Have you ever suffered from a migraine, with a throbbing headache, and been unable to do your daily tasks? You can't look at the light, you get angry when you hear a sound, you feel nauseous... Rizatriptan is a special medicine that can control the pain during such severe migraines. So, today we will talk about this medicine, how it works, how to use it, and what to be careful about.
What kind of medicine is Rizatriptan?
Simply put, Rizatriptan is a medication that is given to control migraine pain and other associated symptoms (such as nausea, sensitivity to light and sound) once the pain has started.
Very important: This is not a medicine to prevent migraines. It is only used to relieve the pain of a migraine that has already started .
This medicine belongs to a class of drugs called ``Triptans''. It works by narrowing the swollen blood vessels in your brain and blocking the pain signals. This is how migraine pain is reduced.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine
Rizatriptan is not a medicine that is right for everyone. Therefore, it is important for your doctor to know your complete medical history before prescribing this medicine. If you have any of the following conditions, be sure to inform your doctor.
| Condition or habit that affects you | Why should you inform? |
|---|---|
| Heart disease, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol | This medicine may increase the risk of heart disease because it affects blood vessels. |
| Diabetes | Diabetes is a risk factor for heart disease. |
| Smoking | The risk increases because smoking damages blood vessels. |
| If you have had a previous stroke or heart rhythm disorder | Using Rizatriptan under these conditions can be dangerous. |
| Liver or kidney disease | The dosage may need to be changed as it affects the elimination of the medication from the body. |
| Circulatory problems in the fingers (e.g., fingers turning pale, blue) | This medicine may worsen the condition. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding | You should discuss with your doctor the possible effects on the fetus or child. |
How should I use Rizatriptan?
- Follow your doctor's instructions: Take only the prescribed dose as prescribed by your doctor. Swallow the tablet with a glass of water.
- Take as soon as the migraine starts: You can get better results by taking the medication as soon as you feel the pain starting.
- For children: Although this medicine is sometimes prescribed for children over 6 years of age, special precautions are required. Your doctor will advise you about this.
- Overdose: If you suspect that you have taken too much of this medicine, do not ignore it at any time. Immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
- Do not share: This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not share this medicine with anyone else, even if their symptoms are the same as yours.
Other medicines that should not be used with this medicine
Some medications can cause dangerous reactions when taken with Rizatriptan. Therefore, it is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements).
Never take Rizatriptan with:
- Other triptan-type anti-seizure medications: For example, medications like sumatriptan and zolmitriptan.
- Ergot class drugs: drugs like ergotamine and dihydroergotamine.
- Antidepressants in the `MAOI` class: These are an old class of medications used to treat mental illness.
Rizatriptan may interact with:
- Some medications for mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety.
- Propranolol is a medicine used for high blood pressure.
Things to be aware of when taking rizatriptan
- Drowsiness and dizziness: You may feel a little drowsy and dizzy after taking this medicine. Therefore, after taking this medicine, do not do anything that requires alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until you know exactly how it affects you.
- Dry mouth: If you feel like your mouth is dry, chewing sugar-free gum, sucking on a piece of unsweetened candy, or sipping water may help.
- Medication Overuse Headache: This is something that many people don't know, but it's very important. If you use migraine medication (Rizatriptan or other painkillers) for more than 10 days a month , it can make your migraines worse. This is called 'Medication Overuse Headache'. Therefore, keep a diary of the days you get headaches and the days you take your medication. If the frequency of your headaches increases, be sure to talk to your doctor.
What side effects can be seen?
Like any medicine, Rizatriptan can cause side effects. Some are serious, while others are mild.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to your doctor or ETU immediately | |
| Allergic Reaction | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing. |
| Symptoms of a heart attack | Severe pain or pressure in the chest, shoulders, arms, or jaw, nausea, difficulty breathing, cold sweat. |
| Symptoms of a Stroke | Sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the face, arm, or leg, difficulty speaking, confusion, difficulty walking, severe headache. |
| Serotonin Syndrome | Confusion, restlessness, rapid heartbeat, muscle stiffness or twitching, excessive sweating, fever, vomiting, diarrhea. |
| Other serious symptoms | Sudden increase in blood pressure, loss of vision, severe stomach pain with bloody diarrhea, swelling, pain or discoloration of the limbs. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Dizziness | Slight dizziness after taking the medicine. |
| Tiredness or difficulty | A general feeling of tiredness. |
Take-Home Message
- Rizatriptan is a medication that is used to control migraine pain once it begins, not to prevent migraines.
- Before starting this medication, tell your doctor about all of your health conditions (especially heart disease, high blood pressure) and all other medications you are taking.
- If you experience any serious side effects such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, or difficulty speaking, seek medical advice immediately.
- Avoid taking migraine medication for more than 10 days in a month. Doing so may make your headaches worse.
- If you have any questions or doubts about this medication, don't be afraid to talk to your doctor about it.
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