Almotriptan

If you suffer from migraine headaches, your healthcare provider may prescribe almotriptan to help relieve migraine symptoms. Almotriptan works by causing blood vessels in the head to return to their normal state after dilating during a migraine. A few possible side effects of almotriptan include tingling sensations, dry mouth, and nausea. Among the factors that may affect the almotriptan dosage your healthcare provider prescribes are how you respond to almotriptan and other medical conditions you may have.

 

What Is Almotriptan?

Almotriptan maleate (Axert®) is a prescription medication that is used to treat migraine headaches. Almotriptan will not help to prevent migraines, but it can help to treat a migraine that has already started.
 
(Click What Is Almotriptan Used For? for more information on what almotriptan is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes Almotriptan?

Almotriptan is made by Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceuticals.
 

How Does Almotriptan Work?

Almotriptan is part of a class of migraine medications called 5-HT agonists (or more commonly known as "triptans"). During a migraine headache, some of the blood vessels in the head become dilated (wider than they usually are). Almotriptan works by narrowing these blood vessels, helping them return to their normal state. This action helps to relieve migraine symptoms.
 

Almotriptan Effects

In previous studies, 55.4 percent to 64 percent of people with migraines had no (or mild) pain within two hours of taking almotriptan tablets, compared to only 33 percent to 40 percent of people who did not take almotriptan.
 
(Almotriptan Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;