Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT (rizatriptan benzonate)

Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT are brand-name prescription medications. They’re approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat migraine episodes that happen with or without aura. Doctors can prescribe Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT for this use in adults and children ages 6 years and older.

With migraine, you may have a severe headache along with other symptoms, such as mood changes or sensitivity to light or sound. Some people also have an aura before the start of their migraine episodes. A migraine aura is a group of sensory or visual symptoms that occur shortly before a migraine episode. Examples include seeing flashes of light or having tingling or numbness on one side of your body.

Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT have certain limitations of use. For more details about this and migraine, see the “Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT: Use for migraine” section below.

The following table provides key facts about Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT.

If you’re interested in taking this drug, search here to find a doctor who might prescribe it.

Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT are brand-name medications. They contain the active drug rizatriptan, which also comes in a generic form. A generic is an identical copy of the active drug found in a brand-name medication.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ensures that generic drugs are as safe and effective as their original drug. Generics tend to be less expensive than brand-name drugs.

If you’d like to know about using the generic version of Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT, ask your doctor or pharmacist. They can tell you if the generic medication comes in forms and strengths recommended for your condition.

Below, you’ll find dosages that are commonly recommended for Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT. However, you should take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll recommend the dosage that’s best for your needs.

Most often, doctors start by prescribing a low dosage of Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT. Then, they’ll change the dosage over time to an amount that’s right for the condition being treated. Doctors typically prescribe the smallest dosage that gives the desired outcome.

The dosage of Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT that your doctor prescribes will depend on factors such as:

• your age
• any health conditions you have
• other medications you take
• the severity of the migraine episode you’re using Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT to treat
• body weight (in children)

Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT are available as follows.

• Forms:
  • Maxalt: oral tablet
  • Maxalt-MLT: orally disintegrating tablet, which dissolves on your tongue
• Strength: 10 milligrams (mg)

Recommended dosages for Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT in adults and children are described below.

Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT are used to treat migraine episodes in adults.

Recommended dosages for Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT in adults include the following.

• First dosage during a migraine episode: Take 5 mg* or 10 mg once at the start of a migraine episode.
• Second dosage during a migraine episode: If your migraine symptoms are not eased by the first dose, you can repeat the dose at least 2 hours after it’s taken.
• Maximum daily dosage: You can take 30 mg (three 10-mg tablets) in a 24-hour period.
• Maximum monthly dosage: You can treat four migraine episodes in a 30-day period, which totals 120 mg (twelve 10-mg tablets).

* Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT are only available in a strength of 10 mg. The manufacturer of Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT hasn’t stated if these tablets can be split. If your doctor prescribes a 5-mg dose of Maxalt or Maxalt-MLT, talk with them about your treatment options. They may recommend that you take rizatriptan instead, which is the generic form of these medications. Rizatriptan is available in a strength of 5 mg.

Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT are used to treat migraine episodes in children ages 6 years and older.

Recommended dosages for Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT in children include the following. These dosages are based on a child’s weight in kilograms (kg). One kg is about 2.2 pounds (lb).

• Dosage during a migraine episode:
  • If their body weight is less than 40 kg (about 88 lb), they may take 5 mg* once at the start of a migraine episode.
  • If their body weight is 40 kg (about 88 lb) or more, they may take 10 mg once at the start of a migraine episode.
• Maximum daily dosage: They can take one dose in a 24-hour period.
• Maximum monthly dosage: They can treat four migraine episodes in a 30-day period, which totals 40 mg (four 10-mg tablets).

* Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT are only available in a strength of 10 mg. The manufacturer of Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT hasn’t stated if these tablets can be split. If your doctor prescribes a 5-mg dose of Maxalt or Maxalt-MLT, talk with them about your treatment options. They may recommend that you take rizatriptan instead, which is the generic form of these medications. Rizatriptan is available in a strength of 5 mg.

Below is something to consider about Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT’s dosage.

