Reviewed by Virginia Chachati MPharm
(2013, University College London)
GPhC Registration number: 2087654
Information last reviewed 03/07/2021
Maxalt contains rizatriptan, which is a medicine used to treat migraines and reduce 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 to stop migraines and headache pain.
Maxalt cannot be used to prevent a migraine. Maxalt should only be taken when you feel a migraine attack coming on.
It's thought that migraines are caused by abnormal activity in the brain that triggers nerve signals and blood vessels. There are many possible triggers which may cause a migraine including hormonal, environmental, emotional and food-based factors. These include:
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 people can have a migraine without a headache. The symptoms of a migraine can include:
An aura is not usually anything to worry about and the visual disturbances don't normally last long.
A migraine feels like an intense headache. It 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 normal or regular headache, it's only suitable for treating migraines and needs to be prescribed by a doctor.
The active ingredient in Maxalt is Rizatriptan.
The other ingredients in Maxalt are lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose (E460a), starch, pregelatinised; iron oxide red (E172) and magnesium stearate (E572).
This drug is the branded version of Rizatriptan which is the main active ingredient of Maxalt. A serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
A Maxalt tablet or Maxalt melt should be taken as soon as you feel a migraine attack starting. Swallow one Maxalt tablet whole with a drink of water or allow one Maxalt melt oral lyophilisate to dissolve on your tongue (no water required). If your migraine is still there after 2 hours then you can take another Maxalt tablet or Maxalt melt. Do not take more than 2 tablets of Maxalt or 2 Maxalt melt oral lyophilisates within 24 hours.
If you forget to take Maxalt, you can take it at any time during a migraine attack. Do not take Maxalt to prevent a migraine.
If you take too much Maxalt seek immediate medical attention. Take the pack of Maxalt with you so that the doctor can see what you have taken.
Common side effects of Maxalt may include:
Uncommon side effects of Maxalt may include:
Rare side effects of Maxalt can include:
Do not take Maxalt if:
Tell your doctor before taking Maxalt if:
Do not use Maxalt if you are taking:
Drinking alcohol while using Maxalt can increase the risk of side effects and cause dehydration. 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 or if you are planning a pregnancy.
You should avoid driving after taking Maxalt as it may make you feel dizzy or tired.
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. You may need to try a different type of triptan such as sumatriptan. Antiemetics, such as Buccastem, 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 quiet dark room. Take your Maxalt, or other migraine medicine, as soon as possible to allow it time to work and ease the headache pain.
Identifying possible factors which may be triggering your migraines can help you avoid them in the future. Recording the details of your migraine; such as the time, place, external factors and any food or drink you had.
Speak to a doctor if your migraine symptoms do not get better with migraine treatment or if your migraines start happening more often.
Preventing migraines may not always be possible, but finding out what your triggers are can help you avoid them. Keeping a migraine diary can help you identify migraine triggers. Record when and where they occur, and any environmental factors present. Drinking plenty of water, eating regular meals and getting enough sleep will also help.
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