Methysergide

About methysergide

Methysergide is used to prevent troublesome headaches such as migraine and recurrent throbbing headaches, when the attacks are frequent and severe. It is also used to treat cluster headaches, which are headaches that occur in close succession at certain times of a year, and can last 6-12 weeks.

What causes a migraine is unclear, but it is known that the blood vessels in parts of the brain go into spasm (become narrower) and then dilate (open wide) before gradually returning to normal. Methysergide helps to prevent migraine headaches by narrowing the blood vessels when they are dilated.

Methysergide is also used to treat severe diarrhoea which can occur in carcinoid syndrome. Carcinoid syndrome is a rare condition caused by a tumour in the bowel, appendix or respiratory tract.

Before taking methysergide

Before taking methysergide make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you have ever had a peptic (stomach) ulcer.
• If you suffer from heart, lung, liver, kidney or circulation problems.
• If you have trouble passing water or have bladder problems.
• If you have cellulitis or any other infection.
• If you suffer from hypertension (high blood pressure).
• If you have a collagen disease such as arthritis.
• 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 methysergide

• Take methysergide exactly as your doctor has told you to.
• Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
• If you are being treated for migraine, the usual starting dose is one tablet at bedtime. Your dose will be increased slowly over the next 2-3 weeks.
• If you are being treated for carcinoid syndrome, you may need to take up to 20 tablets a day. Your doctor will tell you what dose to take.
• Try to take methysergide tablets at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses. Take your dose with a meal or after eating some food.
• 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

• Keep your regular doctor's appointment so your progress can be monitored. Your doctor will want to review your treatment after six months as there is a risk of serious side-effects.
• Avoid drinking alcohol while you are taking methysergide. Methysergide can cause drowsiness which is increased by alcohol.
• Do not stop taking methysergide without speaking to your doctor first. Your doctor will want to reduce the dose you are taking slowly to avoid problems which can occur if this treatment is stopped suddenly.
• If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with methysergide.

Can methysergide 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.

How to store methysergide

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

Important information about all medicines