Rizatriptan is used to treat the headache phase of the migraine (severe throbbing or pulsating sensation usually affecting one side of the head and is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound).
It helps relieve pain and other symptoms of a migraine attack.
Take Rizatriptan exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food.
Rizatriptan is available as a conventional tablet or as an orodispersible tablet.
If you are taking the conventional tablet, swallow it whole with a glass of water.
If you are taking the orodispersible tablet:
- Remove it from the foil only just before you take it. Do not leave the orodispersible tablet exposed to air. Do not push the orodispersible tablet through the foil as it is fragile and easily broken.
- Remove the orodispersible tablet with dry hands by peeling the backing off the foil and tipping the tablet onto your dry hands.
- Place the orodispersible tablet directly on your tongue as soon as it is taken out of the foil. The orodispersible tablet will immediately start to melt on the tongue. It can then be swallowed without water.
Do not cut, break or crush the orodispersible tablets.
Take Rizatriptan only when you have a migraine attack.
This medicine should be taken at the first sign of a migraine. If your migraine does not go away after taking the first dose, do not take a second dose without first asking your doctor. If your doctor says that you can take a second dose, wait for at least 2 hours from the time you took the first dose before taking the second dose.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- heart problems e.g. chest pain, history of heart attack
- heart rhythm disorders e.g. irregular or abnormal heartbeat
- history of stroke
- moderate to severe or uncontrolled high blood pressure
- untreated mild high blood pressure
- peripheral vascular disease (narrowing or blockage of arteries outside of the heart and brain causing poor circulation of blood to the arms and legs)
- ischaemic bowel disease (decreased blood flow to the bowel)
- certain types of headache known as hemiplegic or basilar migraine
- severe liver disease
- severe kidney disease
as Rizatriptan may not be suitable for you.
Do not take this medicine if you are currently taking or have taken a medicine that is used to treat depression known as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) within 14 days of stopping the MAOI.
Do not take Rizatriptan with other medicines for migraine, such as ergotamine, methysergide, sumatriptan and zolmitriptan, or if you have taken these medicines in the last 24 hours.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- controlled high blood pressure
- high cholesterol levels in the blood
- diabetes
- family history of heart problems
- mild to moderate liver disease
- mild to moderate kidney disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Notify your doctor if you smoke or a chain smoker.
Rizatriptan should not be taken to prevent or reduce the number of migraine attacks.
Your doctor may need to do a medical examination and various tests before starting you on this medicine.
If you have an increased risk of heart disease, your doctor may advise you to take your first dose of Rizatriptan in the clinic so that he can monitor your response. You will also be required to have regular heart check-ups while being treated with this medicine.
Rizatriptan is not a painkiller. Do not take this medicine for any other purpose other than to relieve a migraine headache.
Rizatriptan may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, indigestion, dry mouth, tiredness, feeling weak, difficulty sleeping, flushing, and muscle weakness or pain.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- tightness, pain, pressure or heaviness in the chest area, throat, jaw or neck, shortness of breath
- agitation, confusion, hallucinations (seeing, hearing or feeling things that are not existent), fever, fast heartbeat, muscle stiffness
- weakness or numbness on one side of the body, trouble speaking, vision problems, changes in balance or coordination
- severe or sudden stomach pain, bloody diarrhoea
- numbness or tingling sensation in the hands and feet
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not take Rizatriptan with other medicines for migraine, such as sumatriptan, zolmitriptan, ergotamine, methysergide and dihydroergotamine, or if you have taken these medicines in the last 24 hours.
Do not take this medicine if you are currently taking or have taken a medicine that is used to treat depression known as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid, phenelzine and tranylcypromine within 14 days of stopping the MAOI.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines to treat depression e.g. citalopram, fluoxetine
- propranolol (medicine for heart disease)
- St. John's wort (herbal medicine)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Rizatriptan.
Always notify the doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Certain types of food and food additives such as chocolate, cheese, coffee and monosodium glutamate (MSG) may trigger a migraine attack. You may want to keep a food diary to help you identify possible foods that trigger off your migraine attacks.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.