How soon after taking Allopurinol will my symptoms improve?

Allopurinol may initially increase the number of gout attacks you experience when you first begin taking the medication. Depending on the severity of your condition, it may take two to six months of treatment before your symptoms improve. While allopurinol cannot stop a gout attack once it is in progress, it can relieve symptoms and, over time, prevent future attacks. Your doctor may prescribe another medication such as colchicine to manage your gout attacks during the first month you take allopurinol. Over time, allopurinol will help prevent future gout attacks so you must continue to take allopurinol to help ensure these prevention benefits. If you stop regularly taking allopurinol, the risk for a gout attack and elevated levels of uric acid will increase.