Buy rizatriptan online from a UK pharmacy

What is rizatriptan?

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. 

How does rizatriptan work?

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.

Can rizatriptan be used to prevent migraines?

Rizatriptan cannot prevent migraines from occurring. It should only be used to treat a migraine that has already started.

Rizatriptan summary

Active ingredients

The active ingredient in rizatriptan tablets is rizatriptan.

Inactive ingredients

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.

How to take rizatriptan

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.

What should I do if I forget to take rizatriptan?

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.

What should I do if I take too much rizatriptan?

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

Rizatriptan side effects

Common side effects of rizatriptan 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 of rizatriptan may include: 

• Neck pain 
• Increased thirst 
• Difficulty sleeping 
• Heightened blood pressure 
• Indigestion 
• Blurred vision 
• Unsteadiness when walking 
• Altered taste 
• Dizziness 

 Rare side effects of rizatriptan 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 to rizatriptan 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 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.

Contraindications

Do not take rizatriptan if: 

• You are allergic to rizatriptan or any of the other ingredients 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 monoamine oxidase (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 years old

 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 selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
• You have experienced chest pain or tightness

Drug interactions

Do not take rizatriptan if you are taking: 

• Any other type of triptans, including sumatriptan, naratriptan or zolmitriptan 
• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOs) 
• Ergotamine 
• Dihydroergotamine 
• Methysergide

Rizatriptan and alcohol

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. 

Rizatriptan and pregnancy

Speak to your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a baby to check if rizatriptan is right for you.

Can I drive while taking rizatriptan?

If you experience dizziness or tiredness after taking rizatriptan, you should not drive or operate machinery.

Can rizatriptan be taken with ibuprofen?

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.

Alternatives to rizatriptan

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 vs sumatriptan

Rizatriptan and sumatriptan work in similar ways to treat migraines, but rizatriptan usually relieves migraine symptoms faster. Both are available from Dr Felix.

Can I use rizatriptan for tension headaches?

Rizatriptan should not be used for any other type of headache, including tension headaches. You should only use rizatriptan to treat a migraine.

Is rizatriptan addictive?

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.