Maxalt (generic name: Rizatriptan; brand names: Rizaliv / Rizalt) is a powerful prescription medicine that offers proven relief from migraine pain. Explore Topamax for different approaches to treating migraines and headaches.
Maxalt is used for treating acute migraine headaches with or without aura (flashing lights, wavy lines, dark spots) in adults. This migraine treatment is effective in managing the symptoms often associated with migraines.
Maxalt also helps relieve migraine-associated symptoms of nausea and sensitivity to light and sound, enhancing overall comfort during an attack.
Maxalt begins working in as little as 30 minutes, providing fast relief to diminish the effects of migraine headaches.
During a migraine attack, blood vessels in the brain dilate, or widen, resulting in a throbbing pain. Maxalt decreases this widening, returning the blood vessels to their normal size, and therefore helps to relieve the pain. Maxalt also blocks the release of certain chemicals from nerve endings that cause more pain and other symptoms of migraine. This action is achieved through the selective serotonin receptor agonism which Maxalt is known for.
Maxalt does not contain aspirin or caffeine and is not a narcotic. Instead, it works by narrowing the blood vessels around the brain and reduces substances in the body that can trigger headache pain, nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and other migraine symptoms.
Maxalt is often recommended for patients who have not found relief from other migraine medications.
Recommendations
Follow the directions on the package or prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Maxalt exactly as directed by your doctor.
Take Maxalt by mouth with or without food. Ensure adequate fluid intake when taking Maxalt.
Take a single dose of Maxalt as soon as migraine symptoms appear. A second dose of Maxalt may be taken if there is only a partial response or symptoms of the migraine return. However, do not take it sooner than 2 hours following the first dose. Do not take more than 30 milligrams (mg) in a 24-hour period.
Do not take additional doses if you do not get a response from the first dose.
If you miss a dose of Maxalt and you still have a headache, follow your doctor's dosing instructions. Do not take Maxalt more often than prescribed. It is essential not to take 2 doses at once.
Keep Maxalt at room temperature, away from light, heat, and moisture. Store the tablets in their original package, along with the patient information leaflet to ensure you can always refer to important information when needed.
Precautions
Before you start to take Maxalt, tell your doctor if:
you have an allergy to Maxalt or other medicines; especially important if you have had allergic reactions to rizatriptan tablets;
you have high blood pressure or heart disease, including angina, or a history of heart attacks; Maxalt may not be suitable if your blood pressure is high and not managed;
you have some heart diseases, including angina, or a previous heart attack;
you are currently taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) for depression, or have taken them within the last two weeks;
you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant, you are breast-feeding or plan to breast-feed; it's crucial to discuss all potential risks with your healthcare provider;
your headache is more severe than your 'usual' migraine, or it behaves differently; this could be a sign of a more serious condition requiring different treatment;
you are intolerant to lactose (this applies to the tablet only); Maxalt Melt might be an alternative as it does not contain lactose.
Side Effects
The common side effects of Maxalt include dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, and nausea. Some patients may experience pressure or tight feeling in the chest, neck, jaw, or throat, which is generally not severe and passes quickly. However, if you experience symptoms like pain, tightness, discomfort in the chest, throat, neck, or jaw mostly after taking the medication, stop taking it and get immediate medical help.
Rare but serious side effects include heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, blood circulation problems in the legs or arms, serious allergic reactions, serotonin syndrome, or significant increases in blood pressure. Always consult your doctor for more detailed information on the side effects of Maxalt and how to manage them.
If you notice any signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing, stop taking the medication and seek emergency medical attention immediately.
Ingredients
Active ingredient: rizatriptan benzoate, which helps to reduce the symptoms of migraine by narrowing blood vessels around the brain.
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