Indications 

Maxalt is a prescription medicine indicated for the acute treatment of migraines in adults and pediatric patients aged 6 to 17 years old, either with or without aura. 

Maxalt is classified as a selective serotonin receptor agonist or triptans. It exerts its therapeutic effect by constricting cerebral blood vessels, intercepting pain signals, and inhibiting the secretion of endogenous compounds that instigate migraine symptoms such as pain, nausea, and other distressing manifestations. 

Uses and Dosage 

Before taking Maxalt and every time you get a refill, carefully peruse its medication guide and patient information leaflet. Consult with your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns. 

The dosage of Maxalt depends on the patient’s medical condition, age, response to the treatment, and concurrent medication. In children, weight is also a factor in determining the appropriate dosage. 

Typically, Maxalt is taken as soon as the first signs of migraine appear, as directed by the doctor. It can be taken with or without food, but its onset of action may be quicker when taken on an empty stomach. 

If migraine symptoms improve but recur after two hours or more following the initial dose of Maxalt, a second tablet may be taken. However, if the medication does not improve symptoms, do not take a second tablet without consulting a doctor.  

Maxalt should not be taken more than 30 mg within 24 hours. Follow the prescribed dosage, frequency, and duration without any alterations unless a physician advises. 

Exceeding the recommended frequency or duration of Maxalt usage may exacerbate or increase the frequency of headaches. Maxalt should not be taken for more than ten days within a month. Consult a physician if more than four headaches require treatment with Maxalt within a month. 

Side Effects 

Listed below are potential adverse reactions associated with the use of Maxalt. Inform your doctor or pharmacist promptly if any of them persists or worsens. 

Common Side Effects 

• Dizziness 
• Drowsiness 
• Fatigue 
• Pain or pressure sensation in the throat or chest 

Serious Side Effects 

• Sudden and severe abdominal pain accompanied by bloody diarrhea 
• Numbness or cold sensation in feet or hands 
• Symptoms of a heart attack: 
  • Chest pain or pressure 
  • Pain radiating to the shoulder or jaw 
  • Nausea 
  • Sweating 
• Signs of high levels of serotonin in the body: 
  • Agitation 
  • Fever 
  • Vomiting 
  • Diarrhea 
  • Loss of coordination 
  • Hallucinations 
  • Fast heart rate 
  • Fainting 
• Symptoms of a stroke: 
  • Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body 
  • Severe headache 
  • Slurred speech 
  • Vision or balance problems 
• Indications of dangerously high blood pressure: 
  • Severe headache 
  • Blurred vision 
  • Chest pain 
  • Shortness of breath 
  • Buzzing in ears 
  • Confusion 
  • Uneven heartbeats 
  • Seizure 

Stop taking Maxalt and call your doctor at once if you experience any of the severe side effects listed above. 

Allergic Reactions 

Although uncommon, a severe allergic reaction to Maxalt may occur. Immediate medical assistance should be sought if the symptoms below are experienced: 

• Rash 
• Severe dizziness 
• Trouble breathing 
• Facial, tongue, or throat itching/swelling 

The enumerated side effects of Maxalt are not exhaustive. If any unlisted symptoms occur and become bothersome, promptly inform your doctor. 

Cautions 

Before starting treatment with Maxalt, inform your healthcare provider or pharmacist about any allergic reactions you may have had, especially to rizatriptan or any other medicine. 

Inactive ingredients in this medication may cause allergic reactions or other problems. Ask for a list of ingredients from your pharmacist for further details. 

Consult your physician to confirm that your headache symptoms are due to a migraine before using Maxalt. This medication should not be utilized to alleviate hemiplegic or basilar migraine or headaches induced by other ailments (such as cluster headaches). 

To ensure that Maxalt is safe for you, disclose your medical history to your doctor, particularly of:  

• Blood circulation issues, such as in the stomach, arms/hands, or legs 
• Heart problems, such as chest pain, irregular heartbeat, or previous heart attack 
• Liver disease 
• Seizures 
• Stroke or “mini-stroke” (transient ischemic attack) 

Apprise your doctor and pharmacist about all your medications, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products, before taking Maxalt to prevent any drug interactions. 

Inform your healthcare provider if you are taking ergotamine medication (e.g., dihydroergotamine) or other “triptan” drugs (e.g., sumatriptan, zolmitriptan) to avoid serious side effects. They may advise you to space out your Maxalt dose by at least 24 hours from the other medication. 

To prevent a dangerous drug interaction, avoid taking Maxalt if you have taken MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days, such as: 

• Isocarboxazid 
• Linezolid 
• Methylene blue injection 
• Phenelzine 
• Rasagiline 
• Selegiline 
• Tranylcypromine 

Maxalt may cause drowsiness. Refrain from driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you. 

The potential risks of using Maxalt during pregnancy are currently unknown. Promptly inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. 

Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding, as it is unclear if rizatriptan can pass into breast milk and potentially harm a nursing baby.