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Rizatriptan Coupon - Rizatriptan 10mg tablet

rizatriptan

Generic Maxalt
Used for Migraine
Used for Migraine

Rizatriptan (Maxalt) is used to treat migraines with or without aura in people ages 6 years and older. Rizatriptan (Maxalt) is available as a lower-cost generic tablet and an orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) that's placed on the tongue. Common side effects include dizziness, headache, and sleepiness. It can interact with antidepressants and other similar migraine medications.

Last reviewed on June 20, 2023
basics-icon

What is Rizatriptan (Maxalt)?

What is Rizatriptan (Maxalt) used for?

How Rizatriptan (Maxalt) works

Rizatriptan (Maxalt) is a triptan. It works to relieve migraines by attaching to and turning on serotonin receptors in the blood vessels and nerves in your brain. This causes the blood vessels to tighten and lowers the release of proteins that cause inflammation and pain.

Are you looking for information on RizaFilm (rizatriptan) instead?
When does Rizatriptan (Maxalt) start working?
Time passed since treatment started:
MINUTES
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Initial effect
Full effect

Drug Facts

Common BrandsMaxalt, Maxalt-MLT
Drug ClassTriptan
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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Avg retail price
$212.31(save 92.94%)
GoodRx discount
$15.00
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What are the side effects of Rizatriptan (Maxalt)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Dizziness (4-9%)
  • Sleepiness (4-8%)
  • Tiredness (4-7%)
  • Nausea (4-6%)

Other Side Effects

  • Pain or pressure in your chest or throat
  • Dry mouth
  • Tingling or prickling feeling
  • Headache
  • Racing heart
  • Diarrhea

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Heart problems: heart attack, dangerously high blood pressure, severe headache, chest pain, trouble breathing, irregular heartbeat
  • Stroke: sudden weakness on one side of your body, headache, changes in your speech or vision, confusion
  • Serotonin syndrome: fast heart rate, dizziness, sweating, flushing, tremor (shakiness), muscle stiffness or twitching, uncoordinated movement, hallucinations
  • Narrowing of blood vessels in the body: bloody diarrhea; severe stomach pain; partial or permanent blindness; tightness, weakness, numbness of legs or feet; vision problems
When do Rizatriptan (Maxalt) possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
MINUTES
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Dizziness
Sleepiness
Tiredness
Nausea

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine 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:

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

Some side effects 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

Dizziness

dry mouth

hot flashes

lack or loss of strength

nausea or vomiting

sleepiness or unusual drowsiness

unusual tiredness or weakness

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

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Rizatriptan (Maxalt)

thumbs-up

Pros

First-choice option for treating migraines

Can be used by children ages 6 years and older

Orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) a possible option for people who have problems swallowing

Works within 30 minutes

thumbs-down

Cons

Can't use to prevent migraines

Is short-acting, so it might not last as long

Not clear if taking a second dose (adults only) is actually helpful

Your migraines can get worse if you use this medication too often.

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Rizatriptan (Maxalt)

pharmacist
  • You can take rizatriptan (Maxalt) with or without food. If it's hurting your stomach, try taking it with food to help.

    • Rizatriptan (Maxalt) isn't meant to be used to treat more than 4 migraines per month because it might not be safe to do so. If you have migraines multiple times a month, let your provider know. They can consider other medication options to help with your symptoms. Or they can let you know if you need to start any medications for migraine prevention.

      • Rizatriptan (Maxalt) interacts with many medications. Depending on the situation, your provider might have to adjust your dose of rizatriptan (Maxalt) or the other medication that you're taking. Make sure to let your provider and pharmacist know about all the medications you're taking (including vitamins and supplements) before starting rizatriptan (Maxalt) so that they can help you check for interactions. If there are many interactions, your provider might even switch you to a different migraine medication.

        • Rizatriptan (Maxalt) can make you feel very sleepy or dizzy. Don't drive or do anything that requires a lot of attention until you know how this medication affects you.

          • You might feel tightness, pressure, or pain in the chest, throat, jaw, or neck after taking rizatriptan (Maxalt). This usually doesn't last long and will go away. However, these symptoms are very similar to symptoms of a heart attack or heart problems. If you notice that these symptoms are worsening or don't go away, get medical help right away.

            • If you're using the dissolvable tablet, make sure your hands are dry before handling the medication. Peel off the foil backing, and remove the tablet from the blister card. Don't try to push the tablet through the foil; this can damage the medication. Place the tablet on the tongue to let it dissolve, and swallow with saliva. You don't need to drink anything.

              faqs

              Frequently asked questions about Rizatriptan (Maxalt)

