What is Maxalt Melt?
Maxalt Melt contains rizatriptan, a medicine used to treat migraine attacks once they have started. It belongs to a group of medicines called triptans.
It works by acting on serotonin receptors in the brain, which helps to:
- Narrow widened blood vessels linked to migraine
- Reduce inflammation
- Block pain signals associated with migraine
Maxalt Melt can help relieve:
- Migraine headache pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
- Sensitivity to sound (phonophobia)
These tablets are orodispersible, meaning they dissolve on the tongue without water. This can be helpful during migraines when swallowing tablets may be difficult.
Maxalt Melt does not prevent migraines and should only be used when a migraine attack begins.
Who is Maxalt Melt suitable for?
Maxalt Melt may be suitable for:
- Adults aged 18–65 years who experience migraine
- People with migraine with or without aura
In some cases, it may be prescribed for adolescents aged 12–17 years under specialist guidance.
Maxalt Melt may not be suitable for people with certain medical conditions.
Do not take Maxalt Melt if you have:
- Heart disease
- Circulation problems
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure
- A history of stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA)
- Certain rare migraine types (such as hemiplegic or basilar migraine)
Your prescriber will assess whether this medicine is safe for you based on your medical history and any other medicines you take.
How to take Maxalt Melt
Always take this medicine exactly as advised by your prescriber.
Maxalt Melt is usually available in 10 mg orodispersible tablets.
How to take it:
- Make sure your hands are dry before opening the blister.
- Place the tablet on your tongue.
- Allow it to dissolve completely.
- Swallow the dissolved medicine with saliva. Water is not required.
Typical dosing
- Take one tablet at the start of a migraine attack.
- If the migraine improves but then returns, you may take a second dose after at least 2 hours, if advised.
- Do not take more than 2 doses in 24 hours.
Important information
- If you take propranolol, your dose may be reduced to 5 mg.
- High-fat meals may delay how quickly the medicine works.
How to store
- Store at room temperature
- Keep tablets in their original blister packaging
- Protect from moisture
- Keep out of the sight and reach of children
- Do not use after the expiry date on the packaging
Side effects
Like all medicines, Maxalt Melt can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
Common side effects
- Dizziness or tiredness
- Warm or heavy sensations
- Tingling sensations
- Nausea
- Dry mouth
- Flushing
These effects are usually mild and short-lived.
Serious side effects
Seek urgent medical help if you experience:
- Chest pain or tightness
- Shortness of breath
- Severe stomach pain
- Sudden weakness, confusion, or vision changes
- Irregular heartbeat
- Signs of an allergic reaction (swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing)
If severe or unusual symptoms occur, seek medical attention immediately.
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Our Clinical Authors
This page has been written by a registered UK pharmacist and reviewed by our clinical team to ensure it is accurate, clear and reflects current clinical guidance.
Last medically reviewed: 06 July 2026
Last updated: 06 July 2026