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Home > Medicines & Drugs > Pizotifen

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Pizotifen

  • Pizotifen is taken regularly to help stop migraine attacks from occuring. It is not effective in relieving attacks once started.
  • Drowsiness is the main side-effect. Taking pizotifen at bedtime helps.
  • Remember to avoid the things that you know trigger your migraine attacks.

About pizotifen

Type of medicineAntimigraine
Used forTo prevent migraine, migraine-type headaches and cluster headaches
Also calledSanomigran®
Available asTablets and oral elixir

Pizotifen is used to prevent troublesome headaches such as migraine and recurrent throbbing headaches. It is also used to treat cluster headaches, which occur in close succession at certain times of the year, usually lasting 6-12 weeks.

Your body produces chemicals which, in some cases, cause headaches. These chemicals are 'serotonin', 'tryptamine' and 'histamine'. Pizotifen helps to prevent certain types of headache by stopping the effects of these chemicals.

Pizotifen is taken regularly to help stop migraine attacks from starting or to make attacks less severe. It is not effective in relieving migraine attacks once the attack has started.

Before taking pizotifen

Before taking pizotifen make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you have kidney problems.
  • If you have glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye).
  • If you have been experiencing difficulty passing urine.
  • If you have ever had fits or epilepsy.
  • If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to take pizotifen

  • Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
  • Take pizotifen exactly as directed by your doctor.
  • Try to take pizotifen at the same time each day to avoid missing any doses.
  • Pizotifen is usually taken as a single dose at bedtime although it may also be split into three smaller doses during the day. Your doctor will tell you which dose is right for you.
  • If you forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose in which case skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Pizotifen can cause drowsiness and drinking alcohol will increase these feelings of drowsiness. If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation and be aware of its effects on you.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with pizotifen.
  • Many things can trigger migraines. These can include some foods (for example cheese, chocolate, and red wine), worry, bright sunlight, too much or too little sleep, and skipping meals. Try to avoid the things that you know trigger your migraines.
  • Stopping treatment suddenly can cause problems and your doctor will probably want you to reduce your dose gradually if this is necessary.

Can pizotifen cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicineWhat can I do if I experience this
Drowsiness, dizziness, tirednessMake sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any jobs that could be dangerous if you were not fully alert. Avoid drinking alcohol as it will increase feelings of drowsiness
Increased appetite and weightEat a well-balanced diet containing plenty of fruit and vegetables
Dry mouthTry chewing sugar-free gum, sucking pieces of ice or sugar-free sweets
Feeling sickEat little and often. Stick to simple foods

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store pizotifen

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

The pharmacists and clinicians responsible for the production of this document are:
Original Author: Helen Allen
Last Checked: 26 May 2009		Current Version: Helen Allen
Document ID: 3315  Version: 24		Peer Reviewer: Dr Cathy Jackson
© EMIS 2011
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