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Rizatriptan

Sounds like 'rye-za-trip-tan'

Key points about rizatriptan

Rizatriptan is used to ease the symptoms of migraine or cluster headaches.
Rizatriptan is also called Rizamelt.
Find out how to take it safely and possible side effects.

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Rizatriptan is used to ease the symptoms of migraine headaches. It works by releasing a chemical called serotonin, which causes the blood vessels around your brain to contract (narrow). This reverses the dilating (widening) of blood vessels that are believed to be part of the headache process. Rizatriptan belongs to a group of medicines called triptans. Rizatriptan only works when a migraine attack has already begun. It will not prevent a migraine. Do not take it before your headache begins, or during the aura phase, as it may be less effective. Read more about migraine headaches.

In New Zealand rizatriptan is available as tablets (10 mg). The tablet dissolves when you place it on your tongue. It may be useful if you find drinking water difficult during a migraine or you cannot swallow tablets. It is not useful if you are vomiting.

Take 1 tablet (10 mg) at the start of the migraine attack. Rizatriptan should work within 30 minutes.
If your migraine improves but then comes back, wait at least 2 hours before taking another tablet (10 mg).
Do not take more than 3 tablets (30 mg) in 24 hours. If your symptoms have not improved, contact your doctor before taking any more tablets.
If the first rizatriptan tablet does not relieve your symptoms or help your migraine, do not take another rizatriptan tablet for the same attack. It is unlikely to work.

Monthly limit

Do not use rizatriptan for more than 10 days per month. Using rizatriptan too frequently can cause medication overuse headache or rebound headache. This headache is caused by overuse of painkillers to treat headache, including the use of triptans for migraine. The symptoms include a tension-type headache or migraine-like attack. Headaches often improve within 7 to 10 days after rizatriptan has been stopped. Symptoms may be worse before an improvement is seen. To avoid this, do not use rizatriptan for more than 10 days per month.

Take rizatriptan as soon as you notice headache symptoms, or after a migraine has already begun.
Rizatriptan usually starts to work within 30 minutes of taking the tablet.
Open the packet with dry hands. Place the rizatriptan tablet on your tongue and allow it to dissolve then swallow with saliva. You do not need to drink water to take your rizatriptan tablet. It is only absorbed after swallowing.
It does not matter if you take rizatriptan with or without food.

Like all medicines, rizatriptan can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Often side effects improve as your body gets used to the new medicine.

Side effects	What should I do?
Feeling sleepy, Dizziness Tiredness	Be careful when driving or using tools until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not drink alcohol.
Feeling sick or vomiting	This may be due to the migraine attack Avoid eating, until this feeling passes Tell your doctor if this is troublesome
Pain or tightness in your chest, jaw or throat, tingling or feeling of heaviness.	This is quite common when you first start taking rizatriptan. It will usually pass after a while If the pain is intense or does not go away tell your doctor immediately or ring HealthLine 0800 611 116
Signs of serotonin syndrome such as feeling agitated and restless, heavy sweating, shivering, fast heart rate or irregular heart beat, headache, diarrhoea and rigid or twitching muscles	You are at increased risk of serotonin syndrome if you recently started taking rizatriptan or have increased the dose, or are taking other medicines that can cause serotonin syndrome. Tell your doctor immediately or ring HealthLine 0800 611 116
Read more about medicines and side effects and reporting a reaction you think might be a side effect.

Rizatriptan interacts with a few medications and herbal supplements, so check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting rizatriptan or before starting any new medicines. It may also interact with some cold and flu preparations containing dextromethorphan such as Benadryl®.

Migraine disease | Māhunga ānini
Headache - overview
Serotonin syndrome

The following links provide further information on rizatriptan.

Medsafe Consumer Information Sheet: Rizamelt®(external link)