What Is Maxalt Melt?
Maxalt Melt belongs to a class of medicines called selective serotonin 5-HT1B/1D receptor agonists. Maxalt Melt contains the active ingredient rizatriptan which is a type of triptan medication used for treating migraines. Maxalt Melt is used to treat the headache phase of the migraine attack in adults.
How does Maxalt Melt Work?
Maxalt Melt works by stimulating receptors called serotonin (or 5HT) receptors that are found in the brain, which causes the blood vessels in the brain to contract. The narrowing of the blood vessels reverses the widening, which is thought to be one of the causes of migraines.
When should I take Maxalt Melt?
Maxalt Melt (Rizatriptan) should be used when simple analgesics such as paracetamol, aspirin, ibuprofen or these simple analgesics combined with codeine are not effective. Maxalt Melt can be used by people who experience less than 10 episodes of migraine each month. Maxalt Melt should be taken at the beginning of a migraine, but it should not be taken to prevent a migraine, rather only to treat one.
How do I take Maxalt Melt?
It does not matter if you take Maxalt Melt with or without food. Maxalt Melt (Rizatriptan lyophilisate) melts in the mouth so doesn’t need to be taken with water. One dose of Maxalt Melt should be taken at the beginning of migraine onset. If you experience an aura (visual disturbance), wait until this is over before taking Maxalt Melt.
If after 2 hours your migraine is not completely better, or has come back, you can take another tablet. Do not take more than 20mg Maxalt Melt in 24 hours.
You should only take a second dose if the first dose was at least somewhat effective, but it did not completely relieve your migraine symptoms or your headache came back. You should not take a second Maxalt Melt dose if the first dose did not work, but you can try taking Maxalt Melt again for a future migraine.
Will I experience any side effects when I take Maxalt Melt (Rizatriptan)?
There is the potential for all medications to cause side effects. However, the particular side effects experienced will vary from person to person. Maxalt Melt is safe and effective for the majority of people who are eligible for treatment with it. Some common side effects that may be associated with Maxalt Melt can include nausea, vomiting, tiredness/drowsiness, or dizziness. If you have any concerns about side effects, please talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
What is an Overuse headache and what should I do?
A medication overuse headache, or a rebound headache, can be caused by the overuse of the drugs used to treat migraines. This is why it is very important that you speak to your doctor if you need to take more than 10 doses of Maxalt Melt tablets in a month. Your doctor may instead need to discuss prescribing you preventative medication that you can take regularly to help prevent migraines.
What is a Migraine?
A migraine is a common condition, which affects millions of people across the UK. A migraine is characterized by a severe throbbing headache. Pain is usually felt at the front or side of the head. Approximately 20% of women and 7% of men experience migraines.
Side Effects
Like any medicines, Imigran can cause side effects, but not everybody may experience them. Some symptoms may be caused by the migraine itself.
Common side effects of Imigran include pain, heaviness, pressure or tightness in the chest, throat or other parts of the body, or unusual sensations, including numbness, tingling and warmth or cold. These effects may be intense but generally pass quickly. Some people also experience nausea, dry mouth and drowsiness. These side effects are usually mild and improve on their own.
Alternatives
Pain-Killers
Over the counter pain-killers such as paracetamol, aspirin or nurofen may help to reduce the symptoms of migraines. They are most effective when taken as soon as the migraine starts.
Triptans
Triptans are medications that can help to reverse the changes in the brain that may cause migraines.