Length of treatment. Doctors typically don’t prescribe Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT as a long-term treatment. Instead, they usually prescribe them for the short-term relief of a migraine episode. However, you may take Maxalt or Maxalt-MLT over a long period of time if you continue to have migraine episodes.

Keep in mind that Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT shouldn’t be used to treat more than four migraine episodes in a 30-day period. If you have more than four migraine episodes each month, talk with your doctor. They can recommend ways to prevent migraine.

As with most drugs, it’s possible to have side effects with Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT. These can include some mild side effects but also some serious ones.

To learn more about Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT’s side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They may also provide information about managing certain side effects of this drug.

Note: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tracks side effects of drugs it has approved. If you would like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with Maxalt or Maxalt-MLT, you can do so through MedWatch.

Mild and serious side effects of Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT are listed below. This article does not include all of Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT’s possible side effects.

Mild side effects* of Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT may include:

• excessive sleepiness
• fatigue or weakness
• dizziness
• heaviness, tightness, or pressure in your jaw, throat, neck, or chest
• mild allergic reaction†

Most times, mild side effects of a drug go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if any side effects become severe or don’t go away.

* This is not a complete list of Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT’s mild side effects. To learn about other mild side effects of these drugs, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Or you can view the drugs’ prescribing information.
† To learn more about allergic reaction, see below. An allergic reaction is possible after taking Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT. However, this side effect wasn’t reported in clinical studies.

Serious side effects of Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT may include:

• blood vessel problems, such as vasospasm (sudden narrowing of the arteries)
• high blood pressure
• serious heart problems, such as abnormal heart rhythm and heart attack
• stroke or brain bleed
• rebound headache (a condition that can occur if Maxalt or Maxalt-MLT is taken too often)
• severe allergic reaction*

Serious side effects from Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT aren’t common, but they are possible. If you have serious side effects, call your doctor right away. However, if you’re having a medical emergency or your symptoms feel life threatening, call 911 or a local emergency number.

* To learn more about allergic reaction, see below. An allergic reaction is possible after taking Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT. However, this side effect wasn’t reported in clinical studies.

Prescription drugs, such as Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT, are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat certain conditions.

The FDA has approved Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT to treat migraine episodes that happen with or without aura. Doctors can prescribe Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT for this use in adults and children ages 6 years and older.

With migraine, you may have a severe headache along with other symptoms. Examples of these symptoms include:

• mood changes
• sensitivity to light or sound
• nausea and vomiting
• neck pain
• phantom smells
• brain fog

Some people also have an aura before the start of their migraine episodes. A migraine aura is a group of sensory or visual symptoms that occurs shortly before a migraine episode. Examples of symptoms that can occur with migraine aura include:

• seeing flashes of light
• losing peripheral vision
• having tingling or numbness on one side of your body
• feeling dizzy
• having trouble speaking or communicating with others

The manufacturer of Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT has noted limitations to the drugs’ uses. These are situations in which doctors may not prescribe these drugs.

Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT aren’t prescribed to treat migraine unless the condition has been diagnosed by a healthcare professional. In addition, Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT are not used to:

• help prevent migraine episodes
• treat cluster headaches
• treat hemiplegic migraine
• treat basilar migraine

Your doctor can advise on whether Maxalt or Maxalt-MLT is the right treatment for your condition.

Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT are approved to treat migraine episodes that happen with or without aura. Doctors can prescribe Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT for this use in children ages 6 years and older.

For details about this condition, see “Using Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT for migraine” above.

If you’re interested in taking Maxalt or Maxalt-MLT, you can find a doctor who might prescribe them by searching here. You can also prepare for your appointment by visiting Healthgrades’ appointment guide for migraine.

Doctors may prescribe drugs other than Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT for your condition. Certain drugs may work better for you than others.

Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT are used to treat migraine. Here’s a summary of other drugs that doctors sometimes prescribe for this condition.

For more information about some alternatives to Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT, read on. Also, your doctor can tell you about other medications that could be prescribed for your condition.

