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.
Dose |
One tablet taken at the onset of migraine, no more than 2 doses in 24 hours, leave at least 2 hours between doses |
Type of Medicine |
Triptan |
Mechanism |
Binds to 5-HT1B/D receptors in the blood vessels and nerve endings in the brain, allowing the blood vessels to relax and preventing some pain signals from being activated |
Available Size |
3, 6, 9 or 12 tablets |
Available Strengths |
10mg |
Active Ingredient |
Rizatriptan benzoate |
Price |
From £2.55 per tablet |
Side Effects |
Can include palpitations, nausea, vomiting, throat discomfort, flushing, headache, tremor, insomnia, neck pain, chest pain |
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.
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:
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.
If you experience dizziness or tiredness after taking rizatriptan, you should not drive or operate machinery.
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.
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.
Rizatriptan and sumatriptan work in similar ways to treat migraines, but rizatriptan usually relieves migraine symptoms faster. Both are available from Dr Felix.
Rizatriptan should not be used for any other type of headache, including tension headaches. You should only use rizatriptan to treat a migraine.
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.
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