What is Rizatriptan?

Rizatriptan is a prescription-only medicine used to treat acute migraine attacks. It works by relieving headache pain and other common symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and light sensitivity. Rizatriptan is not a painkiller, but a selective serotonin receptor agonist (triptan) that targets the underlying cause of migraine.

How Does Rizatriptan Work?

The exact cause of migraines isn’t fully understood, but one theory suggests that blood vessels in the brain temporarily widen during an attack, triggering pain and inflammation. Rizatriptan works by narrowing these widened blood vessels, helping to reduce inflammation and restore normal blood flow. This can significantly reduce migraine symptoms if taken early in an attack.

How Effective is Rizatriptan?

Clinical studies show that Rizatriptan is effective in treating the headache phase of a migraine in around 76% of patients. It works best when taken at the onset of symptoms. Please note: Rizatriptan is not used to prevent migraines and should only be taken when an attack begins.

Migraine Treatment Alternatives

Migraine treatment is highly individual, and not all patients respond to the same medication. If Rizatriptan isn’t suitable for you, your doctor may recommend alternatives such as:

Other Triptans:

• Sumatriptan Tablets
• Zolmitriptan Tablets or Nasal Spray
• Imigran Nasal Spray (Sumatriptan)
• Zomig Rapimelt (Zolmitriptan orodispersible tablets)

Over-the-Counter Pain Relief:

• Ibuprofen
• Aspirin
• Paracetamol

Anti-sickness Medication:

• Prochlorperazine
• Metoclopramide

Always speak to your doctor or pharmacist to find the most suitable treatment for your migraine symptoms.

As with most medicines, side effects are possible, although not everyone will experience them. Some of the more common side effects include:

• Tingling or numb sensations
• Drowsiness or feeling unusually tired

Dizziness or light-headedness

• Flushing of the face
• Reduced sensitivity to touch
• Raised blood pressure

For a complete list of potential side effects, please refer to the patient information leaflet supplied with your medication.

When Not to Take Rizatriptan

You should not take Rizatriptan if:

• You are allergic to Rizatriptan or any other triptan medication
• You have a history of heart problems, including a heart attack or angina (chest pain)
• You have uncontrolled high blood pressure
• You suffer from severe liver or kidney disease
• You have previously had a stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA)
• You are currently taking MAOI antidepressants (monoamine oxidase inhibitors)
• You are using other migraine medicines from the triptan family

Taking Rizatriptan too frequently may lead to medication overuse headache – a persistent type of headache that may require you to stop treatment. If you think this may be affecting you, speak to your doctor for advice.

Storage Instructions
There are no special storage conditions required. Store Rizatriptan tablets at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and moisture, and keep them out of reach of children.

How to take Rizatriptan 10 mg Tablets

• Take one tablet as soon as your migraine headache begins.
• Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water.
• If you are prescribed the orodispersible (melt-in-the-mouth) version, place the tablet on your tongue and let it dissolve. You do not need water for this form.
• If your migraine improves and then returns, you may take a second dose. Wait at least 2 hours after the first tablet.
• Do not take more than 30 mg in 24 hours.
• If the first tablet does not relieve your migraine, do not take another for the same attack. Instead, speak with your doctor for further advice.
• Rizatriptan should only be used for treating migraine attacks, not for preventing them.

Active ingredient:

Rizatriptan benzoate (equivalent to 10 mg rizatriptan per tablet)

Inactive ingredients (may vary slightly by manufacturer):

Lactose monohydrate
Microcrystalline cellulose
Pregelatinised maize starch
Ferric oxide (colouring, in some brands)
Magnesium stearate
Hypromellose (film coating)
Titanium dioxide (E171, film coating)
Polyethylene glycol (film coating)

Always read the patient information leaflet (PIL) in your pack for the complete list of ingredients, and to check for any you might be allergic to.

Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people):

Dizziness or sleepiness
Tiredness or weakness
Nausea or vomiting
Dry mouth

Uncommon side effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people):

Palpitations, rapid heartbeat
Flushing, feeling warm
Shortness of breath
Indigestion, diarrhoea
Neck or throat discomfort, chest tightness or pressure
Pain in the stomach or chest
Muscle weakness or pain
Tingling or numbness (pins and needles)
Insomnia or difficulty sleeping

Rare side effects (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people):

Serious allergic reaction (swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing)
Changes in blood pressure
Fainting

Seek urgent medical help if you experience:

Severe chest pain or tightness
Sudden weakness, vision problems, or speech difficulties (possible stroke symptoms)
Signs of an allergic reaction