Rizatriptan

What is Rizatriptan?

Rizatriptan (commonly sold under the brand name of Maxalt) is a selective serotonin 5-HTR1B/1D receptor agonist, which are collectively known as triptans.

You can buy Rizatriptan when you have a prescription from a doctor. Order from Medicine Direct's online pharmacy and receive next day delivery when you order before 2pm.

We sell Rizatriptan 10mg in packets of 3 tablets, 6 tablets, 9 tablets or 12 tablets.

What is Rizatriptan used to treat?

Rizatriptan is one of the most prescribed medications for migraine treatment. Chiefly, it is prescribed to treat the headache stage of a migraine attack.

A migraine is believed to occur when the blood vessels surrounding the brain swell, triggering pain and other symptoms. Rizatriptan works by reducing the swelling of the vessels around the brain, which helps to relieve the pain caused by a migraine headache.

It does not prevent a migraine attack from occurring.

Who can take Rizatriptan?

Rizatriptan is an effective treatment for a migraine headache, but it is not suitable for everyone to take.

Before taking Rizatriptan tablets, you should talk to your doctor if you have any of the below:

• You have any of the following heart disease risks: high blood pressure, you are a man over the age of 40 years old, you have a family history of heart disease, you are a postmenopausal woman, you smoke or use any form of nicotine substitute
• You are over the age of 65
• You have an intolerance to certain sugars
• You have kidney problems
• You have liver problems
• You have a problem with how your heart beats (bundle branch block)
• You are allergic to rizatriptan or any other ingredients in the medication (see Ingredients tab)
• You have or have had any allergies
• You use any herbal remedies that contain St. John's Wort
• Your headache is related to dizziness, difficulty in walking, lack of co-ordination or weakness in the leg and arm
• You have any blockage problems in your arteries
• You have had a stroke or mini stroke
• You have high blood pressure
• You have ever had any heart problems

Always read the patient information leaflet for comprehensive information on who may not be suitable to take Rizatriptan.

This medicine is not recommended to be taken by children who are under the age of 18 years old.

Possible side effects

As is the case with all medications, it is possible to experience side effects while using Rizatriptan to treat migraine symptoms, although not everyone will get them.

In adults who take Rizatriptan, the most commonly reported side effects were dizziness, tiredness and sleepiness.

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any adverse effects while using Rizatriptan, particularly if you exhibit symptoms of serotonin syndrome, heart attack or stroke.

The below reactions affect 1 to 10 in every 100 people:

• Throat discomfort
• Palpitations
• Dizziness, headaches, a tingling sensation, decreased sensitivity of the skin, decreased mental awareness
• Difficulty in sleeping, sleepiness or feeling tired
• Flushing (redness of the face)
• Body feeling heavy, stiffness or neck pain
• Dry mouth
• Feeling sick or being sick
• Diarrhoea
• Indigestion
• Abdominal pain or chest pain

These side effects occur in 1 to 10 of every 1000 people:

• High blood pressure; hot flushes, sweating or thirst
• A bad taste in your mouth
• Facial and/or muscle pain
• Confusion, nervousness
• Unsteadiness on your feet when walking or loss of balance
• Blurred vision or feeling giddy or dizzy
• Tremor
• Tightness in the body or muscle weakness
• Fainting
• Changes to the rhythm of your heartbeat or a very fast heartbeat
• Abnormalities of the electrocardiogram

Refer to the Side Effects tab on this page for a list of rarer and more serious adverse reactions.

This list is not exhaustive. You should read the patient information leaflet that comes with your medication for more details.