Efficacy and tolerability of rizatriptan 10 mg in migraine: Experience with 70527 patient episodes

As patients who suffer from migraine need long-term treatment, the safety a nd consistent efficacy of such therapy is very important, Concurrent illnes s and additional medication can interfere with the treatment chosen for the attacks of migraine, The objective of this open-label study was to investi gate the efficacy and tolerability of rizatriptan, in the treatment of up t o three attacks of migraine, in the clinical setting. From October 1998 to July 1999, 6174 doctors enrolled 33147 patients into the study (26644 women , 650 men), The mean age was 42.7 years. We were able to examine standardiz ed migraine diaries relating to 25501 patients and 70537 migrainous episode s. Rizatriptan scored consistently high on efficacy and showed a consistent ly rapid onset. There was no evidence of tolerance to repeated use. An effe ct was reported within 1 hour of ingestion in 79% of attacks treated. In 27 .8% of attacks, remission of headache was complete at 1 hour. Two hours aft er ingestion, 74% of attacks had subsided completely. Repeated administration of rizatriptan was well tolerated, and few adverse effects were seen. The most common unwanted effects were dizziness, weaknes s, fatigue, and nausea. No cardiovascular disturbance was seen. In the clinical setting, rizatriptan, 10 mg, is an effective and well-toler ated agent for the treatment of migraine attacks. Particularly noteworthy i s the rapid onset of effect, with swift disappearance of headache. Rizatrip tan has a favorable side effect profile, and, provided contraindications ar e observed, severe adverse cardiovascular complications are extremely unlik ely.