Rizatriptan for migraine: how it works and what to expect
Rizatriptan is a triptan that stops migraines by narrowing blood vessels around the brain. Costs, side effects, and how it compares to other migraine treatments.
What rizatriptan does
Rizatriptan is a triptan, a class of medication that stops migraine headaches by narrowing blood vessels around the brain and reducing substances in the body that can trigger headaches, nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and other migraine symptoms.
You take it as a tablet that dissolves on your tongue (Maxalt-MLT) or a standard tablet (Maxalt). It works fastest if you take it as soon as a migraine starts.
How well it works
About 65 to 70 percent of people who take rizatriptan report that their migraine pain drops to mild or goes away within 2 hours. It's one of the faster-acting triptans.
Side effects
Common side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, tingling sensations, and feeling flushed or warm. Most are mild and short-lived.
Rizatriptan can raise blood pressure temporarily and narrow blood vessels. If you have heart disease, uncontrolled high blood pressure, or a history of stroke, talk to your doctor before using it.
Cost
Generic rizatriptan costs less than brand-name Maxalt. A single dose typically ranges from 15 to 30 dollars without insurance, depending on your pharmacy and whether you use a discount program.
Other triptans
If rizatriptan doesn't work for you, your doctor might try sumatriptan (faster and cheaper) or other triptans like frovatriptan (longer-lasting) or naratriptan (gentler on the stomach).