Rizatriptan for Migraine User Reviews (Page 5)
Brand names: Maxalt, Maxalt-MLT, RizaFilm
Rizatriptan has an average rating of 8.3 out of 10 from a total of 314 reviews for the treatment of Migraine. 81% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 12% reported a negative experience.
Reviews for Rizatriptan
- SCad
- October 15, 2012
Maxalt (rizatriptan) "I had been on Maxalt for about a year with minor, but bearable side effects sometimes. Slight tightening of my jaw and surrounding muscles. Last time I took it was the LAST time I was taking it. The tightening sensation I felt was unbearable throughout my head down to my arms. If it didn't start to ease up when it did I was going to go to the hospital. It did take away the pain. That's the only positive thing I can say....but only briefly. The next day my migraine came back almost full force."
- Migra...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- September 13, 2022
"This is the first thing that has ever really worked for me in 40 years of menstrual migraines. I'm taking Maxalt which dissolves instantly on your tongue. I took it for the first time last night when my migraine had already started and was quite painful - it was gone within 30 mins and I got a restful night's sleep where normally I would just be awake and in pain most of the night and have to take the day off work. This morning it started coming back a little bit and I took the second one and now the pain is gone again. Side effects - I feel a bit numb in the face and a bit of stiffness in neck and shoulders but totally able to continue working. I am in the UK so get this free on NHS."
Frequently asked questions
- How often can you take Maxalt?
- How long does it take for Maxalt to work?
- Does Maxalt have caffeine in it?
- Addle...
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- August 6, 2019
"Was diagnosed with vestibular migraine last year. Initially given Sumatriptan but had horrible side effects. Was switched to Rizatriptan and have had very good relief. I do not have classic aura so I'm having a hard time recognizing the beginning stages of the migraine. My prodrome is confusion, pressure behind my right eye, increased loudness of tinnitus, anxiety, and poor balance with dizziness. Sometimes I have nausea but not always. If I take Rizatriptan it makes me sleepy, chilly feeling like I need a blanket and my feet and hands tingle a bit. I take a tablet and generally within 40 to 60 minutes the dizziness, begins to subside. I'll doze off for 90 minutes or so and awaken alert again without the previous mentioned symptoms. I'm usually quiet for the first few hours after taking the med then I'm back to myself. This medication has been a great help to me. I'm very grateful."
- tklow
- September 4, 2019
"I've had migraines 30+ years: since I was a child. No med has EVER stopped one, including hospital-injected opiates, and they last 3-5 days. NSAIDS and lots of ginger will reduce the pain a little. I've been trying Rizatripan for a few weeks and it's promising! It doesn't 100% kill the migraine, but greatly reduces it. That is absolutely a miracle for me. It is quite sedating but that only lasts about 2 hours and coffee helps (I don't think I would drive right after taking one). I do feel a bit tired the next day. Down side: it tastes so gross. Like cloyingly sweet toothpaste mixed with aspartame. Migraines make me nauseated, so I have to struggle to not throw up from the taste but at least the meltable format means I can't throw it up as I often do with pills. I just wish the melts were unflavoured and tasted like medicine. Also, aspartame is a known migraine trigger!? I think that may be why it's only partially helpful for me. But overall I'm hopeful."
Are you taking this medicine?
- Aunt...
- August 27, 2009
Maxalt-MLT (rizatriptan) "I have tried OTC migraine medicines, and three other prescriptions. Maxalt is by far the best, and MLT makes it nearly perfect. The only bad side effect I have is that the back of my neck gets sore. Maxalt does this far less than Zomig, and taking Advil Liquigels or Vicodin with the Maxalt MLT helps quite a bit. My ideal treatment for a migraine is to take Maxalt MLT and Advil Liquigels, then lay down with something cold on my forehead. Once I am able to doze, I sleep until I wake up on my own. I can't believe how much better I feel after the nap. At work, I just take the two medicines. It takes me longer to feel better, but makes my headache much more bearable."
- DaMax
- May 3, 2015
Maxalt-MLT (rizatriptan) "Maxalt, especially the melt aways are simply amazing. I've had to take them off and on for years. (Going quite awhile without migraines.) Then the generic was introduced. I've tried two different kinds. They are not the same! The generic makes my headache get worse right after I take it, then about 1/2 hour later it might work. I'm usually asleep soon after that. I searched for the 'real' deal again and it is as I remembered. Started working RIGHT away with very little side effects. Maybe sore throat. Such a miracle for me. It is expensive at times depending on whim of insurance coverage, but I will pay to have pain go away!"
- Finally
- December 29, 2009
Maxalt (rizatriptan) "I've had headaches since I was little but once I got to college they progressed into intense migraines. I tried Imitrex and other various painkilling drugs without any relief. I am so thankful my doctor prescribed this drug. It's been the only life saving relief from my migraines which include nausea, excruciating pain, sensitivity to light, sound and motion, as well as dizziness. I take a Maxalt along with a 200 mg Celebrex and 2 extra strength Tylenol as soon as I can get to it when I feel the onset of a migraine. It works in about 30 minutes sometimes a little longer if I wait too long to take it. Anyone who is suffering I would strongly recommend talking to your doctor, as another wrote, "Well worth the co-pay!""
