Do you also suffer from unbearable headaches when you have a migraine? Do you not get to do any work that day, cannot even look at the light, and sometimes even vomit? Only those who suffer from this pain know that migraine is not just a headache. So, Lasmiditan is a new type of medicine that is given at times like this, especially to control the pain of migraine. Let's talk about this medicine today, as if a friend were explaining it to you simply.
Simply put, what is Lasmiditan?
Lasmiditan is a medicine that is given after the onset of a migraine, that is, when you start to have a headache, to reduce the pain and other associated symptoms (nausea, sensitivity to light and sound).
Important: This is not a medication to prevent migraines. It is only used to treat migraines after they occur .
Simply put, when a migraine occurs, pain signals start to travel back and forth in our brain. What this medicine does is stop those pain signals from traveling. Just like stopping a car at a red light, it stops the pain signals. This medicine is available in the market under the name `(REYVOW)`.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before your doctor prescribes this medicine for you, he or she needs to have a complete picture of your health. So, if you have any of the conditions listed below, be sure to tell your doctor. Don't hide anything.
- Heart disease: If you have or have had heart disease.
- Liver disease: If you have any liver problems.
- Allergies: Tell your doctor if you have any allergies, not just to Lasmiditan, but to any other medicine, food, dyes, or preservatives.
- Pregnancy: If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother: If you are a breastfeeding mother.
Based on this information, your doctor will be able to help you decide whether this medication is right for you or not, and what dosage to give it.
The medicine should be used in the right way.
For a medicine to work properly, it must be used correctly.
- This pill should be taken by mouth with a glass of water.
- Do not break, crush, or chew the tablet. Swallow it whole.
- You can take it before or after a meal. However, if you feel an upset stomach, it is better to take it with some food.
- Use only as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use frequently.
- Usually, a special instruction leaflet ``(MedGuide)`` comes with this type of medicine. Always read it carefully.
What do you do if you accidentally drink too much?
Imagine you've had more than the prescribed dose. If that happens, don't delay.
Go immediately to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU). Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Treat this as an emergency.
Also, this medicine has been prescribed for you only. So never share it with anyone else. It can be dangerous.
Other things that may interact with this medicine (Drug Interactions)
One medicine we take can "interact" with another medicine. This can increase side effects or change the way the medicine works. Therefore, it is very important to tell your doctor about all the medicines you take (including vitamins, herbal medicines, and supplements). The table below shows some of the things that may interact with Lasmiditan.
| Substance/drug type | Description and examples |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | Drinking alcohol with this medication can greatly increase dizziness and drowsiness. |
| Medicines that cause drowsiness | Some medications for allergies, coughs, and colds (antihistamines), medications for stress or sleep, and medications to help you sleep before surgery. |
| Medication for mental health | Some medications given for conditions such as depression and anxiety. |
| Heart disease and blood pressure medications | Some medications for high blood pressure, heart disease, and heart rhythm disorders. |
| Other types of drugs | Opioids for severe pain, some medications for seizures (e.g. phenobarbital), and herbal medicines such as St. John's wort. |
This list is not complete, so it's safest to tell your doctor about everything you take.
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
You need to think about your safety when taking this medicine.
Warning number one: This medication may make you feel drowsy, dizzy, and have difficulty concentrating . Therefore, do not drive, operate machinery that requires alertness, or work at heights for at least 8 hours after taking this medication. Stay away from these activities until you know exactly how this medication affects you.
- To reduce the risk of dizziness or fainting, get up slowly when sitting or lying down.
- If your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse, tell your doctor.
- If you notice any changes in your vision (such as blurred vision), inform your doctor immediately.
What side effects might I experience?
Like any medicine, this medicine can cause side effects in some people. However, not everyone gets them. You can learn more about these in the table below.
| Side effect | Description and what to do |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to your doctor or ETU immediately | |
| Allergic Reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing. |
| Serotonin Syndrome | This is a serious condition. Symptoms include agitation, rapid heartbeat, muscle stiffness or twitching, excessive sweating, high fever, vomiting, and diarrhea. |
| Tell your doctor if it persists or is bothersome. | |
| Drowsiness/dizziness | This is most common when you first start taking the medicine. Avoid driving. |
| Numbness or tingling in the limbs | A tingling or burning sensation in the hands or feet. |
| Tiredness | Unusual fatigue. |
How do you store and dispose of medication safely?
- Keep out of reach of children and pets .
- This medicine may be misused by some people, so keep it in a safe place where it cannot be stolen .
- Store at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius).
- Never use expired medicine.
It is very important to safely dispose of expired or no longer needed medications.
- The best way is to hand over your medication to a medication take-back program. You can ask your doctor about this.
- If that's not possible, take the pills out of the bottle, mix them with something like used coffee grounds, soil, or cat litter, put them in a tightly sealed bag or container, and throw them in the trash. Never flush them down the toilet.
Take-Home Message
- Lasmiditan is a medication that is given to treat pain after a migraine has occurred , not to prevent it from occurring.
- Tell your doctor about any other illnesses you have and any other medications you are taking.
- You should definitely not drive or operate machinery for 8 hours after taking this medicine.
- Seek immediate medical attention if symptoms of serious side effects such as severe allergic reactions or serotonin syndrome occur.
- Keep medicines out of the reach of children and dispose of unwanted medicines properly.
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