Methysergide

Methysergide (UML-491) is a prescription drug used for prophylaxis of migraine headaches and is sold under the brand names Sansert and Deseril in 2mg dosages. Methysergide was approved by the FDA in 1962. Its molecular structure is closely related to that of LSD. It is a 5-HT (serotonin) antagonist. It is a receptor antagonist for the 5-HT receptor 2C^[1].

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Methysergide is one of the most effective medications for the prevention of migraine, but not for the treatment of an acute attack. It has a known side effect, retroperitoneal fibrosis^[2], which is severe, although uncommon. Novartis withdrew it from the U.S. market after taking over Sandoz, but currently lists it as a product.

Like LSD, methysergide also produces psychedelic and hallucinogenic effects above a dosage of about 4mg.^[3] Full effects are felt with dosages of 8-20mg.^{[citation needed]}

See also

Triptan

References

1. ^ Rang, H. P. (2003). Pharmacology. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone. ISBN 0-443-07145-4.  Page 187
2. ^ emedicine.com (2002)
3. ^ L. Bender (1970): "Children's Reactions to Psychotomimetic Drugs", Psychotomimetic Drugs, pp. 265-273]