From the Research
The patient experiencing increased frequency of muscle spasms after increasing their Nurtec (rimegepant) dose should contact their healthcare provider immediately to report this side effect and discuss potential adjustments to their treatment plan, such as returning to a previous lower dose or considering an alternative treatment, as muscle spasms are not a common side effect of Nurtec 1. The patient should not discontinue the medication abruptly without medical guidance. While waiting for medical advice, the patient should stay hydrated and consider gentle stretching to help manage the muscle spasms. Some key points to consider in the management of this patient include:
- Rimegepant works by blocking calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptors to prevent migraine attacks, and while neurological side effects can occur with CGRP antagonists, the connection between the drug and muscle spasms specifically needs medical evaluation 2.
- The healthcare provider may need to reassess the patient's treatment plan, consider potential drug interactions, or investigate other causes for the muscle spasms, as rimegepant has been shown to be effective in the acute treatment of migraine with a favorable safety profile 3, 4.
- It is essential to prioritize the patient's morbidity, mortality, and quality of life when making decisions about their treatment plan, and the healthcare provider should weigh the benefits and risks of continuing or adjusting the patient's medication regimen 1.