What is this medicine?
RIZATRIPTAN (rye za TRIP tan) is used to treat migraines with or without aura. An aura is a strange feeling or visual disturbance that warns you of an attack. It is not used to prevent migraines.
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What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
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They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
-bowel disease or colitis
-diabetes
-family history of heart disease
-fast or irregular heart beat
-heart or blood vessel disease, angina (chest pain), or previous heart attack
-high blood pressure
-high cholesterol
-history of stroke, transient ischemic attacks (TIAs or mini-strokes), or intracranial bleeding
-kidney or liver disease
-overweight
-poor circulation
-postmenopausal or surgical removal of uterus and ovaries
-an unusual or allergic reaction to rizatriptan, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
-pregnant or trying to get pregnant
-breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
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Take this medicine by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. This medicine is taken at the first symptoms of a migraine. It is not for everyday use. Leave the tablet in the foil package until you are ready to take it. Do not push the tablet through the blister pack. Peel open the blister pack with dry hands and place the tablet on your tongue. The tablet will dissolve rapidly and be swallowed in your saliva. It is not necessary to drink any water to take this medicine. If your migraine headache returns after one dose, you can take another dose as directed. You must leave at least 2 hours between doses, and do not take more than 30 mg total in 24 hours. If there is no improvement at all after the first dose, do not take a second dose without talking to your doctor or health care professional. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 6 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
What if I miss a dose?
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This does not apply; this medicine is not for regular use.
What may interact with this medicine?
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Do not take this medicine with any of the following medicines:
-amphetamine, dextroamphetamine or cocaine
-dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, ergoloid mesylates, methysergide, or ergot-type medication - do not take within 24 hours of taking rizatriptan
-feverfew
-MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate - do not take rizatriptan within 2 weeks of stopping MAOI therapy.
-other migraine medicines like almotriptan, eletriptan, naratriptan, sumatriptan, zolmitriptan - do not take within 24 hours of taking rizatriptan
-tryptophan
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
-medicines for mental depression, anxiety or mood problems
-propranolol
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
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Only take this medicine for a migraine headache. Take it if you get warning symptoms or at the start of a migraine attack. It is not for regular use to prevent migraine attacks.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. To reduce dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol can increase drowsiness, dizziness and flushing. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
Smoking cigarettes may increase the risk of heart-related side effects from using this medicine.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
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Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
-allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
-changes in vision
-chest, jaw, neck, or throat pain, tightness, or pressure
-confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
-fast, slow, or irregular heart beat
-increased or decreased blood pressure
-pain, tingling, numbness in the hands or feet
-redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
-seizures
-severe headaches
-severe stomach pain and cramping, bloody diarrhea
-shortness of breath, wheezing, or difficulty breathing
-sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg
-trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
-dizziness
-drowsiness
-dry mouth
-facial flushing
-muscle pain or cramps
-nausea, vomiting
-weak or tired
Where should I keep my medicine?
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Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light and moisture. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Information on use before, during and after pregnancy.
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FIRST Trimester
Class C - Animal studies have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. OR No animal studies have been conducted and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
SECOND Trimester
Class C - Animal studies have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. OR No animal studies have been conducted and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
THIRD Trimester
Class C - Animal studies have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. OR No animal studies have been conducted and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
Lactation
Caution - Not enough information is available to rule out harm to infants when this drug is taken by nursing mothers.
