Treatment with Rizatriptan, also known as Maxalt

Effect

Rizatriptan is specifically developed to treat migraine attacks. It works in the brain by inhibiting the release of certain neurotransmitters and constricting blood vessels.

60-80% of patients with migraines experience relief from their attacks. In 30-40% of cases, the headache may return after a few hours. In such instances, the treatment can be repeated after a minimum of 2 hours.

Side effects

The most common side effects are chest tightness, palpitations, fatigue, nausea, muscle soreness, and a feeling of warmth in the body.

Precautions

Rizatriptan must not be used if you have previously had a stroke or heart attack, or if you have very high blood pressure.

Rizatriptan should be taken no more than twice a day and a maximum of 9 days per month to avoid medication-overuse headache.

What dosage should you take

Rizatriptan is available in several different formulations:

Tablets 5 or 10 mg

Orally disintegrating tablets 5 or 10 mg

lyophilized tablets 10 mg

It is important to take Rizatriptan as early as possible during a migraine attack to achieve the best effect. However, if you have migraine with aura, you should wait until the aura has ended. 

If there is some, but not sufficient, effect from the first dose, the treatment can be repeated, provided that at least 2 hours have passed.