Rizatriptan

Rizatriptan is a prescription medication that has been approved to relieve symptoms of migraine headaches. The medication works by causing blood vessels in the head to return to their normal state after dilating during a migraine. Among the conditions you should let your healthcare provider know about before you take rizatriptan are heart problems, high blood pressure, and certain blood vessel conditions. There are a number of possible side effects of rizatriptan, including dizziness, drowsiness, and nausea.

 

What Is Rizatriptan?

Rizatriptan benzoate (Maxalt®) is a prescription medication that is used to treat migraine headaches. Rizatriptan will not help to prevent migraines, but it can help to treat a migraine that has already started.
 
A form a rizatriptan that will dissolve in the mouth (rizatriptan orally disintegrating tablets) is available and is especially helpful for people who have difficulty swallowing tablets during a migraine due to nausea or vomiting.
 
(Click What Is Rizatriptan Used For? for more information on what rizatriptan is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes Rizatriptan?

Rizatriptan is made by Merck & Co.
 

How Does Rizatriptan Work?

Rizatriptan is part of a class of migraine medications called 5-HT agonists (or more commonly known as "triptans"). During a migraine headache, some of the blood vessels in the head become dilated (wider than they usually are). Rizatriptan works by narrowing these blood vessels, helping them return to their normal state. This action helps to relieve migraine symptoms.
 

Rizatriptan Effects

In previous studies, 60 percent to 77 percent of people with migraines had no (or mild) pain within two hours of taking rizatriptan tablets, compared to only 23 percent to 40 percent of people who did not take rizatriptan. Similar results were seen in studies of rizatriptan orally disintegrating tablets.
 
(Rizatriptan Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;