What are Rizatriptan Tablets?
Rizatriptan belongs to the triptans, or serotonin (5-HT1) agonists class of medicines. They are used to treat migraine attacks once they have started.
It works by narrowing blood vessels around the brain, which can help to reduce the painful symptoms of migraine.
It is not a painkiller but you can use this medicine if other painkillers, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and Sumatriptan haven't worked, with people finding them to work much more effectively than traditional painkillers.
How to buy Rizatriptan Tablets online
You can use our online prescription service to buy Rizatriptan tablets online in the UK and choose from collection, next day or free delivery. We are a regulated GPhC registered pharmacy based in the UK. Any website that claims to sell Rizatriptan tablets without a prescription is operating illegally and you could be purchasing counterfeit / fake medicine.
Upon completion of your order, our independent prescriber will then review your online assessment. If your assessment is approved, our pharmacy team will then receive a prescription and dispense your order, which will be dispatched the same day using your chosen delivery method.
How Rizatriptan works
The root cause of migraines is not yet fully understood. One of the causes may be the blood vessels widening in the brain. Rizatriptan acts on these vessels causing them to narrow, relieving any pain, nausea and sensitivity to light.
It is important to note they are not a preventative and are instead to be taken when a migraine attack happens and take roughly 30 minutes to start working.
How to take Rizatriptan Tablets
Rizatriptan is usually taken as a 10mg dose when the migraine headache starts. If the headache returns after initial relief, a second prescribed dose may be taken after at least 2 hours. Do not take a second dose for an attack that did not respond to the first. Take no more than two doses in 24 hours. Do not use Rizatriptan to prevent an attack.
A lower 5mg dose is used with propranolol or mild to moderate kidney or liver impairment; leave at least 2 hours between propranolol and Rizatriptan. Severe kidney or liver impairment makes rizatriptan unsuitable. Tell your prescriber so they can choose the right dose and formulation.
Rizatriptan vs Maxalt Melt
Rizatriptan tablets and Maxalt Melt tablets have the same active ingredient, but Maxalt Melt tablets are simply placed on the tongue and allowed to dissolve.
Rizatriptan side effects
As with any medication you take, there is a possibility of side effects occurring. The most common side effects of Rizatriptan tablets include
- Lack of energy
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Nausea (feeling sick)
- Vomiting (being sick)
- Struggling to breath
- Hot or cold flushes
If you would like to see a full list of side effect please refer to the SPC below or look in the patient information leaflet.
Rizatriptan tablets and driving
Rizatriptan and migraine attacks can cause drowsiness. If you take it and feel drowsy or feel drowsy from the migraine do not drive or operate any machinery.
Rizatriptan tablets and pregnancy
If you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, speak to your doctor before taking rizatriptan. The decision depends on your migraines, other treatments and the available pregnancy evidence; your doctor will weigh the expected benefit against possible risks.
Rizatriptan tablets and breastfeeding
Ask your doctor before using rizatriptan while breastfeeding. Current product information advises that exposure can be minimised by avoiding breastfeeding for 12 hours after a dose. Your clinician can help you plan feeding around treatment.
Who cannot take Rizatriptan tablets
Rizatriptan may not suitable if you:
- Have previously had an allergic reaction to Rizatriptan or any other 'triptan'
- Have a heart problem
- Have an irregular heart beat
- Have recently heart attack
- Suffer from circulation problems
- Suffer from seizures or fits
- Have liver problems
- Have uncontrolled high blood pressure
- Are a heavy smoker
Rizatriptan interactions
The following drugs interact with Rizatriptan if you take any of the following contact your doctor:
- Other migraine treatments
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Citalopram, Sertraline
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) such as Phenelzine
If you are taking any herbal or alternative remedies make sure to mention them to your doctor, or on the consultation form so we can make sure they are safe to take together.
If you take an anti-depressant or St John's wort alongside Rizatriptan you may experience 'serotonin syndrome'. Symptoms of serotonin syndrome include:
- Feeling agitated
- Nausea
- Indigestion
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Increased heart rate
More information on serotonin syndrome can be found here
Rizatriptan Tablets alternatives
If you find Rizatriptan does not work for you, there are other triptans available to try such as:
You can try Sumatriptan in a nasal form:
You can also try over the counter medicine either instead of or alongside Rizatriptan such as:
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ibuprofen with Rizatriptan?
Yes you can take other painkillers such as Ibuprofen with Rizatriptan.
How many Rizatriptan tablets can I take?
Take the dose of Rizatriptan prescribed for you. If it relieved the migraine but the headache returns, you may repeat the prescribed dose after at least 2 hours. Do not repeat it for the same attack if the first dose did not help. Take no more than two prescribed doses in 24 hours; some people need a 5mg dose.
Is it safe to buy Rizatriptan tablets from your pharmacy?
We are a General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) registered pharmacy and we source all our pharmaceutical products from reputable wholesalers, the same wholesalers that provide the medicines used to fill NHS prescriptions.
If you buy them from an unregistered pharmacy you may be wasting your money at best or at worse harm yourself buying and taking fake tablets. Always check to make sure where you are buying them from are registered with the GPhC.Do Rizatriptan tablets expire?
Yes, like most medicines has a shelf life and will become less effective if it is left unused. Always check the expiry date of any medicines you are taking before you take them. If you find your medication has expired, you can post them to us, bring them to us or take them to your nearest pharmacy for safe disposal.
How should I store Rizatriptan tablets?
Rizatriptan tablets should be stored in a dry area below 30°C and kept out of direct sunlight. Incorrect storage could result in the medication becoming less effective.
How quickly do Rizatriptan tablets work?
The tablets usually begin to work in around 30 to 60 minutes. The nasal spray acts a little bit faster with an effect seen after 15 minutes.
Will Rizatriptan tablets work?
In various trials Rizatriptan has shown to be comparable or have even greater effect than sumatriptan, zolmitriptan, naratriptan and almotriptan. If other triptans haven't worked for you Rizatriptan might do.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Rizatriptan tablets?
Yes, you can drink alcohol but be aware that alcohol can sometimes be the cause migraines.
Sources and further information
- NICE CG150: Headaches in over 12s: recommendations (checked 8 September 2026)
- Rizatriptan SPC
