Cafergot (ergotamine tartrate, caffeine) is a dual-action medication used as an abortive treatment for migraine headaches. Some patients also find it effective for cluster headaches, but many find alternative delivery systems -- injections or nasal sprays -- are more effective for cluster headache pain. 

Cafergot employs both ergotamine and caffeine to constrict blood vessels in the head, which reduces migraine pain and symptoms, though the exact mechanism behind migraine headaches is unknown. Both ingredients also interfere with pain receptors, dulling the sensation of pain. Together ergotamine and caffeine enhance each other, though ergotamine is considerably more powerful than caffeine. 

How to Stop a Migraine 

An abortive medication stops a headache from fully developing; it doesn't just mask pain. In order to stop a headache from developing, it must be administered before the headache gets very far along. Conversely, it won't prevent a headache from starting in the first place; there has to be a headache there to stop. 

This means there is a small window of opportunity which is the ideal time administer Cafergot: Immediately after the first symptoms begin. 

Most migraine sufferers have warning signs that a headache is coming on; auras, nausea, sensitivity to light or noise, neck pain and so forth. Unfortunately many cluster headache sufferers do not have any warning other than severe pain, which may be why the faster delivery systems of injections or sprays are preferred by so many. 

When warning symptoms are present, they should be considered the start of a headache, and Cafergot should be administered as soon as possible: 

• Take 2 tablets, or 2 mg, at the earliest symptoms of a headache 
  
• If headache persists, take an additional tablet, or 1 mg, after 30 minutes 
  
• Continue taking an additional tablet every 30 minutes, up to 6 tablets total, until symptoms are gone 
  
• Do not exceed 6 tablets in 24 hours or 10 tablets in 7 days 
  
• Overuse may result in rebound headaches, increases risk of adverse effects, and reduces effectiveness of the medication 
  

• Sudden, severe headache 
  
• Numbness or weakness 
  
• Confusion, difficulty speaking 
  
• Rapid or very slow heart rate 
  
• Painful cough 
  
• Difficulty breathing 
  
• Dangerously high blood pressure 
  

• Use with caution if peripheral vascular disease, hypertension, heart disease, impaired hepatic or renal function, or sepsis are present 
  
• Patients taking protease inhibitors, macrolide antibiotics and other CYP 3A4 Inhibitors are at risk of severe reactions and should avoid using this product altogether
  
• Cafergot will have no effect on other types of headaches
• This product may be harmful to unborn and nursing babies