Drugs and Treatment Resources
Featured Centers
- Eating Out? Cut Calories, Heartburn
- 5 Good Ways to Save Money on Medicine
- 8 Ways to Treat Your Allergies
A migraine headache is a form of vascular headache. Migraine headache is caused by vasodilatation (enlargement of blood vessels) that causes the release of chemicals from nerve fibers that coil around the large arteries of the brain. Enlargement of these blood vessels stretches the nerves that coil around them and causes the nerves to release chemicals. The chemicals cause inflammation, pain, and further enlargement of the artery. The increasing enlargement of the arteries magnifies the pain.
Migraine attacks commonly activate the sympathetic nervous system in the body. The sympathetic nervous system is often thought of as the part of the nervous system that controls primitive responses to stress and pain, the so-called "fight or flight" response, and this activation causes many of the symptoms associated with migraine attacks; for example, the increased sympathetic n...
|
|
The exact way that methysergide works is unknown. It is believed to be involved in narrowing the veins and arteries that supply blood to your head.
Methysergide is used to prevent vascular headaches (e.g., migraines) and to reduce their severity.
Methysergide may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
Stop taking methysergide and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives).
Notify your doctor immediately if you experience leg cramps when walking; hip, side, or chest pain; painful urination; shortness of breath; or coldness, numbness, or pain in your hands, feet, arms, or legs.
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take methysergide and talk to your doctor if you experience
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
Notify your doctor immediately if you experience leg cramps when walking; hip, side, or chest pain; painful urination; shortness of breath; or coldness, numbness, or pain in your hands, feet, arms, or legs.
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Methysergide may cause drowsiness. If you experience drowsiness, avoid these activities.
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.
Find out what women really need.