Maxalt

What is Maxalt?

Maxalt is a prescription medicine used to treat migraine attacks. It contains the active ingredient rizatriptan, which belongs to a group of medicines called triptans.

Triptans are specifically designed to treat migraines. They are not general painkillers. Maxalt works differently from standard pain relief medicines such as paracetamol or ibuprofen because it targets the physiological process that causes migraine.

Maxalt is used to treat a migraine attack once it has started. It does not prevent migraines from occurring and should not be used daily to stop headaches from developing.

Maxalt is available as tablets and as orally disintegrating tablets (melts), which dissolve on your tongue without water.

What is Maxalt used for?

Maxalt is used for the acute treatment of migraine attacks, whether your migraine includes aura or not.

A migraine is more than just a severe headache. It is a neurological condition that can cause:

• Moderate to severe throbbing head pain
• Pain usually on one side of the head
• Nausea or vomiting
• Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
• Sensitivity to sound (phonophobia)
• Visual disturbances (aura), such as flashing lights or blind spots

Migraine attacks can last from several hours to several days if untreated.

Maxalt is most effective when taken as soon as migraine pain begins.

How does Maxalt work?

Maxalt contains rizatriptan, which is a serotonin receptor agonist. This means it works on specific serotonin receptors in your brain.

During a migraine attack:

• Blood vessels in the brain become widened (dilated)
• Inflammatory substances are released
• Pain signals are activated

Rizatriptan works by:

• Narrowing the dilated blood vessels in the brain
• Reducing inflammation
• Blocking pain pathways associated with migraine

By targeting these mechanisms, Maxalt can reduce headache pain and associated symptoms such as nausea and light sensitivity.

Maxalt does not work for tension headaches or cluster headaches.

Who should not use Maxalt?

You should not use Maxalt if:

• You are allergic to rizatriptan
• You have uncontrolled high blood pressure
• You have a history of heart disease
• You have had a heart attack
• You have had a stroke or mini-stroke (TIA)
• You have serious circulation problems
• You have severe liver impairment
• You are taking certain other migraine medicines (such as other triptans) at the same time
• You are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAO inhibitors)

Maxalt may not be suitable if you have risk factors for heart disease such as smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol or a strong family history of cardiovascular disease. A medical assessment is important before starting treatment.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, speak to a doctor before using Maxalt. There is limited data on the use of rizatriptan during pregnancy.

Rizatriptan passes into breast milk in small amounts. You should discuss breastfeeding with a doctor before taking Maxalt. Temporary interruption of breastfeeding may be advised after a dose.

How to use and dosage

Always take Maxalt exactly as prescribed.

Standard adult dose:

• One tablet (usually 10 mg) taken at the start of a migraine attack

If your migraine improves but returns:

• A second dose may be taken after at least 2 hours

Maximum dose:

• Do not take more than 2 doses in 24 hours

Maxalt melts can be placed on your tongue and allowed to dissolve. You do not need water.

Maxalt should only be used to treat an active migraine attack. It should not be used preventively.

If you use migraine medication too frequently, you may develop medication-overuse headache, which can worsen headache frequency.

Possible side effects

Like all medicines, Maxalt can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them.

Common side effects include:

• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Fatigue
• Dry mouth
• Nausea
• Sensation of tightness or pressure in the chest or throat

Less common but serious side effects may include:

• Chest pain
• Irregular heartbeat
• Signs of a stroke
• Severe allergic reactions

Because triptans can affect blood vessels, they must be used carefully in people with cardiovascular risk factors.

If you experience chest pain, severe weakness, speech problems or sudden vision changes, seek urgent medical attention.

Important safety information

Maxalt should only be used if a doctor has confirmed that your headaches are migraines.

You should tell your doctor if you:

• Have heart disease risk factors
• Have kidney or liver problems
• Are taking antidepressants (especially SSRIs or SNRIs)
• Use other migraine medications
• Have a history of medication-overuse headaches

Using Maxalt too often can lead to worsening headache frequency. If you need migraine treatment regularly, your doctor may discuss preventive treatment options with you.

When to seek medical help

Seek urgent medical attention if you experience:

• Sudden chest pain or pressure
• Shortness of breath
• Sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body
• Difficulty speaking
• Severe allergic reaction (swelling of face, lips or throat)

Contact a doctor if:

• Your migraine pattern changes significantly
• Maxalt stops working effectively
• You need treatment more frequently
• You experience unusual or severe side effects

If you are unsure whether your symptoms are related to migraine or your medication, you can book a secure video consultation with a licensed doctor via Transtoyou for personalised medical advice. If symptoms are severe or sudden, seek urgent medical care immediately.