Description

Maxalt (Rizatriptan) 10mg

Maxalt (Rizatriptan) 10 mg is a prescription medication used to treat migraines. It belongs to a class of drugs called triptans, which are designed to relieve migraine symptoms once they’ve started—but not to prevent them.

Quick Facts

• Generic name: Rizatriptan benzoate

• Brand name: Maxalt

• Strength: 10 mg (also available in 5 mg)

• Form: Tablet or orally disintegrating tablet (Maxalt-MLT)

• Drug class: Triptan (selective serotonin receptor agonist)

How It Works

Maxalt activates serotonin (5-HT1B/1D) receptors in the brain. This causes:

• Vasoconstriction of dilated blood vessels in the brain

• Blocking of pain pathways

• Reduction of inflammation in the nervous system

📋 What It Treats

• Acute treatment of migraine attacks (with or without aura)

• For adults and children ≥6 years (depending on country guidelines)

• Not meant for cluster headaches or other types of head pain

How to Take It

• Dose: 10 mg at the onset of migraine

• If symptoms return, you can take another 10 mg after 2 hours

• Max dose per day: 30 mg

• Works best if taken early in the migraine attack

Maxalt-MLT dissolves on the tongue—ideal for those who feel nauseated during migraines and can’t swallow pills.

Common Side Effects

• Dizziness

• Drowsiness

• Fatigue

• Chest tightness (mild, non-cardiac)

• Dry mouth

Serious Risks

• Serotonin syndrome (especially if taken with SSRIs, SNRIs, or MAO inhibitors)

• Heart attack or stroke (rare, more likely if you have risk factors)

• Overuse headache (if used too frequently)

Avoid If You Have:

• History of heart disease, stroke, or uncontrolled high blood pressure

• Basilar-type or hemiplegic migraine

• Are using MAO inhibitors or recently stopped taking one

• Known allergy to rizatriptan

Summary

Maxalt 10 mg is a fast-acting, effective treatment for migraine attacks that helps reduce pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light/sound. It’s not a painkiller in the usual sense but specifically targets the mechanisms behind migraine.