Maxalt Melt

What is Maxalt Melt?

Maxalt Melt contains the medication Rizatriptan and are used to reduce the pain caused by a migraine. They are intended to be taken when the headache begins rather than as a preventative. They will not decrease the frequency at which you get migraines. 

Maxalt Melt are a class of medicine called selective serotonin 5-HT1B/1D receptor agonists. They work by reducing the pressure on the brain caused by blood vessels swelling, this is a common cause of migraine headaches. They are the same as Maxalt tablets except should be dissolved in the mouth rather than swallowed whole, this can be beneficial if you suffer with nausea or vomiting. Some patients also report they are slightly faster acting.

Maxalt Melt should be taken when a migraine begins and dissolved in the mouth, they should not be used as a preventative as taking too many Maxalt melts can in itself cause chronic headaches. Another dose can be taken 2 hours later if the pain has not subsided. It should be noted that if the first dose is ineffective it is unlikely that a second dose will help. Maxalt melts should only be used for diagnosed migraines rather than general or tension headaches. If the pain you experience during a migraine changes from what you have experienced before or if you have never experienced a migraine before contain your doctor for a check up.

Maxalt Melt can be bought online from a trusted online pharmacy such as e-Surgery. This will require a quick, 2 minute questionnaire and can be ordered to your door with free delivery. When buying medication online always buy from a trusted, reputable source.

Find some home remedies for migraines here.

How to take Maxalt Melt?

Maxalt Melt are used to treat migraine attacks. Place a Maxalt Melt on the tongue and let it dissolve as soon as possible after your migraine headache has started. Do not use it to prevent an attack. Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor has told you. 

Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure. The usual dose is 5-10 mg. If you are currently taking propranolol or have kidney or liver problems you should use the 5- mg dose of Maxalt Melt. You should leave at least 2 hours between taking propranolol and Maxalt melts. Do not take more than 2 doses in a 24-hour period. 

Maxalt melts can be used in situations in which liquids are not available, or to avoid nausea and vomiting that may accompany the ingestion of tablets with liquids.

What if I still have a migraine after taking Maxalt Melt?

If you do not respond to the first dose of Maxalt Melt during an attack, you should not take a second dose of Maxalt Melt for treatment of the same attack. It is still likely, however, that you will respond to Maxalt Melt during the next attack. Do not take more than 2 doses of Maxalt melts in a 24-hour period

In some patients, migraine symptoms can return within a 24-hour period. If your migraine does return you can take an additional dose of Maxalt Melt. You should always wait at least 2 hours between doses.

What is a migraine?

A migraine is usually a moderate or severe headache felt as a throbbing pain on 1 side of the head.

Many people also have symptoms such as feeling sick, being sick and increased sensitivity to light or sound.

Migraine is a common health condition, affecting around 1 in every 5 women and around 1 in every 15 men. They usually begin in early adulthood.

There are several types of migraine, including:

• migraine with aura – where there are specific warning signs just before the migraine begins, such as seeing flashing lights
• migraine without aura – the most common type, where the migraine happens without the specific warning signs
• migraine aura without headache, also known as silent migraine – where an aura or other migraine symptoms are experienced, but a headache does not develop

 

Some people have migraines frequently, up to several times a week. Other people only have a migraine occasionally. It’s possible for years to pass between migraine attacks.

What are the symptoms of a migraine?

The main symptom of a migraine is usually an intense headache on 1 side of the head.

The pain is usually a moderate or severe throbbing sensation that gets worse when you move and prevents you carrying out normal activities.

In some cases, the pain can occur on both sides of your head and may affect your face or neck.

Other symptoms commonly associated with a migraine include:

• feeling sick
• being sick
• increased sensitivity to light and sound, which is why many people with a migraine want to rest in a quiet, dark room

 

Some people also occasionally experience other symptoms, including:

• sweating
• poor concentration,
• feeling very hot or very cold
• tummy (abdominal) pain
• diarrhoea

 

Not everyone with a migraine experiences these additional symptoms and some people may experience them without having a headache. The symptoms of a migraine usually last between 4 hours and 3 days, although you may feel very tired for up to a week afterwards.

What causes a migraine?

The exact cause of migraines is unknown, although they’re thought to be the result of temporary changes in the chemicals, nerves and blood vessels in the brain. Around half of all people who experience migraines also have a close relative with the condition, suggesting that genes may play a role.

Some people find migraine attacks are associated with certain triggers, which can include:

• starting their period
• stress
• tiredness
• certain foods or drinks

Side effects of Maxalt Melt?

Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. The following side effects may happen with this medicine. In adult studies, the most common side effects reported were dizziness, sleepiness and tiredness. 

You can find a full list of side effects in the Maxalt Melt tablet patient information leaflet.

Common side effects include:

• tingling (paraesthesia)
• Headache
• decreased sensitivity of skin (hypoaesthesia)
• decreased mental sharpness
• Insomnia
• fast or irregular heartbeat (palpitation)
• flushing (redness of the face lasting a short time)
• throat discomfort
• feeling sick (nausea)
• dry mouth
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• indigestion (dyspepsia)
• feeling of heaviness in parts of the body, neck pain, stiffness pain in abdomen or chest

 

If you begin to show symptoms of an allergic reaction to Maxalt tablets such as rash, shortness of breath and anaphylaxis contact a doctor right away.

