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Rizatriptan

  • Take a dose at the onset of an attack. If your migraine returns, a second dose may be taken two hours after the initial dose.
  • Rizatriptan must not be used in combination with migraine treatments containing ergotamine.

About rizatriptan

Type of medicine 5-HT1 agonist
Used for Migraine attacks
Also called Maxalt®
Maxalt® Melt Wafers
Available as Tablets
Wafers (dissolves in the mouth)

Rizatriptan is used to treat migraine attacks. Research has shown that migraine can be caused by the swelling of blood vessels around the brain. Rizatriptan eases the pain associated with migraine by narrowing these blood vessels. It also blocks the release of chemicals from nerves that cause symptoms of migraine.

Before 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 suffer from liver or kidney problems.
  • If the patient is under 18 years of age.
  • If you suffer from Prinzmetal's angina, hypertension (high blood pressure), or circulatory problems.
  • If you have recently suffered a stroke or mini-stroke.
  • If you have heart disease or have had a heart attack.
  • 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.

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 an attack. If your migraine returns, one tablet or wafer may be taken two hours after the initial dose. If your migraine is not eased after the first dose is taken, do not take the second dose.
  • Do not take more than two tablets/wafers in 24 hours.
  • Rizatriptan is for you. Never give it to others, even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Rizatriptan should not be used in combination with migraine treatments containing ergotamine. If you have been taking an ergotamine preparation you must leave a gap of 24 hours before taking rizatriptan. A gap of 24 hours after taking rizatriptan is also needed before taking ergotamine. If in doubt ask your doctor or pharmacist.
  • Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside rizatriptan.

Can rizatriptan cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine What can I do if I experience this
Drowsiness, dizziness 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 Eat little and often. Stick to simple foods such as dry toast
Diarrhoea Drink plenty if water to replace lost fluids
Headache Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain-killer
Dry mouth 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, reduced mental agility, being aware of your heart beating, rapid heartbeat, flushing, sweating, difficulty breathing Speak with your doctor if any of these become troublesome or severe

Important: You may experience pressure or tightness in any part of the body, including the throat and chest. If this sensation becomes too intense, stop taking rizatriptan and contact your doctor as soon as possible.

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 of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Where possible take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

© EMIS 2008 DocID:
3204		 DocRef:
dils2025		 Last Updated:
4 Feb 2008		 Date of Next Review:
3 Feb 2010		 Version:
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PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

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