Some important information about rizatriptan
Rizatriptan, also known by its brand name Maxalt, is a medication that may be prescribed to those experiencing migraines. However, like any pain relief medication, it comes with its own set of instructions, guidelines, and contraindications.
If you are curious about whether or not this medication is right for you, speak to your doctor. Learn some important information about rizatriptan from this guide, and find out how Chemist2U can home-deliver your necessary medications across Australia.
In this article

How does rizatriptan work?
Migraines can be a challenging battle, but rizatriptan is one medication that doctors may prescribe for migraine relief.
This medication is believed to work by binding to specific receptors in the brain to help block pain pathways. It also causes blood vessels to constrict which may help modulate the pain of migraine.[1]
Research, including a meta-analysis of several studies, highlights the medication’s effectiveness over a placebo in improving pain, nausea, photophobia, and other factors within two hours post-dose.[2] In another study, over twenty-four hours after the dose, the 10 mg dose improved the quality of life and work function of subjects with migraine compared to a placebo group.[3]
It’s important to remember that rizatriptan is designed for relief during a migraine attack and does not prevent migraine attacks. Before a headache, some people may experience visual symptoms called auras. Auras can include flashing lights or wavy lines. Rizatriptan may be less effective if taken before a migraine begins or during the aura phase.[4]
How do you take rizatriptan?
Learning about prescription migraine medication could be a crucial step in managing your health. A physician will only consider rizatriptan as one of the potential migraine treatment options if a definitive migraine diagnosis has been reached.
Rizatriptan is available as a tablet or a wafer that dissolves in the mouth, taken at the onset of a migraine. It’s absorbed quickly by the body, bringing faster relief compared to other medications in its class.[5]
For the acute treatment of migraine, with or without aura, the initial dose is either 5 mg or 10 mg taken orally once. If relief is found with the first dose but the migraine returns, a second dose could be administered some hours later. While the 10 mg dose may offer more significant relief, it’s also associated with a higher risk of adverse reactions.[6]
Who can take rizatriptan?
Not all headache medications, such as rizatriptan, may suit everyone. It’s crucial to be aware of certain health conditions that might make this medication an unsuitable choice.
It’s vital to note that rizatriptan shouldn’t be used for basilar or hemiplegic migraines due to an increased risk of stroke.[7]
This medication is not indicated for those who have untreated high blood pressure, certain heart diseases like angina or a history of heart attacks, a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), or blood vessel issues, including ischemic bowel disease.[8]
Those with specific cardiovascular conditions, such as coronary artery disease, stroke, peripheral vascular disease, or poorly managed high blood pressure, should also speak to their doctor before taking rizatriptan. This is due to the potential risk of serious side effects, including heart attacks, strokes, and elevated blood pressure.[9]
Those who want to get more detailed information about this medication but are uncertain about its suitability for their health situation should consult a doctor.
Side effects of rizatriptan
Generally, it is well tolerated, with most side effects being mild and temporary in nature. Commonly experienced side effects include digestive and neurological complaints, somnolence (a state of drowsiness), asthenia or fatigue, and sensations of pain and pressure.[10]
In a study of 369 patients, no treatment-related serious adverse events were reported after the consumption of a 10 mg rizatriptan wafer. The most frequently reported non-serious adverse events that were attributed to the study drug were dizziness, nausea, and chest discomfort.[11]
While side effects may sound concerning, they are often manageable and do not necessarily affect everyone. Open communication with your doctor should shed light on any symptoms or concerns you may have.
Rizatriptan and other medications
Rizatriptan can have serious interactions with certain drugs, such as citalopram, cyclobenzaprine, and desvenlafaxine. Moreover, there are severe interactions with medications like almotriptan, cabergoline, and dihydroergotamine.[12] These interactions can significantly impact the effectiveness of the drugs or increase the risk of adverse effects.
There may be other interactions or adverse effects not listed here. Therefore, be sure to tell your doctor about all the products you are using before taking this product. Keep a list of all your medications with you and share it with your doctor.
Medicines you should not use with rizatriptan
Those taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) for depression or who have taken them within the last two weeks will likely be advised to avoid rizatriptan. MAOIs, including drugs like moclobemide, phenelzine, tranylcypromine, and pargyline, can interact negatively with the medication.[13]
This medication is also not to be taken within twenty-four hours of taking another migraine headache medication.
How to order rizatriptan through Chemist2U
At Chemist2U, we make getting your prescriptions and pharmacy essentials as easy as a few clicks. Start by downloading our app or using this website, where you can swiftly upload your eScript.
After uploading your prescriptions online, don’t miss the chance to browse through a comprehensive selection of over-the-counter medication and general pharmacy products, just like in your local pharmacy. Once you’ve made your choices, a trusted partner pharmacist from your local area will take care of your order.
Same-day delivery is available with the majority of medications; simply ensure that you place your order before the cutoff time, which is typically 2.00 p.m. but may vary in some locations. Note that a minority of products (inc. Ozempic and Mounjaro) are delivered via AusPost. Allow five to seven business days for these medications.
End your search for ‘chemist near me’ or ‘24 hour pharmacy’ and experience the ease of managing your medication with Chemist2U, where convenience and care come together!
Order home delivery at Chemist2U today!
References
[1] https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601109.html
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2671815/
[3] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10551439/
[4] https://healthify.nz/medicines-a-z/r/rizatriptan/
[5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2671815/
[6] https://www.drugs.com/dosage/rizatriptan.html
[7] https://www.drugs.com/dosage/rizatriptan.html
[8] https://www.nps.org.au/medicine-finder/rizatriptan-odt-gh
[9] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/drugs-maxalt-interactions
[10] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10551439/
[11] https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.4137/CMT.S4670
[12] https://www.rxlist.com/rizatriptan/generic-drug.htm
[13] https://www.nps.org.au/medicine-finder/rizatriptan-odt-gh