Overview:

About Rizatriptan

Rizatriptan treats migraines with or without aura. This drug belongs to a class known as triptans. Triptans work by constricting the widened blood vessels that cause migraine, resulting in alleviation of migraine pain and symptoms. Rizatriptan is generally a well tolerated triptan and is available in a variety of dosage forms such as tablet and wafer melt.

How does rizatriptan work?

The exact cause of migraines is unknown, but it is associated with the widening of blood vessels in the brain. Rizatriptan works by constricting these vessels in the brain, reversing the effects of the migraine, resulting in alleviated migraine symptoms. Rizatriptan takes about 30 minutes to become effective so it is important to take it as soon as you feel the migraine coming on.

Taking rizatriptan

Rizatriptan works best if you take it as soon as you feel the migraine coming on. It should not be taken before the migraine in the aura phase. A second tablet should not be taken for the same migraine attack and no more than 2 tablets should be taken in a 24 hour period. Rizatriptan is available as a 10mg tablet. Rizatriptan starts to alleviate symptoms after 30 minutes of taking the tablet.

Rizatriptan vs Maxalt Melt

Rizatriptan is the generic tablet version of Maxalt Melt, which is the branded, wafer melt version. Both contain the same active ingredient, which is rizatriptan, both work in the same way and both are just as effective. Although both are medically the same, personal preference is a factor to consider as some people may prefer the branded version to the generic.

Alternative medication

Not all medication works the same for everyone. Although triptans work in a similar way, you may have to try 3 different ones on 3 different occasions before finding the most effective one for yourself. Other treatments available here at ashcroft pharmacy include:

• Imigran
• Sumatriptan
• Maxalt Melt
• Zolmitriptan
• Zomig

These are just the triptans that are available to buy. Other medications that may help alleviate symptoms of migraines are painkillers such as paracetamol, ibuprofen and aspirin and also anti sickness medication such as buccastem M. These are available to buy over the counter at most pharmacies.

References:

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.9893.pdf

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/9893/smpc

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/migraine/

https://migrainetrust.org/understand-migraine/

https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drug/rizatriptan.html

Directions:

Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Rizatriptan should be taken at the onset of a migraine, it will not work in preventing migraines, so do not take it unless you have a migraine. Do not take another dose of rizatriptan for the same migraine attack. It may be used again for a future migraine. Do not take more than 20mg of rizatriptan in 24 hours. Do not take in combination with other triptans.

Dosage

Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water.

Side Effects: 

Common side effects of rizatriptan includes:

• Nausea & vomiting
• Dizziness
• Flushing
• Drowsiness
• Dry mouth
• Tingling of fingers and toes

However, many of these effects may be due to the migraine itself.

Once your order has been approved by our UK medical team it will be dispatched via Royal mail. All orders are sent using a tracked and signed for service.

Royal Mail 48 | £3.49

Estimated delivery within 2-3 working days. Excludes bank holidays. Not a guaranteed service.

Free delivery on orders over £50.

RM 24 (Next working day)  | £4.99

Estimated delivery within 1 working day. Excludes bank holidays. Not a guaranteed service.