How Fast Does Nurtec Work—and How Long Does Relief Last?

Migraines rarely wait for a convenient time. If your provider has prescribed Nurtec ODT (rimegepant) 75 mg, two of the most common questions are: “How fast will it work?” and “How long will relief last?” Below, you’ll find a patient-friendly timeline, practical pointers to help Nurtec work its best, and guidance on safe dosing—plus how many Americans are lowering their cost by ordering Nurtec from Canada through trusted prescription referral services.

First things first: What Nurtec ODT does (and doesn’t) do

Nurtec ODT is a CGRP receptor blocker used for:

Acute migraine treatment (take when a migraine starts)
Prevention (taken every other day)

This article focuses on acute treatment—the “take it when you feel it” scenario. Prevention dosing can reduce how often attacks happen, but it isn’t designed for same-day relief.

Explore Canadian Options of Nurtec ODT

How fast does Nurtec work?

Most patients begin to feel something within the first 1–2 hours, with benefits continuing to build over the next several hours.

Early window (30–60 minutes): Some people report early easing of pain, sensitivity to light/sound, or nausea. Think of this as the “taking the edge off” phase.
Core relief (around 2 hours): Clinical trials measured key outcomes at the 2-hour mark. Many patients achieved meaningful pain relief (pain goes from moderate/severe to mild or none) and some achieved complete pain freedom by this time.
Functional improvement: Alongside pain measures, many people notice they can resume normal activities—working, parenting, or running errands—within the same 2-hour window.

Tip: Taking Nurtec at the first sign of a migraine usually produces faster, better results than waiting until pain is severe.

How long does relief last?

A major advantage of Nurtec is sustained benefit. Many patients experience relief that lasts through 24 hours, and a sizable portion report benefits extending up to 48 hours after a single 75 mg dose. That durability matters: it lowers the chance you’ll need other rescue medicines later the same day and may reduce the risk of “bounce-back” symptoms.

If your migraine returns the next day, talk with your clinician about your options. Depending on your history and other medicines, your provider may suggest a different acute option for the next attack, adjusting prevention therapy, or addressing triggers (sleep, caffeine, hydration, hormones).

Dosing rules that keep you safe (and help Nurtec work well)

One dose per 24 hours for acute treatment. The recommended dose is 75 mg once, and do not take another dose within the same day.
Monthly limit: The safety of more than 18 doses in 30 days hasn’t been established. If you’re needing Nurtec frequently, ask your prescriber about prevention strategies (including Nurtec every other day, or other preventives).
With or without food: Nurtec ODT can be taken with or without food. Because it’s an orally disintegrating tablet, place it on or under your tongue and let it dissolve—no water needed.
Drug-interaction caveat: If you’re on certain interacting medicines (for example, moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors or strong P-gp inhibitors), your prescriber may advise spacing doses at least 48 hours apart. Always follow your clinician’s instructions.
If one dose doesn’t work: Don’t stack another Nurtec dose the same day. Discuss a “backup plan” with your clinician (some patients keep a non-CGRP rescue option on hand).

How to make Nurtec work faster and more consistently

Treat early. Take Nurtec at the first sign of an attack or when you know your personal “point of no return.”
Hydrate and rest. Dehydration and poor sleep can blunt response. Small, frequent sips of fluids and a calm, dark room can help while the medicine kicks in.
Mind your triggers. Bright light, skipped meals, alcohol, strong smells, and stress can pile on. Managing triggers may amplify Nurtec’s effect.
Watch combo products. Always tell your clinician about all migraine meds you use (triptans, NSAIDs, gepants) so you don’t over-treat.
Consider prevention. If you’re using Nurtec often, prevention dosing every other day may reduce attack frequency and cut your need for rescue doses.

Nurtec vs other acute options: why the timing is different

If you’ve used triptans (like sumatriptan), you might wonder how Nurtec compares. Triptans constrict blood vessels and can act quickly—but they aren’t right for everyone (e.g., certain cardiovascular risks). Nurtec works by blocking the CGRP pathway without vasoconstriction, which is why many patients and clinicians value it for both efficacy and safety. Its 1–2 hour relief window is competitive, and the longer duration of benefit (often up to 24–48 hours) is a key reason patients stick with it.

Cost got you hesitating? Why Americans look to Canada

In the U.S., the cash price of migraine therapies can be a barrier—especially if your insurance requires prior authorization or excludes newer treatments. That’s why many Americans order Nurtec from Canada using a prescription referral service (for example, Over the Border Meds). Benefits include:

Lower out-of-pocket cost for the same brand-name medication
No U.S. insurance hurdles—pay cash, know the price up front
Up to a 90-day personal-use supply shipped to your U.S. address
Pharmacist support for dosing, timing, and side-effect questions

If cost has kept you from trying Nurtec—or from keeping it on hand for the earliest possible dosing—a Canadian option can make your treatment plan realistic again.

When to call your clinician

Severe, unusual, or persistent headache that differs from your typical migraine
Worsening nausea, repeated vomiting, or inability to keep fluids down
Allergy signs (rash, swelling, difficulty breathing) after taking Nurtec
You’re using acute meds more than 2–3 days per week—you may be at risk for medication-overuse headache and need a prevention strategy

The bottom line

How fast: Many patients feel meaningful relief within 1–2 hours of taking Nurtec ODT at the first sign of migraine.
How long: Relief commonly lasts through 24 hours, and many report benefits up to 48 hours after a single dose.
How to optimize: Treat early, maintain hydration/sleep, and coordinate with your clinician on prevention if attacks are frequent.
How to afford: If U.S. prices are a barrier, consider ordering Nurtec from Canada via a reputable prescription referral service to keep medication on hand—so you can treat early and feel better faster.