To learn more about one alternative of Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT, view the following article:

• Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT vs. Imitrex

Your doctor can tell you about other similar drugs, such as:

• zolmitriptan (Zomig)
• ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others)
• acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• acetaminophen/aspirin/caffeine (Excedrin Migraine)

Here are some common questions about Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT and brief answers to them. If you’d like to know more about these topics, ask your doctor.

No, Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT are not narcotics. (Narcotic is another name for an opioid, which is a class of drugs used to treat pain.) Instead, Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT belong to a class of drugs called triptans.

Opioids are sometimes prescribed to quickly ease pain related to migraine headaches. In fact, some migraine treatments contain an opioid as an active ingredient. One example is Fioricet with Codeine, which is a brand-name migraine treatment that contains codeine. (Codeine is an opioid.) However, Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT do not contain an opioid.

To learn more about how opioids compare with Maxalt or Maxalt-MLT for migraine treatment, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Yes, Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT are triptans.

Triptans are a class of drugs used to treat migraine episodes. Examples of other triptans include:

• eletriptan (Relpax)
• sumatriptan (Imitrex, Tosymra, Zembrace SymTouch)
• zolmitriptan (Zomig)

Triptans work to treat migraine by increasing the level of a brain chemical called serotonin. To learn more, see “Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT: How they work” below.

It’s important to keep track of how many migraine episodes you use Maxalt or Maxalt-MLT to treat each month.

This is because Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT should not be used to treat more than four migraine episodes in a 30-day period. Doing so may cause rebound headaches as a side effect. (For details about rebound headaches, see “Will stopping Maxalt or Maxalt-MLT cause withdrawal symptoms?” directly below.)

For this reason, your doctor may suggest that you keep a migraine diary while taking Maxalt or Maxalt-MLT. A migraine diary can help you keep track of any patterns related to your migraine episodes. This can help you identify situations or factors that could be triggering your migraine episodes. Examples of possible migraine triggers include alcohol, caffeine, stress, and lack of sleep.

In addition, keeping a migraine diary can help you keep track of the number of migraine episodes you’ve used Maxalt or Maxalt-MLT to treat. If you find that you have more than four migraine episodes each month, talk with your doctor. They can recommend ways to prevent migraine.

In certain cases, stopping Maxalt or Maxalt-MLT may cause withdrawal symptoms. (Withdrawal symptoms are side effects that can happen if you suddenly stop taking a drug your body is dependent on.)

Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT aren’t likely to cause withdrawal symptoms if you take them as your doctor recommends. However, Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT may cause withdrawal headaches if they’re used to treat more than four migraine episodes in a 30-day period. (Withdrawal headaches are also known as rebound headaches or medication overuse headaches.)

With rebound headaches, you may have migraine episodes more often than you usually do. Symptoms of rebound headaches typically mimic those of a migraine episode. Examples include:

• nausea and vomiting
• mood changes
• sensitivity to light or sound
• brain fog

If you develop rebound headaches while taking Maxalt or Maxalt-MLT, talk with your doctor. They’ll likely have you stop using the medication until your symptoms ease. Your doctor can recommend other ways to ease your migraine symptoms during this time. They’ll advise on whether it’s safe to restart Maxalt or Maxalt-MLT.

If you have more than four migraine episodes each month, talk with your doctor. They can recommend ways to prevent migraine.

Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT are approved to treat migraine episodes that happen with or without aura. To learn more about this condition, see the “Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT: Use for migraine” section above.

Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT belong to a class of drugs called triptans. They work by increasing the level of a brain chemical called serotonin.

Serotonin causes blood vessels in your brain to become narrower. In turn, narrow blood vessels can help stop pain signals from being sent to your brain. Having narrow blood vessels can also help block the release of certain substances in the brain that are thought to cause migraine. An example is calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP).

As a result, Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT help ease the symptoms of a migraine episode.

Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT should begin easing your migraine symptoms within 2 hours of taking a dose. If migraine symptoms are not eased by the first dose, you can repeat the dose at least 2 hours after it’s taken.

