What Is Reyvow? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know in 2026

What Is Reyvow?

Reyvow is the brand name for lasmiditan, a prescription medication approved by the FDA for the acute treatment of migraine with or without aura in adults. It was developed and manufactured by Eli Lilly and Company and first approved in October 2019.

Reyvow belongs to a drug class called ditans — specifically, it's a serotonin 5-HT1F receptor agonist. It is the only medication in this class that has been approved by the FDA, making it a first-in-class treatment.

Important 2026 update: Eli Lilly has announced the permanent discontinuation of Reyvow. U.S. distribution ends May 31, 2026. This is a business decision and is not related to safety or efficacy concerns. For full details, see our Reyvow discontinuation update.

What Is Reyvow Used For?

Reyvow is used for the acute (immediate) treatment of migraine attacks in adults. It is designed to be taken at the onset of a migraine to relieve symptoms including:

• Headache pain
• Nausea
• Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
• Sensitivity to sound (phonophobia)

Reyvow is not used for:

• Migraine prevention (it does not reduce the frequency of migraines)
• Treatment of other types of headaches (tension headaches, cluster headaches)
• Pediatric patients (not approved for anyone under 18)

How Does Reyvow Work?

Reyvow works by selectively activating serotonin 5-HT1F receptors in the brain. This is different from triptans (like Sumatriptan), which activate 5-HT1B and 5-HT1D receptors.

The key difference: Reyvow does not cause vasoconstriction (narrowing of blood vessels). Triptans do, which is why they can't be used in patients with cardiovascular disease, uncontrolled high blood pressure, or a history of stroke. Reyvow avoids this risk entirely.

By activating 5-HT1F receptors, Reyvow inhibits neuronal firing and reduces the release of neuropeptides involved in the migraine pain pathway — specifically in the trigeminal system, which is central to migraine pathophysiology.

For a deeper explanation, read our guide on how Reyvow works: mechanism of action explained.

Reyvow Dosage

Available Strengths

Reyvow comes in two tablet strengths:

• 50 mg tablets
• 100 mg tablets

How to Take Reyvow

• Take one tablet by mouth at the onset of a migraine attack.
• Reyvow can be taken with or without food.
• Swallow the tablet whole with water.
• Do not take a second dose for the same migraine attack. Clinical studies did not show benefit from a second dose within 24 hours.

Dosage Recommendations

Your doctor will determine whether 50 mg or 100 mg is right for you. The 100 mg dose may provide stronger relief but may also have more pronounced side effects (particularly dizziness and drowsiness). Many doctors start patients at 50 mg and adjust based on response.

Maximum Dosage

The recommended maximum is one dose (50 mg or 100 mg) per migraine attack. To avoid medication overuse headache, Reyvow should not be used on more than 8–10 days per month.

Important Safety Information

The 8-Hour Driving Restriction

This is the most critical safety point about Reyvow. The FDA warns that you must not drive or operate machinery for at least 8 hours after taking a dose. In clinical studies, Reyvow significantly impaired driving ability — even when patients felt capable of driving.

Plan ahead: only take Reyvow when you know you won't need to drive for at least 8 hours. Have backup transportation arranged. For more on managing this and other side effects, see our Reyvow side effects guide.

Controlled Substance Status

Reyvow is classified as a Schedule V (C-V) controlled substance by the DEA. This is the lowest schedule of controlled substances. It means Reyvow has a low potential for abuse, but prescribing and dispensing are still subject to controlled substance regulations.

Serotonin Syndrome Risk

If you take other serotonergic medications — such as SSRIs (Prozac, Zoloft, Lexapro), SNRIs (Effexor, Cymbalta), tricyclic antidepressants, or MAOIs — there is a risk of serotonin syndrome when combining them with Reyvow. This is a potentially life-threatening condition. Tell your doctor about all medications you take. For a complete list, see our Reyvow drug interactions guide.

Special Populations

• Liver disease: Reyvow is not recommended for patients with severe hepatic (liver) impairment.
• Pregnancy: Not enough data exists on Reyvow use during pregnancy. Use only if the benefit clearly outweighs the risk.
• Breastfeeding: It is not known whether Reyvow passes into breast milk. Discuss with your doctor.
• Elderly: Use with caution due to increased sensitivity to CNS side effects.
• Children: Reyvow is not approved for patients under 18.

Common Side Effects

The most frequently reported side effects in clinical trials include:

• Dizziness (15–17%)
• Fatigue (5–6%)
• Drowsiness/sedation (5–7%)
• Paresthesia — tingling or numbness (5–7%)
• Nausea (3–4%)
• Muscle weakness (2–3%)
• Lethargy (2%)

Most side effects are mild to moderate and resolve within hours. For a detailed breakdown, read our complete guide to Reyvow side effects.

How Much Does Reyvow Cost?

Without insurance, Reyvow costs approximately $850–$1,100 for 8 tablets at retail pharmacies. There is no generic version of Reyvow available.

Ways to reduce your cost:

• Reyvow Savings Card — Commercially insured patients may pay as little as $0, with up to $3,400 in annual savings. Not available for Medicare, Medicaid, or government insurance.
• Lilly Cares Foundation — A patient assistance program for uninsured or underinsured patients who meet income requirements. Apply at lillycares.com.
• Coupon platforms — GoodRx, SingleCare, and other discount cards may offer reduced pricing.

For the full guide, see how to save money on Reyvow.

Reyvow Discontinuation: What You Need to Know

Eli Lilly has made the business decision to permanently discontinue Reyvow globally. Key dates:

• May 31, 2026 — U.S. distribution officially ends
• After June 2026 — Only remaining pharmacy inventory will be available

This discontinuation is not related to safety, efficacy, or quality concerns. It is a voluntary business decision by the manufacturer.

If you currently take Reyvow, work with your doctor to develop a transition plan. Alternatives include Ubrelvy (ubrogepant), Nurtec ODT (rimegepant), Zavzpret (zavegepant), and generic triptans like Sumatriptan. Learn more in our alternatives to Reyvow guide.

To find remaining Reyvow supply, use MedFinder to search pharmacies near you.