Rizatriptan (Maxalt) Drug for Migraine Headache: Use, Side Effects, Interactions

Rizatriptan
(Maxalt, United States and Canada)

Use:

Rizatriptan or Maxalt is used to treat migraine headaches.

How It Works:

Rizatriptan or Maxalt is a "triptan" like zolmitriptan and sumatriptan and works in the same fashion - it constricts blood vessels in the cerebral or head area. It is thought that migraine headaches involve dilation of these blood vessels. These drugs may also reduce inflammation in the nerves that sense the pain of a migraine headache.

Side Effects:

The most common side effects are drowsiness and dizziness. If sumatriptan or zolmitriptan does not agree with an individual, neither with Rizatriptan or Maxalt.

Cautions for People:

Rizatriptan or Maxalt can cause chest pain - like sumatriptan and zolmitriptan. Thus people with heart disease, prior heart attack, or even high blood pressure that is difficult to control should not use it because it may complicate their condition.

Drug Interactions:

Rizatriptan or Maxalt should not be taken with either zolmitriptan or sumatriptan - they are the same type of drug. As with sumatriptan and zolmitriptan, Rizatriptan or Maxalt should not be used with ergotamine containing drugs or MAO inhibitor antidepressants.

Further Reading:

Medical Letter 40(1037):97

Added to Virtual Drugstore May 1999.

The relevant product monographs must be regarded as the appropriate sources of prescribing information.