• Basic Info
• Top Questions
• Interactions

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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;

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Can I take this if I am pregnant or trying to get pregnant or if I am breastfeeding?

Methysergide maleate has been assigned to pregnancy category X by the FDA. It is considered contraindicated for use during pregnancy due to its oxytocic actions.

There are no data on the excretion of methysergide maleate into human milk.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Can I stop taking the medication if I feel better?
If you are taking an analgesic for pain and you are no longer experiencing the pain you may stop using the medication. In general, pain medications are to be used on an as needed basis.

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I am on so many medications; do I have to take them all?
This is called polypharmacy—many different medications being used at the same time by one person. Sometimes, being on multiple medications is acceptable and appropriate but at other times it may be problematic. If you are receiving your medications from multiple physicians you need to ensure that they all know what medications you are taking. The best way to do this is to make a list of all the medications you are currently using, including all nutritional supplements, homeopathic remedies, vitamins and over-the-counter drugs (if possible, also include all the diseases you have been diagnosed with). Give a copy to every doctor who takes care of you so they have it on file, this way they can avoid duplicating medications and perhaps even try to consolidate some. After every doctor's visit remember to update the list accordingly. Also, as much as you possibly can, try to use the same pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions, this way any potential drug interactions can be caught and averted.

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