Description
Quick Summary
- Prescription-only triptan for the acute treatment of migraine attacks (with or without aura).
- Designed to treat an attack after it starts – not for prevention and not for cluster headache.
- Take 1 tablet at migraine onset; assess effect at 2 hours (typical triptan endpoint).
- If the migraine returns after initial relief, a second dose may be taken ≥2 hours later (max 20mg/24h unless your prescriber advises otherwise).
What is Maxalt?
Maxalt contains rizatriptan, a triptan (5‑HT1B/1D receptor agonist) used to treat an ongoing migraine attack. It targets migraine pathways to reduce headache and associated symptoms such as nausea and sensitivity to light and sound.
What Maxalt is Used For
- Acute treatment of migraine attacks with or without aura in adults with a migraine diagnosis.
- Not for preventing migraines and not for treating cluster headache.
How Fast Does Maxalt Work?
- Many people assess improvement within 2 hours (standard for triptan response).
- Some people may feel relief earlier; individual response varies.
- Food can delay onset for tablets – follow your prescriber’s guidance.
Dose & Redose Rules (10mg Tablets)
| Dose | When to take | Key rules |
| 10mg (1 tablet) | At the first signs of a migraine attack (as prescribed) | Swallow with water. If the first dose provides no relief, do not take a second dose for the same attack unless your prescriber advises. |
| Second 10mg dose | Only if symptoms return after initial relief | Take at least 2 hours after the first dose. Maximum commonly used: 20mg in 24 hours (2 tablets). |
How to Take Maxalt 10mg
- Take exactly as prescribed.
- Swallow the tablet whole with water.
- Use only for migraine attacks, not daily prevention.
- Avoid medication overuse: frequent migraine medicine use can cause medication‑overuse headache – arrange a review if you need treatment often.
Who Can Use Maxalt 10mg?
- Adults with a confirmed migraine diagnosis when a clinician considers rizatriptan appropriate.
- Some adolescents may be treated on specialist advice (follow clinician/PIL).
Who Should NOT Use Maxalt (Contraindications / Exclusions)
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure.
- Heart or circulation disease (including coronary artery disease/angina/previous heart attack) unless a clinician confirms suitability.
- History of stroke or TIA.
- Certain migraine types (e.g., hemiplegic/basilar) unless specialist/clinician advises.
- Use of MAO inhibitors (or recent MAOI use) – contraindicated.
- Do not use within recommended washout periods of other triptans or ergot derivatives.
Interactions (Important)
- Propranolol: dose adjustment may be required (some patients are prescribed 5mg or different timing).
- MAO inhibitors (and recent use): contraindicated — clinician will advise.
- SSRIs/SNRIs and other serotonergic medicines: potential serotonin syndrome risk – clinician review required.
- Other triptans/ergot medicines: avoid close use; follow spacing rules.
Side Effects
Common
- Dizziness
- Tiredness/fatigue
- Flushing or warmth
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
Serious – Seek Urgent Medical Help
- Chest pain/tightness or pressure
- Shortness of breath
- Severe abdominal pain
- Signs of an allergic reaction (swelling, wheeze, severe rash)
Maxalt Tablets vs Maxalt Melt
Maxalt Melt is an orodispersible form (melts on the tongue). This page is for Maxalt 10mg tablets. Both contain rizatriptan; a clinician can advise which formulation suits you best.
Buying Maxalt Online in the UK (Ecommerce / Compliance Copy)
- Maxalt is a prescription-only medicine in the UK.
- A regulated online service should require an online consultation/assessment before supply.
- Discreet packaging and UK delivery options are typical ecommerce expectations.
FAQs
Can I take a second dose if the migraine comes back?
If the migraine returns after initial relief, a second 10mg dose may be taken at least 2 hours after the first, if advised. Do not exceed your prescribed maximum (commonly 20mg in 24 hours for tablets).
What if the first dose doesn’t work?
Do not take another dose for the same attack if the first dose had no effect unless your prescriber specifically advises.
Can I combine Maxalt with painkillers?
Some people use a triptan with an anti‑sickness medicine and/or an analgesic. Check suitability with a clinician/pharmacist, especially if you have stomach, kidney, bleeding, or cardiovascular risks.
Is Maxalt for preventing migraines?
No. It treats a migraine attack after it starts; it is not a preventive treatment.
Patient Information Leaflet
Always read the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) supplied with your medicine for full instructions, contraindications, interactions, and side effects.
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