Rizatriptan is the active ingredient in Maxalt Wafers. The patent on the Maxalt brand has expired in recent years, meaning generic versions of the brand can now be produced.

When a medicine is first launched onto the market, the manufacturer who produced it is awarded a license or patent. This patent means that only that manufacturer is allowed to produce that medicine. However, when the patent expires, other manufacturers can begin producing the same treatment. This typically leads to a dramatic drop in price, which arises from the increased competition. These generic treatments are still produced by licensed manufacturers and must conform to the same strict manufacturing standards that the branded medicines meet.

There is 10mg of the active ingredient Rizatriptan in each wafer. There are also several inactive ingredients: those which make up the body of the wafer and agents used in the manufacturing process. For more details, please see the 'Ingredients' tab above.

Experts still do not fully understand what causes the onset of a migraine. However, the associated throbbing pain is thought to be due to the widening of the blood vessels in the brain. Rizatriptan is a serotonin (or 5HT) agonist, meaning it stimulates the brain's serotonin receptors. This action has the effect of causing the affected blood vessels to narrow, which relieves the throbbing and the associated pain.

Rizatriptan is most effective if taken at the start of a migraine attack. However, it will still provide relief if taken later on during an episode. You do not need water to take this medicine. Place one wafer on your tongue and allow it to dissolve completely. If the medicine is ineffective, wait at least two hours before taking the second dose. Do not exceed three wafers (30mg) within a 24-hour period.

It is safe to use painkillers, such as aspirin, paracetamol or ibuprofen. If necessary you can also use anti-nausea treatments, such as Prochlorperazine Buccal Tablets.

However, do not use two or more triptan medicines at the same time. All triptans have similar effects, taking two or more simultaneously will not provide any additional benefit. Instead, it will likely result in you exceeding safe dosages, which will put you at increased risk of experiencing adverse side effects.

Maxalt Wafers can be taken with or without food. It is much more important that they are taken as soon as possible after a migraine attack begins.

None of the above should have any effect on Rizatriptan. However, alcohol can make a migraine worse, so it is advised you avoid it. Although Rizatriptan is not affected by the contraceptive pill, migraines can be linked to hormonal changes that occur during a woman's monthly period.

Yes – we understand that sometimes you will want your treatment as soon as possible. If ordered before 4pm Monday to Friday, Maxalt Wafers are available for next day delivery.

Yes – as long as you are buying from a website that is a legally operating and regulated pharmacy, it is perfectly safe to buy Rizatriptan online.

The Independent Pharmacy is an NHS Online Pharmacy based in Bristol and has all the necessary regulation to be able to safely provide convenient access to genuine prescription treatments through our Online Pharmacy.

All of our migraine treatments are supplied by the same UK-based wholesalers used by the large high-street chains such as Lloyds and Boots.

There are many advantages to buying migraine treatment online, some include:

• It's quick and easy- there is no need to spend time at the doctor or pharmacy.
• Fast delivery- We offer same day dispatch before 4pm and fast delivery to your address of choice with Royal Mail.
• Great prices- we are able to offer very competitive prices and we guarantee to beat any other Online Doctor service.
• A wealth of information - we provide all the information you could need on Rizatriptan and other migraine treatments, in easy to digest formats, at a time that suits you.

Rizatriptan and other triptans are used to treat acute attacks of a migraine. They work by reversing the widened blood vessels in the brain that cause migraines. For this reason, they should only be used to treat existing, or oncoming, migraines; not to prevent them.

Maxalt Wafers will not be effective in preventing migraines that have not yet occurred. They may even contribute to making your headaches/migraines worse due to overuse if they are used as a preventative treatment.

For more information on preventative treatments, you can read our Migraine page or go to the NHS Choices Migraine Prevention page

Although it helps to relieve migraines, Rizatriptan is not a painkiller. All triptan medicines are serotonin (5HT) agonists. The pain relief is a secondary effect.

Rizatriptan can be used alongside traditional painkillers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen if extra pain relief is necessary whilst the wafer is taking effect.

Rizatriptan is an effective migraine treatment for migraine sufferers.

Some people may find that Maxalt Wafers are only mildly effective, or even ineffective. If this is the case, there is no need to worry - rizatriptan is not effective for everyone. If you have tried it a number of times without getting the desired results, you can try a different migraine treatment.

Triptan migraine treatments all have the same mechanism-of-action. However, individuals can respond to each one differently. If one treatment, such as Rizatriptan, has not had proved ineffective, it is advised to try a different treatment to see whether it works better for you.

This will depend on your symptoms and triggers. For example, people who suffer from sensitivity to light should sit or lie in a darkened room. Those who experience issues with sound should go somewhere quiet or use a good pair of earplugs to avoid irritating their symptoms further.

Often people feel better after eating, drinking or taking a nap as well as taking any necessary treatment.