A form of Maxalt that will dissolve in the mouth (Maxalt MLT®) is available and is especially helpful for people who have difficulty swallowing tablets during a migraine due to nausea or vomiting.
Maxalt is made by Merck & Co.
Maxalt is part of a class of
migraine medications called 5-HT agonists (more commonly known as
triptans). During a migraine
headache, some of the blood vessels in the head become dilated (wider than they usually are). Maxalt works by narrowing these blood vessels, helping them return to their normal state. This action helps to relieve
migraine symptoms.
In previous studies, 60 to 77 percent of people with migraines had no (or mild) pain within two hours of taking Maxalt tablets, compared to only 23 to 40 percent of people who did not take the drug. Similar results were seen in studies of Maxalt MLT tablets.
Some general considerations for when and how to take Maxalt include the following:
- The medication comes in regular tablets and as orally disintegrating tablets that dissolve in the mouth quickly.
- Maxalt should be taken as soon as possible once a migraine starts.
- Swallow the tablets whole with a drink of water or other fluids. Maxalt MLT tablets should be placed on the tongue, where they can dissolve quickly. They do not need to be taken with water.
- If your headache comes back or does not go away, a second dose can be taken after waiting at least two hours from the time you took the first dose. Let your healthcare provider know if Maxalt does not work completely after one dose.
- For the medication to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. Maxalt will not work if you stop taking it.
The dose of Maxalt your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- How you respond to the drug
- Other medical conditions you may have
- Other medications you may be taking.
As always, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Maxalt. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider.
Some of the most common side effects include:
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Fatigue or weakness
- Nausea
- Abnormal sensations such as tingling, burning, or pricking (paresthesia)
- Chest pain, including chest tightness, chest pressure, or chest heaviness
- Dry mouth
- Neck pain, jaw pain, or throat pain.
(Click Maxalt Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report to your healthcare provider. You can also read about other possible side effects by clicking Maxalt and Heart Problems.)
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Maxalt?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this drug if you have:
- Heart problems of any kind, especially:
- Diabetes
- Kidney problems, including kidney failure (renal failure)
- Liver problems, including liver failure or cirrhosis
-
Phenylketonuria
-
- Any allergies, including allergies to foods, dyes, or preservatives.
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you:
You should also tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What If I Take an Overdose?
People who take too much Maxalt may have overdose symptoms that could include:
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Fainting
- Low heart rate (bradycardia)
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Incontinence (inability to control the bladder or bowels)
- Heart rhythm changes (arrhythmia)
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Other heart problems.
If you happen to take too much, seek immediate medical attention.
How Should Maxalt Be Stored?
Maxalt should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture or heat. Keep the regular tablets in an airtight container. Keep Maxalt MLT tablets in their original blister package until you need to use them.
Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
Maxalt is not intended to be taken on a regular basis. It should be taken only during a
migraine headache.
Maxalt tablets are available in two strengths:
- Maxalt 5 mg
- Maxalt 10 mg.
Maxalt MLT orally disintegrating tablets are available in two strengths:
- Maxalt MLT 5 mg
- Maxalt MLT 10 mg.
There are currently no generic versions of Maxalt licensed for sale
(see Generic Maxalt for more information).
