Rizatriptan 10mg Tablets - pack of 6 tablets
Rizatriptan is part of a group of medicines known ‘triptans’.
They are used to relieve migraines by causing the blood vessels in the brain to narrow, reducing migraine symptoms.
Symptoms of migraine may include:
- A throbbing headache on one side of the head
- Altered/disturbed vision
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Sensitivity to light and/or sound
Individual experiences of migraine vary from person to person as do the causes/triggers.
Being excessively tired, stressed, anxious or even hungry can lead to migraine. Certain food groups such as cheeses, red wine and caffeine have also been known to be common triggers of migraines.
Rizatriptan is effective at managing this symptom of migraine when taking quickly at the onset of initial symptoms.
Don’t take Rizatriptan if:
- you’re under 18 years old or over 65
- you’re pregnant or breastfeeding
- you’re a heavy smoker (20 cigarettes or more per day) or are taking stop smoking medicine
- you have severe liver or kidney conditions
- you suffer from epilepsy
- you suffer from heart disease
- you are not suffering from a migraine
Rizatriptan typically takes around 30 minutes to work and is best to take it once you start experiencing symptoms.
How to take
How to take Rizatriptan – Take ONE tablet as soon as possible after onset followed by ONE tablet after two hours if required. The second dose is only to be taken if the migraine recurs; do not take a second dose for the same attack. Maximum two tablets per day.
Side effects
Side effects
As with the majority of medication, rizatriptan can cause side effects.
Common side effects include: alertness decreased, asthenia, dizziness, diarrhoea, drowsiness, dyspepsia, dry mouth, feeling abnormal, headache, insomnia, musculoskeletal stiffness, nausea, pain, palpitations, sensation abnormal, throat complaints, vasodilation and vomiting.
For an extensive list of side effects, please see the patient information leaflet.
If you are allergic to rizatriptan or any of the excipients in the product, please do not take this medication.
Signs of allergy include: rash, hives, swelling of the lips, face and/or eyelids, wheezing, sneezing, itchy, runny or blocked nose, and in severe cases, anaphylaxis.
Steps can be taken to help prevent headaches and migraine. These include identifying your migraine triggers by keeping a migraine diary.
Quitting smoking is also a good idea as those who smoke seem to have a higher risk of getting cluster headaches.
Eating a healthy, balanced diet and avoiding trigger foods or drinks can also help.
There are no specific foods or drinks you need to avoid when taking rizatriptan, although it is best to not consume alcohol during a headache attack.
There are certain foods that can trigger migraines, and these include, cheese, chocolate, l red wine, citrus fruits, foods containing an additive called tyramine (such as smoked salmon and salami) and not drinking enough water.
You can keep a migraine diary to help you identify any foods that may trigger your migraines.
If you take more rizatriptan than you should have, please contact your doctor or pharmacist for suitable advice. You may experience side effects if you have taken too much rizatriptan.
If you have missed a dose of rizatriptan, do not take another to make up for it.
Take ONE tablet as soon as possible after onset followed by ONE tablet after two hours if required. The second dose is only to be taken if the migraine recurs; do not take a second dose for the same attack. Maximum two tablets per day.
If you have been diagnosed with migraines from a GP or healthcare professional, it is suitable for you to be prescribed rizatriptan via this service.
If you experience intense headaches on one side of the head that feels like a throbbing pain, you could be suffering from migraines and rizatriptan can be used to alleviate these symptoms.
If you are over the age of 50 and are experiencing a new headache with no previous migraine diagnosis, this service is not suitable for you.
Rizatriptan will not affect your contraception.
If rizatriptan causes you to vomit, your contraceptive pills make not protect you from pregnancy. Please see a healthcare professional if you need further advice.
Rizatriptan should not be used too often. If your migraine persists, despite using rizatriptan, please see your GP.
Taking too many rizatriptan tablets may result in medication overuse headaches. This will make your migraine worse, more severe or increase their frequency.
If you feel you are suffering from medication overuse headaches, please see your GP.
You should not be using rizatriptan for more than 10 days per month.