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Methysergide Maleate Side Effects

Applies to methysergide maleate: oral tablet.

Serious side effects

Along with its needed effects, methysergide maleate may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking methysergide maleate:

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur while taking methysergide maleate:

More common

  • abdominal or stomach pain
  • itching
  • numbness and tingling of fingers, toes, or face
  • weakness in the legs

Less common or rare

  • changes in vision
  • clumsiness or unsteadiness
  • cough or hoarseness
  • excitement or difficulty in thinking
  • fast or slow heartbeat
  • feeling of being outside the body
  • hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there)
  • loss of appetite or weight loss
  • mental depression
  • nightmares
  • raised red spots on skin
  • redness or flushing of face
  • skin rash
  • unusual weight gain

Other side effects

Some side effects of methysergide maleate may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

  • diarrhea
  • dizziness or lightheadedness, especially when you get up from a lying or sitting position
  • drowsiness
  • nausea or vomiting

Less common or rare

After you stop using this medicine, your body may need time to adjust. The length of time this takes depends on the amount of medicine you were using and how long you used it. During this time check with your doctor if your headaches begin again or worsen.

For healthcare professionals

Applies to methysergide maleate: oral tablet.

General

General side effects including fibrotic changes have been reported in the retroperitoneal, pleuropulmonary, cardiac, and other tissues. Retroperitoneal fibrosis is usually confined to the retroperitoneal connective tissue above the pelvic brim and may present with symptoms of malaise, fatigue, weight loss, backache, low grade fever, urinary obstruction, and vascular insufficiency. Several cases of fibrotic plaques, simulating Peyronie's disease have also been reported.[Ref]

Respiratory

Respiratory side effects including fibrosis limited to the pleural and subjacent pulmonary tissues has been reported. In such instances, patients usually present with dyspnea, tightness and pain in the chest, pleural friction rubs, and pleural effusion.[Ref]

Cardiovascular

Cardiovascular side effects including fibrotic changes such as nonrheumatic thickening of the aortic root and aortic and mitral valves have been reported. Encroachment of retroperitoneal fibrosis on the aorta, inferior vena cava and their common iliac branches may result in vascular insufficiency of the lower limbs. Intrinsic vasoconstriction of large and small arteries may occur at any stage of therapy. Progression to ischemic tissue damage has rarely been reported.

Postural hypotension and tachycardia have also been reported.[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Gastrointestinal symptoms including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, heartburn, constipation, elevated gastric acid, and abdominal pain have been reported.[Ref]

Nervous system

Nervous system side effects have included seizure, insomnia, drowsiness, mild euphoria, dizziness, ataxia, lightheadedness, hyperesthesia, and feelings of dissociation or hallucinations.[Ref]

Dermatologic

Dermatologic side effects including facial flushing, telangiectasia, and nonspecific rashes have been reported rarely. Increased hair loss may also occur.[Ref]

Hematologic

Hematologic side effects have included neutropenia, eosinophilia, and thrombocytopenia.[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

Musculoskeletal side effects including arthralgia and myalgia have been reported.[Ref]

Ocular

Ocular side effects including mydriasis have been reported.[Ref]

Other

Other side effects have included peripheral edema, weakness, weight gain, and fever.[Ref]

References

1. (2001) "Product Information. Sansert (methysergide maleate)." Sandoz Pharmaceuticals Corporation

Further information

Methysergide maleate side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.