Maxalt

A healthcare provider may prescribe Maxalt to treat migraine headaches. Maxalt is not designed to prevent migraines, but it can help to relieve migraine symptoms as they occur. A migraine headache can result when some of the blood vessels in the head become dilated. Maxalt works by narrowing these blood vessels, returning them to their normal state. The medication comes in a tablet form that is taken orally or in a form that will quickly dissolve in the mouth.

 

What Is Maxalt?

Maxalt® (rizatriptan benzoate) is a prescription medication that is used to treat migraine headaches. Maxalt will not help to prevent migraines, but it can help to treat a migraine that has already started.
 
A form a 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.
 
(Click Maxalt Uses for more information on what Maxalt is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes Maxalt?

Maxalt is made by Merck & Co.
 

How Does Maxalt Work?

Maxalt 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). Maxalt works by narrowing these blood vessels, helping them return to their normal state. This action helps to relieve migraine symptoms.
 

Maxalt Effects

In previous studies, 60 percent to 77 percent of people with migraines had no (or mild) pain within two hours of taking Maxalt tablets, compared to only 23 percent to 40 percent of people who did not take Maxalt. Similar results were seen in studies of Maxalt MLT tablets.
 
(Maxalt Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;