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Overview
What is Rizatriptan, and how does it work?
Rizatriptan is a potent medication specifically designed for the relief of migraine symptoms. Classified as a selective serotonin receptor agonist, it plays a crucial role in managing the debilitating effects often associated with migraines and headaches.
Targeting migraine symptoms effectively
Rizatriptan is particularly effective in addressing the common symptoms of migraines, which include:
- Pain: It helps in reducing the severity of the pain
- Nausea: The medication works to alleviate feelings of nausea
- Visual Disturbances: It aids in mitigating visual problems that often accompany migraines
Mode of action
Rizatriptan is unique in its approach to treating migraines. It becomes effective only when a migraine attack is in progress, focusing on:
- Blocking Pain Signals: The medication prevents pain signals from reaching the brain
- Narrowing Blood Vessels: By constricting the blood vessels in the brain, Rizatriptan tablets stop pain signals from being transmitted
- Inhibiting Symptom-Causing Substances: It blocks the release of substances that cause migraine symptoms like throbbing pain and nausea
Important considerations
- Usage Limitation: It is important to note that Rizatriptan is not a preventive treatment. It does not work to prevent the onset of migraines or reduce the frequency of migraine attacks
- Consultation with a Doctor: Those who experience migraines frequently are advised to consult a doctor. A healthcare professional can recommend lifestyle changes and other measures to potentially reduce the frequency of migraines
Rizatriptan migraine medication alternatives
Rizatriptan tablets are an effective form of migraine pain relief. However, other medications may be more suitable for individuals based on their needs.
To determine which migraine medication is suited to your needs, you’ll need to complete a quick online assessment that will inform our pharmacist's decision when determining which medication is best. Alternative medications include:
- Sumatriptan Tablets: Renowned for their effectiveness, they are among the top choices for migraine pain relief. They are the generic form of the well-known Imigran brand
- Zolmitriptan Tablets: These tablets offer significant relief for acute migraine headaches. While highly effective in treating symptoms, they do not function as a preventative measure for future migraine episodes
- Zomig Tablets 2.5mg: Featuring Zolmitriptan as the active ingredient, this medication is adept at treating migraines, irrespective of whether an aura accompanies them
- Almotriptan Tablets: Provide relief from migraine-associated symptoms such as headaches, sensitivity to light, and nausea. They work by constricting the brain's blood vessels
Rizatriptan Over The Counter Alternatives
When looking for non-prescription options for migraine management, there are effective alternatives to Rizatriptan tablets. Consulting a healthcare professional is crucial, especially if Rizatriptan is part of your current regimen. Here are two popular OTC choices:
- Paracetamol: A common choice for treating a range of pains, including headaches. For migraine relief, it's typically recommended to take two tablets every four hours. Caution is advised not to exceed four doses in a 24-hour period to avoid potential overuse
- Ibuprofen: Effective in managing mild to moderate pain, including migraines. It can be used alongside paracetamol for improved symptom relief. This combination is often beneficial for more comprehensive management of migraine symptoms
Informational sources
If you’d like to find out more about Rizatriptan tablets or migraines in general, we’ve compiled a list of additional resources below for you to take a look at:
Directions
Rizatriptan dose amount & directions of use
Available Forms and Strengths:
- In the UK, Rizatriptan is available in 5mg and 10mg tablets
- Rizatriptan is offered as an orodispersible tablet (dissolves quickly)
Initial Adult Dosage:
- For adults, the starting dose is usually one 10mg tablet taken orally at the onset of migraine symptoms or during an attack
Maximum Single Dose:
- The highest single dose recommended is 10 mg
24-Hour Limit:
- Do not exceed a total of 30 mg of Rizatriptan within a 24-hour period. Taking more can increase the risk of side effects.
Ingredients
Rizatriptan Ingredients
Ingredients that make up Rizatriptan 10mg tablets include:
- Active Ingredient: Rizatriptan Benzoate
- Amount per tablet: 10 mg of rizatriptan, present as 14.53 mg of rizatriptan benzoate
Other Ingredients:
- Mannitol
- Microcrystalline Cellulose (E460a)
- Crospovidone
- Aspartame (E951)
- Magnesium Stearate (E572)
- Colloidal Silicon Dioxide
- Peppermint Flavor (contains modified food starch)
Side Effects
Rizatriptan 10mg tablets side effects
As with all medication, there exists the possibility that some patients might experience side effects
Common Rizatriptan side effects
- Dizziness
- Tiredness
- Diarrhoea, vomiting or an upset stomach
- Pins and needles
- Sensations of burning or warmth
- Mild tremors
- Pain in your muscles
- Dry mouth
If these side effects are mild, wait and see if they improve. If they do not, or if they are severe or worsen, consult your doctor.
