Almotriptan for migraine

About almotriptan

In people with migraine, it is thought that some chemicals in the brain increase in activity and as a result parts of the brain then send out confused signals which result in the symptoms of headache and sickness. Why people with migraine should develop these chemical changes is not clear, but for some people there may be things which trigger an attack, like certain foods or drinks.

Almotriptan belongs to a class of medicines known as 5HT₁-receptor agonists. They are also known simply as triptans. Triptans work by stimulating the receptors of a natural substance in the brain called serotonin (also called 5HT). This eases the symptoms of a migraine attack.

Almotriptan is effective in relieving migraine attacks once an attack has started, but it does not help prevent headaches or migraine attacks from starting.

Before taking almotriptan

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine can only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking almotriptan it is important that your doctor knows:

• If you are aged over 65 years or under 18 years.

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• If you have a heart condition, angina, or if you have ever had a heart attack.

• If you have high blood pressure.

• If you have circulation problems caused by a condition called peripheral arterial disease.

• If you have ever had a stroke or a transient ischaemic attack (also referred to as a TIA or a 'mini-stroke').

• If you have any problems with the way your liver works, or if you have any problems with the way your kidneys work.

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine. It is particularly important that you tell your doctor if you have ever had a bad reaction to a sulfonamide medicine used to treat an infection.

• If you are taking or using any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.

How to take almotriptan

• Before you start the treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about almotriptan, and will also provide you with a full list of the side-effects which you could experience from taking it.

• Take almotriptan exactly as your doctor tells you to. Take one tablet as soon as the headache phase develops. If your migraine at first improves but then comes back, you may take a second tablet, providing it is at least two hours after the initial dose. Do not take more than two tablets in 24 hours. If the first tablet has no effect, do not take a second dose for the same attack, as it is unlikely to work.

• Swallow the tablet with a drink of water. You can take almotriptan whether or not you have recently eaten.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Almotriptan is used to treat headache pain during a migraine attack, not to stop the pain from coming on. You should wait until the headache (pain) is just beginning to develop, rather than taking it at the aura stage or when you feel that a migraine may be developing. Triptans probably work much less well if taken too early on in an attack.

• Some people may benefit from taking a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory painkiller (such as naproxen) in addition to almotriptan. Your doctor will advise you about this if it is recommended for you. Do not take migraine treatments such as other triptans or ergotamine at the same time as almotriptan.

• If you find that almotriptan does not relieve your migraine, make an appointment to discuss this with your doctor, as a different triptan medicine may be more effective for you.

• It may help to keep a migraine diary. Note down when and where each migraine attack started, what you were doing, and what you had eaten that day. A pattern may emerge and it may be possible for you to avoid some of the things that trigger your migraine attacks.

• Almotriptan is used to treat migraine attacks once the pain has started, but there are other medicines available that may help to reduce the number of migraine attacks. If you have migraines frequently, discuss this with your doctor.

• Some people who get frequent migraine attacks are in fact getting medication-induced headache. Medication-induced headache (also called medication-overuse headache) is caused by taking painkillers or triptans too often. If you use almotriptan or painkillers on more than two days a week on a regular basis, you may be at risk of this. You should talk with your doctor if you suspect it.

Can almotriptan cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the most common ones associated with almotriptan. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

Important: after taking a triptan, some people can feel intense tightness or heaviness, particularly in the throat or chest. If this happens to you, do not take any further doses of almotriptan and speak with your doctor about it as soon as possible.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to the tablets, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

How to store almotriptan

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.

• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines