Eletriptan Side Effects

In the case of eletriptan, side effects of the medication may include dizziness, nausea, and weakness. Most people, however, tolerate eletriptan well. When side effects of the medication do occur, they tend to be minor. If you experience more serious eletriptan side effects, such as severe chest pain or tightness, shortness of breath, or bloody diarrhea, be sure to report them to your healthcare provider.

 

Eletriptan Side Effects: An Introduction

As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with eletriptan hydrobromide (Relpax®). However, not everyone who takes eletriptan will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate the medication well. When people do develop eletriptan side effects, in most cases they are minor, meaning they require no treatment or are easily treated by you or your healthcare provider.
 
(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with eletriptan. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of eletriptan side effects with you.)
 

Common Eletriptan Side Effects

Eletriptan has been studied thoroughly in clinical trials in which the side effects of a group of people taking the drug are documented and compared to another group not taking the medicine. As a result, it is possible to see what side effects occur, how often they appear, and how they compare to the group not taking the medicine.
 
In these studies, the most common eletriptan side effects included:
 
  • Weakness -- reported in up to 10 percent of people
  • Nausea -- reported in up to 8 percent of people
  • Dizziness -- reported in up to 7 percent of people
  • Drowsiness -- reported in up to 7 percent of people
  • Abnormal sensations, such as tingling, burning, or pricking (paresthesia) -- reported in up to 4 percent of people
  • Chest pain, chest tightness, or chest pressure -- reported in up to 4 percent of people
  • Dry mouth -- reported in up to 4 percent of people
  • Headache -- reported in up to 4 percent of people
  • Abdominal pain (or stomach pain) -- reported in up to 2 percent of people
  • Upset stomach or heartburn -- reported in up to 2 percent of people
  • Difficulty swallowing or throat tightness -- reported in up to 2 percent of people.
     
The following were also reported as common eletriptan side effects (occurring in more than 1 percent of people) in some studies, although the exact percentages were not reported:
 
  • Back pain
  • Chills
  • Feelings of a rapidly or forcefully beating heart (palpitations)
  • A sense of spinning (vertigo)
  • Increased sensitivity of the senses (such as sensitivity to light or sound)
  • A sore throat
  • Sweating.
     
(Eletriptan Side Effects Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;