Treat Migraines With Rizatriptan
Buy your Rizatriptan treatment* online in a few simple steps, without having to see your doctor. Our virtual care service connects you to highly trained clinicians who can assess your health needs and safely prescribe your treatment.
Other Related Treatments
MEDICAL INFORMATION
Rizatriptan Key Facts
Other Related Names or Treatments
Maxalt
About Rizatriptan
Rizatriptan is classed as a selective serotonin receptor agonist, or triptan. It is thought to work by reversing the widening of blood vessels in the brain, helping to ease the symptoms of migraine. Rizatriptan is most effective when used at the start of a migraine attack.
Rizatriptan is available with a prescription only as the generic Rizatriptan or under the brand name Maxalt. NowPatient offers Rizatriptan or Maxalt as treatments for migraines only, following an online consultation with a prescribing clinician.
Key facts of Rizatriptan
- For the treatment of migraine attacks
- Rizatriptan has some common side effects which include drowsiness and nausea
- It can be dangerous if you take Rizatriptan with certain medications. If you’re not sure if it is safe, discuss this with the prescribing clinician
Who is Rizatriptan not suitable for?
Rizatriptan may not be suitable for some people. To make sure it’s safe for you, speak to the prescribing clinician before taking Rizatriptan if you:
- Have ever had an allergic reaction to Rizatriptan
- Have had a heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, or heart disease
- Have liver disease
- Are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) antidepressants
- Are taking other triptan medicines
- Are taking other migraine treatments, such as ergotamine or its derivatives, methysergide
- Have a history of epilepsy
- Are taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI), serotonin noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) antidepressants, or St. John’s wort
How and where to get Rizatriptan?
You can buy Rizatriptan safely and securely from NowPatient. You can start a consultation today for free and if you qualify for treatment, you only pay for the cost of the medication. Delivery is made to your home or office from our registered pharmacy.
Our service is certified, safe and effective, and we only ever treat conditions. If you book a consultation with a prescribing clinician for the treatment of migraines, you can discuss if Rizatriptan is a suitable treatment option for you.
At the end of the consultation, the clinician will decide if a treatment plan is suitable for you. If it is, the clinician will issue you with a prescription which can then be ordered, paid for and delivered directly to your chosen address by NowPatient.
Dosage and strength for Rizatriptan for migraines
Rizatriptan is available as tablets, and orodispersible tablets when used for migraine attacks. It is available in strengths ranging from 5 mg to 10 mg tablets.
Information about how to take Rizatriptan for migraines
Rizatriptan tablets are taken orally with or without food when migraines first appear. They should not be taken when you experience aura symptoms such as tingling, dizziness, or issues with your vision.
Rizatriptan can be prescribed when painkillers or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as naproxen, have not been effective. It can also be used in combination with NSAIDs to treat migraine headaches.
Read the patient information leaflet supplied with your medication or speak to a healthcare professional for medical advice.
What happens if you take too much Rizatriptan?
If you take more than prescribed, then it can lead to some unpleasant side effects. You should talk to your doctor or reach out to one of our prescribing clinicians if you have taken too much Rizatriptan and you experience any of the following side effects:
What are the side effects of Rizatriptan?
Side effects of Rizatriptan are split into common and serious.
Common side effects include:
- Drowsiness
- Chest pain
- Tingling sensations
- Nosebleed
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dry mouth
- Tiredness
- Dizziness
- Hot flushes
- Shortness of breath
If you experience any serious side effects, you should contact NHS 111.
If you experience a serious allergic reaction with the signs shown below you should contact emergency services on 999.
