Relpax

Relpax is a prescription drug used to treat migraines once they start. A migraine headache can result when some of the blood vessels in the head become dilated. Relpax works by narrowing these blood vessels, returning them to their normal state. The medication comes in a tablet form that should be taken by mouth as soon as a migraine starts. As with any medication, there are potential side effects that may occur with Relpax, such as nausea, dizziness, and drowsiness.

 

What Is Relpax?

Relpax® (eletriptan hydrobromide) is a prescription medication that is used to treat migraine headaches. Relpax will not help to prevent migraines, but it can help to treat a migraine that has already started.
 
(Click Relpax Uses for more information on what Relpax is used for, including possible off-label uses of the medication.)
 

Who Makes Relpax?

Relpax is made by Pfizer.
 

How Does Relpax Work?

Relpax is part of a class of migraine medications called 5-HT agonists (or more commonly known as "triptans"). During a migraine headache, some of the blood vessels in the head become dilated (wider than they usually are). Relpax works by narrowing these blood vessels, helping them return to their normal state. This action helps to relieve migraine symptoms.
 

Relpax Effects

In studies, up to 77 percent of people with migraines had no (or mild) pain within two hours of taking Relpax, compared to only 19 to 39.5 percent of people who did not take Relpax.
 

When and How to Take Relpax

Some general considerations for when and how to take Relpax include the following:
 
  • Relpax should be taken by mouth as soon as possible once a migraine starts.
     
  • Swallow Relpax tablets whole with a drink of water or other fluid.
     
  • If your headache comes back or does not go away, your healthcare provider may recommend taking a second dose of Relpax after waiting at least two hours after the first dose. Let your healthcare provider know if Relpax does not completely work after one dose.
     
  • For Relpax to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. Relpax will not work if you stop taking it.
     

Relpax Dosing

The dose of Relpax your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • How you respond to Relpax
  • Other medical conditions you may have
  • Other medications you may be taking.
     
As is always the case, do not adjust your Relpax dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Relpax Dosage for more information about dosing for Relpax.)
 

Side Effects of Relpax

As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with Relpax. However, not everyone who takes Relpax will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate the medication well. When Relpax side effects occur, in most cases they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider.
 
The most common side effects of Relpax include:
 
  • Weakness
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness.
     
(Click Relpax Side Effects to learn about the specific side effects of Relpax, including some of the serious side effects of the medication. You can also read about other possible side effects by going to Relpax and Heart Problems.)
 

Drug Interactions With Relpax

Relpax can potentially interact with a number of medicines.
 
(Click Relpax Drug Interactions for more information about Relpax and other medicines.)
 

Relpax: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking Relpax if you have:
 
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you:
 
Tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Relpax Warnings and Precautions for more information on this topic, including information on who should not take Relpax.)
 

Overdose With Relpax

In clinical studies of the medication, Relpax doses as high as 120 mg did not cause any serious side effects. It is thought that a Relpax overdose might cause high blood pressure (hypertension) or other, more serious, heart problems.
 
Therefore, if you happen to overdose on Relpax, seek medical attention immediately.
 
(Click Relpax Overdose for more information.)
 

Relpax Storage Methods

Relpax should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture or heat. Keep Relpax tablets in an airtight container.
 
Keep Relpax and all medications out of the reach of children.
 

Relpax: What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?

Relpax is not intended to be taken on a regular basis. You should take Relpax only during a migraine headache.
 

Relpax Strengths

Relpax tablets are available in two strengths:
 
  • Relpax 20 mg tablets
  • Relpax 40 mg tablets.
     

Is There a Generic Version of Relpax?

There is currently no generic Relpax licensed for sale.
 
(Click Generic Relpax for more information.) 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;