GENERIC NAME: METHYSERGIDE - ORAL (meth-eh-SER-jide)
BRAND NAME(S): Sansert
Warning | Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
WARNING: Methysergide has caused abnormal thickening of heart valves and of the lining of the lungs or abdomen when this medication was used for extended periods. Therefore, methysergide should be used only when the headaches occur often or are severe. Patients must be under close medical supervision. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop chest pain, difficulty breathing, backache, trouble urinating, unusual fatigue, numbness or tingling of the hands or feet, or fast heartbeat.
USES: This medication is used to treat migraine and vascular headaches.
HOW TO USE: Take with food or milk to prevent stomach upset. Take this medication exactly as prescribed. Do not suddenly stop taking it without your doctor's approval as severe headaches can occur. It may take one to two days before the effects of this medication are noticed.
SIDE EFFECTS: May cause dizziness, drowsiness, stomach upset, heartburn, sleeplessness or flushing. These effects should disappear as your body adjusts to the medication. Notify your doctor if they persist or worsen. Notify your doctor if you experience: chest pain, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, painful urination, leg cramps. Also report: numbness, pain, tingling, cold sensation of the hands or feet. This medication has a tendency to cause weight gain. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history including: heart disease, liver disease, lung disease, kidney disease, severe blood pressure problems, stomach/intestinal ulcers, arthritis, infections, any allergies. Use caution performing activities requiring alertness, such as driving, if dizziness or drowsiness occur. Avoid alcohol while taking this medication as it will only make your headache worse. Smoking can aggravate headaches. Do not smoke. Methysergide should not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. It is not known if this drug is excreted into breast milk. However, drugs related to this one are excreted into breast milk and have been shown to have undesirable effects on the nursing infant. Thus, it is recommended either this drug or nursing be stopped. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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