Nicergoline
About
Nicergoline belongs to the class of 'nootropic drugs', primarily used for cognitive function disorders, migraine headaches (one-sided headache), Raynaud's disease and dementia (memory loss). Nicergoline is also used to treat vascular disorders, such as cerebral thrombosis (blood clot in the cerebral vein of the brain), atherosclerosis (accumulation of fat or other substances in on artery walls), diabetic retinopathy (diabetes affecting eyes), macular degeneration (retina problems that may cause vision loss) and retinal angiosclerosis (hardening of blood vessel walls of the retina).
Nicergoline contains Nicergoline which belongs to the class of ergot alkaloid derivatives (that decrease throbbing headaches). Nicergoline is a vasodilator that improves the arterial blood flow to the brain by dilating or widening of blood vessels. It acts as a nootropic agent/cognitive enhancer that works by improving cognitive/mental function, thus facilitating memory and thinking. Nicergoline is also known to inhibit platelet aggregation or clumping that further leads to blood clot formation, thus preventing various vascular disorders.
Your doctor will decide the dose and duration based on the severity of your medical condition. Common side effects of Nicergoline include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, taste changes, muscle pain, restlessness, hot flashes, sleep disturbances and dizziness. These side effects are not familiar to everyone and vary individually. If you notice any side effects that are not manageable, please consult your doctor.
Please do not stop taking Nicergoline abruptly since it may lead to increased headaches. Let your doctor know if you have any pre-existing medical conditions like liver, kidney or heart diseases, recent heart attack, irregular heartbeat, bleeding issues, blood pressure and lung disorders before taking Nicergoline. Consult your doctor before taking Nicergoline if you are pregnant, planning for pregnancy or breastfeeding. Nicergoline may cause dizziness; hence drive only when you are alert. Avoid consuming alcohol as it could lead to increased dizziness.
Uses of Nicergoline
Medicinal Benefits
Nicergoline is a 'nootropic drug' that is used for cognitive function disorders, migraine headaches, Raynaud's disease and dementia. It also effectively treats vascular disorders, such as cerebral thrombosis, atherosclerosis, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration and retinal angiosclerosis. Nicergoline contains Nicergoline, an ergot alkaloid derivative. Nicergoline is a vasodilator that improves the brain and arterial blood flow by dilating or widening blood vessels. It also improves mental clarity, memory and thinking by acting as a cognitive enhancer. Nicergoline inhibits platelet aggregation or clumping that further leads to the formation of a blood clot, thus preventing various vascular disorders. Nicergoline improves arterial blood flow and lowers vascular resistance, thus relieving vascular migraines.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Nicergoline
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Taste changes
- Muscle pain
- Restlessness
- Hot flashes
- Sleep disturbances
- Dizziness
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Let your doctor know if you use any prescription and non-prescription medications, including vitamins and herbal supplements, before starting Nicergoline. Use Nicergoline with caution and only under a doctor's supervision if you have liver, kidney or heart diseases, recent heart attack, irregular heartbeat, bleeding issues, blood pressure and lung disorders. Please consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to conceive or breastfeeding if the doctor advised you Nicergoline. Avoid consuming alcohol along with Nicergoline as it could lead to increased dizziness. Nicergoline may cause dizziness; hence drive only when you are alert and mentally focused. Nicergoline is not recommended for use in people younger than 18 years of age.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Nicergoline may interact with blood pressure-lowering drugs and water pills.
Drug-Food Interaction: Alcohol may cause dizziness when taken with Nicergoline.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Before using Nicergoline, let your doctor know if you have any liver, kidney or heart diseases, recent heart attack, irregular heartbeat, bleeding issues, blood pressure, and lung disorders.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionYou are recommended to avoid alcohol consumption while taking Nicergoline. Alcohol intake, along with Nicergoline, may cause increased dizziness.
Pregnancy
cautionThere is limited data on how Nicergoline affects pregnancy. Please consult your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to conceive before using Nicergoline.
Breast Feeding
cautionIt is unknown if Nicergoline is excreted into the breast milk when used by a breastfeeding mother. Please consult your doctor before taking Nicergoline.
Driving
cautionNicergoline may make you feel dizzy. Do not drive or operate machinery if you experience any side effects that affect your ability to drive.
Liver
cautionPlease consult your doctor if you have a history of liver impairment/liver disease before starting Nicergoline.
Kidney
cautionPlease consult your doctor if you have a history of kidney impairment/kidney disease before starting Nicergoline.
Children
unsafeNicergoline is not recommended in people younger than 18 years of age.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Avoid chocolates, junk food, cheese, processed food, alcohol, and smoking. Instead, eat a healthy diet and do regular exercise.
- Avoid loud music, extreme temperatures, bright lights, and noisy places, as it can increase headaches.
- You can try increasing your mindfulness by doing yoga, meditation, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, and stress reduction techniques.
- Drink enough water to stay hydrated and limit or avoid alcohol and caffeine to relieve headaches.
- Include a diet rich in whole grains, vegetables, and fruits. This is a healthier option than eating a lot of simple carbohydrates found in processed foods.
- You can include antioxidants in your daily diet, like omega-3 fatty acids, green tea, and lemon.
- Try to spend time with your friends and family. Having a strong social network may help you lower your risk of anxiety.
Special Advise
- Tell your doctor that you are taking Nicergoline if you are undergoing medical tests.
- Inform your doctor if you have gout and are taking any medication for gout.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Cognitive function disorders are defined as mental health disorders that may affect a person's learning, memory, thinking and problem-solving capabilities. Some examples of cognitive disorders include dementia (memory loss), developmental disorders and amnesia (inability to recall old memories).
Raynaud's disease is a condition associated with restricted blood flow to fingers, toes, ears or nose. Symptoms include cold fingers or toes, colour changes in the skin, numbness and prickly or stinging sensation.
Migraine: It is a medical condition that involves severe throbbing pain or a pulsing sensation of the head. Severe and recurrent headaches are one of the characteristic symptoms of migraine. Symptoms of migraine may include nausea, vomiting, difficulty speaking, numbness or tingling and sensitivity to light and sound.
FAQs
Nicergoline improves arterial blood flow and lowers vascular resistance, thus relieving vascular migraines. It also improves mental clarity, thinking ability and concentration, thereby helping to treat cognitive disorders. It inhibits platelet aggregation that further leads to the formation of a blood clot, thus preventing various vascular disorders.
Your doctor will prescribe Nicergoline to prevent migraine episodes. Please do not stop taking this medicine unless advised by your doctor since it may lead to recurrent episodes of migraine. Complete the course as suggested by your doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as possible. However, if it is time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose.
Nicergoline should be used with caution in the medical history of liver, kidney or heart diseases, recent heart attack, irregular heartbeat, bleeding issues, blood pressure and lung disorders. Please let your doctor know if you have any other medical issues before starting Nicergoline.
Keep Nicergoline in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight at a temperature not exceeding 25°C. Dispose of unused medicine and keep it out of sight and reach from children and pets.
