Imitrex (sumatriptan) is a powerful abortive treatment usually prescribed to combat migraine headaches and associated symptoms, such as auras or light sensitivity.

There are a variety of administration options for Imitrex, including tablets and injections. Imitrex Nasal Spray is one of the fastest ways to administer Imitrex, second only to injections. Relief typically begins about 10 to 15 minutes after use. For most patients this medication will significantly diminish or eliminate migraine pain and related symptoms.

Administration by nasal spray also makes the medication available to patients unable to consume tablets due to medical or psychological issues.

Imitrex Nasal Spray is an abortive medication only and will not prevent migraines from happening or reduce the frequency with which they occur. It is not a cure for migraines. With the exception of cluster headaches, it has not proven effective for any other type of headache.

Imitrex Nasal Spray and Cluster Headaches:

The cause of the extremely painful cluster headache is unknown, and efforts to discover an effective treatment have been largely unsuccessful. Imitrex Nasal Spray is one of few medications available proven to reduce to the severity of cluster headaches, though many patients find Imitrex Injections more effective.

Though they work well for migraines, Imitrex Tablets have only a marginal effect on  cluster headaches.

Using Imitrex Nasal Spray:

Imitrex Nasal Spray, like other forms of Imitrex, is used as needed as soon as headache symptoms are noticed. Though most effective if used at the start of a headache, it will still help reduce pain at later stages as well.

The usual dose is one spray in a single nostril. A spray in each nostril is a double dose. Never exceed 40 mg of Imitrex Nasal Spray in a 24 hour period.

If pain is not eliminated or reduced to tolerable levels, additional doses may be taken as long as the total amount does not exceed 40 mg. If taking multiple doses, wait at least 2 hours after the previous spray.

It may be taken with or without food and water.

Some people do not respond to medications in the triptan class of drugs, and Imitrex is not effective on headaches other than migraines and cluster headaches. If Imitrex Nasal Spray has no effect, speak with a physician about trying a different treatment.

Overdose of this medication may have serious consequences. Seek medical attention immediately if more than 40 mg of Imitrex Nasal Spray is taken.

Ingredients:

Active ingredient: sumatriptan

Inactive ingredients: dibasic anhydrous sulfuric acid, potassium phosphate, monobasic sodium phosphate, water, sodium hydroxide

Adverse Effects:

All prescription and non-prescription medications carry some risk of side effects and drug interactions. This is only a partial list. It's important to read the insert included with the medication for a complete list of warnings and side effects.

Imitrex has been widely used since its introduction in the early 1990s. Most side effects are mild and pass quickly. However, occasionally some patients do have serious reactions to the medication that require medical attention:

• Pain, tightness, or heaviness in chest or throat
• Rapid heartbeat
• Difficulty breathing
• Allergic reactions

Imitrex Nasal Spray should not be used if pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breast feeding.

Though very rare, some patients have suffered heart attacks while taking Imitrex. It is unclear if the medication was a factor.

Contraindications:

Imitrex may cause severe side effects or complications in persons with certain health conditions:

• Poor blood circulation
• Coronary heart disease or angina
• Liver disease
• Ischemic bowel disease

Patients with uncontrolled high blood pressure should not use Imitrex in any form.

Imitrex Nasal Spray is an alternative administration method to deliver one of the most effective and fast-acting migraine or cluster headache treatments currently available. Stop waiting for the pain to stop!