11 Relpax (Eletriptan) Side Effects: Dizziness, Flushing, and More

If you have migraine headaches, you may take a triptan medication such as Relpax (eletriptan) for relief during an attack. But like all medications, Relpax can cause side effects, ranging from mild to severe.

Since Relpax isn’t meant to be taken every day, side effects usually happen shortly after a dose and go away as the medication wears off. Still, it’s a good idea to know what to expect and when to contact your healthcare team.

Relpax side effects at a glance

Most Relpax side effects are typically short-lived and improve as the medication wears off. Serious side effects are uncommon but may require medical attention.

1. Dizziness

Dizziness is a common side effect of Relpax. It can happen because the medication narrows blood vessels and changes signaling in the brain. These effects can temporarily alter blood flow or balance, making you feel lightheaded or unsteady.

To manage dizziness from Relpax:

• Sit or lie down as soon as you feel dizzy to prevent falls.

• Stand up slowly from sitting or lying positions.

• Stay hydrated, since dehydration can make dizziness worse.

• Avoid driving or doing activities where dizziness can be dangerous until you know how Relpax affects you.

• Contact your healthcare team if your dizziness is severe, frequent, or doesn’t go away.

2. Drowsiness

Relpax can make you feel sleepy or less alert. Migraine attacks themselves can also contribute to fatigue, which may make this side effect more noticeable.

To manage drowsiness from Relpax:

• Use caution when taking it with other medications that cause drowsiness.

• Avoid alcohol.

• Wait to see how Relpax affects you before driving or performing activities that require you to be alert.

• Plan to rest after taking a dose if needed.

3. Weakness

Some people report feeling weak, tired, or low on energy after taking Relpax. This may be due to a combination of the medication’s effects and the body recovering from a migraine.

To manage weakness from Relpax:

• Rest after your dose and once your migraine improves.

• Stay hydrated by drinking enough fluids throughout the day.

• Eat balanced meals to support energy levels.

• Talk to your healthcare team if your weakness is frequent or severe.

4. Nausea

Nausea can occur with Relpax, though migraines themselves are also a common cause. It should improve as the medication wears off and your migraine subsides. But to help manage nausea in the meantime:

• Take Relpax with a small snack if that doesn’t worsen your symptoms.

• Stick to bland foods (such as crackers or toast) if you’re feeling nauseated.

• Drink small, frequent sips of water or clear fluids.

• Avoid strong smells or greasy foods.

5. Dry mouth

Some people experience dry mouth after taking Relpax. As with other side effects, this is usually temporary and should improve as the medication wears off.

To manage dry mouth from Relpax:

• Sip water regularly throughout the day.

• Chew sugar-free gum or suck on sugar-free candies to stimulate saliva production.

• Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco, which can worsen mouth dryness.

• Consider saliva substitutes if recommended.

6. Flushing

Flushing can feel like warmth, often in the face, neck, or chest. This happens because Relpax affects blood vessels, causing temporary changes in blood flow. If you feel flushed after taking Relpax:

• Stay in a cool environment.

• Wear lightweight, breathable clothing.

• Avoid triggers such as hot drinks or alcohol around the time you take your dose.

7. Chest tightness

Some people feel pressure, tightness, or heaviness in the chest, throat, or jaw after taking Relpax. This sensation is usually temporary, but it can feel concerning. Rarely, it may be a sign of something more serious. So, it’s important to pay attention to your symptoms and know when to seek help.

To manage chest tightness from Relpax:

• Sit down and rest until the feeling passes.

• Pay attention to how the sensation feels (mild and brief is more typical).

• Seek immediate medical care if the pain is severe, long-lasting, or accompanied by symptoms such as shortness of breath, sweating, or nausea.

8. ‘Pins and needles’ feeling

A tingling or “pins and needles” sensation can occur in the skin — usually in the arms, legs, or face — after taking Relpax. These sensations usually go away on their own. But you should tell your prescriber if your symptoms are severe, worsening, or not going away.

9. Serotonin syndrome

Serotonin syndrome is a rare but serious condition caused by too much serotonin in the body. It’s more likely if you take Relpax with other medications that increase serotonin, such as certain antidepressants. That’s why it’s a good idea to share your current medication list with your prescriber and pharmacist for review before taking Relpax.

Serotonin can become life-threatening. So, it’s best to get medical attention if you develop symptoms such as:

• Agitation, confusion, or restlessness

• Rapid heart rate or high blood pressure

• Sweating, fever, or shivering

• Muscle stiffness, twitching, or tremors

10. Medication overuse headache

Using migraine medications too frequently or in higher-than-prescribed doses can lead to rebound headaches, also known as medication overuse headaches. This can occur with triptans such as Relpax, as well as other medications used for migraine relief.

To help prevent this, take Relpax only as directed. In general, it’s best to limit the use of triptan medications to no more than 10 days per month. However, it isn’t known whether Relpax is safe to use for treating more than an average of 3 migraine attacks in a 30-day period.

Talk to your healthcare team about how often you’re needing to treat migraines with Relpax. You may benefit from a preventive migraine medication to reduce how often attacks occur.

11. Cardiovascular problems

Relpax can narrow blood vessels, which may increase the risk of serious cardiovascular problems, such as heart attack, stroke, and abnormal heart rhythm. This risk is higher in people with existing heart or blood vessel problems. That’s why it’s important to tell your prescriber about your heart health before starting Relpax.

Seek emergency medical care right away if you experience symptoms such as:

• Chest pain or pressure that’s severe or long-lasting

• Shortness of breath

• Sudden weakness or trouble speaking

• Fast or irregular heartbeat

Relpax can also reduce blood flow to parts of the body other than the heart, including the hands, feet, or gut. Contact your healthcare team right away if you develop severe stomach pain; bloody diarrhea; or changes in the color, temperature, or feeling of your fingers or toes.

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Written by:

Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD

Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD, is the director of pharmacy content for GoodRx. She has over a decade of experience as a pharmacist and has worked in clinical, academic, and administrative roles.

Reviewed by:

Christina Aungst, PharmD, MWC

Christina Aungst, PharmD, MWC is a senior pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She began writing for GoodRx Health in 2019.

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