Sign inBefore taking rizatriptan
Before taking rizatriptan make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:
- If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
- If you have Prinzmetal's angina or circulatory problems such as Raynaud's disease.
- If you have recently had a heart attack, stroke or TIA (sometimes known as a mini-stroke).
- If you have high blood pressure.
- If you have liver or kidney problems.
- If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
- If you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
- Rizatriptan is not recommended in people over 65 years of age.
How to take rizatriptan
- Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
- Take rizatriptan exactly as directed by your doctor.
- Rizatriptan wafers must be placed on the tongue and allowed to dissolve in the mouth.
- Take/use one tablet or wafer at the onset of a migraine attack. If your migraine is not eased after this first dose, do not take a second dose for the same attack. If your migraine goes away but then returns, one tablet or wafer may be taken two hours after the initial dose.
- Do not take more than two doses in 24 hours.
Getting the most from your treatment
- Do not take other migraine treatments as well as rizatriptan. If you have been taking another 5HT1 agonist (almotriptan, eletriptan, frovatriptan, naratriptan, sumatriptan or zolmitriptan), including any bought from a pharmacy, you should wait at least 24 hours before taking rizatriptan.
- If you find that rizatriptan does not relieve your migraine, make an appointment to discuss this with your doctor.
- If you are having an operation or any dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
- If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with rizatriptan.
Can rizatriptan cause problems
Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.
| Possible side-effects | What can I do if I experience this |
| Drowsiness, dizziness, flushing, feeling of weakness | Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert |
| Feeling or being sick, indigestion | Eat little and often. Stick to simple foods such as dry toast |
| Diarrhoea | Drink plenty of water to replace lost fluids |
| Headache | Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable painkiller |
| Dry mouth and increased thirst | Try chewing sugar-free gum, sucking pieces of ice or sugar-free sweets |
| Tiredness, tingling sensations, tightness in the throat or chest, reduced skin sensitivity, shakiness, heaviness, being aware of your heart beating, rapid heartbeat, sweating, difficulty breathing | Speak with your doctor if any of these become troublesome or severe |
If you experience any other symptoms that you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
How to store rizatriptan
- Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
- Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
Important information about all medicines
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References
- Manufacturer's PIL, Maxalt Tablets®, Merck Sharp & Dohme Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated April 2010
- Manufacturer's PIL, Maxalt Melt®, Merck Sharp & Dohme Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated April 2010
- British National Formulary; 62nd Edition (Sep 2011) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF)