Maxalt is a type of medication called Rizatriptan which is used to treat migraines and reduce the headache pain. It belongs to a group of medicines called Selective serotonin 5-HT receptor agonists which are commonly referred to as Triptans.
Maxalt works by reducing the swelling of the blood vessels around the brain which cause the headache to occur.
Maxalt should only be taken when you feel a migraine attack coming on. It cannot be used to prevent a migraine.
It's thought that migraines are caused by abnormal activity in the brain, triggering a reaction on the nerve signals and blood vessels. There are numerous possible triggers which may cause a migraine including hormonal, environmental, emotional and food based factors. These include:
Stress
Anxiety
Depression
Shock
Tension
Hormonal changes
Menstruation
Poor sleep
Tiredness
Shift work
Routine disruption
Bad posture
Jet lag
Low blood sugar
Dehydration
Caffeine
Alcohol
Missed or irregular meals
Chocolate
Citrus fruits
A substance called Tyramine found in cured meat, fish and cheeses
Bright light
Flickering screen
Loud noise
Strong smells
Cigarette smoke
Stuffy surroundings
Certain medications
Not all of these triggers will affect everyone. Try keeping a migraine diary to help identify what your triggers might be.
The symptoms of a migraine usually include a headache but some individuals experience a migraine without a headache. The symptoms can include any of the following:
An intense headache pain which can be on one or both sides of the head
A throbbing pain or pulsing sensation
Sensitivity to light or sound
Visual disturbances
Dizziness
Lightheadedness
Poor concentration
Upset stomach
Pins and needles
Difficulty speaking
There are two main types of migraine; a migraine without aura and a migraine with aura. A migraine with aura is where you experience visual disturbances. These can include:
Flashing lights
Blind spots
Zig zag patterns
Seeing stars or spots
This may feel alarming but aura is not usually anything to worry about and the visual disturbances don't normally last long
A migraine feels like an intense headache and usually causes nausea and a sensitivity to light, sound or smells. The pain may be on one side of the head and cause a throbbing or pulsing sensation. A headache will not produce any additional symptoms and can usually be cleared up with painkillers.
Maxalt cannot be used for a regular headache, it's only suitable for treating migraines.
The active ingredient in Maxalt is Rizatriptan.
The other ingredients contained in the medicine are lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose (E460a), starch, pregelatinised; iron oxide red (E172) and magnesium stearate (E572).
Maxalt should be taken as soon as possible after a migraine attack occurs. Swallow the tablet whole with a drink of water. If your migraine still persists after 2 hours then you can take another tablet. Do not exceed more than 2 tablets within 24 hours.
10mg is the recommended dose to treat a migraine. Take one tablet and do not exceed two tablets within 24 hours. Wait at least 2 hours between doses. If you have liver or kidney problems or if you are taking Propranolol then take a 5mg dose.
If you forget to take Maxalt, you can take it at any time during a migraine attack. Do not use it as a preventative measure.
If you take too much Maxalt seek immediate medical attention. Take the medication with you so that the doctor can see what you have taken.
Common side effects may include:
Dizziness
Sleepiness
Tiredness
Paraesthesia
Headache
Hypoaesthesia
Decreased alertness
Insomnia
Heart palpitations
Flushing
Throat discomfort
Nausea
Indigestion
Heaviness in the body
Abdominal or chest pain
Uncommon side effects may include:
Bad taste in the mouth
Unsteadiness
Vertigo
Blurred vision
Tremor
Fainting
Confusion
Nervousness
High blood pressure
Rash
Hives
Difficulty breathing
Muscle tightness or weakness
Arrhythmia
Fast heartbeat
Rare side effects can include:
Wheezing
Hypersensitivity
Severe allergic reaction
Stoke
Slowed heartbeat
Heart attack
Serotonin syndrome
Shedding of skin (possibly with a fever)
Seizure
Spasm of blood vessels
Spasm of colon
Do not take Maxalt if:
You are allergic to Rizatriptan or any of the other ingredients
You have uncontrolled high pressure
You have ever had heart problems
You have severe liver or kidney problems
You have ever had a stroke
You have Peripheral vascular disease
You are taking MAO inhibitors
You are taking any other migraine medications
Tell your doctor before taking Maxalt if:
You have high blood pressure or any other heart disease risk factors
You have kidney or liver problems
You have bundle branch block
You have any allergies
Your headache is accompanied by dizziness, difficulty walking, lack of coordination or weakness in the legs and arms
You are using St. John's wort
You have ever experienced an allergic reaction to medication
You are taking SSRIs (antidepressants)
You have chest pain or tightness
Do not use Maxalt if you are taking:
Another type of Triptan
MAO inhibitors
Ergotamine or Dihydroergotamine for migraines
Methysergide to prevent migraines
Propranolol
SSRIs
Drinking alcohol while using Maxalt can increase the risk of side effects and cause dehydration, interfering with the medication. It's not recommended to drink alcohol while you have a migraine as it can make your symptoms worse.
Talk to your doctor for advice before using Maxalt during pregnancy.
Maxalt may make you feel dizzy or tired. Do not drive until you know how the medicine affects you.
The first line of treatment for a migraine is usually painkillers such as Paracetamol or Aspirin. If this doesn't work then talk to your doctor about your symptoms who can prescribe you with an appropriate medication. Other types of Triptans include Rizatriptan and Sumatriptan. Anti-emetics can also be given to ease Nausea and vomiting.
During a migraine attack, the best thing to do is to lie down and rest in a dark room, steering clear of loud noises. Take medication as soon as possible to allow it time to work and ease the headache pain. Identifying possible factors which may be triggering your migraine can help you to avoid them. Recording the details of your migraine; such as the time, place, external factors and any food or drink consumed. If you have chronic migraines (more than 15 days out of the month) then you may be prescribed with a medication to prevent migraines.
Preventing migraines may not always be possible but finding out what your triggers are can help to avoid them as much as possible. Keeping a migraine diary can help you to identify them. Recording when and where they occur and any environmental factors present to identify any common factors. Drinking plenty of water, eating regular meals and getting enough sleep will also help.
Patient Information Leaflet https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/7797/pil
NHS> Migraines https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/migraine/
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