This medication is used to prevent a certain type of
headache (vascular headaches such as migraine headaches). It helps to
reduce the frequency and severity of your headaches.
This medication should not be used to treat a migraine
headache after it has started or to prevent other types of headaches such
as tension headaches.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food as
directed by your doctor, usually 3 times daily. Your doctor may direct you
to start with 1 dose at bedtime, then slowly increase your
dose.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and
response to treatment.
Do not suddenly stop taking this medication without
consulting your doctor. "Rebound headaches" may occur when the drug is
suddenly stopped. Your dose should be gradually decreased over a 2-week
period.
When used for an extended period, this medication may
not work as well and may require different dosing. Talk with your doctor if
this medication stops working well.
It may take up to 4 weeks to see whether the medication
will be effective for you. Tell your doctor if your headaches last, get
worse, or increase in number.
Drowsiness, increased appetite, weight gain, tiredness,
nausea, headache, or dry mouth may occur. If any of these effects last or
get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop
- eye pain
- dark urine
- severe stomach/abdominal pain
- yellowing eyes/skin
- vision changes
- mental/mood changes (such as confusion, depression,
nervousness)
- swelling of the ankles/feet
- decreased sexual ability
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before taking pizotifen, tell your doctor or pharmacist
if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product
may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or
other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this drug, tell your doctor your medical
history, especially of:
- stomach/intestinal blockage
- glaucoma (narrow-angle)
- difficulty urinating (such as due to enlarged prostate)
- breathing problems (such as asthma, emphysema)
- diabetes
- heart/blood vessel disease (such as stroke, coronary artery
disease, irregular heart rhythm)
- high blood pressure (hypertension)
- overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
- kidney disease
- liver disease
This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol or
marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use
machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely.
Avoid alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana
(cannabis).
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
This drug may pass into breast milk and could have
undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Breastfeeding is not recommended
while using this drug. Consult your doctor before
breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug
are:
- antihistamines applied to the skin (such as diphenhydramine
cream, ointment, spray)
Taking MAO inhibitors with this medication may cause a
serious (possibly fatal) drug interaction. Avoid taking MAO inhibitors
(isocarboxazid, linezolid, metaxalone, methylene blue, moclobemide,
phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, safinamide, selegiline,
tranylcypromine) during treatment with this medication. Most MAO inhibitors
should also not be taken for two weeks before treatment with this
medication. Ask your doctor when to start or stop taking this
medication.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other
products that cause drowsiness such as opioid pain or cough relievers (such
as codeine, hydrocodone), alcohol, marijuana (cannabis), drugs for sleep or
anxiety (such as alprazolam, lorazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants (such
as carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine), or antihistamines (such as cetirizine,
diphenhydramine).
Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy
or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause
drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about using those products
safely.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669. Symptoms of overdose may include:
extreme drowsiness, fast heartbeat, nausea, loss of
coordination.
Do not share this medication with others.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as kidney/liver function)
may be done while you are taking this medication. Keep all medical and lab
appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If
it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture.
Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and
pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.