Home Page > Categories > Pain Relief > Rizatriptan

Rizatriptan

 

Rizatriptan (generic Maxalt) Review

brand names: Maxalt-MLT, Maxalt
generic name: Rizatriptan benzoate

Why is Maxalt prescribed?

Maxalt is prescribed for the treatment of a migraine attack with or without the presence of an aura (visual disturbances, usually sensations of halos or flickering lights, which precede an attack). It cuts headaches short, but won't prevent attacks.

Recommended dosage

ADULTS

The usual dose of Maxalt (Rizatriptan) 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.

How should you take Maxalt (Rizatriptan)?

Take Maxalt as soon as your first symptoms appear. The drug is available in standard and orally disintegrating tablets (Maxalt (Rizatriptan)-MLT). The standard tablets should be swallowed whole with liquid. No liquid is needed for Maxalt-MLT.

--If you miss a dose...

Maxalt (Rizatriptan) is not for regular use. Take it only during a migraine attack.

If your headache comes back, you may take a second dose as soon as 2 hours have elapsed. If the first dose provides no relief at all, check with your doctor before taking another.

--Storage instructions...

Maxalt (Rizatriptan) and Maxalt-MLT may be stored at room temperature. Keep the Maxalt (Rizatriptan) bottle tightly closed. Leave each Maxalt-MLT tablet in its pouch.

Do not take more than 30 milligrams of Maxalt (Rizatriptan) in a 24-hour period. Check with your doctor if you need to take the drug more than 4 times a month.

When using Maxalt (Rizatriptan)-MLT, leave each individual blister pack in its foil pouch until needed. When ready, peel it open with dry hands, remove the pack from the pouch, and place the tablet on your tongue. The tablet will dissolve rapidly and can be swallowed with your saliva alone.

Most important fact about Maxalt (Rizatriptan)

Maxalt (Rizatriptan) should be used only for typical migraine headaches. It is not recommended for any other type of headache, or for unusual types of migraine such as hemiplegic or basilar migraine.

Why should Maxalt (Rizatriptan) not be prescribed?

If Maxalt gives you an allergic reaction, you won't be able to use it. You should also avoid this drug if you have certain types of heart or blood vessel disease, including angina (crushing chest pain) or a history of heart attack. Do not use it if you have uncontrolled high blood pressure.

Never take Maxalt (Rizatriptan) within 24 hours of using an ergotamine-type migraine medication such as Cafergot, D.H.E. 45 Injection, Migranal Nasal Spray, or Sansert, or a drug in the same family as Maxalt, such as Imitrex, Amerge, or Zomig. You should also refrain from using Maxalt (Rizatriptan) within 2 weeks of taking an MAO inhibitor such as Nardil, the antidepressants Marplan, and Parnate.

Special warnings about Maxalt (Rizatriptan)

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 (Rizatriptan), 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, a history of heart disease in your family, smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol, and menopause all increase the odds of such side effects.

If you have a condition called phenylketonuria, you should be aware that the Maxalt (Rizatriptan)-MLT tablets contain phenylalanine.

If your first dose of Maxalt (Rizatriptan) has no effect on your symptoms, you may not be suffering from migraine. Ask your doctor for a re-evaluation.

Maxalt (Rizatriptan) is not recommended for people under 18.

Maxalt (Rizatriptan) 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 (Rizatriptan) could affect the eyes.