- Your lips, mouth, throat or tongue suddenly become swollen
- You’re breathing very fast or struggling to breathe (you may become very wheezy or feel like you’re choking or gasping for air)
- Your throat feels tight or you’re struggling to swallow
- Your skin, tongue or lips turn blue, grey or pale (if you have black or brown skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet)
- You suddenly become very confused, drowsy or dizzy
- Someone faints and cannot be woken up
Information about taking Rizatriptan at the same time as other medications or herbal supplements
There is not enough evidence to suggest there are any drug interactions between herbal supplements and Rizatriptan. In any event, you should let your prescribing clinician know if you are taking any herbal supplements or other medicinal products, such as almotriptan, eletriptan, naratriptan, sumatriptan, or zolmitriptan, ergot-type medications such as bromocriptine, dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, or methysergide, or monoamine oxidase inhibitors such as phenelzine or tranylcypromine.
Can Rizatriptan taken for migraines be taken long-term?
You should not use Rizatriptan too often. Speak to your doctor if your migraine does not go away, or if you have migraines or cluster headaches on a regular basis.
Is there a herbal Rizatriptan?
No. Herbal Rizatriptan does not exist. If you have been marketed such a formulation, it may be fake.
Can women use Rizatriptan?
Women can take Rizatriptan for the treatment of migraine attacks. However it is important to not breastfeed your baby within 12 hours after taking a Rizatriptan dose. Speak to your doctor if you are breastfeeding or suspect you are pregnant, before taking Rizatriptan.
Should I avoid any particular food or drink when taking Rizatriptan?
You can eat and drink normally when taking Rizatriptan, but you should avoid alcohol during a migraine attack.
What lifestyle changes can I make to help me with migraines?
- Maintain regular sleep patterns
- Exercise
- Eat regular healthy meals
- Reduce your stress
- Avoiding triggers
Alternatives to Rizatriptan
Alternatives for the treatment of migraines include other triptans such as zolmitriptan, sumatriptan, naratriptan and almotriptan, or painkillers such as paracetamol, aspirin, or ibuprofen.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
NowPatient has taken all reasonable steps to ensure that all material is factually accurate, complete, and current. However, the knowledge and experience of a qualified healthcare professional should always be sought after instead of using the information on this page. Before taking any drug, you should always speak to your doctor or another qualified healthcare provider.
The information provided here about medications is subject to change and is not meant to include all uses, precautions, warnings, directions, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or negative effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a particular medication does not imply that the medication or medication combination is appropriate for all patients or for all possible purposes.
Related Articles
FAQs
Answers to Popular Questions About Rizatriptan
What is Rizatriptan?
Rizatriptan is a triptan medication used to treat acute migraine attacks. It is available as standard tablets (5 mg and 10 mg) and orodispersible tablets (Maxalt Melt). Rizatriptan is one of the fastest-acting and most effective oral triptans, with clinical response rates of approximately 70–80% at 2 hours. It is a prescription-only medicine in the UK.
How does Rizatriptan compare to other triptans?
Rizatriptan 10 mg is consistently ranked among the most effective triptans for speed and completeness of pain relief. Head-to-head studies show it is faster-acting than sumatriptan 100 mg. It is comparable to eletriptan in overall efficacy. The orodispersible formulation adds convenience for patients with nausea. The main consideration is the interaction with propranolol, which requires dose reduction.
How do I take Rizatriptan?
Take one 10 mg tablet (or orodispersible tablet) as early as possible during a migraine attack. A second dose may be taken after at least 2 hours if the headache returns. Maximum dose is 20 mg in 24 hours. If taking propranolol, use 5 mg doses (maximum 10 mg in 24 hours). Can be taken with or without food.
What are the side effects of Rizatriptan?
Common side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, tingling, nausea, dry mouth, and chest/throat tightness. These are typical of all triptans and are usually short-lived. Avoid combining with other triptans, ergotamine, or MAOIs. Seek medical help for severe chest pain.
How can I get Rizatriptan?
Rizatriptan is available on NHS prescription from your GP or through NowPatient. Both standard tablets and orodispersible (melt) formulations can be prescribed. NowPatient offers online consultations and home delivery.
Experienced a Side Effect?
Report to Yellow Card (UK) or MedWatch (US)
Report to