For details about the drugs’ recommended dosages, see the “Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT: Dosage” section above.

There isn’t a known interaction between alcohol and Maxalt or Maxalt-MLT.

However, drinking alcohol can trigger a migraine episode for some people. (Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT are used to treat migraine episodes.) If alcohol triggers a migraine episode for you, it may be best to avoid drinking alcohol while taking these medications.

If you drink alcohol and are concerned about how doing so may affect your migraine episodes, talk with your doctor. They can determine if there’s a safe amount for you to drink while taking Maxalt or Maxalt-MLT.

It’s not known if Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT are safe to take while pregnant. There isn’t enough information about the drugs’ use in pregnancy to know for certain.

Animal studies have shown harm to offspring born to animals who were given these medications while pregnant. However, animal studies do not always predict what happens with humans.

If you’re pregnant or planning a pregnancy, talk with your doctor. They can tell you about the risks and benefits of taking Maxalt or Maxalt-MLT while pregnant.

Doctors aren’t sure if it’s safe to take Maxalt or Maxalt-MLT during pregnancy. Talk with your doctor about your birth control needs with Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT if you’re sexually active and you or your partner can become pregnant. Your doctor can recommend if you should use birth control with this medication.

It isn’t known if Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT pass into breast milk. It also isn’t known if these medications may cause side effects in a breastfed child.

Animal studies have shown that Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT can pass into the milk of lactating animals. However, keep in mind that animal studies don’t always reflect what happens in humans.

If you’re breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor. They can tell you about the risks and benefits of taking Maxalt or Maxalt-MLT while breastfeeding. Your doctor can also suggest other healthy ways to feed your child.

Like other medications, prices for Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT may vary. The drugs’ cost will depend on factors such as:

• the pharmacy you use
• your insurance coverage

Here’s a list of things to consider when looking into the cost of Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT.

• Option for a 90-day supply. For some drugs, it’s possible to get a 90-day supply. If this option is approved by your insurance company, it can help lower the cost of the drug. It can also help you avoid frequent trips to your pharmacy. If you’d like to learn more about this option, ask your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance company.
• Need for prior authorization. Before insurance coverage for Maxalt or Maxalt-MLT is approved, your insurance company may require prior authorization. In this case, your doctor and insurance company will communicate about your prescription for Maxalt or Maxalt-MLT. Then, the insurance company will decide if the drug will be covered. To find out if you need prior authorization for Maxalt or Maxalt-MLT, contact your insurance company.
• Possible cost assistance options. Financial assistance to help lower the cost of Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT may be available. Visit NeedyMeds.org to search for ways to reduce the cost of these medications. Also, check out this article to learn about ways to save on prescription drugs.
• Use of a mail-order pharmacy. Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT may be dispensed through mail-order pharmacies. Getting your prescription through a mail-order pharmacy could lower its cost. It can also allow you to get the drug without leaving home. To find out more about this option, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance company.
• Availability of a generic form. Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT come in a generic form called rizatriptan. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. Generics are typically less expensive than brand-name drugs. If your doctor prescribes Maxalt or Maxalt-MLT but you want to know about using rizatriptan, talk with your doctor about which option might be better for you. Also, check your insurance plan because it might cover just one form or the other.

Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT may interact with other medications. However, these drugs aren’t known to interact with supplements or foods.

Different interactions can cause different effects. Some interactions can interfere with a drug’s effectiveness. Others can increase a drug’s side effects or cause them to be severe.

If any of the interactions listed below might pertain to you, talk with your doctor. They can tell you what you need to do to avoid the interaction.

• Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT and other triptan drugs. Triptan drugs, such as Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT, are used to treat migraine. The manufacturer of Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT advises that these drugs should not be taken together. Be sure to discuss with your doctor before taking these drugs together. Examples of other triptans include:
  • eletriptan (Relpax)
  • sumatriptan (Imitrex, Tosymra, Zembrace SymTouch)
  • zolmitriptan (Zomig)
• Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT and ergot drugs. Ergot drugs are used to treat migraine. The manufacturer of Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT advises that these drugs should not be taken together. Be sure to discuss with your doctor before taking these drugs together. Examples of ergot drugs include:
  • dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. 45, Migranal, Trudhesa)
  • ergotamine (Ergomar)
• Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). MAOIs are a type of antidepressant. The manufacturer of Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT advises that these drugs should not be taken together. Be sure to discuss with your doctor before taking these drugs together. Examples of MAOIs include:
  • isocarboxazid (Marplan)
  • phenelzine (Nardil)
  • tranylcypromine (Parnate)
• Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT and other medications. Because Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT may interact with certain other drugs, your doctor may recommend that you don’t take them with these drugs. Examples include:
  • selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as sertraline (Zoloft) and citalopram (Celexa)
  • serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), such as venlafaxine (Effexor XR) and duloxetine (Cymbalta, Drizalma Sprinkle)
  • the beta-blocker drug propranolol (Inderal LA, InnoPran XL)
• Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT and herbs and supplements. Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT aren’t known to interact with any herbs or supplements. However, before taking any of these products with Maxalt or Maxalt-MLT, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
• Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT and foods. There aren’t any known interactions between Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT and foods. If you have questions about eating certain foods with Maxalt or Maxalt-MLT, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

For information about drug-condition interactions, see the “Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT: Precautions” section below.

Your doctor will recommend how you should take Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT. It’s important that you take the drug exactly as your doctor instructs.

Maxalt comes as an oral tablet. You’ll take the drug by swallowing it.

Maxalt-MLT comes as an orally disintegrating tablet, which dissolves in your mouth. You’ll take the drug by placing it on your tongue and allowing it to dissolve before swallowing it with your saliva.

Here’s a list of common questions related to taking Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT.

• When should I take Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT? You’ll take Maxalt or Maxalt-MLT at the start of a migraine episode.
• Do I need to take Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT with food? You can take Maxalt or Maxalt-MLT with food or without it.
• Can Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT be chewed, split, or crushed? The manufacturer of these drugs doesn’t state if the Maxalt tablets or Maxalt-MLT orally disintegrating tablets can be chewed, split, or crushed. If you have trouble swallowing these medications, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
• Is there a best time of day to take Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT? No, there isn’t a best time of day to take Maxalt or Maxalt-MLT. You can take your medication any time of day when you have a migraine episode.

Tell your doctor about your health history before starting treatment with Maxalt or Maxalt-MLT. Your doctor may not recommend these medications if you have certain factors affecting your health or specific medical conditions. These situations are considered drug-condition interactions.

These factors and conditions include those listed below.

