Rizatriptan is available in 5mg and 10mg tablets. It is usually recommended to use the 10mg tablets. It may be advised to reduce the dose to 5mg if you are also taking propranolol. Do not take more than 20mg of Rizatriptan in 24 hours.

Rizatriptan tablets should be swallowed whole, with water. You can take them with or without a meal, but do not chew or crush your tablets.

Follow the instructions below to ensure appropriate use of this medication:

• Take 1 tablet when the headache phase of your migraine begins. If you experience an aura (visual disturbance), wait until this is over before taking Sumatriptan.
• If after 2 hours your migraine is not completely better, or has come back, you can take another tablet.
• You should not take a second dose for the same attack, even if the symptoms of your migraine attack are not reduced after taking the medication. You need to wait until a subsequent migraine attack to take another dose of Sumatriptan.
• This can be repeated at 2-hour intervals. Never exceed 300mg of Sumatriptan in one 24 hour period. If you accidentally take more than the recommended dosage of Sumatriptan, seek immediate medical attention.
• If you forget to take your Sumatriptan tablet, are sick (vomiting) or have diarrhoea immediately after taking one, do not double your dose to make up for it. Wait until your next migraine attack before taking another tablet.

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Just because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Common side effects can include:

• Feeling drowsy or dizzy
• Nausea and vomiting
• Dry mouth
• Heart racing
• Headaches
• Sleep disturbance
• Muscle or joint stiffness

Less common side effects include:

• Nausea
• Dry mouth
• Drowsiness
• Temporary increase in blood pressure levels

For full information on side effects and correct use, see the patient information leaflet. If any side effects concern you, or you are experiencing any of the side effects mentioned in the patient information leaflet whilst taking this medication, please contact our clinical team or speak to your GP.

Rizatriptan may cause pain, tightness in your chest and shortness of breath after use. These effects may not happen to everyone but should pass quickly. If they do not pass quickly, seek urgent medical care.

Do not mix Rizatriptan with another triptan when treating the same migraine attack. Rizatriptan should not be used on a daily basis, as this may lead to a medication overuse headache. If your headache gets significantly worse, or you develop any unusual symptoms, you should see a doctor urgently.

You must not drive or operate any heavy machinery if you experience faintness, drowsiness or tiredness as a result of taking Sumatriptan.

Rizatriptan should not be taken people who:

• Are under the age of 18 or over 65
• Suffered/suffering from heart stroke, angina, heart attack, high blood pressure
• Have liver or kidney problems
• Have seizures or epilepsy
• Allergic to any of the active or inactive ingredients
• Have circulation problems in your legs (peripheral vascular disease)
• When headaches start for the first time over the age of 40

There is limited evidence for the safety of the medicine in pregnant women. There is no current evidence that it causes harm, however due to the lack of evidence on safety in pregnancy, Rizatriptan is generally avoided unless absolutely necessary. Consult your GP before using the treatment during pregnancy.

Rizatriptan does cross into the breast milk and can be passed to the child during feeding. For this reason, breastfeeding 24 hours after a dose should be avoided or an alternative migraine treatment should be considered by your doctor.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to this medication. These include:

• Hives
• Dizziness
• Fast or pounding heartbeats
• Wheezing
• Difficult breathing
• Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

It is important that you let us know which prescription, over-the-counter medicines and recreational drugs you are currently taking. You must also tell us about any other medical conditions that you currently have (or had in the past). This will help us ensure the prescribed medication is safe and appropriate for you to take.

For full information on warnings, medication interactions and contraindications, refer to the Patient Information Leaflet. Please read all packaging and the Patient Information Leaflet before taking any new medicine and inform our clinical team or your GP of medicines you are taking or intend to take.