Axert, or almotriptan, is a prescription medication used to treat migraine headaches. The Migraine Awareness Group states that many people find they no longer have migraine pain after taking Axert. Other people report a significant reduction in symptoms allowing them to return to daily activities. Axert not only relieves migraine headache pain but also nausea, vomiting, photosensitivity and sound sensitivity often associated with this type of headache.
Uses
According to Migraine Awareness Group, Axert only relieves migraine pain. Other types of pain not associated with migraine are not affected by this medication. Axert is prescribed to patients who do not get relief from medications such as acetaminophen, aspirin or other over-the-counter pain relievers.
Dosage and Administration
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the recommended dose of Axert for adults and patients 12 to 17 years old is 6.25 mg up to 12.5 mg. If the migraine headache does not go away after an initial dose of Axert, the prescribed dose may be repeated in two hours. No more than 25 mg of Axert should be taken in a day. Talk to your physician if the recommended daily dose is not effectively treating your migraine pain.
Side Effects
The Axert website lists the most common side effects in adults as nausea, sleepiness, tingling, headache and dry mouth. The most common side effects in adolescents are dizziness, sleepiness, headache, tingling, nausea and vomiting. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, serious cardiac reactions such as heart attack are rare but have occurred in patients with a history of heart disease.
Contraindications
Effects of Axert on an unborn fetus or breast milk have not been studied and are not known. The Axert website suggests patients discuss these situations with a physician to determine safety. The Migraine Awareness Group states not to take Axert if you have taken other migraine treatments such ergot-based medications or serotonin receptor agonists in 24 hours. Do not take Axert if you have taken antifungals such as Nizoral or Sporanox, the HIV treatment Norvir or the antibiotic erythromycin in the past seven days. Notify your physician of all prescribed and over-the-counter medications you are taking prior to starting Axert treatment.
Precautions
The Migraine Awareness Group advises against drinking alcohol while taking Axert. Alcoholic beverages can increase migraine pain especially during a headache. The Migraine Awareness Group discourages driving or using machines while experiencing a migraine or taking Axert due to potential drowsiness or dizziness that may occur.