• Uncontrolled high blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure that isn’t well managed, your doctor likely will not prescribe Maxalt or Maxalt-MLT. In rare cases, Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT may cause high blood pressure as a side effect. This could worsen your condition. Your doctor may recommend a treatment for you other than Maxalt or Maxalt-MLT.
• Ischemic bowel disease. Before taking Maxalt or Maxalt-MLT, tell your doctor if you have ischemic bowel disease. These medications can narrow your blood vessels, which may worsen this condition. Your doctor can recommend a treatment option that may be better for you.
• Hemiplegic or basilar migraine. Doctors typically will not prescribe Maxalt or Maxalt-MLT to treat hemiplegic or basilar migraine. Taking Maxalt or Maxalt-MLT can increase the risk of stroke in people who have these conditions. If you have one of these types of migraine, your doctor can recommend a different treatment for your condition.
• Heart problems. Before taking Maxalt or Maxalt-MLT, tell your doctor if you have certain heart problems. This includes conditions such as angina (a type of chest pain) and coronary artery disease. Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT may cause side effects that worsen these conditions. Due to this risk, doctors typically will not prescribe Maxalt or Maxalt-MLT for people with certain heart problems. If you have heart problems, your doctor can determine if it’s safe for you to take Maxalt or Maxalt-MLT.
• Peripheral vascular disease (PVD). Doctors may not prescribe Maxalt or Maxalt-MLT for people with PVD. These medications can narrow your blood vessels, which may worsen this condition. If you have PVD, talk with your doctor about the best treatment option for you.
• Past stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). Doctors typically will not prescribe Maxalt or Maxalt-MLT for people who’ve had a stroke or TIA (ministroke) in the past. Stroke is a rare but serious side effect of these medications. If you’ve already had a stroke or TIA in the past, these medications may increase your risk of having another stroke. Your doctor can recommend the treatment option that’s best for you.
• Phenylketonuria (PKU). Maxalt-MLT contains an ingredient called phenylalanine, which can be dangerous for people who have PKU. If you have PKU, your doctor will likely prescribe Maxalt instead of Maxalt-MLT. Maxalt tablets do not contain phenylalanine.
• Allergic reaction. Your doctor will likely not prescribe Maxalt or Maxalt-MLT if you’ve had an allergic reaction to them or any of their ingredients. To find out about other treatment options, talk with your doctor.
• Pregnancy. It isn’t known if Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT are safe to use during pregnancy. If you’d like more information about taking Maxalt or Maxalt-MLT while pregnant, view the “Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT: Taking while pregnant” section above.
• Breastfeeding. It’s not known if Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT are safe to use while breastfeeding. If you’d like more information about taking Maxalt or Maxalt-MLT while breastfeeding, view the “Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT: Taking while breastfeeding” section above.

To learn more about effects of Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT that could be harmful, see the “Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT: Side effects” section above.

Serious effects can occur if you use more than the recommended dosage of Maxalt or Maxalt-MLT. Do not use more Maxalt or Maxalt-MLT than your doctor recommends.

Symptoms that an overdose could cause include:

• fatigue
• dizziness
• sleepiness
• slow heartbeat or heart block (a condition that may cause the heart to stop beating)
• vomiting or abdominal pain
• urinary incontinence
• shortness of breath

Call your doctor if you think you’ve taken too much of this drug. Also, you can call the American Association of Poison Control Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. However, if your symptoms are severe, call 911 or your local emergency number. Or go to the nearest emergency room right away.

Here’s some information about Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT’s expiration date, as well as how to store and dispose of the drugs.

• Expiration. Your pharmacist will add an expiration date to the label on Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT’s packaging. This date is usually 1 year from the date the medication was dispensed to you. Expiration dates help ensure that a medication is effective during a period of time. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises Trusted Source Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Governmental authority Go to source that you avoid using expired drugs. If you have an unused medication and it’s past the drug’s expiration date, talk with your pharmacist. They can let you know whether you might still be able to use the medication.
• Storage. Many factors determine how long a medication remains good to use. These factors include how and where you store the drug. Maxalt tablets and Maxalt-MLT orally disintegrating tablets should be stored at room temperature of 59°F to 86°F (15°C to 30°C). Avoid storing them in areas where they could get damp or wet, such as bathrooms. Your medication should be kept in a tightly sealed container.
• Disposal. It’s important to safely dispose of Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT if you no longer need to take them and have unused medication. Doing so helps prevent others, including children and pets, from accidentally taking the drugs. It also helps avoid causing harm to the environment. Ask your pharmacist for information about disposing of Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT. Also, check out this page for several tips on safe medication disposal.

If you have questions about Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT, talk with your doctor. They can help advise you on whether Maxalt or Maxalt-MLT could be a good treatment option for you.

Here’s a list of questions you may want to ask your doctor:

• Am I taking any medications that may interact with Maxalt or Maxalt-MLT?
• Can I increase my own dosage of Maxalt or Maxalt-MLT if the drug isn’t working for my condition?
• Can I switch from Maxalt to Maxalt-MLT or vice versa?

Your doctor may also tell you about other treatment options for your condition. You may find this article helpful in learning about alternative drugs for migraine. And view our selection of videos on this condition.

Disclaimer: Healthgrades has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.