Maxalt (Rizatriptan)

What is Maxalt?

Maxalt (rizatriptan) is a headache medicine that belongs to a class of drugs called triptans.

What is Maxalt used for?

Maxalt is used to treat migraines. It helps relieve headache, nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light and sound. However, the medicine only treats a headache that has already begun and does not prevent future migraines or reduce how often you may get a headache.

It is important to note that the medication is not to be used for the treatment of any headache that is caused by a reason other than migraine.

How does Maxalt work?

Maxalt works by blocking pain pathways in the brain. It affects a certain natural chemical, called serotonin, which constricts blood vessels in the brain.

How to use Maxalt

Maxalt should be taken in the manner prescribed by the doctor. Taking it for longer periods or in larger amounts than recommended can cause health problems.

The medicine is usually taken with a full glass of water. It can be taken with or without food. It is advisable to take it at the first sign of a migraine. Do not break or split the tablet.  After taking the medicine, if your headache goes away and comes back, or does not go at all, take the second dose after 2 hours. Do not take any more doses without consulting your doctor.

Before using the orally disintegrating tablets or Maxalt-MLT, wash and dry your hands. Place the tablet on the tongue and it will soon begin to dissolve. Do not chew the tablet. Drink a glass of water after the tablet dissolves completely.

Maxalt warnings and precautions

Do not use Maxalt if you are allergic to rizatriptan, or if you have taken an MAOI or monoamine oxidase inhibitor such as tranylcypromine (Parnate), isocarboxazid (Marplan), rasagiline (Azilect), phenelzine (Nardil), or selegiline (Emsam, Eldepryl) in the past 2 weeks. Also, do not take this medicine if you have severe or uncontrolled blood pressure, ischemic bowel disease, blood circulation problems, an unusual headache, a history of angina pain or heart disease (including heart attack and stroke).

If you have taken naratriptan (Amerge), eletriptan (Relpax), almotriptan (Axert), sumatriptan (Imitrex, Treximet), frovatriptan (Frova), zolmitriptan (Zomig); ergot medication such as ergotamine (Ergostat, Cafergot, Ergomar, Ercaf, Wigraine), methysergide (Sansert), dihydroergotamine (Migranal, D.H.E. 45), ergonovine (Ergotrate), methylergonovine (Methergine) or any other headache medicine in the past 24 hours, do not take Maxalt.

Prior to taking Maxalt, tell your doctor if you have phenylketonu

What do I do if I have missed a Maxalt dose?

Maxalt is used as needed. You are not on a dosing schedule.

What do I do if I have taken a Maxalt overdose?

If you have taken a Maxalt overdose, you should seek emergency medical attention.

Maxalt interactions

Before taking Maxalt, tell your doctor if you use propranolol (InnoPran, Inderal), cimetidine (Tagamet), an antidepressant such as venlafaxine (Effexor), duloxetine (Cymbalta), fluvoxamine (Luvox), sertraline (Zoloft), citalopram (Celexa), fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem), paroxetine (Paxil), or escitalopram (Lexapro).

Tell your doctor about all prescription and non prescription drugs that you use. Also, do not start taking any new medicine without consulting your doctor.

Maxalt side effects

Maxalt side effects include hives, breathing trouble, sudden numbness or weakness, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, overactive reflexes, increased sweating, pain spreading to shoulder or arm, sudden headache, confusion, hallucinations, loss of coordination, fast heart rate, severe stomach ache, bloody diarrhea, pale or blue-colored appearance in fingers or toes; problems with speech, vision and balance; swelling of face, tongue, lips or throat, and other allergic reactions. If you get any of these side effects after using Maxalt, stop taking the medicine and contact your doctor right away.

Mild nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, weakness, pain or tightness in neck, jaw or throat; heavy feeling or pressure in any of the body parts, and mild tingly feeling are some less serious side effects of Maxalt.