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Cafergot |
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What is Cafergot and why is it prescribed? Cafergot is prescribed for the relief or prevention of vascular headaches, for example, migraine, migraine variants, or cluster headaches. The excessive use of Cafergot can lead to ergot poisoning resulting in symptoms such as headache, pain in the legs when walking, muscle pain, numbness, coldness, and abnormal paleness of the fingers and toes. If this condition is not treated, it can lead to gangrene. How should you take Cafergot? Follow your doctors directions for taking Cafergot. Cafergot is available in both tablet and suppository form. Be sure to take it exactly as prescribed, remaining within the limits of your recommended dosage. Cafergot works best if you use it at the first sign of a migraine attack. If you get warning signals of a coming migraine, take the drug before the headache actually starts. Lie down and relax in a quiet, dark room for at least a couple of hours or until you feel better. Avoid exposure to cold. To use the suppositories, follow these steps: (1) If the suppository feels too soft, leave it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes or put it, still wrapped, in ice water until it hardens, (2) Remove the foil wrapper and dip the tip of the suppository in water, and (3) Lie down on your side and with a finger insert the suppository into the rectum. Hold it in place for a few moments. Take Cafergot only when threatened with an attack. Store Cafergot at room temperature in a tightly closed container away from light. Keep suppositories away from heat. Are there any Cafergot side effects? Cafergot side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Cafergot side effects may include fluid retention, high blood pressure, itching, nausea, numbness, rapid heart rate, slow heartbeat, tingling or pins and needles, vertigo, vomiting, and weakness. Complications caused by constriction of the blood vessels can be serious. They include bluish tinge to the skin, chest pain, cold arms and legs, gangrene, and muscle pains. Although these symptoms occur most commonly with long-term therapy at relatively high doses, they have been reported with short-term or normal doses. A few people on long-term therapy have developed heart valve problems. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Cafergot? If Cafergot is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Cafergot with Beta-blocker drugs (blood pressure medications such as Inderal and Tenormin), Drugs that constrict the blood vessels (such as EpiPen and the oral decongestant Sudafed), Macrolide antibiotics (such as PCE, E.E.S., and Biaxin), or Nicotine (Nicoderm, Habitrol, others). Are there any special warnings about Cafergot? It is extremely important that you do not exceed your recommended dosage, especially when Cafergot is used over long periods. There have been reports of psychological dependence in people who have abused this drug over long periods of time. Discontinuance of Cafergot may produce withdrawal symptoms such as sudden, severe headaches. If you experience excessive nausea and vomiting during attacks, making it impossible for you to retain oral medication, your doctor will probably tell you to use rectal suppositories. Cafergot is effective only for migraine and migraine-type headaches. Do not use it for any other kind of headache. |
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