Rizatriptan

Rizatriptan is a prescription-only medication used to alleviate the moderate to severe throbbing pain on one side of the head associated with migraines. It can be used to treat these headaches when they occur with or without an aura which is described by sufferers as flashing lights, lines or blurred vision. It also treats other symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to sound and light.

Rizatriptan's primary purpose is to treat migraine headaches, which is the only thing it should be used for. It would be best if you did not take Rizatriptan for other headaches. The symptoms of migraine headaches typically manifest in throbbing and severe pain. In addition, the symptoms appear as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to intense light. In some cases, migraine symptoms appear on only one side of the head, but that is not always the case. In addition to this, a migraine can sometimes begin with an aura. An aura refers to symptoms such as flashing lights and other visual or sensory disturbances. The headache phase later follows the Aura.

Migraines are complex, and there are several different treatments available for them. It is vital to note that each patient will respond differently to every medicine. The results may vary. So, if Rizatriptan does not work for you, consider taking the following: 

● Zomig (Zolmitriptan) 
● Nasal Spray (Triptan)
● Zomig Rapimelt Orally Disintegrating Tablets (Triptan)
● Sumatriptan Tablets (Triptan)
● Imigran (Sumatriptan) 
● Ibuprofen
● Aspirin

Rizatriptan can provide prompt pain relief to people suffering with mild to severe migraine headaches who have found that over-the-counter medications such as paracetamol do not offer effective enough pain relief.

Many people find that after taking Rizatriptan, they also find relief from some of the other debilitating symptoms associated with migraine, such as vomiting and nausea, allowing them to return to normal activities more quickly.

It has also been shown in studies to be well tolerated meaning that there have been little or no side effects, and any side effect symptoms which do occur are short-lived and minimal.

Rizatriptan can be purchased online after you have completed an online questionnaire which enables our doctors to establish whether this is the right medication for you based on a number of varying factors. Once assessed and given a prescription, you can purchase your treatment anytime online and have it sent directly to your home.

Research has found that Rizatriptan is more effective at achieving pain relief within two hours of taking a dose than other triptans, including sumatriptan.

It has been shown to help migraine sufferers quickly improve their quality of life after an attack by providing not only fast and effective relief from the pain of a migraine but also easing the other difficult symptoms associated with these debilitating headaches, including nausea, sickness and sensitivity to light and sound.

Migraine headaches are thought to be caused by enlarged blood vessels that surround the brain. Rizatriptan is part of a family of drugs called triptans which are selective agents for 5-HT 1B and 5-HT 1D. Triptans bind themselves to these receptors, which, in turn, narrows the dilated blood vessels and positively affects certain natural substances in the brain, which are thought to trigger migraine symptoms such as sensitivity to sound and light. The result of using Rizatriptan is that your pain and disruptive migraine symptoms can ease or disappear within 2 hours.

Rizatriptan is available in a tablet form and your doctor’s recommended dose will be based on a number of factors, including:

• your age
• your medical condition
• what other medications you may be taking
• how you respond to treatment

It is generally recommended that if your pain comes back or gets worse two hours after the first dose, a patient can take a second dose. It is important not to take any more than two doses (or up to 30mg) within a 24-hour period, or more than ten doses within 30 days unless recommended by your doctor.

For more information on dosages, read the patient instructions that come with the medication. You can also consult your doctor or contact one of our healthcare professionals for more details.

Swallow one tablet whole with a glass of water on a full or empty stomach, although it is worth noting that it may take longer for the medication to work if it is taken with food.

For best results, take the medication once the pain has begun rather than during a period of warning signs such as an aura. The sooner you take your dose once the headache has kicked in, the faster it will work and the more effective it will be.

There have been very few studies done on taking triptans during pregnancy and when breastfeeding, though the results of these studies have shown that there is very little risk from taking them. For women who are rendered unable to complete daily tasks due to their migraine attacks, Rizatriptan is considered to be a “safe therapeutic option of treatment”, but this data is to be taken with caution due to the limited and voluntary nature of the gathered information which results are based on.

As when taking any medication during pregnancy or when breastfeeding, it is important to speak to your GP or Click Pharmacy doctor first.

Rizatriptan comes with a warning that it can impair or affect your reaction and/or thinking. As such, it is recommended not to drive or operate machinery after taking it until you know how you react to it or these side effects wear off.

There is a long list of drugs which are known to interact negatively with Rizatriptan, causing it to either lose its effectiveness or else become dangerous, as in the case of an MAO inhibitor.

As such, it is crucial you discuss any other medication you are taking, including herbal supplements, vitamins and non-prescription drugs, before going ahead with your prescription for Rizatriptan. Your Click Pharmacy doctor or GP can assess whether this is the best medication for your medical situation, and if not, they can help you find something more appropriate.

First, discuss your pre-existing conditions with your primary physician. It would help if you also inform your doctor about any other ongoing treatment(s) you may be on. It is best not to use Rizatriptan if any of the following apply:

● If you have or have had a severe liver or kidney disease.
● If you are over 65 years old.
● If you are a heavy smoker
● If you are a man over 40 or a woman past the menopause period (If you take Rizatriptan, you may be at extra risk of developing heart disease and may need additional tests done)
● If you frequently experience headaches, vertigo, or weakness in a limb.
● If you have had a heart attack, stroke, or mini-strokes (TIAs) in the past.
● If you have or have had problems with poor circulation (peripheral vascular disease).
● If you have or have had angina (heart pain on exertion).
● If you have or have had an irregular heartbeat or ECG changes.
● If you have or have had uncontrolled high blood pressure.
● If you have a history of fits or seizures.

Lastly, avoid using Rizatriptan if you are allergic to other triptans.