Maxalt Melt 10mg Oral Lyophilisate

What is Maxalt Melt?

Maxalt Melt is a migraine medicine containing rizatriptan benzoate. The treatment comes as an orodispersible wafer, meaning it's designed to help relieve migraine symptoms quickly and conveniently without the need for water. This can make it useful when migraines make swallowing tablets difficult.

What is Maxalt Melt used for?

Maxalt Melt is used to treat migraine headaches with or without aura in adults.

Migraine symptoms may include:

• moderate to severe headache pain
• sensitivity to light or sound
• feeling sick (nausea)
• being sick (vomiting)
• visual disturbances (aura)

However, Maxalt Melt is used to treat migraine attacks and should not be used to prevent migraines from occurring.

How does Maxalt Melt work?

Rizatriptan works by stimulating serotonin (5-HT1B/1D) receptors in the brain.

During a migraine attack, blood vessels around your brain can become enlarged and inflamed. Rizatriptan helps narrow these blood vessels and reduce the inflammatory signals associated with migraine symptoms.

This action may help relieve:

• headache pain
• nausea
• sensitivity to light and sound

Maxalt Melt is most effective when taken early during a migraine attack.

How long does Maxalt Melt take to work?

Many people begin to notice relief within 30 minutes to 2 hours after taking Maxalt Melt.

When relief kicks in depends on the:

• severity of your migraine
• timing of your treatment
• how your respond to the medicine

Some people may require a second dose if symptoms return, but this should only be taken according to prescribing instructions.

How to take Maxalt Melt

Always take Maxalt Melt exactly as prescribed. To use Maxalt Melt effectively:

• Use the medicine as soon as your migraine symptoms begin.
• Place the wafer on the tongue.
• Allow it to dissolve naturally.
• Do not chew the wafer.

The usual dosage for Maxalt Melt is:

• one 10mg tablet during a migraine attack
• a second dose may be taken two hours after the first dose if your symptoms haven’t gone away

Do not exceed the prescribed maximum daily dose.

Can you take rizatriptan every day?

Rizatriptan is not intended for daily use.

Using triptans too frequently may increase the risk of:

• medication overuse headaches
• reduced treatment effectiveness
• side effects

If you regularly need migraine treatment, speak to your healthcare professional about reviewing your migraine management plan.

Maxalt Melt (rizatriptan) side effects

Like all medicines, Maxalt Melt can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them.

Common side effects:

• dizziness
• drowsiness
• fatigue
• dry mouth
• nausea

Less common side effects:

• chest tightness
• tingling sensations
• palpitations
• flushing

These side effects are usually mild and temporary.

Seek urgent medical advice if you experience:

• severe chest pain
• shortness of breath
• signs of an allergic reaction
• sudden weakness or confusion

When not to use Maxalt Melt

Maxalt Melt may not be suitable if you:

• have uncontrolled high blood pressure
• have a history of heart disease or stroke
• have severe liver or kidney problems
• are taking certain antidepressants or migraine medicines
• are allergic to rizatriptan or any ingredients

Always inform your healthcare provider about your medical history and current medications.

Storage information

• Store below 30°C.
• Keep in the original packaging.
• Protect from moisture.
• Keep out of sight and reach of children.
• Do not use after the expiry date.

Alternatives to Maxalt Melt

If Maxalt Melt is not suitable, alternative migraine treatments may include:

• other triptans like sumatriptan or zolmitriptan
• anti-sickness medications
• standard pain relief like paracetamol

Rizatriptan vs sumatriptan

Both rizatriptan and sumatriptan belong to the triptan family and work similarly to treat migraine attacks. Rizatriptan normally provides faster relief than sumatriptan, though your individual reaction to the treatment may vary.

Frequently asked questions about Maxalt Melt

Is Maxalt Melt the same as sumatriptan?

No. Both medicines are triptans used to treat migraines, but they contain different active ingredients.

Can you take rizatriptan with paracetamol?

Rizatriptan may sometimes be taken alongside paracetamol, but always follow medical advice and check for possible interactions.

Can I take rizatriptan while breastfeeding?

Speak to your healthcare professional before using rizatriptan while breastfeeding. Guidance may vary depending on your circumstances and feeding schedule.

Can rizatriptan make you sleepy?

Yes. Drowsiness and fatigue are recognised side effects of rizatriptan in some people.

Can you take rizatriptan while pregnant?

If you are pregnant or trying to conceive, speak to your healthcare provider before using rizatriptan. Suitability should always be assessed individually.

Sources

• Maxalt Melt 10mg Oral Lyophilisate Patient Information Leaflet. EMC. [Accessed 5 August 2026].
• Migraine. NHS. [Accessed 5 August 2026]
• Headaches - migraine. NICE Clinical Knowledge Summaries. [Accessed 5 August 2026]
• Rizatriptan for migraine. Patient.info. [Accessed 5 August 2026]
• Migraine management. The Migraine Trust. Available at: https://migrainetrust.org/ [Accessed 5 August 2026]