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How long does it take for Maxalt to work?

Medically reviewed by Leigh Ann Anderson, PharmD. Last updated on June 13, 2025.

Official Answer by Drugs.com

Maxat and Maxalt-MLT will start to work for a migraine headache within 30 minutes for some patients. By 2 hours, there is a 60% to 70% chance of having a headache response (no pain or mild pain) in patients being treated with Maxalt or Maxalt-MLT.

Maxalt will only treat a migraine headache that has already begun. It will not prevent headaches or reduce the number of attacks you have.

In all studies with Maxalt or Maxalt-MLT (5 or 10 mg), more patients achieved a significant headache response 2 hours after treatment when compared to the group taking a placebo.

Related questions

How much Maxalt can I take?

Your doctor will tell you how much Maxalt to take and when to take it. Follow your doctor's instructions exactly. You can review rizatriptan (Maxalt) dosing here.

Talk to your doctor about what to do if your headache does not go away after taking Maxalt or if it comes back.

Learn more: Treatments for migraine headache

This is not all the information you need to know about Maxalt or Maxalt-MLT for safe and effective use and does not take the place of talking to your doctor about your treatment. Review the full Maxalt (rizatriptan) patient information, and discuss any questions with your doctor or other health care provider.

References
  • Maxalt (rizatriptan) [product information]. Organon. Jersey City, NJ. Revised 6/2021. Accessed June 23, 2021 at https://www.organon.com/product/usa/pi_circulars/m/maxalt/maxalt_pi.pdf

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