Treat Migraines With Maxalt Melt
Buy your Maxalt Melt treatment* online in a few simple steps, without having to see your doctor. Our virtual care service connects you to highly trained clinicians who can assess your health needs and safely prescribe your treatment.
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MEDICAL INFORMATION
Maxalt Melt Key Facts
About Maxalt
Maxalt contains rizatriptan benzoate, a selective serotonin receptor agonist (triptan) as its active ingredient. It is thought to work by reversing the widening of blood vessels in the brain, helping to ease the symptoms of migraine. Maxalt is most effective when used at the start of a migraine attack.
Maxalt is available with a prescription only as the generic rizatriptan or under the brand name Maxalt. NowPatient offers rizatriptan or Maxalt as treatments for migraines only, following an online consultation with a prescribing clinician.
Key facts of Maxalt
- For the treatment of migraine attacks
- Maxalt has some common side effects which include drowsiness and nausea
- It can be dangerous if you take Maxalt with certain medications. If you’re not sure if it is safe, discuss this with the prescribing clinician
Who is Maxalt not suitable for?
Maxalt may not be suitable for some people. To make sure it’s safe for you, speak to the prescribing clinician before taking Maxalt if you:
- Have ever had an allergic reaction to rizatriptan
- Have had a heart attack, stroke, angina, high blood pressure, heart disease or any other heart problems
- Have liver disease
- Are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) antidepressants
- Are taking other triptan medicines
- Are taking other migraine treatments, such as ergotamine or its derivatives, methysergide
- Have a history of epilepsy
- Are taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI), serotonin noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) antidepressants, or St. John’s wort
How and where to get Maxalt?
You can buy Maxalt Melt safely and securely from NowPatient. You can start a consultation today for free and if you qualify for treatment, you only pay for the cost of the medication. Delivery is made to your home or office from our registered pharmacy.
Our service is certified, safe and effective, and we only ever treat conditions. If you book a consultation with a prescribing clinician for the treatment of migraines, you can discuss if Maxalt is a suitable treatment option for you.
At the end of the consultation, the clinician will decide if a treatment plan is suitable for you. If it is, the clinician will issue you with a prescription which can then be ordered, paid for and delivered directly to your chosen address by NowPatient.
Dosage and strength for Maxalt for migraines
Maxalt is available as tablets and wafer (disintegrating) tablets when used for migraine attacks. It is available in strengths ranging from 5 mg to 10 mg tablets.
Information about how to take Maxalt for migraines
Maxalt tablets are taken orally with or without food when migraines first appear. They should not be taken when you experience aura symptoms such as tingling, dizziness, or issues with your vision. Do not take more than 30 mg of Maxalt in a 24-hour period. Also, if you do not respond to the first dose, do not take a second dose.
Maxalt can be prescribed when pain killers or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as naproxen, have not been effective. It can also be used in combination with NSAIDs to treat migraine headaches.
Read the patient information leaflet supplied with your medication or speak to a healthcare professional for medical advice.
What happens if you take too much Maxalt?
If you take more than prescribed, then it can lead to some unpleasant side effects. You should talk to your doctor or reach out to one of our prescribing clinicians, if you have taken too much Maxalt and you experience any of the following side effects:
What are the side effects of Maxalt?
Side effects of Maxalt Melt are split into common and serious.
Common side effects include:
- Drowsiness
- Chest pain
- Tingling sensations
- Nosebleed
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dry mouth
- Tiredness
- Dizziness
- Hot flushes
- Shortness of breath
If you experience any serious side effects, you should contact NHS 111.
If you experience a serious allergic reaction with the signs shown below you should contact emergency services on 999.
- Your lips, mouth, throat or tongue suddenly become swollen
- You’re breathing very fast or struggling to breathe (you may become very wheezy or feel like you’re choking or gasping for air)
- Your throat feels tight or you’re struggling to swallow
- Your skin, tongue or lips turn blue, grey or pale (if you have black or brown skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet)
- You suddenly become very confused, drowsy or dizzy
- Someone faints and cannot be woken up
Information about taking Maxalt at the same time as other medications or herbal supplements
There is not enough evidence to suggest there are any drug interactions between herbal supplements and Maxalt. In any event, you should let your prescribing clinician know if you are taking any herbal supplements or other medicinal products, such as almotriptan, eletriptan, naratriptan, sumatriptan, or zolmitriptan, ergot-type medications such as bromocriptine, dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, or methysergide, or monoamine oxidase/MAO inhibitors such as linezolid, phenelzine or tranylcypromine.
