|
Rizatriptan (rye-za-TRIP-tan ) is used to treat severe migraine headaches. Many people find that their headaches go away completely after they take Rizatriptan. Other people find that their headaches are much less painful, and that they are able to go back to their normal activities even though their headaches are not completely gone. Rizatriptan is not an ordinary pain reliever. It should not be used to relieve any kind of pain other than migraine headaches. Rizatriptan may cause serious side effects in some people, especially people who have heart or blood vessel disease. Be sure that you discuss with your doctor the risks of using Rizatriptan as well as the good that it can do. Rizatriptan is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage form(s): Oral Tablets (U.S.) Orally disintegrating tablets (U.S.)
Rizatriptan is used to relieve migraine headache symptoms. However, it will not prevent migraine headaches or reduce the number of headaches that you have. Rizatriptan is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Rizatriptan comes as a tablet and an orally disintegrating tablet to take by mouth. It should be taken at the first sign of a migraine headache. If you are at risk for heart disease and you have never taken Rizatriptan before, you may need to take the first dose in your doctor's office. Usually only one dose is needed. If pain is not relieved with the first dose, your doctor may prescribe a second dose to be taken 2 hours after the first dose. Do not take more than 30 mg of Rizatriptan in any 24-hour period. If you are also taking propranolol (Inderal), you should not take more than 15 mg of Rizatriptan in any 24-hour period. Follow the directions on the package or prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Rizatriptan exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than directed by the package label or prescribed by your doctor. The orally disintegrating tablet should not be removed from the package until just before it is taken. The packet should be opened with dry hands, and the orally disintegrating tablet should be placed on the tongue, where it will dissolve and be swallowed with saliva. Brand names: - Maxalt - Maxalt-MLT - Rizatriptan |