What is Maxalt Melt? 

Maxalt Melt 10 mg orodispersible tablets are a prescription-only medicine used for the sudden treatment of migraine attacks, with or without aura, in adults. Each tablet contains rizatriptan benzoate, which is a type of medicine called a triptan. It works by reducing the size of blood vessels in the brain that are thought to cause migraine pain and related symptoms.

Maxalt Melt is made to dissolve on the tongue without water, making it especially helpful for those who feel sick during migraine attacks. It should be taken as soon as a migraine starts and is not meant to stop future migraines.

What is Maxalt Melt Used For? 

Sudden Treatment of Migraine Attacks: Maxalt Melt is prescribed to treat the headache stage of sudden migraine attacks in adults, with or without aura.
Relief from Related Migraine Symptoms: It helps ease common migraine signs such as feeling sick, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.
Suitable for Quick and Easy Use: Because it dissolves on the tongue, it is very useful for migraine sufferers who feel sick or have trouble swallowing during an attack, giving fast relief without needing water.

At 123Meds, we supply Maxalt Melt only for treating sudden migraine attacks. If you are thinking of using Maxalt Melt for any other medical reason, we recommend speaking to your general practitioner to see if it is the right treatment for you.

How Maxalt Melt Works 

Maxalt Melt contains rizatriptan, a type of medicine called a triptan, used to ease migraine attacks. It works by fixing the changes in the brain’s blood vessels that cause migraine symptoms.

Mechanism of Action: 

Makes Widened Blood Vessels Smaller: Rizatriptan works on serotonin (5-HT₁B/₁D) receptors in the brain. This makes the blood vessels around the brain that have widened get smaller, which helps reduce migraine pain.
Stops Pain Signals: It stops chemicals that carry pain messages in the brain, lowering headache strength and related symptoms.
Reduces Nerve Swelling: Maxalt Melt helps lessen the swelling of nerves around the brain’s blood vessels, which adds to easing migraine pain.

When is Migraine Attack Confirmed, and Medication Needed? 

A migraine attack is usually confirmed when someone has a moderate to severe headache, often on one side of the head, with signs like feeling sick, being sick, or sensitivity to light and sound. 

Some people may notice warning signs, called an aura, which can include sight problems or tingling feelings. Medicine like Maxalt Melt is usually needed when these signs start to get in the way of everyday activities or get worse. It should be taken at the first sign of a migraine for the best relief.

Physical causes of Migraine: 

Hormonal Changes: Changes in hormone levels, especially oestrogen, can cause migraines in some people around menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause.
Irregular Sleep Patterns: Lack of sleep or too much sleep can lead to migraine attacks in sufferers.
Dietary Triggers: Some foods and drinks, such as mature cheese, chocolate, and caffeinated drinks, can also cause migraines.

Psychological causes of Migraine: 

Stress and Anxiety: High levels of emotional stress or ongoing anxiety can increase the chance of migraine attacks.
Mental Fatigue: Long mental strain or overwork can act as a psychological trigger for migraines.

Symptoms of Migraine: 

Severe headache pain: Often throbbing, on one side.
Nausea and vomiting: Occurs with many migraine attacks.
Sensitivity to light and sound: Discomfort worsens with bright lights.

If migraine symptoms continue for weeks or worsen, it is important to seek medical advice.

A prescriber or physician will identify the condition based on your medical history and symptoms. Depending on the main cause, treatment options may include prescribed medication such as Maxalt Melt to ease migraine attacks. Other treatments or therapies may also be suggested based on individual requirements. It is vital to speak with a medical practitioner to choose the most suitable and effective treatment plan.

Can Maxalt Melt 10mg orodispersible tablets Be Purchased Over the Counter? 

No, in the UK, Maxalt Melt 10 mg orodispersible tablets cannot be bought without a prescription. They are only available on prescription and must be obtained with a valid prescription from a prescriber or medical practitioner.

To get Maxalt Melt, you need a medical check-up, either face-to-face with your general practitioner or through an approved online service. Once you have a prescription, you can collect the medicine from a registered pharmacy. It is important to speak to a medical practitioner to check if Maxalt Melt is the right treatment for you.

Alternative Medications 

Alternative medicines may be used if Maxalt Melt is unsuitable, ineffective, or not tolerated. These options include other triptans and non-triptan therapies, each with its own time to work and possible side effects.

