Generic Name: methysergide maleate

What is the most important information I should know about methysergide?

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.

What is methysergide?

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.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking methysergide?

Before taking methysergide, tell your doctor if you have

• a peripheral vascular disease or poor circulation;

• arteriosclerosis or "hardening of the arteries";

• high blood pressure;

• heart disease;

• asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or any other lung disease;

• a collagen disease;

• liver disease;
• kidney disease; or

• a serious infection.

You may not be able to take methysergide, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Do not take methysergide if you are pregnant. Methysergide is in the FDA pregnancy category X. This means that methysergide will cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Methysergide also can induce uterine contractions and harm the baby. Methysergide passes into breast milk and can cause vomiting and diarrhea in a nursing infant. Do not take methysergide if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take methysergide?

Take methysergide exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each dose with a full glass of water. Take methysergide with food or milk to lessen stomach upset.

Methysergide cannot be taken for longer than 6 months at a time. To prevent harmful side effects, these 6-month periods must be separated by methysergide-free intervals of at least 3 to 4 weeks.

Do not stop taking methysergide abruptly. Doing so could cause a rebound headache to occur. Your dosage should be reduced gradually over 2 to 3 weeks before treatment is discontinued. Store methysergide at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of a methysergide overdose include dizziness, hyperactivity, large pupils, a fast heart rate, euphoria, and, possibly, cold and blue hands and feet.

What should I avoid while taking methysergide?

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Methysergide may cause drowsiness. If you experience drowsiness, avoid these activities.

Weight gain has occurred with methysergide therapy. Maintain a healthy diet and exercise program to prevent weight gain.