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Dangers of Maxalt

Maxalt, also known as rizatriptan, is a medication belonging to a group of drugs called triptans, and is commonly used in the treatment of acute migraine attacks in adults. Although the source of migraine headaches remains unclear, it is believed that the widening of blood vessels in the brain causes their association with throbbing pain. By mimicking the effects of serotonin, a natural chemical that narrows blood vessels in the brain, Maxalt can often alleviate the pain of a migraine. Maxalt may also block other pain pathways present in the brain.

  1. Other Uses of Maxalt

    • In addition to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's approved use for the treatment of migraine attacks, Maxalt is also sometimes used in the off-label (non-FDA-approved) treatment of cluster headaches. Cluster headaches are characterized by the onset of pain around one eye or temple, with the eventual spread of pain to that side of the face. Other symptoms may include runny nose, droopy eyelid and nausea.

    Indications and Potential Side Effects of Maxalt

    • Maxalt is not to be used for the prevention of migraines, and is only indicated for use in people having a physician's diagnosis of migraines. The most common side effects of Maxalt are feelings of warmth, sweating, dizziness, sleepiness, tiredness, fatigue, or experiencing the sensation of heaviness, pressure, or tingling in the chest or throat. In addition, moderate side effects associated with Maxalt include shortness of breath, increased heart rate and heart palpitations, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, and mild chest pain. Adverse reactions to Maxalt have included blurred vision, neck pain, nervousness, insomnia, elevated blood pressure, vertigo, thirst, indigestion and rash.

    Dangers Associated With the Use of Maxalt

    • Among patients with certain health issues, caution must be exercised prior to the beginning of Maxalt therapy. Although rare, allergic reactions, as well as heart attacks and strokes, have occurred in patients taking Maxalt. In order to minimize the health risks associated with Maxalt treatment, the drug is not for use in people with severely decreased kidney or liver function. Maxalt is also not to be used by those who have suffered a stroke or heart attack, have ischemic heart disease caused by insufficient blood flow to the heart, Prinzmetal's angina (a severe form of angina pectoris), or peripheral vascular disease characterized by narrowing of blood vessels in the extremities.

    Other Important Health-Related Considerations

    • Before taking Maxalt, discuss your treatment options with your health-care provider. If you have moderate, severe or uncontrolled high blood pressure, or if you are obese, have diabetes or have high cholesterol levels, Maxalt treatment may not be the best option for you. Maxalt may also present increased health risks for smokers, men over the age of 40 and post-menopausal women. Be sure to inform your health-care provider of any other medications you take on a regular or irregular basis, as Maxalt may interact with certain other medications, leading to severe adverse reactions. Finally, tell your health-care provider about any drug allergies you may have to prevent the possibility of a severe adverse reaction to Maxalt.

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