Maxalt (Rizatriptan)

• Take it at the first sign of a migraine, as directed by your healthcare provider. It can be taken with or without food, but may work faster on an empty stomach.
• Dosage depends on your health, age, and other medications. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider about all your medications (prescription, non-prescription, and herbal).
• If Maxalt Doesn't Work Completely, don't take extra doses without consulting your healthcare provider. Adults can take a second dose 2 hours after the first if symptoms improve partially or return. Children should only take one dose (5mg) in 24 hours. The maximum daily dosage for adults is 30mg (US) or 20mg (Canada).
• If you have a high risk of heart problems, your healthcare provider may perform a heart exam before prescribing Maxalt. They might also want to monitor you during the first dose.
• Overuse of migraine medication (more than 10 days per month) can actually worsen headaches. Talk to your healthcare provider if you feel you need to use Maxalt more often or if it's not as effective as before.

Common side effects may include:

• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Fatigue
• Pain or pressure in the throat or chest

Serious side effects that require immediate medical attention include:

• Signs of high levels of serotonin in the body, such as agitation, hallucinations, fever, fast heart rate, overactive reflexes, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of coordination, or fainting
• Signs of a stroke, such as sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body), sudden severe headache, slurred speech, or problems with vision or balance
• Dangerously high blood pressure, with symptoms such as severe headache, blurred vision, buzzing in the ears, anxiety, confusion, chest pain, shortness of breath, uneven heartbeats, or seizure

This is not an exhaustive list, and other side effects may occur. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking  Maxalt,  contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Be upfront with your healthcare provider about any allergies you have, including allergies to Rizatriptan (Maxalt) itself.

Discuss any pre-existing health conditions with your healthcare provider, especially:

• Blood circulation problems
• Specific migraine types (hemiplegic or basilar)
• Heart issues (chest pain, irregular heartbeat, prior heart attack)
• Liver disease
• History of seizures, stroke, or TIA (transient ischemic attack)

Inform your healthcare provider if any of these apply:

• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Family history of heart disease
• Being overweight or obese
• Smoking
• Postmenopausal women
• Men over 40 years old

Maxalt may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Avoid activities requiring alertness (driving, operating machinery) until the effects subside. Limit alcohol and discuss marijuana use with your healthcare provider.

Before any surgery, inform your healthcare provider or dentist about all medications you take (prescription, non-prescription, and herbal).

Older adults may experience stronger side effects, particularly high blood pressure and heart problems.

Maxalt should only be used during pregnancy if absolutely necessary. Discuss risks and benefits with your healthcare provider. It is unknown if Maxalt passes into breast milk. Consult your healthcare provider before breastfeeding.