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Ergotamine Tartrate Dependency: Possible Mechanisms

  • Conference paper
Drug-Induced Headache

Part of the book series: Advances in Applied Neurological Sciences ((NEUROLOGICAL,volume 5))

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Abstract

For over 50 years, ergotamine tartrate (ET) has been considered the drug of first choice for an acute attack of migraine. Estimated effectiveness occurs in up to 90% of instances when the drug is used parenterally, 80% rectally, and in 50% orally (Dalessio 1980). ET has a stimulating effect on smooth muscle which produces vasoconstriction, an effect on medullary tissues causing a sympatholytic reaction, and a peripheral alpha-adrenergic blocking action (Rail and Schleifer 1980). Although assumed historically to be related to vasoconstriction, the specific influence of ET on migraine is not known with absolute certainty. Early reports by Dalessio et al. (1961) and more recent work by this author (Saper and van Meter 1980; Saper 1983; Saper and Jones 1986) have raised the possibility that the mechanism by which ergot derivatives affect migraine may be by both central as well as peripheral effects.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Michigan Headache and Neurological Institute, 3120, Professional Drive, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, USA

    J. R. Saper

Authors
  1. J. R. Saper
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neurology, University of Tübingen, Liebermeisterstr. 18-20, 7400, Tübingen, Germany

    Hans-Christoph Diener MD (Prof. of Neurology) (Prof. of Neurology)

  2. The City London Migraine Clinic, 22 Charterhouse Square, EC1M 6DX, London, UK

    Marcia Wilkinson MA, DM, FRCP

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© 1988 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

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Saper, J.R. (1988). Ergotamine Tartrate Dependency: Possible Mechanisms. In: Diener, HC., Wilkinson, M. (eds) Drug-Induced Headache. Advances in Applied Neurological Sciences, vol 5. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-73327-7_14

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-73327-7_14

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-642-73329-1

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-642-73327-7

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

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