Almotriptan
About
Almotriptan belongs to a class of drugs known as 'antimigraine' used to prevent migraine symptoms such as headache, nausea, and vomiting. Migraine is a neurological condition characterized by intense pulsating, throbbing, pounding, debilitating headache, which usually occurs on one side of the head; however, it can occur on both sides or shift. Hormonal changes, stress, bright lights, loud sounds, and certain foods and drinks can trigger migraine headaches.
Almotriptan contains Zolmitriptan. It works by acting on the serotonin (5-HT) receptors located in the brain, thereby causing the narrowing of the brain's blood vessels, which affects the blood flow patterns associated with headaches. Thus, Almotriptan helps effectively in treating symptoms of migraine-like headache, nausea and vomiting.
Take Almotriptan as prescribed by your doctor. Depending upon your medical condition, you are advised to take Almotriptan for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you. In some cases, you may experience certain common side effects such as dizziness, sleepiness, nausea, chest discomfort, dry mouth, irregular heartbeats and heartburn. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
Do not take Almotriptan if you are pregnant or breastfeeding unless prescribed. Almotriptan should not be taken during the third trimester of pregnancy. Almotriptan can increase the risk of fatal heart attack or stroke, gastrointestinal bleeding, ulceration and perforation of the stomach and intestines. Almotriptan causes drowsiness and dizziness, so drive with caution. Almotriptan should not be given to children as safety and efficacy have not been established. Avoid consuming alcohol along with Almotriptan as it could lead to increased drowsiness and dizziness. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and medicines to rule out any side effects.
Uses of Almotriptan
Medicinal Benefits
Almotriptan contains Zolmitriptan (anti-migraine medication), which prevents migraine symptoms such as headaches, nausea and vomiting. It works by acting on the serotonin (5-HT) receptors in the brain, thereby causing the narrowing of the brain's blood vessels, which affects the blood flow patterns associated with headaches. Thus, Almotriptan helps effectively in treating migraine symptoms like headache, nausea and vomiting.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Almotriptan
- Dizziness
- Sleepiness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Feeling weak
- Chest discomfort
- Dry mouth
- Irregular heartbeats
- Heartburn
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Almotriptan if you are allergic to any of its contents, if you have had any recent heart surgery or stroke, blood circulation problems, heart problems, narrowing of blood vessels to the stomach, legs, arms or kidneys or uncontrolled high blood pressure. Be cautious as Almotriptan can increase the risk of fatal heart attack or stroke, gastrointestinal bleeding, and ulceration. Do not take Almotriptan if you are pregnant or breastfeeding unless prescribed. Almotriptan should not be taken during the third trimester of pregnancy. Almotriptan may cause drowsiness and dizziness, so drive only if you are alert. Almotriptan should not be given to children as safety and effectiveness have not been established. Avoid consuming alcohol along with Almotriptan as it could lead to increased drowsiness. Stop taking Almotriptan and consult your doctor immediately if you have stomach pain or any signs of bleeding in the intestine or stomach, such as blood in stools.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Disease Interactions: Almotriptan may interact with people with renal or liver problems, cardiovascular disease, heart failure, blood clots in the legs, gastrointestinal toxicity, mental illness, and Raynaud's disease (problems with blood flow).
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid the consumption of alcohol, smoking and caffeinated products. Do not consume St John's Wort plant while taking Almotriptan.
Drug-Drug Interactions: Almotriptan may have interaction with a blood thinner (warfarin, aspirin), cardiac glycoside (digoxin), anti-psychotic (lithium, alprazolam, escitalopram), anti-depressant (citalopram, duloxetine, fluoxetine, imipramine, nortriptyline), anti-hypertensive (propranolol, metoprolol), stomach ulcer medicine (cimetidine), pain killers (ibuprofen, naproxen).
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionAvoid consumption of alcohol while taking Almotriptan as it may increase drowsiness.
Pregnancy
cautionAlmotriptan should be used during the first and second trimester of pregnancy only on the doctor's prescription and if the doctor thinks the benefits outweigh the risks. Almotriptan should not be taken during the third trimester of pregnancy.
Breast Feeding
cautionAlmotriptan may pass into breast milk and harm the baby. Please consult your doctor before taking Almotriptan, and your doctor will decide whether Almotriptan can be taken by breastfeeding mothers or not.
Driving
cautionAlmotriptan may cause dizziness and drowsiness. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are alert.
Liver
cautionDose adjustment may be needed in patients with liver impairment. Please consult your doctor if you have a liver impairment or any concerns.
Kidney
cautionDose adjustment may be needed in patients with kidney impairment. Please consult your doctor if you have kidney impairment or any concerns.
Children
cautionAlmotriptan should not be given to children as the safety and effectiveness were not established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Perform meditation and yoga. This helps in relieving stress and provides relaxation. Follow a regular sleep pattern to improve the amount and quality of sleep you get. Massage your scalp to ease the pain.
- Lie down in a quiet, dark room. Place a cold cloth over your forehead or neck.
- Avoid smoking, alcohol and caffeinated drinks. Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids. Maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise helps improve overall health and boost self-esteem.
- Learn what triggers your migraine and try avoiding them. Learn relaxation skills as they help in reducing stress.
- Avoid bright lights, loud noise and extreme temperatures.
Special Advise
- Constantly monitor your blood pressure while taking Almotriptan.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Migraine: It is a neurological condition that is characterized by an intense, debilitating headache. Hormonal changes, stress, lack or excess of sleep, bright lights, loud sounds, and certain foods and drinks can trigger migraine headaches. Warning symptoms precede migraine headache one or two days before the headache itself. The warning symptoms include food cravings, depression, fatigue, hyperactivity, irritability and neck stiffness. Symptoms of migraine include throbbing pain in one area with varying intensity, nausea, vomiting, numbness or tingling sensation, difficulty speaking, and sensitivity to sound and light.
FAQs
Almotriptan belongs to a class of drugs known as 'antimigraine', containing Almotriptan, which works by acting on the serotonin (5-HT) receptors in the brain, thereby causing narrowing of the brain's blood vessels, which in turn affects the blood flow patterns associated with headache. Thus, Almotriptan helps effectively treat symptoms of migraine-like headache, nausea and vomiting.
Almotriptan treats a headache that has already begun but does not prevent or reduce the attacks. Almotriptan should not be used to treat cluster headaches or other types of headaches, which may cause loss of movement on one side of the body.
Several factors like caffeine withdrawal, changes in hormone levels during menstruation or with the use of birth control pills, change in sleep patterns, drinking alcohol, missing meals or smoking, other physical stress, loud noises or bright lights, odours or perfumes or exposure to smoke and stress and anxiety may trigger a migraine attack.
No, it is advised not to take both the medicines together to avoid any unpleasant side effects. Inform your doctor if you are taking depression medicine before starting Almotriptan.
Dry mouth could be a side-effect of Almotriptan. Limiting caffeine intake, avoiding smoking and mouthwashes containing alcohol, drinking water regularly and chewing sugar-free gum/candy might help stimulate saliva and thereby prevent drying of the mouth.
