Maxalt

Why should Maxalt not be prescribed?

If Maxalt gives you an allergic reaction, you won't be able to use it. You should also avoid this drug if you have certain types of heart or blood vessel disease, including angina (crushing chest pain) or a history of heart attack. Do not use it if you have uncontrolled high blood pressure.

Never take Maxalt within 24 hours of using an ergotamine-type migraine medication such as Cafergot, D.H.E. 45 Injection, Migranal Nasal Spray, or Sansert, or a drug in the same family as Maxalt, such as Amerge, Imitrex, or Zomig. You should also refrain from using Maxalt within 2 weeks of taking an MAO inhibitor such as the antidepressants Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate.

Special warnings about Maxalt

Because some people with risk factors for heart and blood vessel disease have suffered an irregular heartbeat, a heart attack, or stroke after taking Maxalt, your doctor may ask you to take the first dose in the office, where you can be monitored for cardiac side effects. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, a history of heart disease in your family, and menopause all increase the odds of such side effects.

Maxalt can cause drowsiness and dizziness. Do not participate in any activities that require full alertness until you are certain of the drug's effect. Use Maxalt with caution if you have liver disease or need kidney dialysis. Also alert your doctor if you have an eye condition. There is a theoretical possibility that Maxalt could affect the eyes.

If your first dose of Maxalt has no effect on your symptoms, you may not be suffering from migraine. Ask your doctor for a re-evaluation.

If you have a condition called phenylketonuria, you should be aware that the Maxalt-MLT tablets contain phenylalanine.

Maxalt is not recommended for people under 18.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Maxalt

The following drugs may boost or add to the effect of Maxalt and should never be combined with it:

Drugs classified as MAO inhibitors, including the antidepressants Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
Ergot-containing drugs such as Cafergot, D.H.E. Injection, and Migranal Nasal Spray
Other drugs in the Maxalt family, including Amerge, Imitrex, and Zomig

Certain other drugs may also interact with Maxalt. Check with your doctor before combining it with the following:

Fluoxetine (Prozac)
Fluvoxamine (Luvox)
Paroxetine (Paxil)
Propranolol (Inderal)
Sertraline (Zoloft)