Qulipta (atogepant) is a brand-name oral tablet prescribed for episodic migraine and chronic migraine. Qulipta’s most common side effects are nausea, constipation, and fatigue.

Read on to learn about potential common, mild, and serious side effects. For a general overview of this drug, see this Qulipta article.

Qulipta can cause certain side effects, some of which are more common than others. These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

These are just a few of the more common side effects reported by people who took Qulipta in clinical trials:

For more information about some of these side effects, see the “Side effect specifics” section.

Mild side effects can occur with Qulipta treatment. This list does not include all possible mild side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Qulipta’s prescribing information.

Mild side effects reported with Qulipta include:

These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

For more information about some of these side effects, see the “Side effect specifics” section.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. If you develop a side effect while taking Qulipta and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch.

Qulipta may cause serious side effects, such as an allergic reaction. However, most side effects that people taking Qulipta reported were mild. For more information about an allergic reaction, see the “Side effect specifics” section.

This section may not include all possible serious side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Qulipta’s prescribing information.

If you develop serious or severe symptoms while taking Qulipta, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

Qulipta may cause various side effects. Here are some frequently asked questions about the drug’s side effects and their answers.

Is anxiety a side effect of Qulipta?

No, anxiety was not reported in Qulipta’s clinical trials.

Other migraine drugs, such as Depakote, could cause anxiety as a side effect.

If you’re experiencing anxiety, talk with your doctor. They can help determine what might be causing it and how to manage it.

Does Qulipta cause hair loss?

No, Qulipta should not cause hair loss. Clinical trials of the drug did not report this side effect.

However, it’s possible that other drugs that people take to help prevent migraine episodes, such as Topamax (topiramate), may cause hair loss.

If you notice hair loss during your treatment with Qulipta, tell your doctor. This can help them determine what may be causing your hair loss. In addition, they may be able to recommend ways to decrease the loss, such as using an over-the-counter medication, including Rogaine (minoxidil).

Is dizziness a side effect of Qulipta?

It’s possible. Dizziness was a reported side effect in Qulipta’s clinical trials. This side effect occurred more often in people taking the 60-mg dose of the drug than people taking lower doses. However, dizziness can also be a symptom of a migraine episode.

If you feel dizzy during your treatment with Qulipta, tell your doctor. They can determine what may be causing your dizziness and the best ways to treat it.

Do Qulipta’s side effects vary based on which dose I’m taking (10 mg, 30 mg, 60 mg)?

It is possible that you may be at an increased risk of side effects with a higher dose of Qulipta. This is because when you take a higher dose of medication, more of the drug is in your body. As a result, your risk of side effects can increase.

For example, if you take a dose of 10 milligrams (mg) of Qulipta, you may be at a lower risk of side effects than someone taking a dose of 60 mg. However, clinical trials of Qulipta did not show a change in side effects based on the dosage.

If you’re having side effects that are severe or bothersome to you, tell your doctor. They will be able to recommend the best dosage of Qulipta for you.

Learn more about some of the side effects that Qulipta may cause. To find out how often side effects occurred in clinical trials, see the prescribing information for Qulipta.

Nausea

You may experience nausea from taking Qulipta. Nausea was one of the drug’s most common side effects in clinical trials. Nausea can also be a symptom of a migraine episode.

How long your nausea lasts can vary. Nausea might go away or get better as your body gets used to Qulipta. This could take a few days, weeks, or months.

What you can do

If you experience nausea during your treatment with Qulipta, talk with your doctor. They may recommend taking your dose of Qulipta with food to see if it reduces your nausea. They may also be able to recommend other ways to decrease this side effect.

Weight loss

You may experience weight loss during your treatment with Qulipta. Clinical trials of the drug reported this as a side effect. Weight loss may also occur during Qulipta treatment because a decreased appetite is another side effect of the medication.

What you can do

If you notice unexpected weight loss during your treatment with Qulipta, tell your doctor. They may recommend ways to increase your appetite or to help prevent weight loss from occurring.

Increased liver enzyme levels

It is possible to experience increased liver enzyme levels during your treatment with Qulipta. Increased liver enzymes may indicate liver damage. This side effect was not common in clinical trials of Qulipta.

It is important to note that people who developed increased liver enzymes in trials had no symptoms of liver problems. Symptoms of liver damage may include:

If you have symptoms of liver problems, talk with your doctor as soon as possible.

What you can do

Your doctor may check your liver enzyme levels through a blood test while you are taking Qulipta. You should also tell your doctor if you develop any symptoms of liver problems during your treatment. They will likely do another blood test to ensure your liver is working as it usually does.

In clinical trials, some people with increased liver enzyme levels stopped treatment with Qulipta, and their liver levels returned to usual levels within 8 weeks. So, if your liver enzyme levels become too high, your doctor may recommend stopping Qulipta and trying a different medication to prevent migraine episodes.

Allergic reaction

As with most drugs, Qulipta can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Clinical trials did not report an allergic reaction as a side effect. However, it was reported after the drug became available on the market.

Symptoms can be mild or serious and can include:

  • skin rash
  • itching
  • flushing
  • hives
  • swelling under your skin, typically in your lips, eyelids, feet, or hands
  • swelling of your mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe
  • facial swelling
  • difficulty breathing

What you can do

For mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, call your doctor right away. They may recommend ways to ease your symptoms and determine whether you should keep taking Qulipta. However, if your symptoms are serious and you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

Before taking Qulipta, discuss your health history with your doctor. Qulipta may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. Be sure to talk with your doctor if any of the following apply to you:

  • kidney problems, including dialysis treatment
  • liver problems
  • previous allergic reaction to this or a similar drug
  • pregnancy or breastfeeding (see this Qulipta and reproductive health article for details)
  • alcohol consumption

You can refer to this Qulipta interactions article for more information.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.