What is Maxalt?

Maxalt is a UK-authorised antimigraine medication containing the main ingredient rizatriptan benzoate, which is part of the triptan family. It is prescribed for treating sudden migraine attacks with or without aura in adults. Maxalt works by choosing to activate serotonin 5‑HT₁B/1D receptors in the brain, which causes the narrowing of head blood vessels and lowers migraine signs such as strong headache, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound.

Available in tablet and oral melt forms, it offers quick relief during a migraine attack when used as advised by a prescriber. It is crucial for many patients looking for fast, effective migraine relief.

What is Maxalt Used For? 

Acute Migraine Treatment: Maxalt is used for the immediate relief of migraine attacks once symptoms start.
Symptom Relief: It lowers migraine signs such as nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound.
Fast Action: Maxalt works quickly by narrowing head blood vessels, ensuring fast relief during a migraine episode.

At 123Meds, we supply Maxalt only for the acute treatment of migraine attacks. If you are thinking about using Maxalt for any other condition, we suggest consulting your general practitioner to check if it is a suitable treatment option.

How Maxalt Works 

Maxalt works by helping to narrow the blood vessels in your head, easing migraine pain and making you feel better.

Mechanism of Action: 

Narrowing Blood Vessels: Narrows the vessels in your head to ease the pressure that causes migraine pain.
Blocking Pain Signals: Reduces the messages sent to your brain that cause headache discomfort.
Fast Symptom Relief: Provides quick easing of migraine signs such as nausea and sensitivity to light.

When is Migraine Confirmed, and Medication Needed? 

Migraine is identified when patients have repeated, strong headaches along with nausea, light sensitivity, and aura symptoms.

A detailed medical check is needed to rule out other problems and confirm that these episodes are migraines. Medication is required when headaches become very bad, disturb daily life, and basic painkillers do not help. Targeted treatments like Maxalt are prescribed once a clear migraine diagnosis is made through medical assessment. Suitable medication eases symptoms quickly, allowing patients to resume normal activities and improve quality of life.

Physical causes of Migraine:

• Physical causes of migraine include changes in blood vessel widening and narrowing, often caused by hormonal changes, which can lead to the start of migraine episodes.
• Inflammation in the nerves and blood vessels and unusual nerve signals in the brain greatly add to migraine development, causing strong pain and sensory problems.
• Physical stressors such as lack of sleep, dehydration, and food triggers can disturb normal brain function and trigger a migraine attack.
  
  

Psychological causes of Migraine:

Emotional stress and anxiety can raise the chance of migraine by changing brain chemicals and increasing muscle tension.
Depression and ongoing mental stress may trigger migraines by disturbing sleep patterns and upsetting the brain's balance.

Symptoms of Migraine: 

• Strong pulsating head pain
• Feeling sick and sensitivity to sound
• Seeing an aura and sensitivity to light
  
  

 If your migraine symptoms persist for several weeks, it is vital to seek professional medical advice. 

Medical practitioners will diagnose your condition by reviewing your medical history and discussing your symptoms in detail. Based on the underlying causes, treatment options may include prescribed medication like Maxalt to ease migraine pain and related symptoms. Depending on your individual needs, extra prescribed medication or therapies might also be recommended. It is essential to consult with your healthcare provider to determine the best treatment plan for effectively managing your migraines.

Can Maxalt 10mg Be Purchased Over the Counter? 

Maxalt 10mg is a prescription-only medicine in the UK and cannot be bought without a prescription. A qualified healthcare professional must check your migraine symptoms and medical history before prescribing it. 

This rule ensures the safe and proper use of Maxalt 10mg while lowering potential side effects and interactions with other treatments. Always consult your GP to see if Maxalt 10mg is right for you and to get a proper prescription for its use without delay.

Alternative Medications 

When regular treatments may not work for everyone, other prescribed medications offer various options for migraine relief. Consider these choices as effective options tailored to different patient needs and preferences.

