Maxalt

rizatriptan

Maxalt (rizatriptan) is indicated for the acute treatment of migraine attacks in adults. Rizatriptan belongs to a group of drugs called triptans. It affects a certain natural chemical (serotonin) that constricts blood vessels in the brain. It may also block other pain pathways in the brain.

Maxalt helps to relieve headaches, pain and other symptoms of migraines, including sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, and vomiting. Prompt treatment allows you to get back to your normal routine and may decrease your need for other pain medications. However, it will not prevent migraine headaches or reduce the number of headaches that you have.

Many people find that their migraines stop completely after they take Maxalt. Other people find that their migraines are much less painful, and that they are able to go back to their normal activities even though their migraines are not completely gone.

Take Maxalt only as needed when a migraine occurs. Take one 10mg tablet as soon as your first symptoms appear. Aura, which precede an attack, is visual disturbances, usually sensations of halos or flickering lights. Tablet can be taken with or without food, although faster relief may occur when it is taken on an empty stomach.

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.

Your dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. If you have never taken this medication before and you have risk factors for heart disease, you may be advised to take your first dose in your doctor's office in order to monitor for rare but serious heart problems (e.g., heart attack).

Before deciding whether you should use rizatriptan, you must discuss with your doctor to make sure that you do not have any of medical problems or taking any products that may affect the use of this medicine or cause severe side effects.

Never take Maxalt within 24 hours of using an ergotamine-type migraine medication or any other "triptan" drug (a drug in the same family as Maxalt). You should also refrain from using Maxalt within 2 weeks of taking an MAO inhibitor. This medication may rarely cause a very serious condition called serotonin syndrome. The risk increases when this medication is taken with certain other drugs such as other "triptans" used to treat migraine headaches, certain antidepressants including SSRIs and NSRIs, or a certain drug to treat obesity.

Side effects that may occur and if mild, don't need medical attention are: drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, tightness in chest/jaw/neck. However, check with your doctor if any side effects persist, worsen or are bothersome. Alert your doctor if you have an eye condition.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.