Axert Uses

Although Axert cannot prevent a migraine from occurring, it can relieve the symptoms of a migraine once it starts. The medication works by helping the blood vessels of the head return to their normal state after becoming dilated during a migraine. Axert is approved for use only in adults, since it has not been adequately studied in people under the age of 18. Treating cluster headaches is among the current off-label Axert uses.

 

What Is Axert Used For?

Axert® (almotriptan maleate) is a prescription medication used to treat migraine headaches.
 

Using Axert for Migraines

Migraine headaches are different from other headaches in many ways. Some of the most common migraine symptoms include:
 
  • Headache pain on one side of the head
  • Sensitivity to light or sound
  • Throbbing headache pain
  • Upset stomach (nausea) and vomiting
  • Unusual vision changes.
     
Some people may have an aura before their migraines occur. An aura can be any unusual sign that a migraine is about to happen, including vision changes, numbness, tingling, or speech changes. The most common type of aura is visual (such as seeing spots, tunnel vision, or other vision changes). Some people have migraine triggers, which are certain foods, drinks, or situations that seem to lead to a migraine (see Migraine Diet for more information).
 
Axert is approved for the treatment of migraines with or without an aura. The medicine is part of a class of migraine drugs 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). Axert works by narrowing these blood vessels, helping them return to their normal state. This action helps to relieve the symptoms of a migraine.
 
Due to the way it works, Axert is not used for migraine prevention. Axert is taken to lessen the pain and other symptoms of a migraine once it starts.
 
(Axert Uses Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;