Drug
Ergotamine Tartrate
Pronounced
"er-GOT-uh-meen"
Uses
This medication is used to treat or prevent a certain type of headache (vascular headaches such as migraine headaches and cluster headaches). Ergotamine helps narrow widened blood vessels in the head, which reduces the throbbing effects of vascular headaches.
Warning
This medication has rarely caused a very serious lack of blood flow to the hands and feet (peripheral ischemia) or to the brain, which could cause a stroke. The risk is increased when this medication is taken with other drugs that can affect the removal of ergotamine from your body. Examples include azole antifungals (such as ketoconazole, itraconazole), cobicistat, mifepristone, certain antidepressants (such as nefazodone), macrolide antibiotics (such as clarithromycin, erythromycin, troleandomycin), HIV protease inhibitors (such as nelfinavir, indinavir), ritonavir, SSRIs (such as fluoxetine, paroxetine, fluvoxamine), among others.
How to Use This Medication
Place one tablet under the tongue, allowing it to dissolve as directed by your doctor. Do not chew or swallow the tablet. Do not eat or drink while the tablet is dissolving in your mouth.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. This medication works best if it is taken as the first signs of the headache occur. If you wait until the headache has worsened, the medication may not work as well.
This medication usually should be taken only as needed. It is not meant for long-term daily use. The maximum dose is 3 tablets in any 24-hour period and 5 tablets in any 7-day period.
If you suddenly stop using this medication, you may have withdrawal symptoms (such as rebound headaches). This headache may be different from your original headache and may last a few days. To help prevent withdrawal, your doctor may lower your dose slowly. Withdrawal is more likely if you have used ergotamine for a long time (more than a few weeks) or in high doses. Tell your doctor or pharmacist right away if you have withdrawal.
If you are using drugs for migraine attacks on 10 or more days each month, the drugs may actually make your headaches worse (medication overuse headache). Do not use medications more often or for longer than directed. Tell your doctor if you need to use this medication more often, or if the medication is not working as well, or if your headaches get worse.