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What is it used for? Maxalt Melt is a branded version of Rizatriptan, it is a medication used for the treatment of headaches associated with migraines with or without aura. Aura is the term used to describe the neurological side effects usually linked to migraines such as light sensitivity, visual field disturbances and nausea to name a few. Maxalt Melt belongs to a group of medicines called the ‘Triptans’, it’s also more technically known as a 5HT1B/1D receptor agonist. How does it work? As mentioned above Maxalt Melt acts on the 5HT1B/1D receptors in the brain. During a migraine headache blood vessels in and around the brain become dilated. This dilation attributes to inflammation on sensitive tissues around that area, and on the trigeminal sensory nerves leading to pain. Maxalt Melt contracts these vessels back to their normal state so that pressure is reduced leading to relieved symptoms. (NHS) How is Maxalt Melt taken? Maxalt Melt should be taken as soon as possible after the onset of a migraine, whether you are experiencing aura or not. One wafer is usually sufficient to treat a migraine. If the headache comes back after the first has been treated a further wafer can be taken providing this is at least 2 hours after the first dose. So a further wafer can be taken for a NEW attack as long as it’s taken 2 hours after the first. No more than 2 should be taken in any 24 hour period. If however you do not experience symptomatic relief from the first dose it is not recommended to take a second dose for the same episode of migraine. At this stage you can use painkillers to help control the symptoms – please see below. This medicine will be different to most in that it is not made to be swallowed, instead it is to be placed on the tongue where it will be dissolved and then be swallowed with the saliva. Therefore this medication does not need to be taken with water, it helps in situations where nausea and vomiting can occur due to taking medicines with water. You should ideally take this medication on an empty stomach, as taking it with food or in a fed state can delay action by an hour. How long does it take to work? Maxalt Melt can work as quick as 30 minutes after taking, as mentioned above this is in the absence of food, so best taken on an empty stomach. Please remember that if you don’t have any improvement after 2 hours then proceed with using painkillers. Maxalt Melt and Painkillers Yes, if your first dose of Maxalt Melt has not sufficiently controlled your migraine you can take aspirin, paracetamol or any other NSAIDs such as Ibuprofen. You can take painkillers along with Maxalt Melt in the first instance if you need to. If you are on any other painkillers and are unsure please contact us first HERE. B.V. 2019