Maxalt Medication - Uses & Side Effects

Generic Name: Rizatriptan benzoate

RIZATRIPTAN (Maxalt®) helps to relieve a migraine attack that starts with or without aura. Generic rizatriptan tablets are not yet available. Rizatriptan is a headache medicine. It works by narrowing the blood vessels around the brain. It also reduces substances in the body that can trigger headache pain, nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and other migraine symptoms.

Maxalt Dosage

The usual dose of Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT is one 5- or 10-milligram tablet. Doses should be spaced at least 2 hours apart. You should not take dosage more than 30 milligrams a day.

Uses of Maxalt

• This medication is used to treat acute migraine attacks.
• Rizatriptan may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Side Effects of Maxalt

If you are taking this medication, then discuss the side effects with your doctor. If you feel any change in intensity, then you should tell your doctor. Because only your doctor can determine if it is safe to continue using Maxalt. Side effects may include:

• Chest pain
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• dry mouth
• fatigue
• nausea
• pain
• tingling skin
• weakness

Warnings and precautions before taking Maxalt:

• Drinking alcoholic beverages can make headaches worse or it may also cause new headaches to occur. People who suffer from severe headaches should probably avoid alcoholic beverages, especially during a headache.
• Some people feel drowsy or dizzy during or after a migraine, or after taking rizatriptan to relieve a migraine. If you are feeling drowsy or dizzy, then do not drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy or are not alert.
• Before taking rizatriptan, you should tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other "triptan" migraine drugs; or if you have any other allergies.
• You should tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have risk factors for heart disease including such as high cholesterol level, high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking history, family history of heart disease or stroke, obesity.

Drug Interaction :-

If you are taking certain drugs with Maxalt, then it may decreased, increased or altered the effects of Maxalt medicine. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Maxalt with the following:

• Fluoxetine (Prozac)
  
• Fluvoxamine (Luvox)
  
• Paroxetine (Paxil)
  
• Propranolol (Inderal)
  
• Sertraline (Zoloft)

Overdose

When you are taking Maxalt, and you feel that overdose is suspected then contact your doctor immediately. Symptoms of an Maxalt overdose may include:-

• Dizziness
• fainting
• heart and blood vessel problems
• high blood pressure
• loss of bowel and bladder control
• slow heartbeat
• vomiting