Rizatriptan

( Maxalt )

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Harshi Dhingra, M.D.

Last Reviewed: Jan 23, 2024

Side Effects


Rizatriptan (Maxalt) Side Effects

Frequent adverse events and side effects of rizatriptan are listed below. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects if they are severe or if they do not go away in a few days.

  • Drowsiness
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Stomach upset
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Dry mouth
  • Tremors
  • Muscle cramps or muscle pain
  • Flushing (feeling of warmth)

Potentially important adverse events and side effects of rizatriptan are listed below. Call your doctor right away or seek emergency medical attention if you develop the following signs and symptoms:

  • Pain, pressure, tightness, or heaviness in the jaw, throat, or neck
  • Chest pain spreading to the shoulder
  • Shortness of breath 
  • Difficulty breathing or swallowing
  • Lightheadedness
  • Cold sweat
  • Slow speech or difficulty speaking
  • Weakness or numbness in a limb
  • Sudden severe headache
  • Changes in vision
  • Sudden or severe stomach pain
  • Bloody diarrhea
  • Pale or bluish-tinged fingers and toes
  • Burning, tingling, or pain in the hands and feet
  • Skin rash, hives, itching (signs of an allergic reaction)
  • Swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, throat, hands, lower legs, ankles, or feet
  • Headaches that are different from your usual migraine headaches

The above list may not include all the potential side effects of rizatriptan. Contact your healthcare provider if your side effects are unusual or severe or if they do not get better over time. You can also report unusual side effects to the Food and Drug Administration at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Rizatriptan (Maxalt) Overdose: In case of an overdose of rizatriptan, call your doctor immediately. You can also call the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222. Call 911 if someone has collapsed, stopped breathing, is unresponsive, or has had a seizure. Overdose symptoms may include drowsiness, dizziness, fainting, chest pain or tightness, pain or pressure in the jaw or neck, headache, vomiting, and shortness of breath.

Source: FDA