Maxalt

(Rizatriptan)

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3.8/ 5 average rating with 26 reviewsforMaxalt
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Treats migraine headaches.

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Our bottom line

Maxalt (Rizatriptan) is great for relieving short migraines, but doesn't work as well for long-lasting headaches.

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Quick facts about Maxalt
  • Drug class: Neurology
  • Rx status: Prescription only
  • Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (rizatriptan)

Upsides

  • Triptans like Maxalt (Rizatriptan) are considered the first-choice treatment to relieve moderate to severe migraine-type headaches.
  • It can also be used to treat tension-type headaches.
  • Not all triptans work the same way for people, so you can try multiple ones to find the right medication for you.
  • You don't need to drink water with the orally disintegrating tablet for it to work, so this could be a good medication for people who can't keep water down when they have a migraine.
People’s experience with Maxalt

26reviews so far. What do you think?

Downsides

  • Maxalt (Rizatriptan) doesn’t prevent migraines or tension headaches, but only works once the headache starts.
  • It can cause rebound headaches if it’s used too often.
  • You need to wait at least 2 hours after your first dose to take a second dose.
  • May not be the best choice if you have long, drawn-out headaches. Ask your doctor about other triptans that can last longer than Maxalt (Rizatriptan).
  • Not a good choice if you have heart disease or if you’re pregnant or breast-feeding.
How it works

Maxalt (Rizatriptan) is a triptan medication that treats migraine headaches. It releases serotonin, which lowers the inflammation that causes headaches.

Quick facts about Maxalt
  • Drug class: Neurology
  • Rx status: Prescription only
  • Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (rizatriptan)

Used for

Dosage forms

  • Pill
  • Dissolving tablet
People’s experience with Maxalt

26reviews so far. What do you think?

Prices and coupons

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Side effect rates for Maxalt (Rizatriptan)

0 reports
These are side effects of Maxalt (Rizatriptan) reported to the FDA by people taking it, and by doctors and pharmacists.
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Risks and Warnings for Maxalt (Rizatriptan)

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    • Higher risk if:
    • › History of heart problems
    • › High blood pressure
    • › High cholesterol
    • › Diabetes
    • › Being overweight or obese
    • › Smoking

    Some people taking Maxalt (Rizatriptan) have reported temporary chest pain, pressure, and tightness. These symptoms are caused by heart vessels being constricted/tightened. Before starting Maxalt (Rizatriptan), people who have coronary artery disease, or are more likely to have it, should talk to their doctor about having a heart health assessment.

Pharmacist Q&A

Maxalt (Rizatriptan) questions for

Frequently Asked Questions

This medication treats migraine attacks in adults.

Who is this drug for?

This medication treats migraine attacks in adults.

Common concerns from people taking Maxalt (Rizatriptan)

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Pregnancy

Research studies with animals found harmful effects on unborn babies. It hasn’t been properly studied in humans. The benefits might outweigh the risks even if you’re pregnant. Talk with your doctor.

See the FDA package insertSee pregnancy safe medications
Tip: Always talk with your doctor before you take any medication while pregnant.
FDA pregnancy category for Maxalt
CWeigh risks vs. benefits
Pain
  • Worth it
    Worked well
    Low hassle
    Reviewed Maxaltwish i started taking it sooner and saved myself years of pain.
    38
    Woman
    Just as needed
Sleep
  • Worth it
    Didn’t work
    Low hassle
    Reviewed MaxaltI took it for migraine every time the attack came. It made me relatively sleepy, so i usually went to bed for an hour or so. After waking up usually i felt much, much better. Besides feeling sleepy, i also felt increased heart rate.
    34
    Woman