Can Maxalt taken for migraines be taken long term?
You should not use Maxalt too often. Speak to your doctor if your migraine does not go away, or if you have migraines or cluster headaches on a regular basis.
Is there a herbal Maxalt?
No. Herbal Maxalt does not exist. If you have been marketed such a formulation, it may be fake.
Can women use Maxalt?
Women can take Maxalt for the treatment of migraine attacks. However it is important to not breastfeed your baby within 12 hours after taking a Maxalt dose. Speak to your doctor if you are breastfeeding or suspect you are pregnant, before taking Maxalt.
Should I avoid any particular food or drink when taking Maxalt?
You can eat and drink normally when taking Maxalt, but you should avoid alcohol during a migraine attack.
What lifestyle changes can I make to help me with migraines?
- Maintain regular sleep patterns
- Exercise
- Eat regular healthy meals
- Reduce your stress
- Avoiding triggers
Alternatives to Maxalt
Alternatives for the treatment of migraines include other triptans such as zolmitriptan, sumatriptan, naratriptan and almotriptan, or painkillers such as paracetamol, aspirin, or ibuprofen.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
NowPatient has taken all reasonable steps to ensure that all material is factually accurate, complete, and current. However, the knowledge and experience of a qualified healthcare professional should always be sought after instead of using the information on this page. Before taking any drug, you should always speak to your doctor or another qualified healthcare provider.
The information provided here about medications is subject to change and is not meant to include all uses, precautions, warnings, directions, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or negative effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a particular medication does not imply that the medication or medication combination is appropriate for all patients or for all possible purposes.
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FAQs
Answers to Popular Questions About Maxalt Melt
What is Maxalt Melt?
Maxalt Melt is a branded migraine treatment containing rizatriptan 10 mg in an orodispersible (melt-in-the-mouth) wafer formulation. The wafer dissolves on the tongue without water, making it particularly convenient during migraine attacks when nausea may make swallowing tablets difficult. Maxalt is manufactured by Merck (MSD). Rizatriptan is one of the fastest-acting triptans available.
How does Maxalt Melt work?
Rizatriptan is a selective serotonin (5-HT1B/1D) receptor agonist. It works by constricting dilated blood vessels around the brain, inhibiting the release of inflammatory neuropeptides, and blocking pain signal transmission in the trigeminal nerve pathways. This reverses the vascular and neurological changes responsible for migraine headache, nausea, and light/sound sensitivity.
How quickly does Maxalt Melt work?
Rizatriptan has one of the fastest onset times among oral triptans. The orodispersible wafer is absorbed through the oral mucosa and reaches peak plasma levels in about 1–1.5 hours. Many patients notice relief within 30–45 minutes. The melt formulation is absorbed slightly slower than the standard tablet but offers the convenience of not needing water.
How do I take Maxalt Melt?
Place one Maxalt Melt wafer on your tongue and allow it to dissolve — do not chew or swallow whole. No water is needed. Take it as early as possible during a migraine attack. If the migraine returns after initial relief, a second dose may be taken after at least 2 hours. Do not take more than 2 doses (20 mg) in 24 hours. If the first dose provides no relief at all, do not take a second dose for the same attack.
What are the side effects of Maxalt Melt?
Common side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, tingling, warm sensations, chest tightness, dry mouth, and nausea. These are typical triptan effects and usually resolve within 1–2 hours. Do not take rizatriptan within 24 hours of another triptan. Chest tightness is usually benign ‘triptan sensation’ but seek medical advice if severe.
Can I take Maxalt Melt with propranolol?
If you take propranolol for migraine prevention, you should use a reduced dose of rizatriptan (5 mg instead of 10 mg), as propranolol increases rizatriptan blood levels. Your prescriber should be aware of this interaction. This interaction is specific to propranolol and does not apply to other beta-blockers.
How can I get Maxalt Melt?
Maxalt Melt requires a prescription and is available from your GP or through NowPatient. Generic rizatriptan orodispersible tablets are also available at lower cost. NowPatient offers online consultations and home delivery.
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