Maxalt Medication - Uses & Side Effects

RIZATRIPTAN (Maxalt®) helps to relieve a migraine attack that starts with or without aura (a peculiar feeling or visual disturbance that warns you of an attack). Generic rizatriptan tablets are not yet available.

Maxalt-MLT ® (rizatriptan) Rizatriptan is an antimigraine medication, and should not be used to relieve any kind of pain other than Migraine.  Many people find that their Migraines stop completely after they take rizatriptan. 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. Rizatriptan often relieves symptoms that occur together with Migraine pain, such as nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, and sensitivity to sound.

Maxalt Dosage

• The usual dose of Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT is one 5- or 10-milligram tablet. Doses should be spaced at least 2 hours apart. Take no more than 30 milligrams a day.

Uses of Maxalt

• Maxalt is used for the short term treatment of most types of migraine attacks in adults.
• This medication is used to treat acute migraine attacks. This drug does not prevent future migraine attacks.

Side Effects of Maxalt

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Maxalt. Side effects may include:

• Chest pain, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, fatigue, nausea, pain, tingling skin, weakness

Warnings and precautions before taking Maxalt:

• Because some people with risk factors for heart and blood vessel disease have suffered an irregular heartbeat, a heart attack, or stroke after taking Maxalt, your doctor may ask you to take the first dose in the office, where you can be monitored for cardiac side effects. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, a history of heart disease in your family, and menopause all increase the odds of such side effects.
• Maxalt can cause drowsiness and dizziness. Do not participate in any activities that require full alertness until you are certain of the drug's effect. Use Maxalt with caution if you have liver disease or need kidney dialysis. Also alert your doctor if you have an eye condition. There is a theoretical possibility that Maxalt could affect the eyes.
• If your first dose of Maxalt has no effect on your symptoms, you may not be suffering from migraine. Ask your doctor for a re-evaluation.
• If you have a condition called phenylketonuria, you should be aware that the Maxalt-MLT tablets contain phenylalanine.
• Maxalt is not recommended for people under 18.

Drug Interaction :- Certain other drugs may also interact with Maxalt. Check with your doctor before combining it with the following:

• Fluoxetine (Prozac)
  
• Fluvoxamine (Luvox)
  
• Paroxetine (Paxil)
  
• Propranolol (Inderal)
  
• Sertraline (Zoloft)

Overdose

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of Maxalt overdose may include:

• Dizziness, fainting, heart and blood vessel problems, high blood pressure, loss of bowel and bladder control, slow heartbeat, vomiting.