Maxalt
(Rizatriptan)
Treats migraine headaches.
Our bottom line
Maxalt (Rizatriptan) is great for relieving short migraines, but doesn't work as well for long-lasting headaches.
- Price before coupon$27.83
- Lowest price with coupon$12.3856% savings
- 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.
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.
Maxalt (Rizatriptan) is a triptan medication that treats migraine headaches. It releases serotonin, which lowers the inflammation that causes headaches.
- Drug class: Neurology
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (rizatriptan)
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Dissolving tablet
Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.- Pay as low as$7.66Retail priceRetail priceLearn more
- CostcoGet free coupon$12.38
- Medicine ShoppeGet free coupon$12.38
- Get free coupon$15.36
Side effect rates for Maxalt (Rizatriptan)
- Source: FDA adverse event database
- We searched the FDA database for all the names this medicine may be known by:› rizatriptan› Maxalt
- Reports are often from people taking more than one drug. Their side effects might not be due to Maxalt at all.
- Percentages only tell you how common an issue is for people who actually make the effort to report side effects to the FDA, not for everyone.
- These reports are not confirmed or validated by doctors or the FDA.
Risks and Warnings for Maxalt (Rizatriptan)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.- 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
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this drug for?
This medication treats migraine attacks in adults.Common concerns from people taking Maxalt (Rizatriptan)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?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.
Tip: Always talk with your doctor before you take any medication while pregnant.- Worth itLow hassleReviewed Maxaltwish i started taking it sooner and saved myself years of pain.38WomanJust as needed
- Worth itLow hassleReviewed 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.34Woman