This drug is like other triptans in many ways, but it does have some distinguishing characteristics.

This neurotransmitter is involved in regulating mood and pain.

Triptans also induce vasoconstriction (narrowing of the blood vessels) in the brain.

Young Asian woman lying in bed and feeling sick, with a glass of water and medicine on the side table

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It is likely that a combination of these effects is at play.

The latter may be appealing if you have difficulty swallowing pills.

The tablet and the disintegrating forms are both available in 5-milligram (mg) and 10-mg doses.

Side Effects

Maxalt has the same side effect profile as other triptans.

Common side effects include:

If you experience any of these, talk to your healthcare provider for advice.

You also should not use Maxalt within the same 24-hour period as another triptan, ergotamines, or dihydroergotamine.

A Word From Verywell

Maxalt is generally well-tolerated and effective for treatment of acute migraines.

Dieringer TD, Crossland DM, Mahl TC.Rizatriptan-induced colonic ischemia: A case report and literature review.Am J Gastroenterol.