Maxalt is used to treat the symptoms of migraine headaches. Maxalt contains rizatriptan, a type of medication called selective serotonin receptor agonists.
It works by narrowing blood vessels in the brain, stopping pain signals from being sent to the brain, and stopping the release of certain natural substances that cause severe, throbbing headaches, sometimes accompanied by nausea, sensitivity to sound and light and other symptoms of migraine.
This medication is used to treat acute migraine attacks. It does not prevent migraine attacks. When taken with first signs of migraine attack, starts to work in as little as 30 minutes and provides a relief in two hours.
Maxalt is a powerful medicine that brings relief with one single 10 mg tab, however, if your symptoms are only partly relieved, or if your headache comes back, you may take a second dose after 2 hours. Do not take more than 30 milligrams (3 doses) of Maxalt in a 24-hour period. If you also take propranolol, do not take more than 15 milligrams of rizatriptan in a 24-hour period to avoid serious side effects.
Before using this medication:
Tell your doctor about all prescription and nonprescription products you are taking, to avoid drug interactions. Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately. Maxalt should not be used within 24 hours of treatment with another drug in this class or with ergotamine-type migraine medication, or within 14 days of taking a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor.
You should be evaluated by your doctor before taking Maxalt if you have history of blood circulation disorders, liver or kidney disease, intestinal disease, chest pain, shortness of breath, if you are over 40, or you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Do not use it if you have uncontrolled high blood pressure. You should also avoid Maxalt if you have certain types of heart or blood vessel disease/stroke, or a risk factors for heart disease.
Side effects:
All prescription drugs can cause side effects. Only your doctor can determine if Maxalt is right for you. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Maxalt is generally well tolerated. Side effects are usually mild, temporary and dose related. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
The most common side effects are dizziness, nausea, sleepiness, tiredness, fatigue, and pain or pressure sensation (eg, in the chest or throat). Chest/jaw/neck tightness can commonly occur shortly after using rizatriptan. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly.
Seek immediate medical attention if any of these unlikely but very serious side effects occur: chest pain, jaw/left arm pain, fainting, fast/irregular/pounding heartbeat, vision or hearing changes, weakness on one side of the body, confusion, slurred speech, sudden or severe stomach/abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, blue fingers/toes/nails.
An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
If you notice any other side effects not listed above and they worry you, contact your doctor or pharmacist.