(Continued from page 34) in prophylatic treatment of migraine, Arnold P. Friedman, MD, told the subsequent AMA session, "Methysergide maleate, chemically related to methylergonovine, has so far proved to be the most effective. Its use often reduces the number and severity of headaches, but it is not effective for treatment of an attack. Just how methysergide prevents the occurrence of migraine has not yet been fully established."
Dosage varies with the individual, he said, but usually is 6 mg daily. Adverse reactions have been reported in 12% to 20% of patients, he added, noting that adjustment of dosage may control side effects such as nausea, cramps, vomiting and restlessness, but the drug must be discontinued if peripheral vascular effects are seen.
(When a migraine patient who is taking methysergide on a prophylactic basis enters a hospital for surgery, Boston internist John R. Graham, MD, Faulkner Hospital, told the AMA group,