Serious side effects of Sumatriptan
If you experience any of these serious side effects, speak to your doctor immediately:
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Change in breathing pattern, such as shortness of breath
- Pain or tingling in your hands or feet
- Feeling lightheaded
- Severe stomach pain
- Diarrhoea with blood
- Blueness in your fingers and toes
- Difficulty speaking
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling of your hands, legs, or feet
Rizatriptan allergic reactions are uncommon but do exist. If you experience the following, go to your local A&E immediately. Take the leaflet in your tablet box with you so the proper treatment can be administered:
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
- A blistered, red or swollen rash and itching
Swelling around your face, including your tongue and throat
Warnings
Rizatriptan warnings
Health Conditions to Consider:
- Heart-Related Issues: Avoid Rizatriptan if you have heart disease, angina, high or low blood pressure, a history of stroke, heart attack, or ischemic bowel problems
- Different Headache Types: Do not use if your current headache differs significantly from your usual migraines
Inform Your Doctor If You:
- Have had a hysterectomy, or are going through menopause
- Have coronary heart disease, liver disease, high blood pressure, kidney disease (including dialysis), diabetes, are overweight, or have high cholesterol
- Are taking antidepressants such as Prozac, Zoloft, Effexor, etc.
Usage Instructions:
- Rizatriptan treats migraines that have already started; it does not prevent new headaches
- Wait at least two hours before taking a second dose
- Do not exceed 30 mg in a 24-hour period
Special Considerations:
- Pregnancy: Avoid Rizatriptan if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or without consulting your doctor
- Breastfeeding: Not recommended for lactating mothers
- Children: Not for use by children under 12 years old
Caution During Activities:
- Avoid driving or operating machinery after taking Rizatriptan due to possible dizziness or nausea
Monitoring Your Condition:
- If migraines worsen or don't improve, consult a doctor immediately
- Be attentive to serious side effects and seek medical advice
Prescription Guidelines:
- Use Rizatriptan only as prescribed by a medical doctor. Do not self-prescribe
Rizatriptan drug interactions
MAOI Drugs:
- Do not take Rizatriptan if you've used MAOIs like phenelzine, selegiline, or tranylcypromine in the last 14 days. Please note this is not a complete list. Always consult with your doctor before starting a new course of treatment
Patient Information Leaflet
For more information about Rizatriptan tablets, please take a look at the information leaflet below:
Review Date
1 January 2025
Next Review
1 January 2026
Published on
16 December 2019
Last Update
6 February 2026
Rizatriptan 10mg Tablets FAQs
Medically reviewed on January 1st, 2025
Rizatriptan and pregnancy
Rizatriptan is not recommended for pregnant women. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding or are trying to conceive, speak to a doctor about other alternatives. If you are sexually active, ensure that you are on adequate birth control - speak to a doctor if you are unsure.
Can I drive when taking Rizatriptan?
As drowsiness is a common side effect of Rizatriptan, you shouldn’t drive or operate heavy machinery when under the influence of Rizatriptan. As side effects can differ every time you take this medicine, it is a good idea to avoid driving altogether whilst taking Rizatriptan.
Can I drink alcohol when I've taken a Rizatriptan tablet?
Alcohol does not impact Rizatriptan directly, but it may cause the headache to worsen or give you a new headache. Therefore, it is not recommended that you drink while experiencing a migraine or taking Rizatriptan. Drinking may also cause you to experience more drowsiness, a common side effect of Rizatriptan.
Rizatriptan vs Sumatriptan, what's the difference?
Sumatriptan is another type of migraine relief medication. Rizatriptan tablets are usually considered more effective than Sumatriptan tablets, but Sumatriptan is more commonly available in various forms. If you experience severe migraines, you can use a nasal spray or an injectable medication.
Can I buy Rizatriptan online?
At Online Mens Clinic, you can purchase Rizatriptan online after an online consultation with our medical doctor to ensure it's the right treatment for your migraine type. Rizatriptan should only be used with a doctor's prescription. Following confirmation and consultation, Rizatriptan 10mg tablets are available for secure purchase with next-day delivery.
Is Rizatriptan an opioid?
No, Rizatriptan is not an opioid. It is classified as a selective serotonin receptor agonist, specifically used for treating migraines.
Is Rizatriptan stronger than ibuprofen?
Rizatriptan and Ibuprofen work differently and are used for different purposes. Rizatriptan is specifically formulated for migraine relief and can be considered more effective for this condition, whereas Ibuprofen is a general pain reliever and anti-inflammatory drug.
How strong is Rizatriptan?
Rizatriptan is considered a potent medication for migraine relief. It works specifically on the serotonin receptors in the brain to alleviate migraine symptoms, making it a strong and targeted option for migraine treatment.
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