- Beauf...
- September 14, 2009
Maxalt (rizatriptan) "I have used Maxalt for the past 7 years and I swear by it. If I feel a migraine coming on I put my melt into my mouth and I am free and clear in less then 15 minutes. Some people call this medicine Migraine Gold. To me it is a lifesaver."
- PAB
- August 15, 2008
Maxalt-MLT (rizatriptan) "Wonder drug. I tried many others. Maxalt MLT works so quick and free of all the usual side effects. I can use Maxalt MLT and within 30-60 minutes return to normal activities free of the normal after migraine haziness. It has given me my life back. Many thanks to Dr. Z. for prescribing this."
- Migra...
- August 9, 2016
Maxalt (rizatriptan) "I've had really bad migraines since I was 30 (now 53). I tried everything! Last medication I was on was Fioricet. It worked most times but not all the time. I also had to lay down when I took it. I have missed so many great events over the years due to migraines. I heard about Maxalt and asked my doctor to prescribe it. My quality of life is amazing. My migraine is gone within 30 minutes every time. I don't have to lay down with it either."
- Anonymous
- Taken for 2 to 5 years
- October 19, 2012
Maxalt-MLT (rizatriptan) "I used to take the Maxalt in pill form and these work 2x as fast. I took one today at the first sign of a headache and it stopped it in it's tracks in just under 15 minutes. The pill used to take 30 and often the headache had time to bloom and get bad by then. They didn't immediately get rid of the nausea I get, but it went away in about 20 min after it stopped the bloom. I rated these as a 9 because of the taste. They taste a bit like a peppermint candy that's gone bad, but it's bearable and only lasts for about 5 seconds. I usually wash the flavor away with coffee - I like to back up anything I take for a headache with a good dose of caffeine. These will be replacing my Maxalt pills even if they do taste awful."
- Anonymous
- October 14, 2011
Maxalt (rizatriptan) "Tried some samples of Maxalt and while it got rid of my (minor in this case) migraine, I did experience a side effect that made me more than a bit nervous. I experienced numbness in my left hand and arm. My doctor told me to immediately stop using it. I'm a bit saddened that I can't continue on Maxalt as it did get rid of my migraine and definitely worked better than Imitrex, but not worth the risk of the side effect I experienced."
- Anonymous
- April 2, 2012
Maxalt-MLT (rizatriptan) "I have suffered from headaches since I was twelve and nothing seemed to help other than just going to bed. With those headaches, although I usually got sick, they would be gone when I woke up the next day. When I got into my late 40s, the headaches lasted 2-3 days starting at the beginning of my menstrual cycle. I would take tons of Advil to try and keep them at bay. I started taking Maxalt two months ago and it really works. I sometimes have to take two in a 24hr period, but normally one a day (during my period) keeps the headaches away.The only side effect I notice is that I feel more anxious and edgy during the time I take the medicine. I highly recommend."
- smile...
- Taken for 2 to 5 years
- March 1, 2021
"My migraines average 21 days per month at a "6" or above pain. Rizatriptan (1@10 mg.) worked EXTREMELY WELL for me for 4 & 1/2 years, then out of the blue just STOPPED WORKING completely. My neurologist says any Triptan can start working again but it hasn't so far. Apparently, we can develop a tolerance to ANY migraine medication. It used to last for a full 24 hrs, took the pain away completely (within 2 hours) & had no side effects. Taking more than 2 x/ week seemed to cause rebounds so I only rarely did 3 x week. Sumatriptan was a close 2nd. I've tried several other Triptans, but none worked as well as these 2. A side note: Even though it's not recommended, I used carefully regulated doses of coffee to manage my migraines every day, and have for several years (ever since the Riza stopped working). I do 1/2 c. every 3-4 hrs. and stop by 4 pm. Works great, cheap & no side effects. "Halo Hat" is fantastic too. I wish you all the best of luck in this very difficult journey!"
- Anita...
- August 27, 2015
Maxalt-MLT (rizatriptan) "I find Maxalt Wafers amazing. I get a little tightness in my throat but apart from that no side effects and they work within I/2 an hour. In fact it feels like a huge weight has been lifted off me. They are expensive but worth it."
- Fran_...
- January 4, 2017
Maxalt-MLT (rizatriptan) "I am a 23 year old male suffering from occasional (about once a month) migraine attacks which are often accompanied with uncontrollable vomiting. My neurologist prescribed me this medicine saying that it is the most advanced one currently available and made specifically for migraines. Unfortunately, after taking the medicine several times during various attacks, It had about as much effect as an Aspirin and it stop the pain or the nausea. My mother, who suffers from more often and severe migraines then I do, got prescribed the same medicine, but it didn't help her either. I ended up switching to Ketoprofen based painkillers which have been most effective for me, but don't work during the worst attacks."
