CAFERGOT (ERGOTAMINE/CAFFEINE)

Cafergot Description

When a migraine strikes, you may experience such an excruciating pain that you are rendered incapable of performing your daily tasks, including going to work, school, family or social events, or other appointments you have scheduled. This neurological disease causes nausea or vomiting and an increased sensitivity to light, sounds, and even smells.

Talk to your doctor about a prescription for Cafergot with a combination of Ergotamine, an ergot alkaloid, and Caffeine, a stimulant that boosts the effectiveness of Ergotamine and other pain killers. This medication will not prevent migraines from occurring or reduce the number of attacks you have.

How Cafergot Works

As soon as you feel a migraine headache coming on, take Cafergot as directed and rest on your bed or sofa with minimal light as Cafergot begins to work. Some people may experience an aura before the migraine starts, this can involve seeing flashing, squiggly lights, or blind spots which lets you know a migraine is coming.

Ergotamine will act by working in your brain to stimulate serotonin receptors. This increases serotonin levels, a neurotransmitter that will cause the blood vessels in your brain to constrict so blood flow is reduced and migraine pain is relieved before it has a chance to cause extreme pain.

The Caffeine will begin to work as a stimulant that boosts painkillers effectiveness by as much as 40%. Your body is also able to absorb medications quicker with the assistance of Caffeine and it may be able to block certain receptors that can lead to a migraine. Cafergot is also prescribed for cluster headaches.

Conditions Treated by Cafergot

Cluster headaches are more painful than a migraine and usually strike in the night when you are trying to sleep. They are centered around one eye which is why it is thought that the trigeminal nerve has a role in cluster headaches. Men appear to be more affected by this painful event that usually starts in their early 30’s. Women tend to be in their 60’s before they may be struck with cluster headaches.

Before Cafergot is Prescribed

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or are breast feeding as taking Cafergot could cause harm to your unborn or nursing baby. Explain other health problems you have to your doctor and list any OTC or Rx medicine you currently take or use, including herbal remedies and dietary or vitamin supplements. This can determine if Cafergot is right for you.

Cafergot Precautions and Proper Use

Until you know how Cafergot will affect you, do not drive, operate machinery, or attempt any task that may be unsafe if you are not steady on your feet or alert. Cut back on other caffeine sources, such as coffee, tea, cola, and chocolate. Keep Cafergot and other medications out of children’s reach and never share drugs that are prescribed to you.

Possible Side Effects of Cafergot

• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting