Maxalt (Rizatriptan Benzoate) Drug Overview and Uses for Patients and Caregivers at RxList

Pill Identifier Search

May 27, 2012

Maxalt

Prescription Migraine Medications »

Migraine medications overview

Migraine is a serious, potentially life-threatening neurological disease that affects nearly 32 million Americans, the majority of whom are women. The hallmark symptom of migraine is an escalating, often unbearable, debilitating headache that is commonly described as intense throbbing or pulsating pain in one area of the head. The pain may be accompanied by extreme sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, and vomiting. In some people, migraines are preceded by visual disturbances known as auras that may include flashing lights, zigzag lines, or temporary blindness.

Migraine medications do not cure migraines. Instead, migraine drugs treat the symptoms using one of two approaches. Some migraine drugs relieve symptoms. Other migraine drugs are used to prevent a migraine attack.

Many migraine sufferers rely on simple pain relievers to get through an attack. These range from over-the-counter analgesics like acetaminophen to an...

Read the Prescription Migraine Medications article »

« Previous
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Next »

Maxalt User Reviews >>

Maxalt

View the Headaches and Migraines Slideshow Pictures

A Visual Guide to Migraine Headaches Slideshow Pictures

Headache and Migraine Triggers Slideshow Pictures

Take the Migraines Quiz

font size

Maxalt Consumer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

RIZATRIPTAN TABLET - ORAL

(rizz-uh-TRIP-tan)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Maxalt

USES: Rizatriptan is used to treat migraines. It helps to relieve headaches, pain and other symptoms of migraines, including sensitivity to light/sound, nausea, and vomiting. Prompt treatment allows you to get back to your normal routine and may decrease your need for other pain medications. Rizatriptan does not prevent future migraines or reduce how often you may get a headache.

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.

HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet available from your pharmacist before you start using rizatriptan and each time you get a refill. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Take this medication by mouth at the first sign of a migraine, or as directed by your doctor. It may be taken with or without food, although faster relief may occur when it is taken on an empty stomach. Do not take rizatriptan to prevent a migraine. If there is no improvement in your symptoms, do not take any more doses of this medication before talking to your doctor.

If your symptoms are only partly relieved, or if your headache comes back, you may take a second dose after 2 hours or as directed by your doctor. Do not take more than 30 milligrams (3 doses) in a 24-hour period. If you also take propranolol, do not take more than 15 milligrams of rizatriptan in a 24-hour period. For the Canadian product: according to the drug manufacturer, do not exceed 20 milligrams in a 24 hour period.

If you have never taken this medication before and you have risk factors for heart disease (see Precautions), 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).

Your dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.