Skip to main content

Rizatriptan User Reviews & Ratings

Brand names: Maxalt, Maxalt-MLT, RizaFilm

Rizatriptan has an average rating of 8.3 out of 10 from a total of 327 reviews on Drugs.com. 81% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 12% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Rizatriptan

  • MMano
  • December 4, 2019

Maxalt (rizatriptan) for Migraine "I had migraines that would last anywhere from 8 to 16 hours every 2-3 weeks once I hit my 20s. It would feel like someone injected poison into the right side of my head and neck, and the poison would pulsate every 30 seconds with blindingly sharp icky pain. I tracked my migraines closely for 2 years and finally switched to a doctor/neurologist who worked with me on what it could be. I have issues with my serotonin levels and was diagnosed with the migraines without aura. I used all the OTC drugs for my migraines and would always feel nauseated or it wouldn't work. Finally, I tried the rizatriptan/Maxalt 10mg tablets and they worked within 30minutes of my migraine attacks! I've never been so thankful to have this. My migraines now only happen about once a month, but this prescription has never given me any adverse side effects or pain. Hopefully others can find this prescription beneficial as I have."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
86 Report
  • Ron
  • May 11, 2021

For Migraine "Rizatriptan works just fine most of the time, My only complaint is the difficulty in getting the little pill out of the package. I must use scissors or a knife. The problem is when the aura starts I am already having difficulty manipulating or even seeing the blister pack. Just wish for easier packaging."

7 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
41 Report
  • Kae
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • July 18, 2019

Maxalt (rizatriptan) for Migraine "I have chronic migraines and have prescriptions for two medications. Zomig and Maxalt. When I have a severe migraine and must go to bed I take Zomig. But if I can catch the migraine before it hits, I take Maxalt. To me this is a wonder drug. The only side effect is that the next day I am not as sharp as I usually am which could also be the bi-product of the migraine. I highly recommend this product for mild to moderate migraines."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
50 Report

Frequently asked questions

  • Tomo
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • September 6, 2019

Maxalt (rizatriptan) for Migraine "Maxalt is an absolute Life saver Normally takes around an hour to kick in and 9/10 times completely conquers my migraine Only subtle side effects I experience is a little foggy headed. And my skin tingles a little. Definetely better then dealing with severe migraines"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
49 Report
  • Maxal...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 28, 2020

For Migraine "10/10 do NOT recommend this medication. Unless you enjoy the feeling of feeling like you’re on the way out , or possibly on acid. I couldn’t form a sentence, couldn't stand up straight, my sinuses were ON FIRE, my headache actually got worse, my neck and shoulders felt like someone was squeezing them and I couldn’t keep my eyes open. I’ll take a migraine over the side affects of this medicine any day"

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
34 Report

Are you taking this medicine?

  • Anony...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 12, 2019

Maxalt (rizatriptan) for Migraine "Migraine gone, severe anxiety, agitation, brain fog. Also felt light headed and had neck and jaw pain. Two days on and still feel weird in the head. Terrible medication, would rather have the migraine all week then take this poison ever again."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
35 Report
  • Daisy
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • April 12, 2021

Maxalt (rizatriptan) for Migraine "I have had migraines for over 30 years (it started in my teens). I have tried MANY types of medications. NONE has worked as well as Maxalt. The generic is a dissolving tab that has a soft mint smell. It works within a half an hour for me and prevent the really nasty ones."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
23 Report
  • JB...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • April 4, 2020

For Migraine "I get headaches way too often. Was bad before and now In my early 40s it has gotten worse. Often associated with bad sleep but sometimes they just come on and I have no idea why. They can last up to 3 days and I am useless. This is a problem with family and work. I tried rizatriptan and it is worked wonders! It is the only thing that takes my pain away — the only problem is that I am not allowed to take it note than 9 times a month. Last month I used 6. I was also prescribed nortriptyline which I haven’t started because I don’t want to take an every day. Maybe that would work better? Getting to the point where I may try it. Why do all of us up here get such bad headaches? Mine feels related to neck and shoulder pain. Wish we could all find consistent relief. Good luck people."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
28 Report
  • Andi...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • August 21, 2020

Maxalt (rizatriptan) for Migraine "Maxalt works. Sometimes I still feel a pounding in my head but it doesn't hurt. Unfortunately, it does make me insanely tired where I cannot stay awake. 30 minutes after taking it, if I try to stay awake I get woozy, can't walk straight, and can't talk well. Usually resolves after 2 hours, but most the time I can't stay awake and sleep for those 2 hours instead. Usually takes another hour for the grogginess to go away. Makes it hard to take during work hours. I will also get a soreness in my muscles, which makes it difficult to workout later in the day. But hey, it works, and is better than nothing!"

