Rizatriptan
About Rizatriptan
Rizatriptan is used to treat migraine with or without an aura. Migraine is a neurological condition that is characterised by intense pulsating, throbbing, pounding, debilitating headache, which usually occurs on one side of the head; however, it can occur on both sides or shift.
Rizatriptan contains ‘Rizatriptan’, which works by narrowing the blood vessels in the brain, thereby providing relief from migraine headaches. It helps decrease the substances in the body, which can trigger headache pain, sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, and other migraine symptoms.
Rizatriptan may cause side effects such as dizziness, tiredness, drowsiness, dry mouth, vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal or chest pain. Talk to your doctor if any of these side effects persist or worsen.
Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy. Avoid breastfeeding for 24 hours after the treatment with Rizatriptan. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and medicines to rule out any side effects.
Uses of Rizatriptan
Medicinal Benefits
- Rizatriptan is used for the treatment of acute migraine attacks, with or without an aura.
- It works by narrowing the widened blood vessels in the brain, which helps relieve migraine pain.
- It helps reduce associated symptoms of migraine, such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.
- It provides quick relief when taken at the onset of a migraine attack.
- It helps improve daily functioning by reducing the severity and duration of migraine episodes.
Directions for Use
- Rizatriptan can be taken with or without food as advised by your doctor.
- Follow your doctor's instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication to ensure safety.
- Swallow Rizatriptan as a whole with a glass of water.
- Do not chew, crush, or break it.
Storage
Side Effects of Rizatriptan
- Dizziness
- Tiredness
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Pain in the abdomen or chest
Drug Warnings
- Do not take Rizatriptan if you are allergic to any of its components; if you are taking MAOIs (antidepressants) or have taken them in the last 14 days; if you are taking ergotamine-containing medicines or any other migraine medicines.
- Avoid taking Rizatriptan if you have mild/severe high blood pressure which is not controlled by medication, heart problems such as a heart attack or pain in the chest, severe liver or kidney problems, or if you have had a stroke or blockage problem with the arteries
- Inform your doctor if you have heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, a problem with heartbeats, or liver/kidney problems.
- Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy.
- Avoid breastfeeding for 24 hours after the treatment with Rizatriptan.
- Rizatriptan may cause dizziness and drowsiness, so drive only if you are alert.
- Rizatriptan is not recommended for children as safety and effectiveness have not been established.
- Avoid consuming alcohol with Rizatriptan as it could lead to increased drowsiness.
- Rizatriptan does not prevent or reduce the number of attacks; it only helps in treating a headache that has already begun.
- Let your doctor know if you are taking any other medicines, including supplements or herbal products.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor if you are taking anti-depressants (duloxetine, fluoxetine, sertraline, escitalopram, venlafaxine), pain killers (acetaminophen+hydrocodone), anti-emetic (ondansetron), 5-HT agonist (sumatriptan, naratriptan, zolmitriptan), MAOI (moclobemide, phenelzine, tranylcypromine, linezolid), herbal supplement used to treat depression (St. John’s wort)
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have heart disease, phenylketonuria, or severe liver or kidney problems.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionAvoid consumption of alcohol while taking Rizatriptan as it may cause increased drowsiness.
Pregnancy
cautionPlease consult your doctor if you are pregnant or if you have any concerns regarding this. Your doctor will prescribe Rizatriptan only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
unsafeBreastfeeding should be avoided for 24hours after taking Rizatriptan. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this.
Driving
cautionRizatriptan may cause dizziness and drowsiness. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are alert.
Liver
cautionRizatriptan should not be taken if you have severe liver problems. Please consult your doctor if you have a liver impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Kidney
cautionRizatriptan should not be taken if you have severe kidney problems. Please consult your doctor if you have kidney impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Children
unsafeRizatriptan is not recommended for children below 18 years, as safety and effectiveness have not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly, as it helps in improving overall health and boosts self-esteem.
