Maxtan (rizatriptan) tablets are the generic equivalent of the better-known migraine treatment Maxalt. Maxtan is manufactured in India and, while it provides the same benefit as Maxalt, it is considerably less costly.

This product should not be confused with the over-the-counter tablets MaxTan, which are designed to cause a person's skin to look tanned without sun exposure.

Maxtan's active ingredient, rizatriptan, is in the triptan class of drugs. Triptans are renowned for their high effectiveness in aborting a migraine headache that has already started. While triptans are also sometimes effective in stopping cluster headaches, faster acting formulas, like injections or nasal sprays, are usually preferred.

Maxtan will not reduce the frequency of migraines or prevent one if taken prior to symptoms starting.

Maxtan can be used in patients as young as 6 years old, but with reduced dosing.

Stopping Migraines

Like all abortive headache medications, Maxtan works best if taken at the earliest symptoms that a headache has begun. For many patients the first symptom is pain, but for others it may include auras, tension in the neck and head, or similar symptoms. Maxtan can be taken when any of these are present.

If it is not available when a headache begins, Maxtan will still provide significant relief if taken at later stages. The migraine may not be completely eliminated, however.

Maxtan's effects are very much dose-dependent; higher doses provide greater relief. However, higher doses also put patients at increased risk of side effects, some of which can be very severe. It is advisable that patients start with lower doses, and increase them only if needed.

In otherwise healthy patients who weigh at least 40 kg (88 lbs):

• Take 5 mg at the earliest symptoms of a headache.
• Additional 5 mg doses can be taken at 2-hour intervals if symptoms persist or return.
• If 5 mg consistently fails to provide relief, dosage may be increased to 10 mg.
• Do not take more than 30 mg in a 24 hour period.

In otherwise healthy patients who weigh less than 40 kg (88 lbs):

• Take 5 mg at the earliest symptoms of a headache.
• Do not take more than 5 mg in a 24 hour period without explicit doctor approval.

Those using Maxtan tablets to help with cluster headaches should also follow the above instructions.

Effects are noticeable within 15 to 30 minutes of taking a tablet and peak within 1 or 2 hours. Taking Maxtan with food is optional; food may resolve stomach-related side effects, but the medication works faster if taken on an empty stomach. If vomiting occurs within 15 minutes of taking a dose, a replacement dose should be taken.

Other techniques to alleviate migraine pain can also be used; laying down in a dark room, a warm shower, sleeping, and so forth. Other medications should only be used with doctor approval, however, including over-the-counter NSAIDs.

Potential Complications

Like any medication, Maxtam can produce undesirable side effects. Individuals with certain preexisting conditions are at increased risk of experiencing adverse effects from this product, or any other triptan medication:

• Any heart or blood vessel problems
• Severe or untreated hypertension
• Inadequate blood supply to the intestine (ischemic bowel disease)
• Any high risk factors for heart disease or stroke

The above conditions are a concern because triptan drugs are vasoconstrictors; they narrow blood vessels. Any condition in which blood flow is impaired for any reason to any part of the body is worrisome with triptans; likewise narrower blood vessels means higher blood pressure.

Patients who do not have blood pressure or circulation issues typically only experience mild side effects, including:

• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Diarrhea
• Dry mouth
• Flushing
• Muscle pain or cramps
• Nausea
• Stomach cramps
• Tremors
• Vomiting

Some medications can also cause complications with Maxtan; as with preexisting conditions, any medication which influences circulation or increases blood pressure---this includes recreational drugs like alcohol and cocaine---can cause potentially dangerous side effects. Of particular concern are:

• SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs and some other antidepressants
• Medications containing ergotamine, another vasoconstrictor migraine treatment
• Other medications containing triptans
• St John’s Wort

It is wise to check with a doctor or pharmacist before mixing any medications and patients are strongly advised to do so before taking Maxtan.