8 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
23 Report
  • Dust...
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • September 17, 2019

Maxalt (rizatriptan) for Migraine "I took Maxalt for years and it worked wonderfully most of the time as long as I took it before my migraine got too bad. Then all of a sudden last year I had an allergic reaction to it. My face swelled, my throat felt like it was closing and I had hives. Had to go to the ER."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
27 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • February 4, 2014

Maxalt (rizatriptan) for Migraine "I love Maxalt my doctor gave it to me about 4 months ago. After years of no relief my migraine was gone in 20 minutes! I admit I get extremely sleepy after I take it but a 1 hour nap and I'm back in business. Much better then four days of blinding pain that's for sure it is very expensive but I contacted my local clinic and they had me fill out some forms and received a free 6 month supply at which time I can reapply. You can also try contacting the company online they may help depending on your income."

8 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
46 Report
  • LizCa...
  • January 10, 2014

Maxalt (rizatriptan) for Migraine "I've suffered from severe, debilitating migraines since I was 30 (I'm now 49). I've been prescribed everything under the sun but Maxalt is the ONLY medication that works for me. First of all, it dissolves under my tongue so I know that if I vomit, I won't throw it up. Secondly, and especially if I take it at the first sign of a migraine, it usually only takes about 30 minutes to kick in and fully eradicate my migraine. Imitrex and the others I've been on haven't worked or haven't worked as completely as Maxalt. I consider it a life saver."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
45 Report
  • shiqs
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • April 12, 2013

Maxalt (rizatriptan) for Migraine "I have tried different medicines for migraines, all just calmed it down a little, it just had to run its 3 day duration. Am seeing another Dr & she put me on Maxalt yesterday, my migraine was gone within an hour of taking it. I just want to go back and hug her because after 5 yrs of trying I just accepted my pain. It made me drowsy, but I will take drowsy over pain any day."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
45 Report
  • Becca
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • January 28, 2018

Maxalt (rizatriptan) for Migraine "This medication seems to work the best out of the triptans I have tried. I take it as needed in addition to Topamax which I take daily as a preventative. It usually works within an hour and I do not need a second pill. I take the generic it works fine for me. I get migraines from weather pressure, hormones, foods and smells. Life changer for me."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
29 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • September 18, 2012

Maxalt (rizatriptan) for Migraine "Tried Imitrex and Relpax first, but had bad heart-squeezing and neck-squeezing side effects. Tried Maxalt and did not have that problem. It usually takes away the migraines, but can take 1-2 hours to get relief. I'm also very fatigued after the pain goes away, which makes daytime onset of migraines a hassle. Also for the 1-2 hours I am waiting for it to work, the pain actually intensifies until suddenly it lets go and the blood vessels in my head feel cold. Strange, but true."

7 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
46 Report
  • Anonymous
  • December 23, 2008

Maxalt-MLT (rizatriptan) for Migraine "Migraine, the word can’t convey the impact on life. For me, a typical one lasted about 36 hours, followed by another 24 hours of “hangover”. Somewhere during the 36 hour duration, would be 12 hours of hell. I’ve used Maxalt MLT about 10-12 times over the last 6 months. It has worked every time; I take one when I sense a migraine is starting, and it just doesn’t “blossom”. I have no side effects, no nausea, and no drowsiness. Sometime in the next 20-30 minutes I’ll realize the apprehension, tension and other precursors to the migraine have just disappeared. Migraines took too much of my life, and at their worst, pushed depression to the edge of suicide; it’s good to have a normal life back."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
56 Report
  • Sheba...
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • July 13, 2015

Maxalt (rizatriptan) for Migraine "I have suffered with severe menstrual migraines for 25+ years to the point where I fantasize about amputating my head. I was on Imitrex (made me very sleepy), Relpax (worthless) , generic (even worse). Maxalt is my go to medicine. Unfortunately its a fight with the insurance company to get regular refills. They are trying to force me to take a generic. I used to get 12 tablets and they changed it to 9- which 9 is not enough. When I run out I cannot help but pray for the day I get a refill fearing I will get a migraine before that time. When the refill day comes, I stalk my pharmacy on the phone until it is ready. Ugh...talk about "drug-seeking" !"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
36 Report
  • Elebia
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • January 21, 2015

