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Maxalt vs. Frova

Are Maxalt and Frova the Same Thing?

Maxalt (rizatriptan) and Frova (frovatriptan succinate) are selective 5-hydroxytryptamine 1B/1D (5-HT1B/1D) receptor agonists ("triptans") used to treat the pain of migraine headache. Maxalt and Frova will only treat a headache that has already begun. They will not prevent headaches or reduce the number of attacks.

Side effects of Maxalt and Frova that are similar include mild headache (not a migraine); feeling of pain or tightness in the jaw, neck, or throat; pressure or heavy feeling in any part of your body, dry mouth, dizziness, drowsiness, tired feeling, weakness, feelings of tingling/numbness/prickling/heat, or flushing (warmth, redness, or tingling feeling under your skin).

Side effects of Frova that are different from Maxalt include stomach upset, feeling too warm or too cold, or bone or joint pain.

Both Maxalt and Frova may interact with other migraine headache medicines, propranolol, antidepressants, medicines to treat psychiatric disorders, narcotics, or Frova may also interact with medicines for Parkinson's disease, medicines for serious infections, herbal products, or stimulants.

What Are Possible Side Effects of Maxalt?

Common side effects of Maxalt include:

  • mild headache (not a migraine),
  • dry mouth,
  • nausea;
  • feeling of pain or tightness in the jaw, neck, or throat;
  • pressure or heavy feeling in any part of your body,
  • dizziness,
  • drowsiness,
  • tired feeling,
  • weakness,
  • feelings of tingling/numbness/prickling/heat, or
  • flushing (warmth, redness, or tingling feeling under your skin).

What Are Possible Side Effects of Frova?

Common side effects of Frova include:

  • flushing (warmth, redness, or tingling under the skin),
  • sensations of numbness/prickling/heat under your skin,
  • weakness,
  • stomach upset,
  • dry mouth,
  • drowsiness,
  • dizziness,
  • tired feeling,
  • mild headache (not a migraine),
  • feeling too warm or too cold,
  • bone or joint pain,
  • pressure or heavy feeling in any part of your body, or
  • chest/jaw/neck tightness.

What Is Maxalt?

Maxalt (rizatriptan) tablets is a selective 5-hydroxytryptamine1B/1D (5-HT1B/1D) receptor agonist used to treat the pain of migraine headache. Maxalt is believed to work by narrowing the blood vessels around the brain and by decreasing levels of substances involved in the development of migraine pain. Maxalt will only treat a headache that has already begun. Maxalt will not prevent headaches or reduce the number of attacks.

What Is Frova?

Frova (frovatriptan succinate) is a headache medicine used to treat migraine headaches. Frova will only treat a headache that has already begun. Frova will not prevent headaches or reduce the number of attacks.

What Drugs Interact With Maxalt?

Maxalt may interact with other migraine headache medicines, propranolol, or antidepressants. Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use. It is not known whether this medication is harmful to an unborn baby. Before taking rizatriptan, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is also not known whether rizatriptan passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

What Drugs Interact With Frova?

Frova may interact with propranolol or antidepressants. Other drugs may interact with Frova. Tell your doctor all prescription and over-the-counter medications and supplements you use. Frova should be used only when prescribed during pregnancy. It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

How Should Maxalt Be Taken?

The adult dose of Frova is 1 mg or 2.5 mg tablets taken with fluid. The dose may be repeated once after 4 hours, for a maximum dose of 5 mg in a 24-hour period.

How Should Frova Be Taken?

The recommended dose is a single tablet of Frova taken orally with fluids. If the headache recurs after initial relief, a second tablet may be taken, providing there is an interval of at least 2 hours between doses. The total daily dose of Frova should not exceed 3 tablets (3 x 2.5 mg per day).

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