Rizatriptan is a headache medicine. It is believed to work by causing vasoconstriction (narrowing) of arteries and veins that supply blood to your head.

Rizatriptan is used to treat vascular headaches such as migraine headaches.

Rizatriptan may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Do not take rizatriptan if the headache you are experiencing is not like other migraines that you have had.

Do not take this medication if you have angina (chest pain) or if you have had a heart attack.

Never take more of this medication than is prescribed by your doctor. If your symptoms are not being treated, contact your doctor.

Special precautions

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you

• have risk factor for heart disease such as high blood pressure, a family history of heart disease, high cholesterol (a type of fat), are overweight, diabetes, smoke cigarettes, are postmenopausal, are male and over 40 years of age;

• have liver disease;
• have kidney disease; or
• have seizures or epilepsy

* Rizatriptan is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether rizatriptan will harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

* It is not known whether rizatriptan passes into breast milk. Do not take rizatriptan without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

* Rizatriptan has not been approved by the FDA for use by children younger than 18 years of age.

Side effects

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking rizatriptan and seek emergency medical attention:

• an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);

• chest pain, tightness, pressure, and/or heaviness;
• neck, throat, or jaw pain, tightness, or pressure; or
• an irregular heartbeat

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take rizatriptan and talk to your doctor if you experience

• nausea;

• dry mouth;
• drowsiness or dizziness; or
• numbness, tingling, flushing, warmth, redness, or heaviness in a body part

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

Keep all appointment with your doctor.

Don’t let anyone else take your medicines.