Ergotamine is a medication that treats migraines, which can cause debilitating pain, nausea, irritability and temporary loss of sight. The tablets work by blocking pain signals and narrowing blood vessels in your brain. You can take this medication by placing the tablet under your tongue to let it dissolve.
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ERGOTAMINE (er GOT a meen) treats migraines. It works by blocking pain signals and narrowing blood vessels in the brain. It belongs to a group of medications called ergot alkaloids. It is not used to prevent migraines.
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This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Ergomar
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
Take this medication by mouth. Place the tablet under the tongue and allow it to completely dissolve. Do NOT chew or swallow the tablet. Follow the directions on the prescription label. For best results take this medication at the start of a migraine headache. Do not take this medication every day. Do not take your medication more often than directed.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
This does not apply; this medication is not for regular use.
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Do not take this medication with any of the following:
This medication may also interact with the following:
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Check with your care team if you do not get relief from your headaches after using this medication. You may need to be changed to a different kind of medication to treat your headaches.
This medication may affect your coordination, reaction time, or judgment. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Sit up or stand slowly to reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Drinking alcohol with this medication can increase the risk of these side effects.
Tell your care team right away if you notice unexplained wounds on your fingers or toes while taking this medication. You should also tell your care team if you experience numbness or pain, changes in skin color, or sensitivity to temperature in your fingers or toes.
If you take migraine medications for 10 or more days a month, your migraines may get worse. Keep a diary of headache days and medication use. Contact your care team if your migraine attacks occur more frequently.
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
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Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep in foil package until ready to use. Protect from light and moisture. Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
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Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.