Rizatriptan is a medication used to treat migraines. It belongs to a class of drugs called triptans, which work by blocking pain signals and narrowing blood vessels in the brain. While rizatriptan can be effective in relieving migraine symptoms, it is essential to be aware of its potential side effects.
Common Side Effects of Rizatriptan
The most common side effects of rizatriptan include:
- Dizziness
- Somnolence
- Unusual weakness or fatigue
- Pain or pressure in the chest or throat
These side effects are generally mild and temporary. However, if they persist or become bothersome, it is important to inform your healthcare provider.
Serious Side Effects of Rizatriptan
Although less common, rizatriptan can cause serious side effects that require immediate medical attention.
Allergic Reactions
Rizatriptan may cause allergic reactions, which can be life-threatening. Stop taking rizatriptan and seek immediate medical help if you experience any of the following symptoms:
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- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Cardiovascular Issues
Rizatriptan may increase the risk of heart attack, angina, abnormal heart rhythm, heart failure, blood clot, or stroke. This risk is higher in individuals with pre-existing heart conditions or risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, or being male over 40 or female after menopause. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Pain or discomfort in the arms, jaw, back, or neck
- Trouble breathing
- Slurred speech
- Weakness
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sweating
Serotonin Syndrome
Serotonin syndrome is a potentially life-threatening condition that can occur when rizatriptan is taken with other medications that affect serotonin levels, such as antidepressants. Symptoms of serotonin syndrome include:
- Agitation
- Confusion
- Diarrhea
- Excitement while talking that is not normal
- Fever
- Overactive reflexes
- Poor coordination
- Restlessness
- Shivering
- Sweating
- Trembling or shaking that you cannot control
- Twitching
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms.
Blood Flow Problems
Rizatriptan can reduce blood flow to various parts of the body, leading to serious complications. Seek emergency medical help if you experience any of the following signs of circulation problems:
- Pain or cramping in the hips or legs
- Leg muscle tightness or heaviness
- Burning or aching pain in the feet or toes
- Weakness, numbness, or tingling in the legs
- Changes in color or sensation in your fingers and toes (Raynaud’s syndrome)
Stomach and Intestine Problems
Rizatriptan may cause bleeding in the stomach or bowels, which can occur without warning signs. This risk is higher in individuals with a history of stomach ulcers, smokers, regular alcohol drinkers, those over 60, or those taking certain other medications, such as steroids or blood thinners. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:
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- Severe stomach pain
- Black, tarry stools
- Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
- Sudden or severe stomach pain
- Stomach pain after eating
- Weight loss
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation or diarrhea, especially bloody diarrhea
- Fever
Liver Problems
Rizatriptan may cause liver problems in rare cases. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Pain or tenderness in the upper stomach
- Pale stools
- Dark urine
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Yellow eyes or skin
Kidney Problems
Rizatriptan may cause kidney problems. Contact your doctor right away if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Bloody urine
- A decrease in frequency or amount of urine
- An increase in blood pressure
- Increased thirst
- Loss of appetite
- Lower back or side pain
- Nausea
- Swelling of the face, fingers, or lower legs
- Trouble breathing
- Unusual tiredness or weakness
- Vomiting
- Weight gain
Skin Reactions
Serious skin reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, and drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), can occur during treatment with rizatriptan. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
- Chills
- Cough
- Diarrhea
- Itching
- Joint or muscle pain
- Red irritated eyes
- Red skin lesions
- Sore throat
- Sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips
- Black, tarry stools
- Chest pain
- Fever
- Painful or difficult urination
- Swollen glands
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Unusual tiredness or weakness
Increased Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
Rizatriptan may increase your blood pressure. If you experience symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, or blurred vision, monitor your blood pressure at home and contact your doctor if it is elevated. If you measure your blood pressure and the top number (systolic) is 180 mm Hg or higher or the bottom number (diastolic) is 120 mm Hg or higher, get medical attention right away.
Medication Overuse Headache
Using rizatriptan alone or in combination with other migraine medicines for 10 or more days per month may lead to worsening of headache. Keep a headache diary to record the headache frequency and medicine use. Contact your healthcare team if your migraine attacks occur more frequently.
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Important Considerations Before Taking Rizatriptan
Before taking rizatriptan, inform your healthcare provider about any existing medical conditions, allergies, and medications you are taking. It is crucial to avoid rizatriptan in the following situations:
- If you have a history of heart disease, stroke, or other cardiovascular problems
- If you have uncontrolled high blood pressure
- If you have taken other triptan or ergot-type migraine medicines within the past 24 hours
- If you have taken an MAO inhibitor within the past 2 weeks
- If you are using propranolol
Rizatriptan may cause a delay in ovulation for women and may decrease sperm count in men, which can affect their ability to have children. If you plan to have children, talk with your doctor before using this medicine.
Interactions with Other Medications
Rizatriptan can interact with various medications, potentially leading to adverse effects. It is essential to inform your healthcare provider about all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use.
Contraindicated Medications
Do not take rizatriptan with the following medications:
- Ergot alkaloids, such as dihydroergotamine and ergotamine
- MAOIs, such as Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
- Other medications for migraine headache, such as almotriptan, eletriptan, frovatriptan, naratriptan, sumatriptan, and zolmitriptan
Medications Requiring Caution
Rizatriptan may interact with the following medications, requiring careful monitoring:
- Certain medications for depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions
- Propranolol
How to Take Rizatriptan
Take rizatriptan exactly as prescribed by your doctor. It is usually taken by mouth as a single dose when a migraine headache starts. Some brands of this drug come in a blister pack. If this drug comes in a blister pack, take out the tablet right before use. Peel back the foil on the blister. Do not push the tablet through the foil. Place on your tongue and let it dissolve. Water is not needed. Do not swallow it whole. Place on your tongue and let it dissolve. This will take about 2 minutes. Water is not needed. If your headache does not improve after the first dose, do not take another dose without consulting your doctor. If your headache returns, you may take another dose as directed by your doctor.
Storage and Disposal
Store rizatriptan at room temperature in a dry place, protected from light and moisture. Keep all drugs in a safe place, out of reach of children and pets. Dispose of unused or expired medications properly. Take the medication to a medication take-back program or check with your pharmacist for guidance on safe disposal methods.
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