              Is rizatriptan (Maxalt) a narcotic?
              No, rizatriptan (Maxalt) isn't a narcotic because it's not an opioid or opiate pain medication. Rizatriptan (Maxalt) is also not a controlled substance because it doesn't have a risk of addiction, misuse, or dependence.
              How often can you take rizatriptan (Maxalt)?
              Talk to your provider about how to take rizatriptan (Maxalt). In general, adults can take up to two doses of rizatriptan (Maxalt), at least 2 hours apart, in a 24-hour period. But children (age 6 years and older) should only take one dose of rizatriptan (Maxalt) within a 24-hour period. It's not known whether rizatriptan (Maxalt) is safe to take for more than four times in a 30-day period. If you're experiencing more than four migraines a month, let your provider know. They can talk to you about what other medications you can take to ease the migraines, or see if you need to start any treatment for migraine prevention.
              Can I take rizatriptan (Maxalt) with acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil)?
              Talk with your provider before you start any new medications for migraines. Rizatriptan (Maxalt), acetaminophen (Tylenol), and ibuprofen (Advil) work differently to relieve migraines and don't interact with each other. In fact, if you have moderate to severe migraines, your provider might recommend that you take rizatriptan (Maxalt) with an NSAID, like ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Naprosyn). But keep in mind that acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil) have their own risks (e.g., liver risks, heart risks, kidney problems). Before using other pain medications with rizatriptan (Maxalt), speak with your healthcare provider to make sure it's safe for you to do so.
              Can I take Nurtec (rimegepant) and rizatriptan (Maxalt) together?
              Yes, both rizatriptan (Maxalt) and Nurtec (rimegepant) can be taken together if both are prescribed to you this way. These two medications don't have any known interactions with each other. Talk with your provider if you have questions about your migraine medications.
              What's the difference between rizatriptan (Maxalt) and sumatriptan (Imitrex)?
              Both rizatriptan (Maxalt) and sumatriptan (Imitrex) are triptans that work well to treat migraines. A study that compared both medications showed that rizatriptan (Maxalt) might work faster than sumatriptan tablets. One difference between both medications is rizatriptan (Maxalt) can be taken by children ages 6 and older whereas sumatriptan is only for adults. Another difference is rizatriptan (Maxalt) is available as an oral tablet and a fast-melting tablet, whereas sumatriptan is available in several different dosage forms and brand names. Talk with your provider if you have more questions about rizatriptan (Maxalt) and sumatriptan (Imitrex).
              Does rizatriptan (Maxalt) make you drowsy?
              Yes, it's possible for rizatriptan (Maxalt) to make you drowsy (sleepy). About 4% to 8% of people taking rizatriptan (Maxalt) reported drowsiness or fatigue as a side effect in clinical studies. Before driving or performing activities where you need to be alert, wait and see how this medication affects you.
              How long does rizatriptan (Maxalt) take to work?
              Rizatriptan (Maxalt) can relieve pain and other migraine symptoms within 30 minutes, but its effects might not last as long as other triptans because it's shorter-acting.
              Can you take rizatriptan (Maxalt) while pregnant?
              Talk to your provider about using rizatriptan (Maxalt) if you're pregnant. It isn't completely clear how safe rizatriptan (Maxalt) is during pregnancy. There have been some reports of triptan medications raising the risk for miscarriage. Additionally, animal studies showed babies were harmed when born to mothers exposed to rizatriptan (Maxalt). To be safe, it's best to always discuss the risks and benefits of using rizatriptan (Maxalt) during pregnancy with your provider.
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              What are the risks and warnings for Rizatriptan (Maxalt)?

              Rizatriptan (Maxalt) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

              risk-warning

              Heart problems and high blood pressure

              • Risk factors: History of heart problems | People ages older than 65 | Diabetes | People who identify as obese | High blood pressure | Smoking tobacco

                Although rare, some people have reported serious heart problems, such as heart attack and heart rhythm problems, within a few hours after taking rizatriptan (Maxalt). In addition, rizatriptan (Maxalt) can raise your blood pressure, rarely to dangerously high levels. If you have a history of heart or blood vessel problems, talk to your provider first to make sure rizatriptan (Maxalt) is as safe for you as possible. Make sure to check your blood pressure periodically while you're taking rizatriptan (Maxalt), and let your provider know if it's higher than usual. Get emergency help right away if you experience a heart attack, severe headache, chest pain, or irregular heartbeat.

                risk-warning

                Stroke or other brain injury

                Some people who've taken triptans like rizatriptan (Maxalt) have experienced life-threatening strokes or bleeding in the brain. Symptoms of such brain injury include sudden weakness on one side of the body, bad headaches, drooping face, trouble breathing, or changes in your speech or vision. These symptoms can be similar to migraine symptoms, so strokes can be mistaken for a migraine. Let your provider know if you've had a stroke in the past because you won't be able to take rizatriptan (Maxalt). If you notice symptoms of a stroke, stop taking rizatriptan (Maxalt) and get medical help as soon as possible, especially if you haven't had a migraine before.

                risk-warning

                Extreme narrowing of blood vessels

                Rizatriptan (Maxalt) can cause extreme narrowing of your blood vessels in different parts of your body. Depending on the location, this can lead to serious stomach problems (e.g., stomach pain, bloody diarrhea), vision problems, and changes in sensation of your hands and feet. It can also lead to color changes in your hands and feet (can turn pale or reddish depending on how much blood is flowing through). If you notice these symptoms after taking rizatriptan (Maxalt), don't take any more medication until you see a provider so they can check out what's going on.

                risk-warning

                Taking too much rizatriptan (Maxalt)