- Beany
- September 28, 2019
"This medication is great for my migraines and knocks them out but the side effects often leave me scared. To begin with, I’m ALWAYS knocked out in about 20 minutes as it makes me extremely sleepy. So this is not a pill I can just pop in at work when I feel a migraine coming up. It is inconvenient to only take it at home in bed. Right before I fall asleep comes the extremely burning feeling of my sinuses, pressure in my throat, and chest and my jaw feels like I’ve been in a beef jerky chewing marathon for weeks. It’s hard to explain how this all feels but it’s scary and I just end up looking forward to falling asleep. I usually wake up refreshed with no headache. I got this same side effects when I took Sumatriptans and asked my doctor to change it. She gave me Rizatripan and I just pretty much felt helpless. Some days the side effects are worse than others but I’m desperate enough to take the pill anyway because anything is better than the migraines."
- Anonymous
- February 12, 2012
Maxalt (rizatriptan) "I don't normally take anything because I don't like to depend on medication. I used Maxalt 10mg (sample) for the first time- I think the combination of eating and taking this helped to mitigate the onset of a migraine. It did make me have to pee alot- which i have to watch because I get dehyrated easily which causes a significant drop in my blood pressure. Will try Maxalt again and monitor any other side effects. As long as the only side effect is a couple of extra trips to the bathroom I will definitely keep this. I only take a daily dose of 400mg of magnesium oxide."
- jbyr
- August 19, 2008
Maxalt-MLT (rizatriptan) "When I first started taking Maxalt MLT several years ago it was a wonder drug; my headaches were gone within minutes with no side effects. Lately I've noticed that I get a little groggy after I've taken it, and it also takes longer for it to work. Sometimes I have to take a second dose after two hours before it works. That's still better than having a migraine, though!"
- Anonymous
- Taken for 5 to 10 years
- January 9, 2018
Maxalt (rizatriptan) "I have had great results with Maxalt. The problem is now a generic form of Maxalt came out and It just doesn't work as good as the real Maxalt. I have to take 3 times as much and just get minimal response from the generic medication. I might as well just ride out the migraine that normally doesn't last more than 24 hrs and not have to worry about the possible side effects of the drug. The real Maxalt is worth any side effect it might come with. I would rather suffer a heart attack than have a migraine any day. You just have to be lucky enough to have a Dr that will tell the insurance company you need the real stuff."
- Anonymous
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- February 21, 2023
"I have suffered from migraines for several years. While on day 8 of the migraine and feeling depressed, I decided to try rizatriptan. I split the 10mg tab in half and within an hour the week-long migraine was gone. No side effects. I now take full ones, with absolutely no side effects, and the migraine is usually gone within 30 mins. This drug has given me my life back."
- Ale
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- July 29, 2020
"Migraines were bad and this rizatriptan made it worse! Have a weird burning achy sensation in my brain my neck and my shoulders. As well as tightness and anxiety got bad. Hoping to fall asleep and wake up feeling better. I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS AT ALL!!"
- Pamel...
- March 2, 2016
Maxalt (rizatriptan) "Since I was about 26 I have suffered from migraines (now 65) and tried everything from daily preventative meds, to expensive self injecting & very expensive medication, then cafegot suppositories with 3 aspro clear for the pain, I could spend hours and days feeling like dying and vomiting non stop, then there was a shortage of cafegot and that was hell, and finally they took it off the market, that is when my Dr. asked me to trial Maxalt wafers, at first I thought nothing could replace cafegot and I was very conscious of not taking ergotomine with rizatriptan. Maxalt is the best, it works within an hour, and so far after 4-5 years no side effects at all, and no more vomiting ever. Also I do not take any other drugs for anything, but Maxalt."
- viktor
- January 7, 2012
Maxalt-MLT (rizatriptan) "This pill is like a magic. I just noticed that the pill works in minutes for me and I feel a bit dizziness and like a burning head and then the pain is gone. Today I got a early migraine and I was able to use the MLT and work kind of slowly but it stopped the pain in time. But I still feel very sensitive to light. Great medication ask your doctor for Maxalt or Maxalt-MLT."
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.
Learn more about Migraine
Care guides
Symptoms and treatments
Medicine.com guides (external)
More about rizatriptan
- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Pricing & coupons
- Reviews (331)
- Drug images
- Side effects
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: antimigraine agents
- Breastfeeding
- En español
Patient resources
- Rizatriptan drug information
- Rizatriptan (Advanced Reading)
- Rizatriptan Orally Disintegrating Tablets
- Rizatriptan Tablets
Maxalt (rizatriptan) "I was prescribed this medication because I was experiencing severe migraines multiple times a month. After taking the medication, I usually have to take another pill an hour later and my headache symptoms will go away. It makes me very sleepy and gives me slight chest pain that feels like heartburn. If I don't rest right after taking it, the headache still goes away but I get severe nausea, dizziness, and tightness in my chest. The side effects eventually go away, but they are awful while they are occurring. The trade off of headache and side effects doesn't seem really worth it to me, but that's just my opinion."