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Common uses
This medicine is a
cerebral vasoconstrictor used to relieve migraine headache attacks as
they occur. This medicine belongs to a group of medicines also known
as "triptans". This medicine will not prevent or reduce the number of
attacks you experience. This medicine may be used to treat other
conditions as determined by your doctor.
Before using
Do not take this
medicine if you are also taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (maois).
Additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be needed if you
are taking ergot alkaloids. Inform your doctor of any other medical
conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Use of this
medicine is not recommended if you have a history of chest pain,
heart conditions, arrhythmias, high blood pressure, or stroke.
Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or
concerns about taking this medicine.
Directions
Follow the directions
for using this medicine provided by your doctor. Swallow whole. Do
not break, crush, or chew before swallowing. It is best to take a
dose of this medicine as soon as you notice symptoms of a migraine
attack. Allow 2 hours between taking doses of this medicine. Do not
take additional doses if you do not get a response from the first
dose. Store this medicine at room temperature in a tightly-closed
container, away from heat and light.
Cautions
This medicine is not
intended to prevent or reduce the number of migraine attacks that you
experience. If you have a headache that is different than your usual
migraine attacks, check with your doctor before using this medicine.
Before you begin using
this medicine, give your doctor and pharmacist a list of all
prescription and non-prescription medicines that you are using to
treat and prevent migraine attacks. Do not use ergot-containing
medicines within 24 hours of using this medicine.
If you have questions
about which medicines contain ergot, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Before using this medicine also tell your doctor if you have chest
pains, heart disease, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeats, high
blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes. Also tell your doctor
if you smoke, if you have had a heart attack, if you have liver or
kidney disease, are post-menopausal, or have had any seizures. Keep
your doctor informed if you develop any of these conditions while you
are taking this medicine.
This medicine may
cause dizziness. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or
with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other
potentially dangerous tasks. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you
have questions about which medicines can cause dizziness.
For women: if
you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits
and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. This medicine is
excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while
you are using this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to
discuss the risks to your baby.
Possible side
effects
Side effects, that may
go away during treatment, include nausea, vomiting, dizziness,
drowsiness, or feeling sick. If they continue or are bothersome,
check with your doctor. Check with your doctor before using
additional doses if you experience wheezing; tightness in the jaw,
neck, or chest; chest pain; or heart throbbing. Contact your doctor
immediately and do not use any more of this medicine if you
experience shortness of breath, swelling of the eyelids, face, or
lips, or develop a skin rash or hives. If you notice other effects
not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
If you take
too much
If overdose is
suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room
immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include tremor, chest pain,
slowed breathing, and seizures.
Additional
information
If this medicine does
not stop or decrease the severity of your migraine attack or if your
symptoms become worse, check with your doctor. Do not share this
medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this
medicine for other health conditions. Keep this medicine out of the
reach of children and pets. If using this medicine for an extended
period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.
Drug
interactions
Drug interactions can
result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its
job. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this
medicine. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and
over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. |