Maxalt (rizatriptan) for Migraine "I've had migraines for years and have been given everything for them. I also believe I've gone through every triptan that one could imagine. This medicine has been phenomenal in relieving really tough migraine pain. Within 30 minutes I can get relief. Also, I like that you can get it in sublingual form. Sometimes my migraines are so bad that I'm constantly throwing up everything. When I'm nauseous the sublingual form is wonderful, however, it also comes in a tiny tablet. I keep this with me at all times. It has saved me from multiple hospital visits in the past. Hope this helps!"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
37 Report
  • ImaGima
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • June 28, 2016

Maxalt (rizatriptan) for Migraine "I've had ever-worsening migraines since I was in my 40's (I'm now 73). When they started, all that was available were drugs like Fiorinal and other mind-scrambling drugs. Finally, the triptans came along and saved my life. I started with Imitrex and tried the various other triptans, but Maxalt was the most effective. I would like to share one important observation: When I first started taking triptans, I had very few side effects, and was able to function at a high-level job, run home with kids, etc. HOWEVER, as I got older, I realized that side-effects emerged which have only gotten stronger over time. e.g. fogginess, sleepiness, nausea, etc. -- so be aware that side-effects can increase with age. Still, Maxalt is a life-saver."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
32 Report
  • SUE...
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • September 29, 2013

Maxalt (rizatriptan) for Migraine "At 59 years of age have been suffering migraines since I was 21. Think I have tried every medication available in the UK. Maxalt is the only thing that has ever worked for me.Pain usually gone after 20 minutes, before I took Maxalt I could be in bed for 2 days rolling around in agony. Only side effects are tiredness and strangely It makes me sneeze just once as soon as I have taken it. Maxalt has completely changed my life. Fortunate to live in UK as I get it free on national health prescription."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
37 Report
  • GJJ
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • May 25, 2016

Maxalt-MLT (rizatriptan) for Migraine "Fantastic drug! Works every time within half an hour. Feel a little strange for around 30 minutes after taking it, but no other side effects. Highly recommend it as it's the only thing that works for my migraines"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
27 Report
  • PamB
  • February 20, 2019

Maxalt (rizatriptan) for Migraine "From age of 26 suffered migraines, vomiting for days on end, had all sorts of medicines, before Maxalt were cafergot suppositories - a saviour but many side effects. For past 9 years or so have been taking Maxalt this is excellent for me, usually one wafer, rest a little for an hour and I feel like brand new, which is amazing considering what I have been through in past. My brand was MSD, however recently my pharmacist gave me APO and I remember once before being prescribed this generic and it did not seem as effective, I conveyed this to Pharmacist and he said they are both the same, but after not having a migraine for some time took the Maxalt APO today and I must say it was not really that effective, although my migraine has subsided it has not gone completely, never happened with Maxalt MSD brand it never failed me. One could say its in my head (excuse the pun) but I am curious with the result, the wafers taste different and dissolve at a different rate? Any comments from anyone else?"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
19 Report
  • dfel
  • October 13, 2013

Maxalt (rizatriptan) for Migraine "I had a migraine for 7 days. When I finally couldn't take the pain anymore, I went to my doctor and was prescribed this medication. Within 20 minutes my migraine was gone. Its heaven sent. You have to take it as soon as you feel a migraine coming on. Also it makes me very sleepy. But almost all medications do that to me. If you haven't taken it ...get it. It will solve your migraine problems."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
31 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • November 18, 2023

For Migraine "It provides real relief within an hour. Although I am looking to address the root cause of my migraines, this helps me avoid being completely debilitated for 3 days. I am very pleased with this medicine."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
3 Report
  • Towanna
  • August 28, 2015

Maxalt (rizatriptan) for Migraine "I have suffered migraines for since I was 30 and I am now 51. I use to lay in bed for days, and would end up in the hospital. I finally had a nurse ask me why wasn't I on prescription medication. I told her my doctor told me I would outgrow them. I took her advice and switched doctors. He put me on maxalt 10 mg, and it changed my life!!!!! I take them now when I feel the onset of a headache and it never develops into a migraine. It saddens me to think how long I suffered when this wonderful drug was out there available. I almost lost my job because of the migraines. I was missing a lot of work. There were times when we would be on vacation and all I could do was lay in the hotel sick as a dog because of the migraines. thanks maxalt."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
25 Report

Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.