Rizatriptan: how to take it safely
Maxalt
Reviewed by Pharm. Abeeb Junior
What it is for
Treats migraine attacks.
How to take it
- Prescription medicine: take it exactly as your doctor or pharmacist told you.
- Swallow with water at the first sign of a migraine.
- If the first dose helps and the migraine returns, you can repeat after the time on the label.
When to take it
Take it when the migraine starts.
Take it with
With or without food.
What to avoid
- Taking it before the headache starts. Take it when the pain begins.
- Taking more than the daily maximum on the label.
- Ergotamine, antidepressants and other triptans within 24 hours unless your doctor says so.
- Tell your doctor if you have heart disease, high blood pressure or have had a stroke.
Possible side effects
Tingling, flushing, dizziness, tiredness, a heavy feeling in the chest or throat.
Get help if
Chest pain or tightness, sudden severe headache, weakness on one side or a fast irregular heartbeat: get urgent help.
This is general information, not personal medical advice. Always follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions and read the leaflet that comes with your medicine. Medicines and doses can differ between products and people.