Axert

Generic name: Almotriptan malate

What is Axert?

Axert is a medication used to treat migraine attacks in adults. Axert belongs to a class of drugs called selective serotonin receptor agonists. Axert reduces the swelling of blood vessels that surround your brain. This swelling is associated with the headache pain of a migraine attack. Axert blocks the release of substances from nerve endings that cause more pain and other migraine symptoms, and it also interrupts the pain signals that are sent your brain. By doing all of these things, Axert helps to relieve the symptoms of your migraine.

Use Axert only for a migraine attack; do not use Axert to treat headaches that might be caused by other conditions.

What is the most important information I should know about Axert?

In very rare cases, patients taking medicines in the same class of drugs as Axert experience serious heart problems, stroke, or increased blood pressure. Tell your doctor right away if you feel tightness, pain, pressure, or heaviness in your chest, throat, neck, or jaw after you take Axert.

Cases of life-threatening serotonin syndrome have been reported during combined use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and triptans. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience possible signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome, including agitation, hallucinations, sweating, fast heartbeat, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Who should not take Axert?

Do not take Axert if you have ever had heart disease, uncontrolled high blood pressure, or hemiplegic or basilar migraine. Also, if you have taken another serotonin receptor agonist or ergotamine-type medicine in the last 24 hours, do not use this drug. You should not take this drug if you have had an allergic reaction to Axert or any of its ingredients.

What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Axert?

Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with Axert. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you are depressed and taking medication for it, or if you are being treated for a fungal infection. You should also tell your doctor if you had/have high blood pressure; chest pain; shortness of breath; heart disease; liver or kidney problems; risk factors for heart disease such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, if you are overweight, smoke, have family members with heart disease, you are past menopause, or if you are a male over 40 years old; plan to become pregnant or are pregnant; or plan to breastfeed or are breastfeeding.

What is the usual dosage?

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.

Adults: The usual dosage of Axert is a single dose of either 6.25 milligram (mg) or 12.5 mg per migraine attack, limited to 2 doses per day.

How should I take Axert?

When you have a migraine headache, take Axert as directed by your doctor. If your headache comes back after your first dose, you may take a second dose 2 hours or more after the first dose. However, if you do not experience any pain relief after a first dose, do not take a second dose without first checking with your doctor. Do not take more than two tablets in a 24-hour period.

What should I avoid while taking Axert?

Check with your doctor before you take any new medicines, including prescription and non-prescription medicines and supplements. There are some medicines that you should not take 24 hours before or 24 hours after taking Axert.

Evaluate your ability to drive or operate heavy machinery if you experience sleepiness while taking Axert.

What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Axert?

If Axert is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Axert with the following: monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors such as phenelzine sulfate or tranylcypromine sulfate (or if it has been less than 2 weeks since you stopped taking an MAO inhibitor); medications that may increase the effects of Axert such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, ritonavir, or erythromycin (or if it has been less than one week since you stopped taking one of these drugs); ergot-containing drugs; other serotonin receptor agonists; selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as citalopram, escitalopram, paroxetine, fluoxetine, olanzapine/fluoxetine, sertraline, and fluvoxamine; and serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as duloxetine and venlafaxine.

What are the possible side effects of Axert?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.

Side effects may include: dry mouth, headache, nausea, sleepiness, tingling or burning feeling

Can I receive Axert if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are nursing. The effects of Axert on pregnancy are unknown, and it may pass into your breast milk.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Axert?

Axert should only be taken when needed. It should not be taken on a regular basis.

How should I store Axert?

Store at room temperature away from heat, light, or moisture.