According to a report in the journal Neurology which was published in October of this year, the overuse of a drug used to treat migraine headaches can increase the risk of cardiovascular problems such as heart attack and stroke. The drug called Ergotamine is used to treat migraine patients. When this drug is taken by patients who are also taking other drugs for heart disease these researchers found that the incidence of heart attack and stroke went up significantly. This drug, which is sold under the trade name of “Ergomar” is also available in a combination with caffeine and is sold under the trade names of “Wigraine” and “Cafergot.” This drug acts in the blood vessels in the body, causing them to narrow or vasoconstrict. By doing this, serious complications may follow as blood flow and oxygen supplies to specific areas of the body are compromised. This is specifically important if arteries in the heart are already constricted or blocked and blood flow to the brain is diminished. These two physical changes cause heart attacks and strokes in patients that are being treated for heart disease, and specifically for those taking cardiovascular related drugs. It was found that these individuals doubled their already increased cardiac ant stroke risks by taking these migraine drugs.
The researchers state that “If a doctor decides to prescribe an anti-migraine drug to a patient with cardiovascular risk factors, in spite of this fact, we indeed would recommend Atriptan and not Ergotamine.” In other words, these researchers were recommending that this specific form of drug should not be used with any cardiovascular patient.
So, some food for thought if you are treating with a doctor who is prescribing some form of drug for your migraines, perhaps you should try some other forms of alternative treatment for your migraines rather than using another drug on top of the drugs you are already taking for, in this case, cardiovascular problems. Next week I will discuss some issues regarding over the counter and prescription drugs which strike closer to home.
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