Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.
Allergy: People who are allergic to sulfonamides (i.e., "sulfa" antibiotics) may also experience allergic reactions to Axert (Almotriptan). Before you take Axert (Almotriptan), inform your doctor about any previous adverse reactions you have had to medications, especially sulfonamides. Contact your doctor at once if you experience signs of an allergic reaction, such as skin rash, itching, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face and throat.
Blood pressure: Axert (Almotriptan) may cause blood pressure to increase. If you have high blood pressure, discuss with your doctor how Axert (Almotriptan) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Axert (Almotriptan), and whether any special monitoring is needed. People with severe or uncontrolled high blood pressure should not take Axert (Almotriptan).
Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Axert (Almotriptan) may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Do not operate machinery or drive a car after taking this medication until you know how it affects you.
Headache type: Axert (Almotriptan) should only be used where there is a clear diagnosis of migraine headache.
Heart problems: Axert (Almotriptan) works by causing the blood vessels to narrow. Because of this, Axert (Almotriptan) can cause serious heart problems, including heart attack and stroke. People with heart disease or a history of heart disease should not take Axert (Almotriptan) (see, "Who should NOT take this medication?"). Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.
It is strongly recommended that Axert (Almotriptan) not be taken by people who are at risk for, but have not been diagnosed with, heart disease unless an examination shows that the person does not have this condition. People at risk for heart disease include those with high blood pressure, High Cholesterol, Diabetes, or a strong family history of heart disease; people who smoke or are obese; women in early or natural Menopause; and men over 40 years old. If you belong to one of these groups, discuss with your doctor how Axert (Almotriptan) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Axert (Almotriptan), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Kidney function: Kidney Disease or reduced kidney function may cause Axert (Almotriptan) to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have kidney problems, discuss with your doctor how Axert (Almotriptan) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Axert (Almotriptan), and whether any special monitoring is needed. Your doctor may want to test your kidney function regularly with urine or blood tests while you are taking Axert (Almotriptan).
Liver function: Liver disease or reduced liver function may cause Axert (Almotriptan) to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how Axert (Almotriptan) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Axert (Almotriptan), and whether any special monitoring is needed. Your doctor may want to test your liver function regularly with blood tests while you are taking Axert (Almotriptan). Axert (Almotriptan) should not be taken by people with severely decreased liver function.
Serotonin syndrome: People who take Axert (Almotriptan) along with other medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs; e.g., Fluoxetine, Paroxetine, Sertraline) or serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs; e.g., Venlafaxine) may experience a syndrome called serotonin syndrome. Symptoms of serotonin syndrome include agitation, hallucinations, fast heart beat, hyperthermia, nausea, shivering, vomiting, or Diarrhea. Coma and death are possible. Your doctor will monitor you if you are taking Axert (Almotriptan) at the same time as an SSRI or SNRI.
Pregnancy: Axert (Almotriptan) should not be taken during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Axert (Almotriptan), contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if Axert (Almotriptan) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Axert (Almotriptan), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Axert (Almotriptan) have not been established for children less than 12 years of age. Its use by people in this age group is not recommended.
Seniors: Seniors are at a greater risk of side effects due to reduced kidney and liver function. Heart disease increases the risk of life-threatening side effects. Your doctor may recommend lower doses.
