Methysergide

About Methysergide

This belongs to the group of medicines known as ergot derivatives.

Methysergide 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.

Research has shown that migraine and similar headaches can be caused by the swelling of blood vessels around the brain. Methysergide helps to prevent the headaches by narrowing these blood vessels.

Methysergide is available in tablet form.

It is also sometimes known as: Deseril. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

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 suffer from heart, lung, liver, kidney, circulation or bladder problems
• if you suffer from hypertension (high blood pressure), collagen disease or cellulitis
• if you have trouble passing water
• if you have any kind of infection
• if you suffer from or have ever suffered from a peptic (stomach) ulcer
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines

How to Take Methysergide

• Take methysergide exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• Take methysergide with or immediately after food.
• 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 complications which can occur if treatment is stopped suddenly.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of methysergide contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
• Methysergide is for you. Never give it to others, even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Always keep your appointments with your doctor so that your progress can be checked.
• Methysergide can cause drowsiness. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert.
• Alcohol will increase any feelings of drowsiness. If you do drink alcohol, do so in moderation and be aware of its effects on you.
• You may experience dizziness and faintness when getting up from a sitting or lying position. Taking your dose of methysergide at bedtime should reduce this.
• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside methysergide

Can Methysergide cause problems?

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

Feeling or being sick, heartburn, tummy discomfort, drowsiness, dizziness, mood or behaviour changes, difficulty sleeping, water retention (swelling of the limbs), weight gain, skin rashes, thinning of the hair, muscle cramps, pins and needles or fast heartbeat.

Important: If you have any pain or unusual sensations in the chest or side, get short of breath, develop cold or numb hands or feet or have difficulty passing water tell your doctor as soon as possible.

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

How to store Methysergide

• Keep out of reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct light and heat.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of unwanted medicines for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 24/10/2003