Lasmiditan
Indications
Lasmiditan is used for the acute treatment of migraine attacks, with or without aura, in adults. It is taken when a migraine starts, to relieve the headache and related symptoms such as sensitivity to light and sound or nausea. It is not used to prevent migraine.
How It Works
Lasmiditan acts on a type of serotonin receptor (5-HT1F) on nerves in the head. This reduces the release of substances that cause pain and inflammation during a migraine. Unlike the triptans, it does not narrow blood vessels, so it may be an option for some people who cannot take triptans.
Dosage and Administration
Adults: the usual dose is 50 mg, 100 mg or 200 mg taken by mouth as a single dose when the migraine begins, as prescribed. Do not take more than one dose in 24 hours. A second dose has not been shown to help the same attack. It can be taken with or without food. Do not drive or operate machinery for at least 8 hours after a dose, even if you feel well.
Interactions
Alcohol and other medicines that cause drowsiness (such as sleeping pills, Benzodiazepines, opioids or some antihistamines) can increase sleepiness and dizziness. Medicines that lower heart rate, such as Propranolol, may lower it further. Taking it with other serotonin-affecting medicines (SSRIs, SNRIs, triptans, Tramadol) may rarely cause serotonin syndrome. It may raise levels of some medicines such as Digoxin. Tell your doctor about all medicines.
Contraindications
Do not use if you are allergic to Lasmiditan or any ingredient. It is not recommended in severe liver disease.
Side Effects
Dizziness is the most common. Others include sleepiness, tiredness, tingling or numbness, nausea, muscle weakness and a feeling of heaviness. Some people feel unusually happy, confused or restless, or have unusual sensations; these usually pass within hours.
Get urgent medical help if you have agitation, hallucinations, fast heartbeat, fever, sweating, muscle stiffness or jerking (possible serotonin syndrome), a very slow heartbeat or fainting, or signs of a severe allergic reaction such as swelling of the face or difficulty breathing.
Pregnancy and Lactation
There is not enough information on use in pregnancy; use only if the doctor advises it. It is not known if it passes into breast milk; discuss with your doctor before breastfeeding.
Precautions and Warnings
Because it can impair driving ability even when you do not feel impaired, do not drive for 8 hours after taking it. Using acute migraine medicines too often (on 10 or more days a month) can cause medication overuse headache. It may have potential for misuse. Older people may be more sensitive to dizziness. See a doctor if your headaches change in pattern or are unusually severe.
Overdose
An overdose may cause severe dizziness, sleepiness, low or high heart rate and serotonin-type symptoms. Seek emergency medical help.
Therapeutic Class
Antimigraine agent, serotonin 5-HT1F receptor agonist (ditan).
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.
All brands of Lasmiditan