For more information refer to the Maxalt melt tablet patient information leaflet.

Interactions between Maxalt Melt and food/alcohol?

Maxalt Melt can take longer to work if it is taken after food. Although it is better to take it on an empty stomach, you can still take it if you have eaten.

Certain foods and alcohol can be migraine triggers, it is important to find out what your specific triggers are so that you can try to avoid them.

If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking this medicinal product.

Interaction between Maxalt Melt and other drugs?

Do not take Maxalt Melt if:

• you are already taking a 5-HT1B/1D agonist (sometimes referred to as ‘triptans’), such as sumatriptan, naratriptan or zolmitriptan
• if you are taking a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor such as moclobemide, phenelzine, tranylcypromine, linezolid, or pargyline
• if it has been less than two weeks since you stopped taking an MAO inhibitor. 
• if you use ergotamine-type medications such as ergotamine or dihydro-ergotamine to treat your migraine
• if you use methysergide to prevent a migraine attack

 

Consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking Maxalt tablets if:

• if you are taking propranolol
• if you are taking SSRIs such as sertraline, escitalopram oxalate, and fluoxetine or SNRIs such as venlafaxine, and duloxetine for depression. 

 

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription

Is there any reason I would not be able to take Maxalt Melt?

Do not take Maxalt Melt if:  

• you are allergic to rizatriptan benzoate or any of the other ingredients of this medicine
• you have moderately severe or severe high blood pressure or mild high blood pressure that is not controlled by medication
• you have or have ever had heart problems including heart attack or pain in the chest (angina) or you have experienced heart disease related signs  
• you have severe liver or severe kidney problems
• you have had a stroke (cerebrovascular accident CVA) or mini stroke (transient ischaemic attack TIA)
• you have blockage problems with your arteries (peripheral vascular disease)
• you are taking monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors such as moclobemide, phenelzine, tranylcypromine, or pargyline (drugs against depression), or linezolid (an antibiotic), or if it has been less than two weeks since you stopped taking MAO inhibitors
• you are now taking ergotamine-type medications, such as ergotamine or dihydroergotamine to treat your migraine or methysergide to prevent a migraine attack
• you are taking any other drugs in the same class, such as sumatriptan, naratriptan, or zolmitriptan to treat your migraine 

 

If you are not sure if any of the above apply to you talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Maxalt melts.

Why should I take Maxalt Melts?

Migraines can be a debilitating condition that affects many areas of life. Although a singular cure has not yet been found as migraines can present very differently in each person managing symptoms is key. Maxalt Melt work to prevent the migraine from progressing any further than the initial headache, giving you the ability to stop the migraine before it starts. This a great option for someone who does not suffer with migraines all the time and does not want to take constant medication.

What is the difference between Maxalt melts, Maxalt Melt and Rizatriptan?

Maxalt melts and Maxalt tablets are the same medication, the only difference is how they are taken. Maxalt melts are dissolved on the tongue, Maxalt tablets are swallowed whole with water.

Maxalt tablets work in the exact same way as Rizatriptan tablets, by reducing the pressure in the blood vessels of the brain and reducing the head pain that migraines can cause. The main difference is in price, Rizatriptan will be cheaper as it is non-branded.

This is similar to how you might find paracetamol in a pharmacy, the generic version is far cheaper than a branded version.

How do I store Maxalt Melt?

Store Maxalt Melts as per the patient information leaflet in a cool, dry place. Do not use Maxalt Melts after the expiration date on the box.

Can I buy Maxalt Melt online?

You can buy Maxalt Melt online from registered online prescribers such as e-Surgery.

Whenever you are buying Maxalt Melt or any other medication, make sure you check for the green GPhC and MHRA logo on the bottom of each page of the website you are using.

Where can I get more information about Maxalt Melt online?

You can find more information about Maxalt Melt online in the Maxalt Melt patient information leaflet.

You can also use our completely free Ask-a-Pharmacist service to get health advice from a trained professional. We’re here to help!

How will my Maxalt Melt be delivered?

e-Surgery uses Royal Mail delivery with choices starting from Royal Mail 48 tracked delivery, Royal Mail tracked 24 and Royal Mail 1pm special delivery from (discover more about e-Surgery delivery). Your Maxalt Melt will arrive in discreet, recyclable packaging at a delivery address of your choice. Find out to recycle packaging from e-Surgery.

How to dispose of Maxalt Melt bought online?

Maxalt Melt come in blister packs that are not currently recyclable, so once they have been used can be disposed of in a general waste bin. If the Maxalt Melt are unfinished dispose of medication safely and drop them off at a local pharmacy. Cardboard packaging and paper patient information leaflets are recyclable. For any more information on disposal of Maxalt melts you can use our free Ask-a-Pharmacist service.