Maxalt Melt

What are Maxalt Melt wafers (Rizatriptan)?

Maxalt is the brand name for a medicine called rizatriptan.

Maxalt belongs to a class of drugs called selective serotonin 5-HT1B/1D receptor agonists, also known as 'triptans'. Triptans are used to relieve the symptoms of migraine attacks.

You must have a prescription to buy Maxalt Melts. 

What is Maxalt Melt used to treat?

Maxalt Melt wafers are used to treat migraines. Specifically, they relieve the pain associated with the headache part of a migraine attack.

Migraines are a common occurrence in many people in the UK. However, they can be very debilitating and painful, resulting in severe headaches, nausea and increased sensitivity to light and sound.

This medication is ideal for adults who are unable to swallow whole tablets. All you need to do is place a wafer on the tongue and let it dissolve. You will then swallow the medicine with your saliva.

Why is Maxalt Melt recommended for migraines?

Maxalt Melt wafers contain rizatriptan, which has been clinically tested and shown to be a highly effective medicine for the treatment of migraine symptoms. 

Furthermore, rizatriptan has been found to be well-tolerated, which means that the risk of side effects is minimal. 

How do Maxalt Melts work?

A migraine is believed to be caused when the blood vessels around your brain widen.

As a migraine treatment, Maxalt Melt (rizatriptan) wafers work in two ways. Firstly, they narrow the blood vessels around the brain. Secondly, they reduce the number of substances in the body that trigger symptoms of a migraine attack, such as head pain, sensitivity to light and nausea.

By narrowing the blood vessels in the brain, it relieves the throbbing pain that comes with a migraine, allowing you to go about your day.

This medication can only treat migraine symptoms when they have already started. It does not prevent future migraines or reduce your chances of getting them.

Who can take Maxalt (rizatriptan)?

This medicine should only be taken by adults who are at least 18 years of age. It is not suitable for children or adolescents.

You should not take Maxalt Melt wafers if any of the below apply to you:

• You have an allergy to rizatriptan benzoate, or any other ingredient contained in this medicine
• You have high blood pressure, including mild high blood pressure that is not currently controlled by medication
• You are currently taking any selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like sertraline or escitalopram oxalate
• You have peripheral vascular disease or any blocked arteries
• You have or have ever had any heart problems, including heart attacks, angina or chest pain
• You have ever experienced any symptoms of heart disease
• You are currently taking any serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) for depression
• You have severe liver or kidney problems
• You have ever had a stroke or a mini-stroke

This list is not exhaustive. Always check the patient information leaflet for a full list of warnings before you start to take a new medicine.

Can you buy Maxalt Melt over the counter?

Maxalt Melt wafers must be prescribed by a doctor. They are not available over the counter.

Can you buy Maxalt Melt online in the UK?

You can buy Maxalt Melt online from Medicine Direct after filling out an online questionnaire; this is to make sure that this medication is safe for you to take. Your answers will be reviewed by a registered prescriber, after which your order will be confirmed.

As long as you have ordered by 2pm, next day delivery is available.

Medicine Direct is fully regulated by the General Pharmaceutical Council, meaning all of our medicine is approved for sale in the UK. Never buy any type of medicine online from anywhere other than a regulated pharmacy.

Maxalt Melt alternatives

If Maxalt Melt wafers are not suitable for you, there are plenty of alternative migraine treatments available.

Generic Rizatriptan tablets can also be bought from our online pharmacy. This medicine will get to work in the same way as Maxalt Melt wafers, but you will swallow the tablet whole rather than dissolve it on the tongue. We also sell several other triptan medicines, including Sumatriptan and Almotriptan.

If a child requires a migraine relief treatment, we stock over the counter medicines too. Anadin Extra contains a triple-action formula of paracetamol, aspirin and caffeine, which will get to work rapidly for comprehensive relief of symptoms. This medicine can be taken by people as young as 16.

Alternatively, Migraleve Pink can also be bought over the counter and can be taken by children over the age of 12. This medicine contains a triple-action formula of paracetamol, codeine and buclizine.