How fast does maxalt work

Maxalt works faster than most triptans, taking effect within two hours, so it is one of the preferred options to take after your migraine symptoms have already started. Because of its relatively fast onset of action, Maxalt may be the triptan of choice for you if you do not typically experience prodromal symptoms before your migraines begin.

Maxalt and other triptans are 5-HT serotonin receptor agonists, which means that they augment the effect of serotonin, a neurotransmitter. This neurotransmitter is involved in regulating mood and pain. Triptans also induce vasoconstriction narrowing of the blood vessels in the brain. Researchers are not sure whether the effects of triptans are related to the vasoconstriction, serotonin-mediated pain, mood receptor activation, or to another action altogether.

It is likely that a combination of these effects is at play. Maxalt is available in a tablet form, which can be swallowed, or as a disintegrating tablet, which dissolves on your tongue. The latter may be appealing if you have difficulty swallowing pills. The tablet and the disintegrating forms are both available in 5-milligram mg and mg doses. The recommended dose of Maxalt is:. Even though it is fast-acting, it is best to take Maxalt at the onset of a migraine so that you can avert the maximal pain and other symptoms of your migraine.

If you have a risk for heart problems, your doctor may perform a heart exam before you start taking Maxalt and you may need to take your first dose under medical supervision so you can be monitored for potentially serious side effects, such as chest pain. Maxalt has the same side effect profile as other triptans.

Common side effects include:. If you experience any of these, talk to your doctor or pharmacist for advice. Get urgent medical attention if any of the following more serious side effects occur within 48 hours of taking Maxalt:. Overuse of Maxalt can cause serious complications, including vascular ischemia, which is diminished blood supply. Severe and prolonged vasoconstriction can cause life-threatening ischemia anywhere in the body, potentially inducing a stroke, heart attack, or damage of the internal organs.

Maxalt, like other triptans, can also trigger medication withdrawal headaches , also described as medication overuse headaches or medication rebound headaches. Do not use more than 2 doses in any hour period.

Do not use this medicine for more than 10 days in any day period, unless your doctor tells you to. Keep the orally disintegrating tablet in the blister pack inside the outer foil pouch until you are ready to take the medicine. Make sure your hands are dry and peel open the blister to remove the tablet. Place the tablet on your tongue and let it dissolve.

You do not need to drink water to swallow the dissolved tablet. This medicine comes with a patient information leaflet. It is very important that you read and understand this information. Be sure to ask your doctor about anything you do not understand. The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label.

Migraine is a condition that typically causes a severe headache , along with other symptoms. These symptoms may include an aura, which is a group of unusual symptoms that can happen when a migraine episode starts.

For example, symptoms can include seeing flashes of light or having a sensation of pins and needles in your arms and legs. Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT have certain limitations of use. Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT contain the active drug rizatriptan benzoate.

They belong to a class of drugs called triptans. A class of drugs is a group of medications that work in a similar way. The drugs work to relieve migraine symptoms by reducing the swelling of blood vessels in your brain.

Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT are brand-name drugs that contain the active drug rizatriptan benzoate. This active drug is also available as a generic medication. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. The generic is considered to be as safe and effective as the original drug.

Generics tend to cost less than brand-name drugs. They can tell you if the generic comes in forms and strengths that can be used for your condition. Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT can cause mild or serious side effects. The following lists contain some of the key side effects that may occur while taking Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT. These lists do not include all possible side effects. For more information about the possible side effects of Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

They can give you tips on how to deal with any side effects that may be concerning or bothersome. Most of these side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks.

The list below includes serious side effects that have been reported with this drug. Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT are approved to treat migraine episodes that occur with or without an aura in children ages 6 years and older, as well as in adults. This was a common side effect in studies of the drugs. If you feel sleepy after taking Maxalt or Maxalt-MLT, make sure to avoid activities that require you to be alert, including driving.

And if you experience sleepiness that concerns you or interferes too much with your daily life, talk with your doctor.

They may suggest migraine treatments other than Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT that are less likely to cause sleepiness. But in serious cases, you might experience severe headache , chest pain , or confusion. If you have any of these symptoms while taking Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT, talk with your doctor right away.

Doing so can lead to serious problems, such as stroke. But when it occurs, this side effect can be fatal. But, there have been reports of allergic reactions to the drugs since they were approved. A more severe allergic reaction is rare but possible. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include:.

Call your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to Maxalt or Maxalt-MLT, as the reaction could become severe. These include:. Typically, your doctor will start you on a low dosage.

Your doctor will ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect. The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs. Maxalt comes as a tablet that you swallow.

Maxalt-MLT comes as a tablet that dissolves in your mouth. Both forms are available in one strength: 10 milligrams mg. Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT are approved to treat migraine episodes that occur with or without an aura. In adults, if migraine symptoms return, you can take a second dose at least 2 hours after the first dose. But, do not give a second dose to children. One kilogram is equal to about 2. The typical dose for children that weigh less than 40 kg about 88 lb is 5 mg.

Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT are medications that you take only as needed to treat a migraine episode. Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT are taken as needed when you have migraine episodes. However, since migraine tends to be a chronic long-term condition, you may take the drug over a long time period if you and your doctor determine that Maxalt or Maxalt-MLT is safe and effective for you. Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT may also be used off-label for other conditions.

Rizatriptan is used to ease the symptoms of migraine headaches. It works by releasing a chemical called serotonin, which causes the blood vessels around your brain to contract narrow.

This reverses the dilating widening of blood vessels that are believed to be part of the headache process. Rizatriptan belongs to a group of medicines called triptans. Rizatriptan only works when a migraine attack has already begun.

It will not prevent a migraine. Do not take it before your headache begins, or during the aura phase, as it may be less effective. Read more about migraine headaches. In New Zealand rizatriptan is available as tablets 10 mg.