Rizatriptan

When your migraine headache starts, take 1 tablet with water. Using fizzy water with this treatment can help it work faster. Wait until you no longer have an aura (visual disturbance) before taking Rizatriptan.

Rizatriptan lyophilisate (Maxalt Melt) dissolves in the mouth and does not require water for administration.

If your migraine isn’t completely gone or has returned after 2 hours, take another tablet. Take no more than 20mg Rizatriptan in a 24-hour period.

Although no clear cause has been identified, one theory is that migraines are caused by blood vessel dilation (widening), which causes swelling and pressure, resulting in pain and neurological symptoms. Another possibility is that certain chemicals in the brain become more active, causing parts of the brain to send out confusing signals, resulting in symptoms.

Rizatriptan constricts these blood vessels while also reducing the release of certain brain chemicals that occur during a migraine attack, alleviating symptoms.

Feeling drowsy or dizzy, nausea and vomiting, dry mouth, racing heart, headaches, sleep disturbances, and muscle or joint stiffness are all possible side effects. Pain or tightness in the chest is a less common symptom. If your chest pain is severe and not going away, see a doctor right away. Interrupted heart rhythms, seizures, tremors, visual disturbances, and severe allergic reactions are all possible but rare side effects.

See the patient information leaflet for a complete list of side effects and how to use it correctly. If you’re feeling particularly ill or experiencing severe side effects, go to your nearest A&E department or dial 999.

Rizatriptan tablets come in dosages of 5mg and 10mg. The 10mg tablets are typically recommended. If you’re also taking propranolol, it’s possible that the dose should be reduced to 5mg. Take no more than 20mg of Rizatriptan in a 24-hour period.

Within 2 hours of taking Rizatriptan, your migraine symptoms should improve.

For maximum relief, combine Rizatriptan with the following treatments. Please check with your pharmacist to see if they are appropriate for you.

Pain relief – paracetamol 500mg 2 tablets up to 4 times per day; aspirin 300-900mg up to 4 times per day; or ibuprofen 400mg up to 4 times per day

Buccastem M 3mg up to 2 times daily for anti-sickness. These tablets are intended to be used under your tongue. They’re especially useful if vomiting is one of your migraine symptoms because you don’t have to swallow them.

When treating a migraine attack, do not combine Rizatriptan with another triptan. Rizatriptan should not be taken every day because it can cause a medication overuse headache. You should see a doctor right away if your headache becomes significantly worse or if you develop any unusual symptoms.

Rizatriptan, like any other medication, can interact with other medications, which can be dangerous. This is why it’s critical that you tell us about any prescription, over-the-counter, or recreational medications you’re taking so that we can safely prescribe Rizatriptan.

Rizatriptan should not be combined with any other prescription medication without first consulting your doctor. You can also send us a message through your Patient Record.

For migraines, we can also prescribe Sumatriptan, which may be more appropriate for you.

Other pain relievers and anti-sickness medications will need to be prescribed by your doctor. Metoclopramide 10mg, Migramax (aspirin 900mg plus metoclopramide 10mg), and Paramax are some of them (paracetamol 500mg plus metoclopramide 5mg).