Rizatriptan

Description

Rizatriptan is a triptan used to treat a migraine attack once the headache has started. It does not prevent migraine and is not for everyday pain. Swallow one 10mg tablet with water as soon as the headache begins. A second dose may be taken only if the migraine returns after an initial response, and there is a limit on how much can be taken in 24 hours; if the first dose gives no benefit at all, a second is not advised for the same attack.

Propranolol raises rizatriptan levels, so a lower dose and a gap between the two medicines are needed. Rizatriptan is not suitable if you have coronary heart disease, coronary artery spasm, uncontrolled high blood pressure, or a history of stroke or transient ischaemic attack. Tell your prescriber if you take an SSRI or SNRI antidepressant or a monoamine oxidase inhibitor. Using triptans too often can itself cause medication-overuse headache.

• Triptan for treating a migraine attack, not for preventing one
• 10mg tablets swallowed with water at the start of the headache
• Propranolol raises rizatriptan levels and needs a dose adjustment
• Not suitable with coronary heart disease or uncontrolled high blood pressure
• A second dose is only for a migraine that returns after responding
• Frequent use can cause medication-overuse headache