Rizatriptan, by Merck.

Maxalt is a powerful medicine that offers proven relief from migraine pain. Maxalt is prescribed for the treatment of a migraine attack with or without the presence of an aura (visual disturbances, usually sensations of halos or flickering lights, which precede an attack). Maxalt also helps to relieve headaches, pain and other symptoms of migraines, including sensitivity to light/sound, nausea, and vomiting. Maxalt does not contain aspirin or caffeine and is not a narcotic.

Rizatriptan belongs to a group of drugs called triptans. It affects a certain natural chemical (serotonin) that constricts blood vessels in the brain. It may also block other pain pathways in the brain. Maxalt begins working in as little as 30 minutes. Most patients taking Maxalt experienced relief from migraine pain at 2 hours. If your headache comes back, you may take a second dose as soon as 2 hours have elapsed. The usual dose of Maxalt is one 5- or 10-milligram tablet. Doses should be spaced at least 2 hours apart. Take no more than 30 milligrams a day.

Precautions: To avoid drug interactions, tell your doctor before using this medication about all nonprescription and prescription products you are taking. Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of Maxalt overdose may include: unusual dizziness or drowsiness; slow, fast or irregular heartbeat; heart and blood vessel problems; high blood pressure; loss of bowel and bladder control and vomiting. Maxalt should not be used within 24 hours of treatment with another drug in this class or with ergotamine-type migraine medication, or within 14 days of taking a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor.

You should be evaluated by your doctor before taking Maxalt if you have history of blood circulation disorders, kidney or liver disease, intestinal disease, chest pain, shortness of breath, if you are postmenopausal, or are a male over 40. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor. It is not known whether Maxalt appears in breast milk, but because many drugs do, you should use Maxalt with caution and only when clearly needed during pregnancy and while nursing.

Do not use it if you have uncontrolled high blood pressure or if you have had a serious allergic reaction to Maxalt or any of its ingredients. You should also avoid Maxalt if you have certain types of heart or blood vessel disease/stroke, a history of heart attack or risk factors for heart disease (such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity).

Maxalt can cause drowsiness and dizziness. Do not participate in any activities that require full alertness until you are certain of the drug's effect.

Maxalt is a medication used only for the treatment of migraine attacks in adults when a clear diagnosis is established. Maxalt is not recommended for people under 18.

This medication is used to treat acute migraine attacks. It does not prevent future migraine attacks or reduce how often you may get a headache.

Side effects: All prescription drugs can cause side effects. Only your doctor can determine if Maxalt is right for you. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Maxalt is generally well tolerated. Side effects are usually mild, temporary and dose related. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

The most common side effects are dizziness, nausea, sleepiness, tiredness, fatigue, and pain or pressure sensation (eg, in the chest or throat). Chest/jaw/neck tightness can commonly occur shortly after using rizatriptan. Only rarely are these signs of a serious condition. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly.

Seek immediate medical attention if any of these unlikely but very serious side effects occur: chest pain, jaw/left arm pain, fainting, fast/irregular/pounding heartbeat, vision or hearing changes, weakness on one side of the body, confusion, slurred speech, sudden or severe stomach/abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, blue fingers/toes/nails.

An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

Remember this is not complete list of side effects. If you notice other side effects not listed above and they worry you, contact your doctor or pharmacist.