Information
Maxalt melt is a fast-acting migraine treatment available. Containing the drug rizatriptan, this can work in as little as 30 minutes.
Designed to dissolve on the tongue for quick relief, Maxalt Melt works by interrupting pain signals and blood flow in the head. No water needed to swallow the tablets makes Maxalt Melt ideal for patients with migraine related nausea.
Get fast migraine relief with Maxalt Melt. Order online at Quick Meds - a GPhC-registered UK based pharmacy
How to buy Maxalt Melt online
- You can request [Product name] online today from Quick Meds. Start by filling out a short online questionnaire, after a few checks the parcel will be delivered securely straight to your door.
- As a General Pharmaceutical Council-accredited pharmacy, you know that you're purchasing your medication from a legitimate pharmacy. Our suppliers are accredited by the MHRA, meaning all the medication we sell is produced to the highest safety standards.
As a prescription treatment, you need to fill out a short questionnaire which will ask about your health, ensuring the treatment is safe and effective for you.
How to place an order
To place an order:
- Go to the Quick Meds website
- From the Homepage, click on migraines
- Click the orange ‘Start Consultation’ button
- Complete and submit the form
- Add Maxalt melt tablets to your basket and checkout
Once your order has been submitted, our team of GPhC-registered pharmacists will check your details and confirm eligibility. Once approved, your order will be packaged discreetly, and dispatched for delivery as soon as the next day.
What is Maxalt Melt and how does it work
ontaining rizatriptan, Maxalt Melt differs from over the counter painkillers in that it belongs to a group of drugs called triptans.
During a migraine attack, blood vessels swell up, putting pressure on nerves. This is what causes the pain, light sensitivity and nausea associated with a migraine.
Triptan medicines work by narrowing these blood vessels - reducing pressure on the nerves. They additionally interrupt pain signals and reduce inflammation, further helping with pain and other symptoms.
All triptan medicines, including Maxalt are used to treat a migraine once it occurs, and not as a preventative measure.
| Active ingredient | Rizatriptan |
|---|---|
| Formulation | Orally disintegrating tablet |
| Onset of Action | Within 30 minutes |
| Peak effect | 90 minutes |
| Duration of action | 2-3 hours |
| Available strengths | 10mg |
| Legal status | Prescription only medicine |
How to take it
Maxalt melt oral lyophilisates do not need to be swallowed whole and are specially designed to simply dissolve on the tongue.
To take Maxalt, place one (10mg) tablet on the tongue, where it will dissolve and be swallowed with saliva. It's best to take the tablets on an empty stomach as it may take longer to work if taken with food.
A second tablet can be taken if symptoms come back as long as:
- The first dose helped
- The doses are separated by at least two hours.
No more than 2 doses should be taken in any 24-hour period.
The tablets are packaged to protect from moisture. The tablet should not be removed from the packaging until just prior to dosing, with dry hands.
Maxalt should only be used to treat a migraine headache and not as a preventative measure.
Side effects
As with all medicines, Maxalt can cause side effects though not everyone gets them.
Common
The most common side effects, which may affect up to 1 in 10 people, are usually mild and often resolve without treatment. They include:
- Neurological - dizziness, sleepiness, headache, ‘pins and needles’ (paraesthesia)
- Digestive - nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, dry mouth
- Physical sensations - fatigue/weakness, heaviness in parts of the body, neck pain, stiffness
- Other - palpitations, insomnia, flushing
Uncommon
Less common side effects, which may affect up to 1 in 100 people, may also be mild and include:
- Balance and co-ordination - vertigo, tremor, unsteadiness and fainting
- Psychological - nervousness and feeling disoriented.
- Skin & allergy - itching, hives
- Vision & senses - blurred vision and a bad taste in the mouth
- Respiratory - shortness of breath and thirst
Rare/Serious if applicable
Rare side effects may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people. Some of these side effects may require urgent medical attention such as:
- Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction)
- Heart attack or stroke
- Seizures
- Serotonin syndrome
- Skin disorders - like toxic epidermal necrolysis
For a full list of side effects, please refer to the patient information leaflet enclosed with your medicine.
Maxalt melt tablets are not suitable if you take other migraine treatments, have uncontrolled high blood pressure, severe kidney or liver problems, heart disease, a previous stroke or TIA, or if you are allergic to rizatriptan or any of the tablet ingredients.
Eligibility
Not everyone who suffers from headaches is eligible for Maxalt treatment. As it acts on blood vessels and other receptors in the brain, a clinical assessment is required to make sure it is safe and appropriate for you.
