Ergot (เออร์กอต) is a medication used to treat migraine headaches. It works by treating headache symptoms because when blood vessels dilate, the brains of migraine sufferers perceive pain more intensely than others. When the medication is taken, it acts to relieve headache pain by stimulating serotonin receptors, which causes the abnormally dilated blood vessels to constrict, ultimately alleviating the headache.
How to take it correctly
Since this medication causes blood vessels to constrict, migraine patients should take it as prescribed by a doctor. However, Ergot should only be used when pain occurs and should not be taken daily or exceed 5–6 tablets per day. Typically, migraine headaches last no more than 3 days; if longer, a doctor should be consulted. Taking too much Ergot can increase blood pressure and cause symptoms such as palpitations, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, cold extremities, numbness around the mouth, and it can interact with other medications, known as “drug interactions”, which can enhance the effects of those drugs and lead to more severe adverse effects.
Do not take Ergot with these groups of drugs
- Protease inhibitors or HIV antiviral drugs such as lopinavir, ritonavir
- Oral antifungal drugs such as ketoconazole
- Macrolide antibiotics such as Clarithromycin
- Certain blood pressure medications such as diltiazem
- Certain antidepressants such as fluoxetine
For people with chronic illnesses who take continuous medication, migraine painkillers in the Ergot group should be avoided due to side effects related to blood vessel constriction. If the medication acts too strongly, severe side effects can occur, such as limb ischemia leading to amputation or stroke. People who should be cautious when using Ergot include:
- Those with a history of allergy to Ergot
- Those with a history of peripheral arterial occlusion
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
- Those with coronary artery disease or heart muscle vascular disease
- Those with severe liver or kidney disease
- Those with uncontrolled high blood pressure
- People taking other medications that interact with Ergot as mentioned above; if unsure, consult a doctor or pharmacist before use
Additionally, another commonly used migraine medication group is Triptan (drug names ending with Triptan), which consumers should be cautious with because their effects are similar to Ergot (เออร์กอต), causing blood vessel constriction and should not be used together, as this may lead to dangerous side effects.
