• Basic Info
• Top Questions
• Interactions

What are the possible side effects of methysergide?

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

• nausea, vomiting, heartburn, or abdominal pain;

• diarrhea or constipation;

• drowsiness, dizziness, or lightheadedness;

• weakness or poor coordination;

• insomnia;

• a rash or facial flushing;

• weight gain; or

• muscle or joint aches or discomfort.

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.

What other drugs will affect methysergide?

Certain drugs can lead to poor blood flow if taken with methysergide. This can be dangerous and can cause symptoms such as a cold feeling in your fingers, toes, hands, feet, arms, legs, or nose. In rare but severe cases, gangrene can result. The following drugs should not be taken with methysergide or should be used only under the supervision of your doctor:

• other migraine headache medicines such as sumatriptan (Imitrex), zolmitriptan (Zomig), rizatriptan (Maxalt), naratriptan (Amerge), ergotamine (Ergomar), dihydroergotamine (D.H.E.), and others;

• beta-blockers (which are used to treat high blood pressure, irregular heartbeats, and other heart conditions) such as carteolol (Cartrol), carvedilol (Coreg), labetalol (Normodyne, Trandate), nadolol (Corgard), pindolol (Visken), propranolol (Inderal), sotalol (Betapace), and timolol (Blocadren); and

• nicotine (in cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, and smoking cessation products).

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with methysergide. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist has more information about methysergide written for health professionals that you may read.

What does my medication look like?

Methysergide is available with a prescription under the brand name Sansert in 2 mg tablets. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.