Who can take it
Maxalt melt tablets are indicated for adults aged 18 or over, who have been formally diagnosed with migraines from a healthcare professional.
You should only take Maxalt if:
- Your doctor has confirmed you suffer from migraine, with or without aura.
- You have tried painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen which haven’t worked.
Who cannot take it
Maxalt melt tablets are contraindicated and should not be taken by anyone who has:
- Moderate to severe high blood pressure
- Established coronary artery disease
- Peripheral vascular disease
- History of stroke or TIA
- A history of heart attack, angina or Prinzmetal’s angina
- Moderate to severe hypertension
- An allergy to rizatriptan or any other ingredients
Rizatriptan may be used in the first trimester of pregnancy, but there is no data to support its safe use in the second or third trimesters. Nursing mothers should avoid breast-feeding for 12 hours after treatment to minimise exposure to the infant.
Do not take Maxalt Melt if you’re taking the following medications:
- Other triptans - sumatriptan, naratriptan, zolmitriptan
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI) - moclobemide, phenelzine, tranylcypromine
- Ergotamine-type medications
You should talk to your doctor before taking Maxalt Melt if you’re taking the following medications:
- Propranolol
- SSRIs, such as sertraline, fluoxetine
- SNRIs, such as venlafaxine, duloxetine
If you take any other medication, it's important to mention these when requesting Maxalt. A healthcare professional can assess if there is any interaction between treatments and advise accordingly.
Will another triptan be better for me?
Apart from rizatriptan, there are many other drugs within the same class, such as sumatriptan, which was the first generation triptan to be discovered.
The differences between the treatments were studied and highlighted below:
| Drug | Therapeutic gain (2h) | Main advantage | Key characteristic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sumatriptan (100mg) | 32% | The ‘gold standard’ | First generation drug |
| Zomig (2.5mg) | 32% | Balanced profile | Better absorption than sumatriptan |
| Rizatriptan (10mg) | 37% | Speed | Faster absorption |
| Eletriptan (40mg) | 37% | High potency | Longer half-life |
| Almotriptan(12.5mg) | 26% | Tolerability | Good safety profile |
| Naratriptan (2.5mg) | 22% | Lower recurrence | Headache is less likely to return |
| Frovatriptan (2.5mg) | 16% | Longest Half-life | Stays in the body longest |
From this, we can see Maxalt is the fastest acting triptan within its class. This suits individuals who require quick relief from symptoms.
Patients who suffer from recurring headaches may benefit from naratriptan or frovatriptan, which stay in the body the longest.
FAQs
How long does Maxalt Melt take to work?
Maxalt melt is one of the fastest-acting migraine treatments available. As the tablets dissolve on the tongue, the drug is absorbed faster. Most patients begin to notice relief within 30-60 minutes, with the peak effect occurring at 90 minutes.
Can I take Maxalt Melt on an empty stomach?
Yes, it is preferred to take on an empty stomach. When taken with or after food, it may take longer for the medicine to be absorbed and to start working.
Can I drink alcohol whilst taking Maxalt Melt?
Small amounts of alcohol consumed with the medication is safe but be aware alcohol may trigger a migraine attack. It may also worsen side effects of Maxalt Melt such as drowsiness or dizziness.
Can I take other painkillers with Maxalt?
Yes, you can take over the counter painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen with Maxalt to help with the pain. Note that Maxalt is designed only to treat migraines and won’t affect other kinds of pain. If you are prescribed stronger painkillers from your GP, speak to the clinicians to determine eligibility.
Can I split a 10mg Maxalt Melt tablet in half?
No, Maxalt Melt are oral lyophilisates designed to be fragile so they can dissolve quickly. Trying to split the tablet may cause the tablet to crumble, leading to inaccurate dosing. If you require a smaller dose, speak to the clinicians at Quick Meds about the 5mg strength availability. If you require a smaller dose, speak to the clinicians at Quick Meds about the 5mg strength availability.
What is the difference between Maxalt and Maxalt Melt?
Maxalt Melt is an orally disintegrating form which dissolves on the tongue for faster absorption. Regular Maxalt are traditional tablets that must be swallowed whole with water.
Can I take Maxalt Melt if I am taking antidepressants?
- You must inform your prescriber if you are taking SSRIs - such as Fluoxetine or Sertraline. Combining Maxalt with these antidepressants can lead to serotonin syndrome - a potentially life threatening reaction.
Will Maxalt Melt make me drowsy?
Rizatriptan can cause side effects, such as drowsiness or dizziness. If you do experience these, you should not drive or operate machinery.
Can I buy Maxalt melt over the counter?
No, Maxalt Melt tablets are only available on prescription, following an online consultation.