Reyvow Side Effects: What to Expect and When to Call Your Doctor

Updated:

February 17, 2026

Author:

Peter Daggett

Summarize this blog with AI:

Learn about Reyvow side effects including dizziness, fatigue, and driving restrictions. Know which side effects are common and when to seek medical help.

Understanding Reyvow Side Effects

Reyvow (lasmiditan) is a prescription medication used for the acute treatment of migraine with or without aura in adults. Like all medications, it comes with potential side effects. Knowing what to expect — and when something needs medical attention — helps you use Reyvow safely.

Important context: Eli Lilly is permanently discontinuing Reyvow, with U.S. distribution ending May 31, 2026. If you're currently taking Reyvow, understanding its side effect profile can help you and your doctor decide whether to continue using remaining supply or transition to an alternative.

Common Side Effects of Reyvow

The following side effects were reported in clinical trials. Most are mild to moderate and resolve on their own within a few hours:

Dizziness (15–17% of patients)

Dizziness is the most commonly reported side effect of Reyvow. It can range from mild lightheadedness to a feeling of being unsteady on your feet. This typically starts within 30 minutes to 1 hour after taking the medication and usually resolves within a few hours.

What to do: Sit or lie down until the dizziness passes. Do not stand up quickly. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery.

Fatigue (5–6% of patients)

Feeling tired or having low energy after taking Reyvow is common. This may overlap with migraine-related fatigue, making it hard to tell apart.

What to do: Rest if possible. Plan to take Reyvow when you can stay home or in a safe environment for several hours.

Drowsiness and Sedation (5–7% of patients)

Reyvow affects the central nervous system and can cause significant drowsiness. This is why the FDA requires a specific warning about driving impairment.

What to do: Do not drive or operate machinery for at least 8 hours after taking Reyvow, even if you feel alert. This is a strict FDA requirement, not a suggestion.

Paresthesia (Tingling or Numbness) (5–7% of patients)

Some patients experience tingling, prickling, or numbness in their hands, feet, or face after taking Reyvow. This is a known neurological effect of the medication.

What to do: This usually resolves on its own within a few hours. If it persists beyond 24 hours or is severe, contact your doctor.

Nausea (3–4% of patients)

Nausea can occur after taking Reyvow. Since nausea is also a common migraine symptom, it may be difficult to determine whether it's from the medication or the migraine itself.

What to do: Take Reyvow with a small amount of food if nausea is a recurring issue. Stay hydrated. If nausea is severe or leads to vomiting, contact your doctor.

Muscle Weakness (2–3% of patients)

Some patients report feeling weak or having less muscle strength after taking Reyvow. This is usually temporary.

What to do: Rest and avoid physical activity until the weakness passes. This effect should resolve within several hours.

Lethargy (2% of patients)

A general feeling of sluggishness or mental fogginess can occur. Combined with drowsiness and fatigue, this is part of why the 8-hour driving restriction exists.

Serious Side Effects: When to Call Your Doctor

While most Reyvow side effects are manageable, some require immediate medical attention:

Serotonin Syndrome

This is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition that can occur when Reyvow is taken with other serotonergic medications (such as SSRIs, SNRIs, or tricyclic antidepressants).

Symptoms to watch for:

  • Agitation or restlessness
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • High body temperature (fever)
  • Muscle twitching or rigidity
  • Loss of coordination
  • Hallucinations
  • Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

What to do: Seek emergency medical care immediately if you experience these symptoms. Serotonin syndrome can be fatal if untreated.

Severe Allergic Reactions

Although rare, serious allergic reactions to Reyvow have been reported.

Symptoms to watch for:

  • Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • Difficulty breathing or swallowing
  • Severe rash or hives

What to do: Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.

Significant CNS Depression

Reyvow can cause central nervous system depression, especially when combined with alcohol or other CNS depressants. This goes beyond normal drowsiness.

Symptoms to watch for:

  • Extreme drowsiness that you can't fight off
  • Confusion or disorientation
  • Difficulty speaking or thinking clearly
  • Slowed breathing

What to do: Contact your doctor or seek medical attention. Avoid alcohol entirely when taking Reyvow.

Medication Overuse Headache

Using any acute migraine medication — including Reyvow — too frequently can lead to medication overuse headache (MOH). This means the medication itself starts causing headaches.

Signs of MOH:

  • Headaches becoming more frequent over time
  • Needing the medication more often than before
  • Headaches that occur on most days of the month

What to do: Talk to your doctor. They may recommend limiting Reyvow use to no more than 8–10 days per month and exploring preventive migraine treatments.

The 8-Hour Driving Restriction

This deserves its own section because it's one of the most important safety considerations with Reyvow. The FDA requires that patients do not drive or operate machinery for at least 8 hours after taking a dose.

In clinical studies, Reyvow impaired driving ability even when patients felt they were fine to drive. This is similar to the way alcohol can impair driving before a person feels "drunk."

Practical tips:

  • Take Reyvow only when you know you won't need to drive for at least 8 hours.
  • Have a backup plan for transportation (ride share, family member, etc.).
  • If you get a migraine while at work, arrange a ride home before taking Reyvow.

Side Effects vs. Alternatives

One reason some patients choose Reyvow over triptans is that Reyvow doesn't cause vasoconstriction — narrowing of blood vessels. This makes it safer for people with cardiovascular risk factors. However, Reyvow's CNS side effects (dizziness, drowsiness, driving restriction) are more pronounced than those of newer CGRP-based alternatives like Ubrelvy, Nurtec ODT, or Zavzpret.

With Reyvow being discontinued, now is a good time to discuss your full range of options with your doctor. For a deeper look at what Reyvow is and how it's used, see our complete guide.

Tips for Managing Reyvow Side Effects

  • Take it at home when possible. The drowsiness and dizziness are easier to manage in a comfortable, safe environment.
  • Stay hydrated. Dehydration can worsen dizziness and nausea.
  • Avoid alcohol. Alcohol intensifies every CNS side effect.
  • Keep a migraine diary. Track which side effects you experience and how long they last. This information helps your doctor optimize your treatment.
  • Don't skip meals. Taking Reyvow with food may reduce nausea.

The Bottom Line

Reyvow's most common side effects — dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, and tingling — are usually mild and temporary. The most important safety rule is the 8-hour driving restriction. Serious side effects like serotonin syndrome are rare but require immediate medical attention, especially if you take other serotonergic medications.

Since Reyvow is being permanently discontinued, talk to your doctor about your long-term migraine treatment plan. If you still need to fill a Reyvow prescription, MedFinder can help you find pharmacies with remaining stock.

What is the most common side effect of Reyvow?

Dizziness is the most commonly reported side effect, affecting 15–17% of patients in clinical trials. It usually starts within an hour of taking the medication and resolves within a few hours.

Can I drive after taking Reyvow?

No. The FDA requires that you do not drive or operate machinery for at least 8 hours after taking Reyvow. Clinical studies showed that Reyvow impairs driving ability even when patients feel alert enough to drive.

What is serotonin syndrome and should I worry about it with Reyvow?

Serotonin syndrome is a rare but serious condition caused by too much serotonin activity in the brain. The risk increases if you take Reyvow with other serotonergic drugs like SSRIs or SNRIs. Symptoms include agitation, rapid heartbeat, fever, and muscle rigidity. Seek emergency care if you experience these symptoms.

Do Reyvow side effects get worse with repeated use?

Side effects generally remain consistent with repeated use. However, using Reyvow too frequently (more than 8–10 days per month) can lead to medication overuse headache, where the medication itself starts causing headaches. Talk to your doctor about appropriate frequency of use.

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