Why is this medication prescribed?

Maxalt is a brand name for the medication rizatriptan, which belongs to a class of drugs known as triptans. It is primarily prescribed for the treatment of migraine headaches. Migraines are a type of headache that is often characterized by severe pain, throbbing, and can be accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Maxalt works by narrowing the blood vessels in the brain and reducing the release of certain natural substances that can trigger migraines.

How should this medicine be used?

Here are some general guidelines on how Maxalt should be used:

• Prescription Requirement: Maxalt is a prescription medication, so you should only use it under the supervision of a healthcare provider who has assessed your condition and determined that it is an appropriate treatment for your migraines.
• Dosage: The typical starting dose for Maxalt is 5 mg. If your migraine symptoms do not improve after taking the initial dose, your healthcare provider may recommend a second 5 mg dose to be taken at least 2 hours after the first dose. The maximum recommended daily dose is 10 mg.
• Administration: Maxalt is available in various forms, including tablets and orally disintegrating tablets (Maxalt-MLT). You can take the tablet with water, and if you’re using the orally disintegrating tablet, it should be placed on your tongue, where it will dissolve without the need for water.
• Timing: Maxalt should be taken as soon as you feel a migraine headache coming on. It is more effective when taken early in the migraine attack. It may not be effective for other types of headaches.
• Avoiding Overuse: It’s important to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and not exceed the recommended dosage. Overuse of Maxalt can lead to medication-overuse headaches, which can be more difficult to treat.
• Monitoring: Pay attention to how your body responds to Maxalt. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects, or if your migraines do not improve after taking the medication, contact your healthcare provider.
• Precautions: Maxalt may have contraindications and interactions with other medications you are taking, so it’s crucial to inform your healthcare provider about your complete medical history and any other drugs you are currently using.
• Emergency Help: If your migraine does not improve after taking Maxalt, or if your symptoms worsen or change, seek medical attention immediately. Maxalt is not meant to prevent or treat a headache that is different from a migraine.

Remember that Maxalt is not a cure for migraines; it is designed to provide relief during a migraine attack. It’s essential to work closely with your healthcare provider to determine the most suitable migraine treatment plan for your specific needs.

Other uses for this medicine

Maxalt (rizatriptan) is primarily prescribed for the treatment of migraine headaches and is not typically used for other medical conditions. It specifically targets the symptoms associated with migraines, such as severe headache, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound. While it is primarily intended for migraine relief, healthcare providers may occasionally prescribe it off-label for certain other purposes; however, such usage should be discussed with and closely monitored by a healthcare professional.

What special precautions should I follow?

Special precautions should be taken when using Maxalt, and it’s crucial to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions carefully. Here are some important precautions to keep in mind:

• Allergies: Inform your healthcare provider if you are allergic to rizatriptan or any other ingredients in Maxalt. If you have a known allergy to triptans, such as sumatriptan, you should discuss this with your healthcare provider before using Maxalt.
• Medical History: Provide your healthcare provider with a detailed medical history, including any past or current medical conditions, especially if you have a history of heart disease, high blood pressure, chest pain, circulation problems, liver or kidney disease, or if you have had a stroke.
• Drug Interactions: Maxalt can interact with other medications, including certain antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), and other migraine medications. Make sure your healthcare provider is aware of all the medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, discuss the risks and benefits of using Maxalt with your healthcare provider. The safety of Maxalt during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been well-established.
• Driving and Operating Machinery: Maxalt can cause dizziness and drowsiness in some individuals. If you experience these side effects, avoid activities that require alertness, such as driving or operating heavy machinery, until you know how the medication affects you.
• Serotonin Syndrome: Maxalt, like other triptans, can potentially lead to serotonin syndrome when used in combination with certain other medications that increase serotonin levels in the brain. This can be a serious and life-threatening condition. Inform your healthcare provider about all the medications you are taking to avoid potential interactions.
• Overuse: Avoid using Maxalt too frequently. Using it more often than prescribed can lead to medication-overuse headaches, where your headaches become more frequent or severe. Follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations closely.
• Age: Maxalt’s safety and effectiveness in children and adolescents under 18 years of age have not been established. It is typically prescribed for adults.

Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication and follow their guidance closely. If you experience any unexpected or severe side effects while taking Maxalt, contact your healthcare provider promptly.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

There are no specific dietary restrictions associated with Maxalt. However, maintaining a balanced diet and staying well-hydrated can help manage migraines and may complement the treatment. Some individuals find that avoiding trigger foods (e.g., certain aged cheeses, processed meats, caffeine, and alcohol) can help reduce the frequency and severity of migraines. It’s a good idea to keep a migraine diary to identify potential dietary triggers.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

• Maxalt is usually taken as needed when a migraine attack occurs, so there is no regular dosing schedule.
• If you miss a dose of Maxalt because you didn’t take it during a migraine attack, you can take it as soon as you remember. However, do not take more than the recommended dose in a 24-hour period.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Maxalt (rizatriptan) can cause side effects, just like any medication. Not everyone will experience these side effects, and their severity can vary from person to person. Common side effects of Maxalt include:

• Pain or Tightness in the Chest: Some people may experience a sensation of chest discomfort or pressure. This side effect can be concerning and should be reported to a healthcare provider, especially if it is severe or persistent.
• Warm Sensation: Some individuals may feel a warm sensation or flushing in their face or neck.
• Dizziness or Vertigo: Maxalt can cause dizziness or a spinning sensation (vertigo) in some users. This may affect your ability to perform tasks that require coordination, such as driving.
• Weakness: Weakness or fatigue can occur as a side effect of Maxalt.
• Nausea and Vomiting: Maxalt can sometimes cause nausea and vomiting, which are common symptoms of migraines.
• Dry Mouth: Some people may experience a dry mouth or an unusual taste in their mouth.
• Tingling or Numbness: Maxalt may lead to sensations of tingling or numbness in various parts of the body.
• Throat or Neck Sensations: You might feel sensations such as tightness, pressure, or discomfort in the throat or neck.
• Sensory Sensitivity: Maxalt can affect sensory perception, making some people more sensitive to light, sound, or touch.
• Rebound Headache: Overuse of Maxalt can lead to rebound headaches, which are headaches that occur more frequently or become more severe due to medication overuse.

It’s essential to note that some users may not experience any side effects, while others may experience several of these symptoms. If you experience any severe or persistent side effects or if you have any concerns about the side effects of Maxalt, contact your healthcare provider. Additionally, if you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, a fast or irregular heartbeat, or other signs of heart problems after taking Maxalt, seek medical attention immediately, as these could be serious.

As with any medication, your healthcare provider will weigh the potential benefits of Maxalt in treating your migraines against the risk of side effects and will make recommendations based on your specific medical history and needs.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Storage and disposal of Maxalt:

Storage:

• Room Temperature: Store Maxalt at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Keep it in a tightly closed container to protect it from moisture.
• Keep Out of Reach: Ensure that Maxalt is stored in a location that is out of reach of children and pets, as it is a prescription medication.

Disposal:

• Dispose of Unused Medication: If you have unused or expired Maxalt tablets, it’s important to dispose of them properly to prevent accidental ingestion. Check with your local pharmacy or healthcare provider for guidance on safe medication disposal in your area.
• Do Not Flush: Do not flush Maxalt tablets down the toilet unless specifically instructed to do so. This helps prevent the medication from entering the water supply.

In case of emergency/overdose

In the case of an emergency or suspected overdose of Maxalt, contact your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 (if available in your country) or seek immediate medical attention. Overdose symptoms may include:

• Severe headache
• Confusion
• Blurred vision
• Speech problems
• Difficulty walking
• Fainting
• Fast or irregular heartbeats
• High blood pressure
• Chest pain

What other information should I know?

• Effectiveness: Maxalt is most effective when taken at the onset of a migraine attack. It is not intended for migraine prevention, and it does not treat other types of headaches.
• Patient Information: Read and follow the patient information provided with Maxalt, which includes important details about the medication, its uses, potential side effects, and dosing instructions.
• Regular Check-ins: Keep regular appointments with your healthcare provider to monitor your migraine management and the use of Maxalt. If you find that you need to use Maxalt more frequently, discuss this with your healthcare provider, as it could be a sign of medication-overuse headaches.
• Drug Interactions: Be sure to inform your healthcare provider about all the medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Maxalt can interact with other drugs, and your healthcare provider will need to consider these interactions when prescribing it.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Discuss the use of Maxalt with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, as the safety of the medication in these situations is not well-established.
• Driving and Machinery: Maxalt can cause dizziness and drowsiness in some individuals. If you experience these side effects, avoid activities that require alertness, such as driving or operating heavy machinery.

Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and recommendations regarding the use of Maxalt, and do not hesitate to reach out to them if you have any questions or concerns about the medication or your treatment plan.