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Sibelium

Sibelium is the trade name for Flunarazine, a calcium channel blocker used for the prevention of migraine. Unlike medications that are taken on an occasional basis once a migraine has started, sibelium is a preventive medication taken daily to help prevent migraine from starting. Generally, preventative medications are considered effective if they reduce the number of attacks experienced by 50%. So although unlikely that migraines will stop, preventative therapy may make a difference for people who experience frequent or severe attacks, especially if their attacks do not respond well to the medicine they take to stop an attack once it has started. When taken daily, Sibelium helps prevent excess calcium ions from crossing into the muscle cells of the arteries. Once this movement of calcium is blocked, the blood vessels become less likely to go into spasms preventing migraine attacks. Calcium channel blockers do not rob the body of needed calcium, or cause osteoporosis. Unlike some other calcium channel blockers which also work on the blood vessels of the heart as well as the hands and feet, Sibelium is targeted to work only on the blood vessels of the brain, and was specifically made for migraine. It also acts as an antihistamine. Sibelium caplets are taken on a daily basis. Although they may begin to work quickly, it is very important to know that like all preventive medications it may take up to two months before Sibelium works at its peak effectiveness. The severity of any breakthrough attacks that occur during treatment with Sibelium also may improve. Sibelium is taken for several months and its benefits often last even after the medication is stopped. The most commonly reported side effects of Sibelium during its testing phase were mild to moderate in intensity. The most commonly reported side effects with Sibelium are weight gain and sleepiness. Fifteen per cent of people taking Sibelium during clinical trials experienced some degree of weight gain, and 20% experienced drowsiness or sedation. To combat sleepiness it is usually recommended to take Sibelium at bed time. Activities which require alertness or precise responses should be avoided until one's individual response to the medication has been determined. The most serious side effect that showed up in the testing phase was depression. For this reason, doctors may not prescribe Sibelium when a history of depression exists. All potential side effects must be discussed with your doctor and pharmacist before taking any medication, and reported to the doctor if they occur. Access all the information the Migraine Association of Canada has to offer, and discuss all available options with qualified practitioners when deciding what is best for you. The Migraine Association of Canada lets its members know about all new advances in migraine treatment through its member's newsletter "Headlines". Membership in the Association is open to all migraine sufferers, and those important to the health and well-being of migraine sufferers. Information on becoming a member is available on this web site.

THE MIGRAINE ASSOCIATION OF CANADA365 BLOOR STREET EAST, SUITE 1912 TORONTO, ONTARIO M4W 3L4 TEL. (416) 920-4916 or 1-(800) 663-3557