headaches that have already started and those used to prevent them from starting in the first place. Some medications for treating migraines that have already started include:
- Triptans (other migraine medications very similar to Maxalt), such as:
- Almotriptan (Axert®)
- Eletriptan (Relpax®)
- Frovatriptan (Frova®)
- Naratriptan (Amerge®)
- Sumatriptan (Alsuma™, Imitrex®, Sumavel®, Zecuity™) or sumatriptan/naproxen sodium (Treximet®)
- Zolmitriptan (Zomig®)
- Ergot medications, such as:
- Dihydroergotamine (Migranal®)
- Ergotamine (Bellamine S®, Cafergot®, Ergomar®)
- Other pain medications, including narcotics or over-the-counter medications for pain.
If migraines occur frequently or are extremely severe, medication for migraine prevention is an option. Some of the medications used to prevent migraines include:
- Propranolol (Inderal®) and other beta blockers
- Divalproex (Depakote®), topiramate (Topamax®), and other seizure medications
- Verapamil (Calan®, Verelan®) and other calcium channel blockers.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD