Do severe migraine attacks make you feel like the whole world is spinning out of control? When a crushing headache strikes, bright lights hurt your eyes, and your stomach turns sick, finding relief is your top priority.
Today, we will talk about a special medicine called Lasmiditan that doctors use to stop these painful migraine attacks right in their tracks.
🔑 Key Takeaways
- Lasmiditan is used to treat active migraine headaches, not to prevent them from happening.
- It works by blocking pain signals in your brain when a migraine starts.
- It can cause strong drowsiness and dizziness, so you must not drive for at least 8 hours after taking it.
- Always share your complete medical history and list of current medicines with your doctor before starting.
- Never share your prescription medicine with anyone else, as it can be unsafe for them.
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What is Lasmiditan in Simple Terms?
Lasmiditan is a prescription medicine that you take when a migraine headache has already started. Think of it as a tool you use right when you feel a migraine coming on or soon after it begins.
The most important thing to know is that this is not a daily prevention medicine. You do not take it every day to stop migraines from returning. You only use it when an actual attack hits you.
When a migraine starts, pain signals bounce around inside your brain. This medicine works by blocking those pain signals so your severe headache slowly fades away. In many countries, this medicine is sold under the brand name REYVOW.
Things to Tell Your Doctor Before Taking This Medicine
Before your doctor prescribes Lasmiditan, they need to know your complete health history. Make sure to tell your doctor right away if any of the following apply to you:
- You have any existing heart conditions or rhythm problems.
- You suffer from any liver disease or kidney issues.
- You have had an allergic reaction to Lasmiditan, or any other medicines, foods, or dyes in the past.
- You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant soon, or nursing a baby.
Your doctor will review these health details to decide if Lasmiditan is the right and safe choice for your specific needs.
How to Use This Medicine Correctly
Knowing the right way to take your medicine ensures it works safely and effectively.
- When to take it: Take the pill as soon as your migraine pain begins, following your doctor's exact instructions.
- How to swallow: Swallow the pill whole with a full glass of water. Do not crush, chew, or split the pill.
- With or without food: You can take this medicine with or without food. However, if it upsets your empty stomach, taking it with a light snack can help.
- A quick reminder: This is not a daily medicine. Only take it when a migraine strikes, and never exceed the maximum daily dose set by your doctor.
Medicine Overdose
If you feel you have taken too much of this medicine, seek emergency medical help right away. Call emergency services or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
This prescription medicine was written specifically for you. Never share your pills with friends or family members, even if they have similar symptoms.
Other Things That Can Interact With This Medicine
Lasmiditan can interact with certain other medicines and substances. Always give your doctor a complete list of everything you take, including vitamins and herbal supplements.
| Substance or Medicine Type | Description and Examples |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | Drinking alcohol while taking this medicine can cause severe drowsiness and heavy dizziness. |
| Cold and Allergy Medicines | Antihistamines and sleep aids that cause drowsiness can increase your sleepiness. |
| Mental Health Medicines | Certain medicines used for anxiety, depression, or sleep disorders. |
| Heart and Blood Pressure Pills | Specific medicines that alter your heart rate or blood pressure levels. |
| Strong Pain relievers | Narcotic pain medicines or strong prescription painkillers. |
| Other Products | Anesthesia drugs for surgery, seizure medicines, and herbal items like St. John's Wort. |
Things to Watch Out For While Taking This Medicine
Extremely Important: Drowsiness and Dizziness
After taking Lasmiditan, you may feel very sleepy or dizzy. This is a primary side effect of this medicine.
Because of this, do not drive a car, operate heavy machinery, or do any dangerous tasks that need your full focus for at least 8 hours after taking your dose. Wait until you know how this medicine affects your body.
- Stand up slowly: Do not jump up quickly from a bed or chair. Moving too fast can make you dizzy and lead to falls, especially for older adults.
- Skip alcohol completely: Avoid all alcohol while using this medicine to keep dizziness and sleepiness under control.
- Vision changes: If you notice any blurry vision or visual changes, report them to your doctor right away.
Possible Side Effects You Might Experience
Like all medicines, Lasmiditan can cause side effects, though not everyone gets them.
| Side Effect Category and Signs | |
|---|---|
| Serious Side Effects (Call Your Doctor Right away) | |
| Allergic Reactions | Skin rash, itching, hives, or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. |
| Serotonin Syndrome | A dangerous condition showing confusion, fast heart rate, muscle stiffness, heavy sweating, high fever, or tremors. |
| Common Mild Side Effects (Report if They Persist) | |
| Dizziness | Feeling lightheaded or unsteady after taking your dose. |
| Drowsiness | Feeling unusually tired and ready to sleep. |
| Tingling Sensations | Pins and needles feeling or numbness in your hands and feet. |
| Fatigue | General low energy and physical tiredness. |
🚨 When to Seek Emergency Help
Call 911 (US/Canada), 999 (UK), or go to your nearest Emergency Department right away if you experience signs of a severe allergic reaction, breathing trouble, chest pain, or symptoms of serotonin syndrome.
How to Store and Throw Away Your Medicine Safely
- Safe storage: Keep this medicine in a secure place completely out of the reach of children and pets. Safe storage prevents misuse or accidental ingestion.
- Room temperature: Store your tablets at room temperature away from excessive heat and moisture.
- Expired medicine: Never take expired medicines. Proper disposal protects everyone in your home.
- Disposal steps: Do not throw loose pills in household trash or flush them down the toilet. Mix unused pills with coffee grounds, cat litter, or dirt, seal them in a bag, and place them in the trash. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions.
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