The ergot drugs are a family of migraine medications that originally derived from a fungus that grows on rye. They have been available by prescription since the 1920s. Among other effects, they interact with receptors for the brain chemical serotonin, which regulates mood, pain awareness, and blood vessel tone. Ergot drugs reduce inflammation and have powerful effects on blood vessels, causing them to constrict. Alert your doctor if you experience symptoms of blood vessel constriction after taking ergotamine, such as temporary numbness or tingling sensations, muscle cramps, or cold fingers or toes.
Ergotamine tartrate is available in several different brands and formulations.
Ergomar is a sublingual tablet that is allowed to dissolve under the tongue for somewhat quicker results than conventional tablets. Bellergal-S combines ergotamine with belladonna and phenobarbital. Ergotamine may produce nausea as a side effect. Patients who have good headache control with an ergotamine drug may find that taking an anti-nausea drug beforehand is effective in controlling any nausea. It has a low rate of headache recurrence compared to the triptan family of headache medicines.