MAXALT (RIZATRIPTAN)

Maxalt Description

Maxalt or generic Rizatriptan may be a prescription drug prescribed to you for the treatment of migraine headaches. Maxalt does not prevent a migraine from occurring, but it can relieve this painful and intense headache at the first sign one is starting. The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.

Some people experience an aura before the migraine occurs so they are aware that one is coming. Auras are usually visual and you might see squiggly flashing or running lights or a dead or blind spot that accompanies the zigzag lights or on its own. The headache may never happen as some lucky individuals may only experience an ocular migraine and never know the pain of the headache that could accompany it.

Raising Serotonin Levels Will Help with Migraine Headache Pain

When taken as directed at the first sign a migraine is coming on, this triptan drug will work as a serotonin (5-HT) receptor agonist and bind to the serotonin receptors in your brain to stop their re-absorption so there is higher levels of serotonin available which leads to the constriction of blood vessels that are believed to be the cause of your migraine pain.

Tracking and Eliminating Triggers Could Reduce Migraine Attacks

The causes of migraine headaches are not fully understood, but experts believe that there is some change in people’s brains that cause blood vessels to dilate and results in pain. Alcohol, stress, chocolate, too much caffeine, weather changes, and nuts seem to work as triggers for a migraine. It helps some people to keep a log for each day as a comparison to the days a migraine strikes. Eliminating triggers is helpful but it can be difficult to determine exactly what it is that causes an attack.

Before Maxalt is Prescribed to You

Ask your doctor if Maxalt is safe to take if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or are breast feeding. Discuss other medical conditions or allergies with your doctor and list any OTC or Rx medications you currently take or use, including alternative or complimentary medicine, so it can be determined if Maxalt is the right migraine drug for your situation.

Maxalt Precautions

Maxalt may make you dizzy or cause drowsiness so do not drive or attempt any actions that require you to be alert until you know how your body reacts to it. This is not a preventive drug and is taken only to stop the pain as the headache starts. Maxalt is not prescribed for other migraines, including hemiplegic ( only one side of head affected), basilar (bottom of head only), ophthalmoplegic (affects eye only), or for cluster headaches. Keep Maxalt and other meds out of children’s reach and never share them with anyone else.

Possible Side Effects of Maxalt

• Dry mouth
• Hot flashes
• Change in taste
• Nausea or vomiting