How should I use rizatriptan?
Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in
larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the instructions
on your prescription label.
Take rizatriptan as soon as you notice headache symptoms, or after an attack has already
begun.
Your doctor may want to give your first dose of this medicine in a hospital or clinic
setting to see if you have any serious side effects.
Take one rizatriptan tablet whole with a full glass of water.
To take rizatriptan orally disintegrating tablets (Maxalt-MLT):
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Keep the tablet in its blister pack until you are ready to take the
medicine. Open the package and peel back the foil from the tablet blister. Do not push a tablet
through the foil or you may damage the tablet.
-
Using dry hands, remove the tablet and place it in your
mouth. It will begin to dissolve right away.
-
Do not swallow the tablet whole. Allow it to dissolve in
your mouth without chewing.
-
Swallow several times as the tablet dissolves. If desired,
you may drink liquid to help swallow the dissolved tablet.
After taking a tablet: If your headache does not
completely go away, or goes away and comes back, take a second tablet two (2) hours after the
first. Do not take more than 30 mg of rizatriptan in 24 hours. If your
symptoms have not improved, contact your doctor before taking any more tablets.
Contact your doctor if you have more than four headaches in one month (30 days).
Store rizatriptan at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Since rizatriptan is used as needed, it does not have a daily dosing schedule. Call your
doctor promptly if your symptoms do not improve after using rizatriptan.
After taking a rizatriptan tablet, you must wait two (2) hours before taking a second tablet.
Do not take more than 30 mg of rizatriptan in 24 hours.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this
medicine.
Overdose symptoms may include severe headache, blurred vision, trouble concentrating,
chest pain, numbness, seizure (convulsions), neck stiffness, tiredness, lack of coordination,
feeling light-headed, or fainting.
What should I avoid while using rizatriptan?
Rizatriptan can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be
careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.
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