Maxalt 5mg (Rizatriptan) 6 Tablets

A migraine is usually a moderate or severe headache felt as a throbbing pain on one side of the head. Many people also have symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and increased sensitivity to light or sound. Migraine is a common health condition, affecting around one in every five women and around one in every 15 men. They usually begin in early adulthood. There are several types of migraine, including: migraine with aura – where there are specific warning signs just before the migraine begins, such as seeing flashing lights migraine without aura – the most common type, where the migraine occurs without the specific warning signs migraine aura without headache, also known as silent migraine – where an aura or other migraine symptoms are experienced, but a headache doesn't develop Some people have migraines frequently, up to several times a week. Other people only have a migraine occasionally. It's possible for years to pass between migraine attacks. When to seek medical advice You should see your GP if you have frequent or severe migraine symptoms. Simple painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can be effective for migraine. However, be careful not to take too many painkillers as this could make it harder to treat headaches over time. You should also make an appointment to see your GP if you have frequent migraines (on more than five days a month), even if they can be controlled with medication, as you may benefit from preventative treatment. Causes of migraines The exact cause of migraines is unknown, although they're thought to be the result of temporary changes in the chemicals, nerves and blood vessels in the brain. Around half of all people who experience migraines also have a close relative with the condition, suggesting that genes may play a role. Some people find migraine attacks are associated with certain triggers, which can include: Emotional triggers: stress anxiety tension shock depression excitement Physical triggers: tiredness poor quality sleep shift work poor posture neck or shoulder tension jet lag low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) strenuous exercise, if you're not used to it starting their period Dietary triggers: missed, delayed or irregular meals dehydration alcohol the food additive tyramine caffeine products, such as tea and coffee specific foods such as chocolate, citrus fruit and cheese Environmental triggers: bright lights flickering screens, such as a television or computer screen smoking (or smoky rooms) loud noises changes in climate, such as changes in humidity or very cold temperatures strong smells a stuffy atmosphere Treating migraines There's no cure for migraines, but a number of treatments are available to help reduce the symptoms. These include: painkillers – including over-the-counter medications such as paracetamol and ibuprofen triptans – medications that can help reverse the changes in the brain that may cause migraines anti-emetics – medications often used to reduce nausea and vomiting During an attack, many people find that sleeping or lying in a darkened room can also help. Preventing migraines If you suspect a specific trigger is causing your migraines, such as stress or a certain type of food, avoiding this trigger may help reduce your risk of experiencing migraines. It may also help to maintain a generally healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, sleep and meals, as well as ensuring you stay well hydrated and limiting your intake of caffeine and alcohol. If your migraines are severe or you've tried avoiding possible triggers and are still experiencing symptoms, your GP may prescribe medication to help prevent further attacks. Outlook Migraines can severely affect your quality of life and stop you carrying out your normal daily activities. Some people find they need to stay in bed for days at a time. However, a number of effective treatments are available to reduce the symptoms and prevent further attacks. Migraine attacks can sometimes get worse over time, but they tend to gradually improve over many years for most people.

Side Effects

Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. The following side effects may happen with this medicine. In adult studies, the most common side effects reported were dizziness, sleepiness and tiredness. Common (affects 1 to 10 users in 100) tingling (paraesthesia), headache, decreased sensitivity of skin (hypoaesthesia), decreased mental sharpness, insomnia fast or irregular heart beat (palpitation), flushing (redness of the face lasting a short time) throat discomfort feeling sick (nausea), dry mouth, vomiting, diarrhoea, indigestion (dyspepsia) feeling of heaviness in parts of the body, neck pain, stiffness pain in abdomen or chest

Further Information

Patient Information Leaflet