Reviewed by Virginia Chachati MPharm
(2013, University College London)
GPhC Registration number: 2087654
Information last reviewed 03/07/2021
Rizatriptan is a type of medicine called a serotonin 5-HT 1B/1D receptor agonist. It's used to treat migraines and ease the headache pain associated with them.
Rizatriptan works by reducing swelling in the blood vessels that surround the brain. This helps ease headache pain. Rizatriptan can treat lots of types of migraine attacks.
Rizatriptan cannot prevent migraines from occurring. It should only be used to treat a migraine that has already started.
It's not known exactly what causes migraines, but it's thought to be caused by abnormal activity in the brain which has an effect on the nerve signals, chemicals and blood vessels. There are several possible factors which can trigger a migraine. These include:
These triggers will vary from one individual to the next and can affect people differently. Keeping a diary may be helpful for you to identify your migraine triggers.
The best way to prevent migraines is to identify what triggers them so that you can avoid those triggers. This will be different for everyone, so keeping a migraine diary is a useful way to find out what could be triggering your migraines. To do this, record when the migraine attack took place, what your symptoms were, how long they lasted and any environmental factors that were present. For example, what you've had to eat or drink, where you were, how you were feeling that day and any medicines you took. There are also medicines you can take to prevent migraines, but you need to speak to your doctor to find the best solution for you.
It can be difficult to tell the difference between a headache and a migraine but there are marked differences between the two. The pain of a migraine and a headache can feel similar and can occur either on one side of the head or both. A migraine may cause a throbbing pain and it usually causes additional symptoms such as:
A normal headache does not produce additional symptoms and will normally go away either on its own, after drinking water, or after taking over the counter painkillers like paracetamol.
Rizatriptan should not be used for any other type of headache, including tension headaches. You should only use rizatriptan to treat a migraine.
Rizatriptan should be taken as soon as possible after a migraine attack starts. Rizatriptan tablets should be taken with water and swallowed whole. Rizatriptan oro-dispersible melts will dissolve on your tongue and do not require water. If your migraine is still there after 2 hours of taking rizatriptan, then you can take another tablet or melt. Wait at least 2 hours between doses and do not take more than 2 doses within 24 hours. Rizatriptan tablets work best when they are taken on an empty stomach, as it takes longer to work after eating.
If you forget to take rizatriptan, you can take it at any time during a migraine attack. Do not take rizatriptan to prevent a migraine or if you have no symptoms.
If you take too much rizatriptan, then talk to a doctor or pharmacist right away and take the tablets with you. You may experience the following symptoms in the event of an overdose:
Common side effects of rizatriptan may include:
Uncommon side effects of rizatriptan may include:
Rare side effects of rizatriptan can include:
Signs of an allergic reaction to rizatriptan include:
If you experience any of these serious side effects after taking rizatriptan, seek emergency medical attention immediately.
If you experience a chronic headache as a result of taking rizatriptan, tell your doctor and stop taking the medicine.
Do not take rizatriptan if:
Tell your doctor if:
Do not take rizatriptan if you are taking:
You should check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking rizatriptan with ibuprofen. If you need to take them both, take rizatriptan first on an empty stomach. After 1 or 2 hours, see how your migraine feels. If you still have pain, then you can take ibuprofen (if it is suitable for you) with some food.
Drinking alcohol while you are taking rizatriptan can increase the risk of side effects. Alcohol is also likely to make your migraine worse because it can cause dehydration, so it is not recommended to drink alcohol while using rizatriptan.
Speak to your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a baby to check if rizatriptan is right for you.
Taking rizatriptan too often can result in dependency and may give you headaches. But overall, rizatriptan is not addictive. Always take rizatriptan as your doctor has prescribed; only use it when you feel a migraine coming on.
If you experience dizziness or tiredness after taking rizatriptan, you should not drive or operate machinery.
Rizatriptan and sumatriptan work in similar ways to treat migraines, but rizatriptan usually relieves migraine symptoms faster. Both are available from Dr Felix.
Over the counter painkillers, such as paracetamol and ibuprofen, are the first type of treatment recommended to treat a migraine attack. If this doesn't provide relief, then your doctor may prescribe triptans such as rizatriptan or sumatriptan. Antiemetics, such as Buccastem, can be given if you experience nausea or vomiting. These are all available online from Dr Felix.
The active ingredient in rizatriptan tablets is rizatriptan.
The other ingredients in rizatriptan are lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose, pregelatinised maize starch, iron oxide red (E172) and magnesium stearate.
Please note: generic rizatriptan tablets may contain different ingredients. Check the patient information leaflet for full details.
None of the active or inactive ingredients in Buccastem have been associated with cases of severe allergic reactions. Severe allergic reactions present as severe dizziness, hives, swelling of the face/lips or trouble breathing. You should get emergency medical attention right away if you experience any of these symptoms.
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