Rizatriptan
About
Rizatriptan belongs to a group of medicines called selective serotonin 5-HT receptor agonists 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. Rizatriptan helps decrease the substances in the body which can trigger headache pain, sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, and other migraine symptoms. Rizatriptan does not prevent or reduce the number of attacks; it only helps in treating a headache that has already begun.
You are advised to take Rizatriptan for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you, depending on your medical condition. In some cases, you may experience certain common side effects such as dizziness, tiredness, drowsiness, dry mouth, vomiting, diarrhoea, and pain in the abdomen or chest. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
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. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and medicines to rule out any side effects.
Uses of Rizatriptan
Medicinal Benefits
Rizatriptan belongs to a group of medicines called selective serotonin 5-HT receptor agonists 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. Rizatriptan helps decrease the substances in the body which can trigger headache pain, sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, and other migraine symptoms.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Rizatriptan
- Dizziness
- Tiredness
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Pain in abdomen or chest
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Rizatriptan if you are allergic to any of its components; if you have mild/severe high blood pressure which is not controlled by medication, heart problems such as heart attack or pain in the chest, severe liver or kidney problems, if you have had a stroke, blockage problem with the arteries, if you are taking MAOI or have taken them in the last 14days, if you are taking ergotamine-containing medicines or any other medicines for migraine. Inform your doctor if you have heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, a problem with heartbeats, liver or 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.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Rizatriptan may interact with 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, and 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 the treatment. 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 headache. Hormonal changes, stress, lack or excess of sleep, bright lights, loud sounds, certain foods and drinks can trigger migraine headaches. 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 works by narrowing the blood vessels in the brain, thereby providing relief from migraine headaches. Rizatriptan 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 prevents 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.
