Some commonly used brand names are:

In the U.S.—

• Sansert

In Canada—

• Sansert

Description

Methysergide (meth-i-SER-jide) belongs to the group of medicines known as ergot alkaloids. It is used to prevent migraine headaches and some kinds of throbbing headaches. It is not used to treat an attack once it has started. The exact way methysergide acts on the body is not known.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage form:

Oral
• Tablets (U.S. and Canada)

Proper Use of This Medicine

Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor. If the amount you are to take does not prevent your headaches from occurring as often as before, do not take more than your doctor ordered. Instead, check with your doctor. Taking too much of this medicine or taking it too frequently may cause serious effects such as nausea and vomiting; cold, painful hands or feet; or even gangrene.

If this medicine upsets your stomach, it may be taken with meals or milk. If stomach upset continues or is severe, check with your doctor.

Dosing—The dose of methysergide will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of methysergide. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

• For oral dosage form (tablets):
  • For preventing migraine and other throbbing headaches:
    • Adults—2 milligrams (mg) (one tablet) two to four times a day.
    • Children—Use is not recommended.

Missed dose—If you miss a dose of this medicine, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage—To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.

Side Effects of This Medicine

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Chest pain or tightness in chest; convulsions (seizures); difficult or painful urination; dizziness (severe); fever or chills; increase or decrease (large) in the amount of urine; leg cramps; pain in arms, legs, groin, lower back, or side; pale or cold hands or feet; shortness of breath or difficult breathing; swelling of hands, ankles, feet, or lower legs

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if the following side effects occur:

More common

Abdominal or stomach pain; itching; numbness and tingling of fingers, toes, or face; weakness in the legs

Less common or rare

Changes in vision; clumsiness or unsteadiness; cough or hoarseness; excitement or difficulty in thinking; fast or slow heartbeat; feeling of being outside the body; hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there); loss of appetite or weight loss; mental depression; nightmares; raised red spots on skin; redness or flushing of face; skin rash; unusual weight gain

Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome:

More common

Diarrhea; dizziness or lightheadedness, especially when you get up from a lying or sitting position; drowsiness; nausea or vomiting

Less common or rare

Constipation; hair loss; heartburn; trouble in sleeping

After you stop using this medicine, your body may need time to adjust. The length of time this takes depends on the amount of medicine you were using and how long you used it. During this time check with your doctor if your headaches begin again or worsen.

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.

Revised: 05/29/97
Interim revision: 08/17/94

Note: The information contained herein has been devised without reference to cultural, dietary, societal, language, prescribing or dispensing conditions (including those imposed by law), other than those of the United States, which might affect the information provided. Information is for your personal use only and may not be sold or redistributed.

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