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Rizatriptan Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 29, 2022.

Summary

More frequently reported side effects include: asthenia, dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, paresthesia, and nausea. Continue reading for a comprehensive list of adverse effects.

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

  • Chest pain
  • heaviness, tightness, or pressure in the chest and/or neck
  • pounding heartbeat
  • sensation of burning, warmth, heat, numbness, tightness, or tingling
  • shortness of breath

Less common

  • 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

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

Less common

  • Agitation
  • anxiety
  • blurred vision
  • chills
  • confusion
  • constipation
  • depression
  • diarrhea
  • difficulty with swallowing
  • 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
  • itching of the skin
  • 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

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to rizatriptan: oral tablet, oral tablet disintegrating.

General

The most commonly reported adverse reactions include pain/pressure sensation, asthenia/fatigue, somnolence, and dizziness.[Ref]

Cardiovascular

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]

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]

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]

Frequently asked questions

References

1. "Product Information. Maxalt (rizatriptan)." Merck & Co., Inc (2001):

2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics." O 0

3. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information." O 0

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer