Methysergide

Methysergide

Clinical data
ATC code	N02CA04 (WHO)
Identifiers
IUPAC name 1-Methyl-d-lysergic acid-(1-hydroxybut-2-yl)amide
CAS Number	361-37-5
PubChem CID	9681
DrugBank	APRD00463
E number	{{#property:P628}}
ECHA InfoCard	{{#property:P2566}}
Chemical and physical data
Formula	C21H27N3O2
Molar mass	353.458 g/mol

Methysergide (UML-491) is a prescription drug used for prophylaxis of migraine headaches and is sold under the brand names Sansert and Deseril in 2mg dosages. Methysergide was approved by the FDA in 1962. Its molecular structure is closely related to that of LSD. It is a 5-HT (serotonin) antagonist. It is a receptor antagonist for the 5-HT receptor 2C.

Methysergide is one of the most effective medications for the prevention of migraine, but not for the treatment of an acute attack. It has a known side effect, retroperitoneal fibrosis, which is severe, although uncommon. Novartis withdrew it from the U.S. market after taking over Sandoz, but currently lists it as a product.

Like LSD, methysergide also produces psychedelic and hallucinogenic effects above a dosage of about 4mg. Full effects are felt with dosages of 8-20mg.

See also

Triptan

External links

• Novartis Sansert site.
• Novartis Sansert product description.
• Migraines.org More detailed information on methysergide.
• neurologychannel.com, general information on migraines.