Rizatriptan (Maxalt)

Rizatriptan, sold under the brand name Maxalt, is a medicine that treats migraine attacks. It is particularly effective for migraines that come on quickly, as the treatment works within 30 minutes. It works by narrowing the blood vessels in the brain and reducing nerve signals that cause pain.

It is available as 5 mg and 10 mg tablets. It is also available as dissolving tablets (Maxalt Melts) beneficial for those who struggle to swallow tablets during a migraine attack.

Rizatriptan belongs to a class of medicines called Triptans. These medicines work by mimicking the brain chemical serotonin.

They bind to the serotonin receptors in the brain. This relieves the symptoms of migraine in two main ways.

During a migraine, the blood vessels in your brain dilate which causes pain. Rizatriptan reverses this effect, narrowing the blood vessels and reducing the pain.

It also combats overactive nerve signals that cause pain in the brain during a migraine attack.

Yes, you can take Rizatriptan and Ibuprofen together for a migraine attack. You should check that both medicines are safe for you to take with your doctor.

Rizatriptan (Maxalt) is suitable for most adults with migraine symptoms. You should not use Rizatriptan to prevent migraines from occurring.

Some people with certain health conditions should not take it as they are at a greater risk of side effects.

Do not take Rizatriptan if you:

• are allergic to rizatriptan
• have a heart problem (e.g. angina or heart failure)
• have had a heart attack, stroke or mini-stroke
• have circulation problems in your legs
• have severe or uncontrolled high blood pressure
• have kidney or liver disease
• are under the age of 18

Your doctor will also want to check your heart before using this medicine if you are more at risk of heart problems.

Risk factors include:

• heavy smoking or using nicotine replacement therapy
• being a man over the age of 40
• being a woman who has been through menopause

Discuss it with your doctor or pharmacist before using Rizatriptan if you fall under any of these risk factors.

Can you take Rizatriptan whilst pregnant or breastfeeding?

It is not advised to take Rizatriptan whilst pregnant. Not much research has been done into the effects of Rizatriptan during pregnancy.

You should not breastfeed after taking Rizatriptan. You should wait 24 hours after taking a tablet before breastfeeding again.

You can take a second Rizatriptan tablet if your symptoms return after 2 hours. You should not take two tablets for the same migraine attack. Do not take more than 2 tablets within 24 hours.

The recommended dosage for most people is one 10 mg tablet. However, if you have a history of kidney or liver problems or you take the medication propranolol (a beta-blocker), you should take one 5 mg tablet.

No, Rizatriptan is not a narcotic. It belongs to a class of medicines called triptans which are a type of migraine treatment.

Take one tablet as soon as you feel a migraine coming on. It is most effective if you take it as soon as possible, but you can take it any time during a migraine attack.

• take one tablet as soon as you feel a migraine coming on
• take another tablet if your symptoms come back within 2 hours
• do not take another tablet if the first one doesn’t work
• do not take more than 2 tablets within 24 hours

Maxalt Melts are known as lyophilisates. Place one tablet on your tongue and allow it to dissolve.

You should take each tablet with water or another liquid. You should avoid having food with Rizatriptan as it can make it take longer to work.

Taking too much Rizatriptan may cause side effects. If you take more than the maximum dose, consult your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Rizatriptan can interact with other medicines.

Do not take Rizatriptan if you take:

• other triptans (sumatriptan, almotriptan, zolmitriptan or naratriptan)
• ergotamines (for migraine treatment)
• monoamine oxidase inhibitors (e.g. moclobemide, phenelzine, tranylcypromine, linezolid, or pargyline)
• bupropion (an antidepressant)
• tapentadol (for pain relief)
• methysergide (for migraine prevention)

You should also consult your doctor before using Rizatriptan if you take propranolol or other antidepressants. You may need to alter your dose of Rizatriptan.

Always ask your doctor before starting Rizatriptan if you take any other medicines.

Rizatriptan can cause some side effects. However, the most common side effects are mild and disappear without treatment.

Common side effects of Rizatriptan include:

• dizziness
• drowsiness
• tiredness
• facial flushing
• feeling or being sick
• tingling
• throat discomfort
• indigestion
• stiffness or heaviness in the body
• headache

Rarely, Rizatriptan can cause serious side effects. This can include:

• changes in your heart rate or an irregular heartbeat
• pain in the lower left side of the stomach with bloody diarrhoea
• an allergic reaction (swelling across the body, itching or wheezing)
• pressure, tightness or pain in the chest

Talk to your doctor as soon as possible or seek urgent medical attention if your side effects don’t improve or get worse.

Read the patient information leaflet for a full list of side effects.

You can buy 5 mg and 10 mg of Rizatriptan (Maxalt) or Maxalt melts online from HealthExpress for migraine treatment.

You will be required to complete an online consultation involving a short medical questionnaire. Our doctors will review your consultation to ensure the medicine is safe for you to take.

If approved for treatment, your medication will be dispensed and delivered to your chosen address.