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 the swelling in the blood vessels which surround the brain, causing the pain to ease off. The medicine works to treat all types of migraine attacks.
Rizatriptan cannot prevent migraines from occurring. It should only be used to treat an active migraine attack.
It's not know what exactly 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:
Hormonal changes (such as menstruation)
Stress and anxiety
Tension
Shock
Depression
Excitement
Tiredness
Lack of sleep
Disruptive routine
Bad posture
Tension in the neck and shoulders
Jet lag
Low blood sugar
Dehydration
Alcohol
Caffeine
Irregular meals
Chocolate
Citrus fruit
Tyramine (which is found in cured meat, smoked fish, pickled herring and certain cheeses)
Bright lights
Screens
Smoking
Climate changes
Strong smells or loud noises
A stuffy atmosphere
The combined contraceptive pill
Sleeping tablets
Hormone replacement therapy
These triggers will vary from one individual to the next and can affect people differently.
The best way to prevent migraines is to identify what triggers them so that you can avoid it. 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'd eaten and drank, where you were, how you were feeling that day and any medications you had taken. There are also medications you can take to prevent migraines. These are available on prescription and include Topiramate, Propranolol, Amitriptyline and Botulinum toxin type A.
It can be difficult to determine 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:
Nausea
Vomiting
Sensitivity to light, sound or smells
Worsening of headache with physical exertion
A normal headache does not produce additional symptoms.
Rizatriptan should not be used for any other type of headache. It should only be used to treat a migraine.
The active ingredient is Rizatriptan.
The other ingredients contained in Rizatriptan are lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose, pregelatinised maize starch, iron oxide red (E 172) and magnesium stearate.
Rizatriptan should be taken as soon as possible after a migraine attack starts. The tablets should be taken with water and swallowed whole. If your migraine still persists after 2 hours of taking Rizatriptan then you can take another tablet. Wait at least 2 hours between doses and do not exceed 2 doses within a period of 24 hours. Rizatriptan works best when it is taken on an empty stomach as it takes longer to work after eating.
The usual dose of Rizatriptan is 10mg to treat a migraine. If you have any liver or kidney problems or if you are taking Propranolol, then you should take a 5mg dose.
If you forget to take Rizatriptan you can take it at any time during a migraine attack. Do not take it as a preventative measure 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:
Drowsiness
Dizziness
Vomiting
Fainting
Slowed heart rate
Common side effects may include:
Dizziness
Sleepiness
Tiredness
Headaches
Dry mouth
Stomach pain
Chest pain
Throat discomfort
Heaviness or pressure in the throat, limbs, chest or neck
Heart palpitations
Decreased skin sensitivity
Uncommon side effects may include:
Neck pain
Increased thirst
Difficulty sleeping
Heightened blood pressure
Indigestion
Blurred vision
Unsteadiness when walking
Altered taste
Dizziness
Rare side effects can include:
Fainting
Wheezing
Difficulty breathing
Nausea
Diarrhoea
Sweating
Flushing
Shaking
Tingling in the fingers and toes
Difficulty thinking
Muscle weakness
Rash
Confusion
Nervousness
Muscle pain
Arrhythmia
Swelling around the face
Seizure
Serotonin syndrome
Heart attack
Ischemic colitis
Blood vessel spasms
Stroke
Signs of an allergic reaction include:
Rash
Itching
Wheezing and difficulty breathing
Swelling
Peeling and blistering of the skin
Toxic epidermal necrolysis
If you experience any of these serious side effects seek 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:
You are allergic to Rizatriptan or any of the other ingredients contained in the medicine
You have uncontrolled high blood pressure
You have ever had a heart attack, angina or other heart problems
You have ever had a stroke or a mini stroke
You have peripheral vascular disease
You have liver or kidney problems
You are taking MAO inhibitors or if it has been less than 2 weeks since you stopped taking them
You are taking other migraine treatments
You are under 18
Tell your doctor if:
You have high blood pressure
You have diabetes
You smoke
You have a family history of heart disease
You have kidney or liver problems
You have problems with your heartbeat
You have any allergies
You are experiencing dizziness, difficulty walking, lack of coordination or weakness in your arms and legs
You are using St. John's wort
You are taking SSRIs (antidepressants)
You have experienced chest pain or tightness
Do not take Rizatriptan if you are taking:
Any other type of Triptans (5-HT agonists) which include Sumatriptan, Naratriptan or Zolmitriptan
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOs)
Ergotamine
Dihydroergotamine
Methysergide
It's usually fine to take Ibuprofen or another over-the-counter painkiller if your first dose of Rizatriptan does not work. You should check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any other medicines alongside Rizatriptan.
Drinking alcohol while you are taking Rizatriptan can increase the risk of side effects. It is also likely to make your migraine worse so it is not recommended to drink alcohol while using Rizatriptan.
Speak to your doctor if you are pregnant so that they can determine the suitability of this medication.
Taking Rizatriptan too often can result in dependency and may induce headaches. Always take Rizatriptan as your doctor has prescribed, only using it when you feel a migraine coming on.
If you experience dizziness or tiredness after taking Rizatriptan do not drive or operate machinery.
Rizatriptan and Sumatriptan work in similar ways but Rizatriptan usually relieves migraine symptoms faster.
Over-the-counter painkillers are the first type of treatment recommended to treat a migraine attack. If this doesn't provide relief then your doctor may prescribe you with Triptans such as Rizatriptan or Sumatriptan. Anti-emetics can be given if you experience nausea or vomiting which also come as a suppository if you are unable to swallow tablets.
NHS> Migraines https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/migraine/treatment/
Patient Information Leaflet https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/7184/pil
Medicine Net> Migraine vs Headache: How to Tell the Difference https://www.medicinenet.com/migraine_vs_headache_whats_the_difference/article.htm
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