                Taking more than the recommended dose of migraine medications can cause them to not work as well. This can lead to more migraine-like headaches or more migraine attacks. If you're taking multiple migraine medications, let your provider know if you're taking them for more than 9 days per month. Also, let your provider know if you're experience more than 4 migraine headaches a month while taking rizatriptan (Maxalt). They can talk with you about better options to help with migraines.

                risk-warning

                Serotonin syndrome

                • Risk factors: Taking other medications that raise serotonin levels in your brain

                  Some people taking rizatriptan (Maxalt) have developed a rare, but potentially life-threatening condition called serotonin syndrome. This condition happens where there's too much serotonin in the brain. Your risk for serotonin syndrome goes up if you use rizatriptan (Maxalt) with other medications that can raise your serotonin levels, such as certain antidepressants, mental health medications, pain medications, and migraine medications.

                  Let your provider know about all the medications you take before starting rizatriptan (Maxalt), as well as any medications you plan to take. Symptoms of serotonin syndrome include fast heart rate, sweating, muscle stiffness or spasms, fever, and confusion. Get medical help right away if you have any of these symptoms.

                  risk-warning

                  Caution use in people with phenylketonuria (PKU) - orally disintegrating tablets only

                  The rizatriptan (Maxalt) orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs) contain phenylalanine, a component of the artificial sweetener aspartame. If you have a genetic condition called phenylketonuria (PKU), taking the ODTs can be dangerous for you. Let your provider know if you have PKU so they can prescribe a different formulation of rizatriptan (Maxalt) that might be safer for you.

                  dosage

                  Rizatriptan (Maxalt) dosage forms

                  The average cost for 9 tablets of 10mg of Rizatriptan (Maxalt) is $15.03 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 92.92% off the average retail price of $212.31.
                  orally disintegrating tab
                  Orally disintegrating tab
                  DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                  5mg9 orally disintegrating tabs$16.30$1.81
                  10mg9 orally disintegrating tabs$19.18$2.13
                  tablet
                  Tablet
                  DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                  5mg9 tablets$15.00$1.67
                  10mg9 tablets$15.03$1.67

                  Typical dosing for Rizatriptan (Maxalt)

                  Rizatriptan (Maxalt) is available as an oral tablet taken by mouth and as an orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) that's dissolved on the tongue.

                  • Adults ages 18 years and older: The typical dose is 5 mg to 10 mg by mouth once when you have a migraine. If your migraine doesn't go away, you can take another dose at least 2 hours later. The maximum dose is 30 mg in a 24-hour period.

                  • Children ages 6 to less than 18 years old: Your child's provider will determine the dose based on your child's body weight.

                    • Weight less than 40 kg (88 lbs): The typical dose is 5 mg by mouth once when your child has a migraine. Don't take more than 5 mg in a 24-hour period.

                    • Weight 40 kg (88 lbs) or more: The typical dose is 10 mg by mouth once when your child has a migraine. Don't take more than 10 mg in a 24-hour period.

                  Your dose might differ if you're also taking propranolol (Inderal).

                  interactions

                  Interactions between Rizatriptan (Maxalt) and other drugs

                  Rizatriptan (Maxalt) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Rizatriptan (Maxalt). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                  Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

                  Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                  Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

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                  contraindications-icon

                  Rizatriptan (Maxalt) contraindications

                  Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Rizatriptan (Maxalt) will not be safe for you to take.
                  alternatives

                  What are alternatives to Rizatriptan (Maxalt)?

                  There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Rizatriptan (Maxalt). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                  Rizatriptan (Maxalt)
                  Used for:
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                  Used for:
                  • Treatment of migraine attacks with or without aura in adults

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                  latest news

                  What is the latest news about Rizatriptan (Maxalt)?

                  images

                  Rizatriptan (Maxalt) images

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                  References

                  Best studies we found
                  View All References (11)

                  Feuerstadt, P. (2019). Small Bowel Ischemia. American College of Gastroenterology. 

                  Kadian, R., et al. (2023). Basilar Migraine. StatPearls.

                  Kolodny, A., et al. (2004). Comparison of Rizatriptan 5 mg and 10 mg Tablets and Sumatriptan 25 mg and 50 mg Tablets. Cephalalgia.

                  Kumar, A., et al. (2023). Hemiplegic Migraine. StatPearls.

                  Macleods Pharmaceuticals Limited. (2023). RIZATRIPTAN BENZOATE tablet, orally disintegrating [package insert]. DailyMed.

                  Marchenko, A., et al. (2015). Pregnancy Outcome Following Prenatal Exposure to Triptan Medications: A Meta-Analysis. Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain.

                  National Human Genome Institute. (2014). About phenylketonuria.

                  Nicolas, S., et al. (2023). Triptans. StatPearls.

                  Swarup, S., et al. (2023). Coronary Artery Vasospasm. StatPearls.

                  U.S. Department of Justice. (2020). Narcotics drug fact sheet.

                  Unichem Pharmaceuticals (USA), Inc. (2022). RIZATRIPTAN BENZOATE tablet [package insert]. DailyMed.

                  GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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