Rizatriptan (Maxalt)

Rizatriptan is a prescription medication used to treat the symptoms of migraine headaches with or without aura. It belongs to the class of drugs known as triptans.

Rizatriptan was patented in 1991 and first made available as an oral medication for the treatment of migraines in 1998 under the brand name Maxalt. It is available as a standard tablet or a dissolvable tablet. This medicine should be taken as soon as possible after migraine symptoms start to relieve pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound.

You can buy Rizatriptan tablets online from euroClinix if you have been diagnosed with migraine by a medical professional.

Is Rizatriptan the same as Maxalt?

Rizatriptan is a selective serotonin receptor agonist. It works by narrowing blood vessels in the brain, which are thought to widen during a migraine attack. This process helps to:

• Prevent pain signals from reaching the brain
• Inhibit the release of natural chemicals causing pain, nausea, and other migraine symptoms

How Rizatriptan treats migraines
	Narrows blood vessels in the brain Prevents pain signals from reaching the brain Inhibits the release of chemicals that occur during a migraine

Studies have shown that when patients take Rizatriptan early, they can experience headache relief within 30 minutes. This time frame can vary depending on the individual. For example, in one study, those who took Rizatriptan early were:

• 1.33 times more likely to find headache relief within 30 minutes.
• 1.32 times more likely to be largely symptom-free.
• 1.34 times more likely to return to normal activities comfortably within 1 hour.

Most patients were found to have vastly reduced migraine symptoms after 2 hours, regardless of when they took their medication.

This medicine works best when taken as soon as possible after the migraine has started.

To take this medicine correctly, follow the instructions below:

How to take Rizatriptan
	Take one tablet as soon as you feel a migraine coming on
	If you migraine goes away after taking one tablet but comes back later, you can take a second tablet after 2 hours.
	Do not take another tablet if the first one doesn't work
	Do not take more than 2 tablets within a 24-hour period

Standard tablets

• Open the blister pack
• Do not crush or split the tablet
• Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water

Orodispersible (dissolvable) tablets

• Open the blister pack with dry hands.
• Place the tablet on your tongue.
• After the tablet dissolves it can be swallowed

Taking Rizatriptan too often may result in you getting a chronic headache. If this happens, you should contact your doctor as you may have to stop taking this medication.

Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.

How long do I take it for?

You should only take this medication when you feel a migraine coming on. Do not take more than 2 doses of Rizatriptan in a 24-hour period.

You should speak to your doctor if you find that you need to take this medicine often in 1 month. When medicines that ease headaches are used too often, they can start causing headaches.

How can I maximise effectiveness?

When taking this medication, there are some things you can do to ensure fast and effective treatment. Here are some tips from Dr Caroline Fontana:

• Take it as soon as you feel the symptoms of a migraine coming on
• Take it on an empty stomach to allow it to work faster
• Do not crush or chew tablets
• Take the medicine with a glass of water

Special considerations

• Kidney or liver problems: you may need a 5mg dose
• Propranolol users: your doctor may prescribe a 5mg dose

• Highly effective migraine treatment: one study found that headache relief was experienced by 78-83% of Rizatriptan users after 2 hours compared to just 46-48% of those on alternative treatment.
• Easy to take: Dissolvable Rizatriptan tablets are available to those who have a hard time swallowing medication.
• Allows user to perform daily tasks: this study found that absenteeism was significantly reduced and the amount of quality time at work was improved in those using Rizatriptan as their migraine medication

Clinical studies have shown that Rizatriptan is significantly more effective than placebo at 2 hours in relieving pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound.

It has also been found to be more effective than other selective serotonin receptor agonists. One clinical trial compared Rizatriptan to sumatriptan as a treatment for migraines.

Triptans are effective and well-tolerated in the treatment of migraines, providing fast-relief of migraine symptoms in most people.

Dr. Caroline Fontana Lead Prescribing Doctor

They found that Rizatriptan was more effective at relieving pain at all points from 0-2 hours after use. However, the difference in effectiveness between the two is minimal, and both are effective treatments.

Who can take it?

This medicine should only be used for migraine relief in adults who have received a clear diagnosis of a migraine with or without aura. The use of this medicine to treat migraines in those under the age of 18 is not recommended.

Who cannot take it?

This medication may not be appropriate for certain people. Do not take this medicine if you:

• are allergic to Rizatriptan or any of the other ingredients in this medicine
• have moderate, severe, or untreated high blood pressure
• have or have ever had heart problems (e.g. a heart attack, stroke, peripheral vascular disease, or chest pain (angina))
• have severe liver or kidney problems
• have a basilar or hemiplegic migraine

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine if:

• you have any risk factors for heart disease such as:
  • high blood pressure
  • diabetes
  • smoking or using nicotine substitution
  • a family history of heart disease
  • men over 40 years old
  • postmenopausal woman
• you have kidney or liver problems
• you have a problem with the way your heart beats
• you have a headache along with dizziness, trouble walking, or weakness in your leg and arm
• you have had short-lived symptoms including chest pain and tightness

This information must be disclosed in your online consultation so our doctor can safely determine the right course of treatment for you. Depending on your individual circumstances, you may require closer monitoring or an adjustment to your prescription.

Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. In studies, the most common side effects affected 1 to 10 patients out of 100.

The common and uncommon side effects of Rizatriptan are outlined in the table below:

In addition to these, there are some rare side effects which can affect up to 1 in 1,000 people:

• Wheezing
• Stroke
• Slow heartbeat

What should I do if I have an allergic reaction?

If you have any of the following symptoms, you may be having an allergic reaction:

• Skin rash
• Itching
• Hives
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat

If you are having an allergic reaction to Rizatriptan, seek emergency medical help.

If you experience any side effects that bother you or get worse with time, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

For a full list of side effects, refer to the patient information leaflet included with your order.

Tell your doctor if you are currently taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, or herbal supplements.

Do not take this medicine if you:

• already take other migraine medications called triptans (e.g. Sumatriptan, Zolmitriptan, Almotriptan, or Naratriptan)
• are currently taking a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor or if it has been less than two weeks since you stopped taking one
• use ergotamine-type medications such as ergotamine or dihydro-ergotamine
• take methysergide to prevent a migraine attack

Speak to your doctor if you take medicines such as:

• Propranolol: increases blood levels of rizatriptan, so a lower dose may be prescribed.
• Antidepressants: SSRIs like sertraline and SNRIs like venlafaxine can increase the chance of developing serotonin syndrome when taken with rizatriptan.
• Certain herbal preparations: herbal remedies containing St. John's wort can lead to dangerous levels of serotonin.

The medicines listed above may increase the risk of side effects when taken with Rizatriptan.

For a full list of interactions, please refer to the patient information leaflet included with your order.

Aside from drug interactions, there are some other precautions you should take when using Rizatriptan. To ensure safety, consult the following table:

When taking Rizatriptan for migraines, there are certain things you can do yourself to manage migraine triggers and improve overall health. Here are some lifestyle changes we recommend:

1. Diet:
   • Avoid dietary migraine triggers: some foods and nutrients can trigger migraines or exacerbate symptoms and should be avoided. These include caffeine, alcohol, and processed foods.
   • Eat regularly: maintain a regular eating schedule to manage blood sugar levels.
   • Eat anti-inflammatory foods: since migraines are linked to inflammation, eating foods proven to reduce inflammation can ease migraine symptoms like fatigue, nausea, and brain fog.
2. Hydration:
   • Stay hydrated: drink plenty of water throughout the day, as dehydration can trigger migraines and exacerbate symptoms.
3. Sleep:
   • Maintain a regular sleep schedule: go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, including on weekends.
   • Ensure quality sleep: get at least 8 hours of sleep and avoid screen time before bed.
4. Stress management:
   • Practise deep breathing techniques, meditation, and yoga: studies have shown that yoga may help with stress management, which can reduce the occurrence of migraines.
   • Consider cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT): if stress is a significant trigger of your migraines, and your doctor believes you could benefit from it, talking therapies may help to reduce it.
5. Exercise:
   • Engage in regular physical activity: regular physical activity such as walking, cycling, or swimming has been found to reduce the severity of migraine headaches.
   • Avoid overexertion: intense physical activity, however, may trigger migraines. Try not to overexert yourself if this is a trigger for you.

Some people may have specific foods, such as red wine or caffeine, that trigger their migraine attacks. I would advise people to keep a food diary to identify potential triggers.

Silvia Fonda Nutritionist

Storage instructions

Store this medicine at room temperature, below 30 degrees Celsius. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children. Do not use this medicine after the expiry date.

Disposal

Medication must not be disposed of in household waste or down the drain. Doing so may contaminate the water supply or put those disposing of your waste at risk. Instead, take any unused medication to your local pharmacy and they will safely dispose of it for you.

No, Rizatriptan is not available over the counter. It is only available via prescription from a registered doctor. A prescription is needed to ensure that a doctor assesses your condition and determines if this medicine is suitable for you.

Ordering Rizatriptan through euroClinix is simple and secure. Visit the product page and complete a confidential online questionnaire, which takes about 5-10 minutes.

A UK-registered doctor will review your consultation. If approved, the doctor will write a prescription. Your medication will then be dispensed in discreet packaging from a licensed UK pharmacy, with next-day delivery and tracking information provided.

euroClinix offers ongoing support for any questions. Privacy and security are guaranteed through compliance with the relevant regulatory standards and the use of encrypted transactions.

Why should I choose euroClinix?

euroClinix is a trusted online clinic that offers services in several European countries. All consultations and prescriptions are handled by our UK-registered doctors.

The process is convenient with online consultations and discreet home delivery. Our friendly customer service team is always happy to assist with any questions related to our services.

The euroClinix platform is user-friendly for managing prescriptions and reorders securely.

Start your journey with euroClinix today and experience our expert care. Start your consultation now.

Choosing euroClinix ensures a trusted, professional, and supportive service to treat your migraine.