What is Eletriptan: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects and More

Eletriptan is a prescription medication specifically designed to treat migraine headaches once they've already started. It belongs to a class of drugs called triptans, which work by targeting the root cause of migraine pain in your brain and blood vessels.

Think of eletriptan as your migraine rescue medication. It's not something you take every day to prevent migraines, but rather a tool you reach for when a migraine strikes. Many people find it brings meaningful relief when other over-the-counter pain relievers haven't been enough.

What is Eletriptan Used For?

Eletriptan is primarily used to treat acute migraine attacks in adults. It's specifically designed to stop a migraine that's already in progress, not to prevent future ones.

This medication works best when you take it at the first sign of a migraine headache. It can help relieve not just the throbbing head pain, but also the nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound that often come with migraines. Some people also find it helpful for cluster headaches, though this is considered an off-label use.

Your doctor might prescribe eletriptan if you've tried other migraine treatments without success. It's particularly useful for people who experience moderate to severe migraines that interfere with their daily activities.

How Does Eletriptan Work?

Eletriptan works by mimicking a natural brain chemical called serotonin. During a migraine, certain blood vessels in your brain become inflamed and dilated, which contributes to the intense pain you feel.

When you take eletriptan, it binds to specific serotonin receptors in your brain and causes those swollen blood vessels to narrow back down to their normal size. This helps reduce the inflammation and pain signals that create your migraine symptoms.

As migraine medications go, eletriptan is considered moderately strong. It's more potent than basic pain relievers like ibuprofen, but it's designed specifically for migraine pain rather than general headaches. Most people notice relief within 30 minutes to 2 hours after taking it.

How Should I Take Eletriptan?

Take eletriptan exactly as your doctor prescribes it, typically at the first sign of a migraine headache. You can take it with or without food, though some people find it works faster on an empty stomach.

Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water. Don't crush, chew, or break the tablet, as this can affect how the medication is absorbed. If your migraine doesn't improve after the first dose, you can take a second dose at least 2 hours later, but don't exceed 80mg in a 24-hour period.

Here's what works best for most people when taking eletriptan:

• Take it as soon as you notice your migraine starting
• Find a quiet, dark place to rest after taking it
• Stay hydrated by sipping water throughout the day
• Avoid alcohol, as it can worsen side effects
• Don't take more than 2 doses in 24 hours

Remember, eletriptan works best when used early in a migraine attack. The longer you wait, the less effective it may be.

How Long Should I Take Eletriptan For?

Eletriptan is meant to be used only when you have a migraine, not as a daily medication. Most people take it occasionally, whenever a migraine strikes.

However, there's an important limit to keep in mind: you shouldn't use eletriptan more than 10 days per month. Using it too frequently can actually lead to medication overuse headaches, which can make your migraine problem worse over time.

If you find yourself needing eletriptan very often, talk to your doctor about preventive migraine treatments. These are daily medications that can help reduce how frequently you get migraines in the first place. Your doctor might also want to explore what's triggering your migraines so you can avoid those triggers when possible.

What Are the Side Effects of Eletriptan?

Like all medications, eletriptan can cause side effects, though not everyone experiences them. Most side effects are mild and go away on their own within a few hours.

The most common side effects you might notice include:

• Feeling tired or drowsy
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Nausea or stomach upset
• Dry mouth
• Muscle weakness or heaviness in your arms or legs
• Chest tightness or pressure (usually not serious)
• Tingling or numbness in your fingers or toes

These common effects usually fade as the medication leaves your system. If they're bothering you, try resting in a quiet place and staying hydrated.

Less common but more serious side effects can include:

• Severe chest pain or pressure
• Fast or irregular heartbeat
• Severe stomach pain
• Sudden severe headache different from your usual migraines
• Signs of stroke like sudden weakness, slurred speech, or vision changes
• Severe allergic reactions with rash, swelling, or difficulty breathing

If you experience any of these serious side effects, seek medical attention immediately. While rare, they can be signs of serious complications that need prompt treatment.

Who Should Not Take Eletriptan?

Eletriptan isn't safe for everyone, and your doctor will carefully review your medical history before prescribing it. This medication can affect your heart and blood vessels, so it's not suitable for people with certain conditions.

You should not take eletriptan if you have:

• A history of heart disease, including heart attacks or angina
• Uncontrolled high blood pressure
• A history of stroke or mini-stroke
• Peripheral artery disease
• Severe liver problems
• Hemiplegic or basilar migraines (specific rare types)

You should also avoid eletriptan if you're taking certain other medications, particularly other triptans, ergot medications, or MAO inhibitors. These combinations can be dangerous and may lead to serious side effects.

Special considerations apply if you're over 65, pregnant, breastfeeding, or have diabetes. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and risks carefully for these situations. Always tell your doctor about all medications and supplements you're taking before starting eletriptan.

Eletriptan Brand Names

Eletriptan is available under the brand name Relpax in the United States. This is the most common way you'll see it prescribed and dispensed at pharmacies.

Generic versions of eletriptan are also available, which contain the same active ingredient but may cost less. Whether you receive the brand name or generic version often depends on your insurance coverage and pharmacy preferences.

Both the brand name and generic versions work the same way and have the same effectiveness. If you have concerns about switching between brand name and generic, discuss this with your doctor or pharmacist.

Eletriptan Alternatives

If eletriptan doesn't work well for you or causes troublesome side effects, several alternatives are available. Your doctor can help you find the best option based on your specific situation.

Other triptan medications include sumatriptan (Imitrex), rizatriptan (Maxalt), and zolmitriptan (Zomig). Each works similarly but may have different side effect profiles or effectiveness for different people. Some people respond better to one triptan than another.

Non-triptan options include:

• CGRP inhibitors like rimegepant (Nurtec) or ubrogepant (Ubrelvy)
• Anti-nausea medications combined with pain relievers
• Prescription NSAIDs like naproxen or diclofenac
• Combination medications that include caffeine

For frequent migraines, your doctor might recommend preventive medications instead of or in addition to acute treatments. These can include certain antidepressants, blood pressure medications, or newer CGRP preventive drugs.

Is Eletriptan Better Than Sumatriptan?

Eletriptan and sumatriptan are both effective triptan medications, but they have some key differences that might make one better for you than the other.

Eletriptan may work faster than sumatriptan for some people and tends to have a lower headache recurrence rate. This means your migraine is less likely to come back within 24 hours after treatment. Eletriptan also tends to cause fewer side effects related to injection site reactions since it's only available as a tablet.

However, sumatriptan has been around longer and is available in more forms, including tablets, nasal spray, and injection. The injection form works very quickly, sometimes within 15 minutes. Sumatriptan is also usually less expensive, especially in generic form.

The "better" choice depends on your individual response, side effect tolerance, and practical considerations like cost and convenience. Many people try both to see which works better for their specific migraine pattern.