- Avoid bright lights, loud noise, and extreme temperatures.
- Perform meditation and yoga. This helps in relieving stress and provides relaxation.
- Follow a regular sleep pattern to improve the amount and quality of sleep you get.
- Massage your scalp to ease the pain.
- Lie down in a quiet, dark room.
- Place a cold cloth over your forehead or neck.
- Avoid smoking, alcohol, and caffeinated drinks.
- Learn what triggers your migraine and try avoiding them.
- Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids.
- Learn relaxation skills as they help in reducing stress.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Migraine: Migraine is a neurological condition which is characterised by intense, debilitating headaches. Hormonal changes, stress, lack or excess of sleep, bright lights, loud sounds, and certain foods and drinks can trigger migraine headaches. A migraine headache is preceded by warning symptoms one or two days prior to the headache itself. The warning symptoms include food cravings, depression, fatigue, hyperactivity, irritability, and neck stiffness. Symptoms of migraine include throbbing pain in one particular area with varying intensity, nausea, vomiting, numbness or tingling sensation, difficulty speaking, and sensitivity to sound and light.
FAQs
Rizatriptan is used to treat migraine with or without an aura.
Rizatriptan works by narrowing the blood vessels in the brain, thereby providing relief from migraine headaches. It helps decrease the substances in the body which can trigger headache pain, sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, and other migraine symptoms.
Dry mouth could be a side effect of Rizatriptan. Limiting caffeine intake, avoiding smoking and alcohol-containing mouthwashes, drinking water regularly, and chewing sugar-free gum/candy might help in stimulating saliva and thereby prevent drying of the mouth.
Do not discontinue Rizatriptan without consulting your doctor, as it could lead to recurring or worsening symptoms. To treat your condition effectually, continue taking Rizatriptan for as long as prescribed. Do not be reluctant to speak with your doctor if you feel any difficulty while taking Rizatriptan.
Rizatriptan should not be taken along with medicines containing ergotamine. Before taking ergotamine-containing medicines, maintain a gap of 6 hours if you have taken Rizatriptan. Maintain a gap of 24 hours after taking ergotamine-type medicines if you are taking Rizatriptan.
Rizatriptan should not be taken along with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI). Avoid taking Rizatriptan if you have taken MAOI (drugs used to treat depression) in the last 14 days.
Rizatriptan does not prevent or reduce the number of attacks; it only helps treat a headache that has already begun.
Rizatriptan may cause side effects such as dizziness, tiredness, drowsiness, dry mouth, vomiting, diarrhoea, and pain in the abdomen or chest. Talk to your doctor if the side effects persist or worsen.
No, Rizatriptan does not help with sinus headaches. It is used to treat migraine headaches only.
Inform your doctor if you have heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, a problem with heartbeats, liver or kidney problems.
Symptoms of overdose may include dizziness or fainting, drowsiness, shortness of breath, vomiting, headache, rapid, pounding or irregular heartbeat, tightness, pain, pressure, or heaviness in the chest, throat, neck, and/or jaw. If you experience these symptoms or suspect you have taken an overdose, seek immediate medical attention.
Hormonal changes, stress, lack or excess of sleep, bright lights, loud sounds, and certain foods and drinks can trigger migraine headaches.
Migraines can be hereditary. It can be linked to genes which make people sensitive to changes in environment and lifestyle that trigger an attack.
Yes, Rizatriptan may increase blood pressure. Inform the doctor if you have high blood pressure. Regular monitoring of blood pressure levels is advised.
The warning symptoms include sensitivity to light and sound, food cravings, depression, fatigue, hyperactivity, irritability, and neck stiffness.
Taking Rizatriptan with propranolol may increase the effects of Rizatriptan. Therefore, consult the doctor before using Rizatriptan with propranolol.
Rizatriptan may not cause liver damage. However, let the doctor know if you have liver problems.
Rizatriptan should be taken as soon as a migraine or headache develops, while it is still mild to moderate.
