Rizatriptan

Rizatriptan is a migraine treatment that can help ease pain and other symptoms within 30 minutes. Also sold under the brand name Maxalt, it treats migraines with or without aura, and is one of the most effective ways to put a stop to your migraines before they have a chance to develop fully.

At 121doc, we sell generic Rizatriptan and branded Maxalt tablets to patients over 18 after a short online consultation. There are two Rizatriptan dosages available: 5 mg and 10 mg. An orodispersible (dissolving) version is also available in some markets for people who struggle to swallow tablets during a migraine attack.

Is Rizatriptan the same as Maxalt?

Yes, Rizatriptan is the generic version of the migraine medication Maxalt. They contain the same active ingredient and work in the same way to treat your migraines. The only differences between them are packaging, presentation, manufacturer, and price.

Rizatriptan works by binding to serotonin receptors in the brain. This helps alleviate migraine symptoms in two core ways:

1. Narrows blood vessels in the brain that widen during a migraine attack, reducing pressure on surrounding nerves and reducing pain.
2. Stops nerves from releasing chemicals that cause inflammation, which helps calm swelling and irritation.

This targeted effect treats migraine pain at the source, reversing the effects that bring the most discomfort. Rizatriptan will only work for migraines, not other types of headache.

Rizatriptan is one of the most effective migraine tablets on the market, helping most who take it experience significant relief from pain and other symptoms of migraine.

This is backed up by clinical trials. One such trial involving 1,473 patients found the following after two hours:

• 10 mg Rizatriptan: 71% of patients experienced significant pain relief
• 5 mg Rizatriptan: 62% of patients experienced significant pain relief
• Placebo: only 35% experienced pain relief

Complete relief was also experienced by 44% of patients taking the highest dose (10 mg). Best results are experienced when Rizatriptan is taken on an empty stomach since it makes it absorb faster. However, it can be taken with or without food.

Rizatriptan will only be prescribed to men and women over 18 who complete a short online consultation.

Do not take Rizatriptan if you have:

• an allergy to any ingredient found in this medicine
• moderately severe or severe high blood pressure, or mild high blood pressure that is not controlled by medication
• ever had heart problems (e.g. heart attack, angina)
• severe liver or kidney problems
• ever had a stroke or mini stroke
• reduced blood flow to the legs due to blocked arteries
• are over 65 years old

Rizatriptan can cause some side effects, although not everyone will get them. Both generic Rizatriptan and the branded version Maxalt can cause these effects.

The most common Rizatriptan side effects include:

• a tingling feeling (paresthesia)
• headache
• decreased sensitivity of the skin
• tremor
• insomnia
• fast or irregular heartbeat
• flushing
• throat discomfort
• nausea
• vomiting or diarrhoea
• neck pain or stiffness
• abdominal pain

This is not an exhaustive list. For a full list of Rizatriptan’s side effects, consult the patient information leaflet.

Yes, you can generally take over-the-counter pain relief such as paracetamol alongside Rizatriptan, but you should check with your doctor first to be safe. You should also see how you feel without paracetamol, as Rizatriptan alone may be enough to effectively manage your pain. If you think you may benefit from paracetamol, take the recommended dose 30-60 minutes before you take Rizatriptan.

If you are taking Propranolol, you should take the 5 mg dose of Rizatriptan. You should also leave at least 2 hours between taking Propranolol and Rizatriptan up to a maximum of 2 doses every 24 hours. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you take to ensure safety during treatment.

No, but they are similar. While the active ingredients in these two medicines are different, they are both triptans that help ease migraines. They work in the same way, but one may be more suitable for you depending on your individual health profile.

Consult your doctor before taking Rizatriptan if you are pregnant, as not enough research has been done to conclusively determine the safety of treatment. If your doctor deems it necessary, they may still prescribe you a triptan.

As for women who are breastfeeding, this medicine can pass into breastmilk. Avoid breastfeeding your baby for at least 24 hours after you take Rizatriptan.

Rizatriptan can affect blood pressure, but the impact is usually negligible. Regardless, you should tell your doctor if you have low or high blood pressure so they can tailor your treatment plan to your needs.

Rizatriptan can have this effect because of how it impacts your blood vessels.

While it’s technically safe to drink alcohol on Rizatriptan, it’s best to avoid it, or at the very least, limit your intake. Alcohol can be a trigger for some people who experience migraines, and may exacerbate side effects like dizziness, drowsiness, or nausea.

No, you cannot get Rizatriptan migraine tablets​ without a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. Safety is our number one priority at 121doc, and our doctors will only prescribe treatment if you meet the criteria in your online consultation.

A prescription from a trusted healthcare provider like 121doc ensures:

• safety during treatment
• effective results
• monitoring of side effects