What is Maxalt used for?
Maxalt is used for the short term
treatment of most types of migraine attacks in adults. Maxalt is not used to prevent
migraines, or to decrease the number of migraine attacks. Maxalt has not been shown to
treat cluster headaches.
Who should not take Maxalt?
You should not take Maxalt if you have any of following conditions:
- History of heart or circulatory disease, including heart attack, angina (chest
pain), or stroke
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure
- You have taken other migraine medications that are in the same class as Maxalt,
or medications containing ergotamine, dihydroergotamine, or methysergide within the past
24 hours
- Hemiplegic or basilar migraine
- Are currently taking monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors such as phenelzine or
tranylcypromine, or have taken MAO inhibitors in the past 2 weeks
- Phenylketonuric patients should not take Maxalt-MLT (orally disintegrating
tablets), because they contain phenylalanine (a part of aspartame)
General Precautions with Maxalt:
If you have the following conditions, your health care provider will evaluate
you to decide if Maxalt is right for you:
- Risk factors for heart disease including, high cholesterol, high blood pressure,
obesity, diabetes, smoking, strong family history of heart disease, or if you are
postmenopausal, or a male over 40
- Severe kidney disease
- Moderate or severe liver disease
What are some possible side effects of Maxalt?
(This is NOT
a complete list of side effects reported with Maxalt. Your health care provider
can discuss with you a more complete list of side effects.)
Some signs of rare but serious side effects include:
- Pain, pressure or tightness in the chest or throat. If severe, or does not go
away, call your health care provider right away. If this happens at all, discuss with your
health care provider before taking any more Maxalt.
- Rarely, people have a serious allergic reaction to Maxalt. This could cause
shortness of breath, wheeziness, heart throbbing, swelling of eyelids, face, or lips, or a
skin rash, lumps or hives. If this happens, tell your health care provider right away.
Other side effects may include:
- Chest heaviness, or pressure
- Tiredness
- Dizziness
- Sleepiness
For more detailed information about Maxalt, ask your health care provider.
Link to Maxalt's Approved Label
and patient information 
Revised: 7/25/00 |