Sumatriptan (Imigran): Sumatriptan is a common triptan available as tablets, a nasal spray, or an injection. It targets 5-HT₁B/₁D receptors to relieve migraine pain within two hours. Imigran is often chosen for its different forms, allowing people to pick the most convenient way based on symptom severity and tolerance.
Zolmitriptan (Zomig): Zolmitriptan is also another triptan available as tablets or orodispersible wafers. It usually provides relief within one to two hours and may be preferred by those who feel sick, as the wafer melts on the tongue without water. Zomig’s quick absorption can be helpful when migraines develop rapidly.
Naproxen (Naprosyn): Naproxen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicine (NSAID) used to ease mild to moderate migraine pain and reduce inflammation. It is available over the counter or by prescription and is often used in combination with triptans. Naproxen may help people who need anti-inflammatory action alongside pain relief.

If you are unsure about which treatment is best for you, please speak to your 123Meds prescriber for personalised advice and guidance.

How to Take Maxalt Melt? 

Timing: Take Maxalt Melt as soon as you notice migraine symptoms for the most effective relief.

Dosage: Adults should take one 10 mg orodispersible tablet of Maxalt Melt at the start of migraine symptoms. If symptoms continue or come back, a second 10 mg tablet may be taken at least two hours after the first dose. Do not take more than three 10 mg tablets (30 mg) in 24 hours. Maxalt Melt is not meant for under-18s or for regular migraine prevention. For people over 65 or those with mild to moderate liver problems, a lower dose of 5 mg may be considered based on clinical judgement. Always follow your prescriber’s instructions and do not change the dose yourself to avoid overdose.

With Food: Taking Maxalt Melt with food may slow its absorption and make it less effective. For best relief, it’s usually advised to take the tablet on an empty stomach or at least one hour before or two hours after meals to ensure it works quickly.

Avoid Alcohol: Drinking alcohol while taking Maxalt Melt may trigger migraines and increase the chance of side effects such as dizziness or drowsiness. It’s sensible to avoid alcohol when you take this prescribed medication to prevent reduced effect and increased adverse reactions.

If you missed a dose of Maxalt Melt, do not take an extra dose to make up for it. Instead, wait until the next migraine attack to take the medication if needed.

Maxalt Melt includes both active and inactive ingredients that work together to ease migraine symptoms.

Active Ingredient:

The active ingredient in Maxalt Melt is rizatriptan benzoate, which works by making the blood vessels in the brain narrower and reducing swelling, helping to ease migraine pain and related symptoms.

Inactive Ingredients:

Inactive ingredients such as aspartame, mannitol, and povidone help to form the tablet, keep it stable, and let it dissolve quickly on the tongue.

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.

Like all prescribed medications, Maxalt Melt may cause side effects, although not everyone will have them. It is important to be aware of possible reactions and seek help from a medical practitioner if you have any worries.

Common Side Effects: 

Dizziness: Feeling light-headed or unsteady may happen, particularly when standing up fast.
Drowsiness: Some people feel extra sleepy or tired after taking the prescribed medication.
Dry Mouth: A dry sensation in the mouth is often reported.
Nausea: Mild sickness or an upset stomach can occur after taking the dose.
Fatigue: Feeling unusually weak or tired is frequently reported.
Flushing: Reddening or warmth of the skin, especially on the face and neck, may happen.
Chest Tightness: A slight feeling of pressure or heaviness in the chest can be experienced.
Tingling or Numbness: Some users report pins and needles or numbness, especially in the hands or feet.

Less Common but Serious Side Effects: 

Severe Allergic Reaction: Signs include swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or difficulty breathing, and need immediate medical help.
Chest Pain or Abnormal Heartbeat: If you have severe chest discomfort or an odd heartbeat, seek urgent medical assistance.
Persistent or Severe Headache: A headache that gets worse or lasts longer than normal after taking Maxalt Melt should be checked by a medical practitioner.

If you experience severe or ongoing side effects such as chest pain, sudden vision changes, or intense dizziness, you should seek immediate medical help from your general practitioner, NHS111, or A&E to prevent complications. Do not ignore strange or worrying symptoms, as these may be medical emergencies needing prompt attention.

Before starting Maxalt Melt, please make sure you have told your prescriber about any existing medical conditions so they can decide on the most suitable treatment and dosage for you.