Rizatriptan Side Effects
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 4, 2024.
Applies to rizatriptan: oral tablet, oral tablet disintegrating.
Serious side effects of rizatriptan
Along with its needed effects, rizatriptan may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking rizatriptan:
More common side effects
- chest pain
- heaviness, tightness, or pressure in the chest and/or neck
- pounding heartbeat
- sensation of burning, warmth, heat, numbness, tightness, or tingling
- trouble breathing
Less common side effects
- burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
- increased heartbeat
- irregular heartbeat
- pain, tightness, or pressure in the neck, jaw, or throat
- slow heartbeat
Incidence not known
- blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
- chills
- cough
- diarrhea
- difficulty swallowing
- dizziness
- hives, itching, skin rash
- joint or muscle pain
- large, hive-like swelling on face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
- puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
- red irritated eyes
- red skin lesions, often with a purple center
- seizures
- sore throat
- sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips
- unusual tiredness or weakness
Other side effects of rizatriptan
Some side effects of rizatriptan may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.
Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common side effects
- dry mouth
- hot flashes
- lack or loss of strength
- nausea or vomiting
- sleepiness or unusual drowsiness
Less common side effects
- agitation
- anxiety
- blurred vision
- confusion
- constipation
- depression
- dry eyes
- eye irritation
- feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
- gas
- headache
- heartburn
- heat sensitivity
- inability to sleep
- increased sweating
- increased thirst
- irritability
- muscle or joint stiffness, tightness, or rigidity
- muscle pain or spasms
- ringing or buzzing in the ears
- sudden, large increase in the frequency or quantity of urine
- trembling of the hands or feet
- unusual feeling of well-being
- warm or cold sensations
Incidence not known
- change in taste
- loss of taste
For healthcare professionals
Applies to rizatriptan: oral film, oral tablet, oral tablet disintegrating.
General adverse events
The most commonly reported adverse reactions include pain/pressure sensation, asthenia/fatigue, somnolence, and dizziness.[Ref]
Cardiovascular
- Common (1% to 10%): Palpitation, chest pain (tightness/pressure and/or heaviness), flushing
- Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Tachycardia, cold extremities, bradycardia, arrhythmia, ECG abnormalities
- Rare (less than 0.1%): Syncope, edema/swelling
- Frequency not reported: Acute myocardial infarction, blood pressure elevations
- Postmarketing reports: Peripheral vascular ischemia[Ref]
Rarely, patients with and without a history of hypertension have experienced significant blood pressure elevations including hypertensive crisis with the use of triptans including this drug. Increases of approximately 2 to 3 mmHg have been observed in healthy subjects receiving 10 mg of this drug every 2 hours for 3 doses.[Ref]
Gastrointestinal
- Common (1% to 10%): Dry mouth, nausea
- Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Vomiting, diarrhea, dyspepsia, tongue edema, abdominal distention, thirst
- Frequency not reported: Ischemic colitis[Ref]
Nervous system
- Very common (10% or more): Dizziness (14%)
- Common (1% to 10%): Paresthesia, headache, somnolence, tremor
- Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Vertigo, confusion/disorientation, gait abnormality, memory impairment, abnormal coordination
- Frequency not reported: Serotonin syndrome
- Postmarketing reports: Seizure, dysgeusia[Ref]
Hypersensitivity
- Postmarketing reports: Allergic conditions including anaphylaxis/anaphylactoid reaction, angioedema, wheezing, and toxic epidermal necrolysis[Ref]
Other
- Common (1% to 10%): Asthenia/fatigue, neck/throat/jaw pain/tightness/pressure, warm sensation
- Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Tinnitus
- Rare (less than 0.1%): Hypoacusis[Ref]
Dermatologic
- Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Facial edema, sweating, pruritus, rash, urticaria
- Rare (less than 0.1%): Erythema
- Frequency not reported: Toxic epidermal necrolysis[Ref]
Musculoskeletal
- Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Muscle weakness, stiffness, myalgia, muscle cramp/spasm
- Postmarketing reports: Facial pain[Ref]
Ocular
- Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Blurred vision
- Rare (less than 0.1%): Eye swelling[Ref]
Psychiatric
- Common (1% to 10%): Euphoria, insomnia
- Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Agitation, hallucination[Ref]
Respiratory
- Common (1% to 10%): Dyspnea
- Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Pharyngeal edema[Ref]
References
1. (2001) "Product Information. Maxalt (rizatriptan)." Merck & Co., Inc
2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics."
3. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information."
Frequently asked questions
- How often can you take Maxalt?
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Further information
Rizatriptan side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.