Sumatriptan: Sumatriptan is a well-known triptan prescribed medication that treats migraine attacks by narrowing widened blood vessels in the brain, easing pain and related symptoms such as nausea and sensitivity. It gives fast relief and is available in tablet and injection forms with proven results.

Zolmitriptan: Zolmitriptan is a selective triptan that quickly eases migraine symptoms by narrowing blood vessels and blocking pain signals. Its fast action and oral dissolving forms make it a popular alternative for patients who want quick relief and ease during acute migraine episodes with steady performance.

Naratriptan: Naratriptan is a mild triptan known for its longer lasting effect, making it ideal for managing long migraine attacks. It provides slow but steady relief, reducing headache strength and related discomfort, and is particularly suited for patients who experience migraine symptoms throughout the day.

If you're unsure which treatment is best for you, consult your dedicated 123Meds prescriber for personalised advice and expert guidance.

How to Take Maxalt? 

Timing: Take Maxalt as soon as migraine symptoms begin.

Dosage: Maxalt is taken at the start of a migraine attack. The recommended adult dose is 10mg, taken orally with a full glass of water. If your symptoms do not improve within two hours, a second dose may be taken. Do not exceed 30mg in a 24-hour period. For patients with certain health issues or those on specific medications, your prescriber may suggest a lower dose, usually 5mg. Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions, and consult your prescriber if you have any questions about dosage adjustments or concerns about side effects. Ensure you stick strictly to all prescribed dosage guidelines provided.

With Food: Maxalt can be taken with or without food; however, taking it on an empty stomach may boost its effectiveness. Eating a large meal just before or after may slow its absorption rate and delay the start of migraine relief considerably.

Avoid Consumption: After taking Maxalt, avoid drinking alcohol, caffeinated beverages, and eating high-fat meals, as they may slow down drug absorption and worsen side effects. Also, refrain from taking any extra migraine medications without first consulting your prescriber immediately.

If you missed a dose of Maxalt, do not take extra medication to make up for it. Simply resume your normal schedule and consult your healthcare provider if symptoms continue.

Maxalt contains both active and inactive ingredients that work together to give the desired effects.

Active Ingredient:

The active ingredient in Maxalt is Rizatriptan Benzoate, which works by narrowing blood vessels in the brain to ease migraine pain, reducing symptoms like nausea and sensitivity to light.

Inactive Ingredients:

Inactive ingredients such as lactose, microcrystalline cellulose, croscarmellose sodium, and magnesium stearate help form the tablet, keep it stable, and aid absorption.

Always read the patient information leaflet (PIL) in your pack for the complete list of ingredients, and to check for any you might be allergic to.

Maxalt has been known to sometimes produce different effects for different people. Always watch your overall wellbeing and consult your prescriber if you notice any changes after using this medication.

Common Side Effects: 

Dizziness: You may feel dizzy or unsteady during a migraine episode.
Sleepiness: Some people report feeling very drowsy or tired.
Tingling Sensations: You might feel numb or get a pins-and-needles sensation.
Headache: Sometimes a light headache may continue or come on.
Chest Discomfort: Some individuals feel a slight tightness in the chest area.
Flushing: Your face may turn red for a short time.
Nausea: An upset stomach might come with the migraine.
Dry Mouth: A decrease in saliva can make your mouth feel dry.

Less Common but Serious Side Effects: 

Heart Complications: In rare cases, Maxalt may trigger serious heart events such as a heart attack or stroke, especially in patients with existing heart problems.
Serotonin Syndrome: Although uncommon, Maxalt can lead to serotonin syndrome, a dangerous condition marked by high fever, fast heartbeat, and strong agitation.
Severe Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may have serious allergic reactions to Maxalt, including swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, which require immediate medical help.

If you experience severe or ongoing side effects like strong chest pain, sudden vision changes, or unusual neurological signs, please seek immediate help from your GP, NHS111, or A&E to avoid complications. Do not ignore these worrying signs, as they may signal serious issues that need quick treatment.

Before starting Maxalt, please ensure you have declared all your pre-existing conditions to us so your prescriber can choose the most suitable treatment and dosage for you.