Ergotamine abuse. Do patients benefit from withdrawal?
A follow-up study of 40 patients (migraine 39, cluster headache 1) previously treated for ergotamine abuse was conducted. Their statements regarding ergotamine intake were checked using butalbital (contained in the suppositories abused by 90% of the patients) as a tracer, and later by contact with the family doctor. Eleven patients abused ergotamine again during a median observation time of 21 months. Nineteen patients had more than a 50% reduction in headache days after withdrawal and half of the patients were relieved of other symptoms of ergotamine toxicity. Even with a failure rate of approximately 25% it is concluded that efforts to withdraw after abuse of ergotamine are worthwhile.
Tfelt-Hansen
P
P
Department of Neurology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Krabbe
A
A
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003027:Cluster Headache / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology; D004878:Ergotamine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008881:Migraine Disorders / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology; D055502:Secondary Prevention; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000097:blood* / Q000523:psychology; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000097:blood* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology
D004878:Ergotamine