Maxalt

The active ingredient in Maxalt is rizatriptan benzoate. Rizatriptan belongs to a drug class known as triptans. Other drugs within this class include sumatriptan, almotriptan, naratriptan, and zolmitriptan. These medications act on the brain as serotonin receptor agonists to constrict blood vessels and regulate sensory processes in the brain. These mechanisms combined help to provide relief for acute migraine attacks with or without aura. It should be noted that these medications do not prevent migraine attacks, nor should they be used in the treatment of cluster headaches, basilar, or hemiplegic migraines. It is typically meant for adult use but may be used in pediatric patients between 6 and 17 years of age.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide, before using Maxalt. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Maxalt:

• Use Maxalt exactly as prescribed.
• Typically, Maxalt tablets should be taken at the first sign of migraine symptoms. Maxalt-MLT should be placed on the tongue to dissolve and then swallowed. Only remove tablets from the blister pack just prior to use.
• If there is no improvement in your migraine headache or it returns, you may take a second dose 2 hours after the first dose. Do not take more than 30 mg of Maxalt in a 24-hour period. If you take too much, call your doctor or go to the nearest emergency room right away.

The most common side effects of Maxalt include:

• Fatigue
• Lack of energy
• Drowsiness
• A sensation of pain or pressure in the chest or throat
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Maxalt. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Increased blood pressure
• Signs of a heart attack such as chest discomfort or a sensation of heaviness, pressure, or pain in the chest area, pain or discomfort in the arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, vomiting, and lightheadedness
• Signs of a stroke such as sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, facial drooping, slurred speech, vision issues, loss of balance, and a severe headache with no known cause
• Signs of a blood vessel problem, such as stomach pain, bloody diarrhea, vision problems, and cold or numb hands and feet
• Signs of serotonin syndrome such as increased body temperature, fast heartbeat, agitation, muscle spasms, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and hallucinations
• Signs of a medication overuse headache, such asa lack of improvement from medication when it once provided relief
• Signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives, trouble breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, eyes, or tongue

These are not all of the possible side effects of Maxalt. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Maxalt, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• Angina or chest pain
• Risk factors for heart disease or blood vessel problems such as hypertension or high blood pressure, an irregular heartbeat, high cholesterol, coronary artery disease, smoking, obesity, diabetes, a family history of heart problems, post-menopausal, or a male over 40
• Phenylketonuria (PKU). Maxalt-MLT contains phenylalanine.
• Kidney problems
• Liver problems
• Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
• Are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed

Do not use Maxalt if you have:

• A history of heart problems
• A history of stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA)
• Peripheral vascular disease or other blood vessel problems
• Ischemic bowel disease
• Uncontrolled high blood pressure
• Hemiplegic or basilar migraines
• Taken any other triptan medication in the last 24 hours
• Taken any other ergot-containing medication in the last 24 hours
• Taken a MAO inhibitor in the last 2 weeks
• An allergy to rizatriptan or any of the other ingredients in Maxalt or Maxalt-MLT

Both Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT start to work quickly after taking, with peak effects in about 1-2 hours.

When Maxalt is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Propranolol
• Ergot-containing drugs (dihydroergotamine, methysergide)
• 5-HT1 agonists
• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as fluoxetine and sertraline
• Serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as venlafaxine and duloxetine
• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAO inhibitors)

Maxalt is available in 5 mg and 10 mg tablets.

Maxalt-MLT is available in 5 mg and 10 mg orally disintegrating tablets (ODT).

Maxalt should be stored at room temperature, away from light and moisture, and out of reach of children.

Maxalt is manufactured by the pharmaceutical company Organon.

Yes, there is a generic available for the brand-name Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT.

Consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing medications while taking Maxalt.

Maxalt may cause harm to the unborn child. Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

It is unknown if Maxalt passes into the breast milk. Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.