- Constricts the dilated blood vessels believed to be the root
cause of migraine pain and symptoms; and
- Interferes with the transmission of pain signals in the
brain.
Imitrex is an
abortive medication; this means it does not
prevent or reduce the frequency of migraines, but will help
alleviate or eliminate the pain and symptoms at any stage of an
existing migraine, such as:
- Auras
- Light, noise and odor sensitivity
- Nausea or vomiting
- Blurred vision
- Mood changes
- Pain or pressure around eyes and ears
- Pain or tenderness in the head and neck
Most patients find Imitrex to be so effective that other pain
medications are no longer needed.
Taking Imitrex:
Imitrex is usually prescribed in the range of 25 mg to 200 mg per
dose. No more than 200 mg should be taken in a 24 hour period, and
other migraine medications should also be avoided during this
period, unless explicitly instructed otherwise by a physician. If
pain is still severe after 200 mg, seek medical attention.
Some patients prefer to start out with lower dosages and take more
if it proves insufficient. Multiple doses should be taken at least
2 hours apart.
Ideally Imitrex is taken at the first signs of a migraine. Most
migraine sufferers have some advance warning before pain begins,
though symptoms vary widely between individuals and may be as
diverse as food cravings, visual disturbances, neck stiffness, or
moodiness. Taking Imitrex prior to migraine symptoms will not
prevent a migraine from occurring.
If unable to take a dosage at the earliest symptoms, Imitrex will
still help ease or eliminate pain and symptoms at any stage of a
migraine.
This medication should be taken with water or other fluids, and may
be taken with or without food.
It's important to note that Imitrex tablets are for treatment of
migraines and are not the best solution for tension headaches,
cluster headaches, or any other type of headache. A physician can
suggest better options for non-migraines. For cluster headaches,
Imitrex
Injections are remarkably effective.
Ingredients:
Active ingredient:
sumatriptan
Inactive ingredients:
croscarmellose sodium, microcrystalline
cellulose, magnesium stearate, lactose, titanium dioxide
dye
Patients with known hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients
in Imitrex should not use this medication.
Adverse Effects and Contraindications:
All prescription and non-prescription medications carry some risk
of side effects and drug interactions. The prescribing physician
should be made aware of all drugs being taken for the duration of
treatment with Imitrex.
Side effects with this medication are unusual. Most are mild and
pass quickly:
- Flushing or feeling warm
- Mild dizziness or lightheadedness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Muscle cramps
- Drowsiness
Though rare, some patients experience more serious side effects
which call for medical attention:
- Pain, tightness, or heaviness in chest or throat
- Rapid heartbeat
- Difficulty breathing or wheezing
- Rash, hives, or swelling on the face, eyes, or lips
In extremely rare cases severe cardiac events, including heart
attack, have been known to occur in patients using this
medication.
Certain health conditions should be brought to the attention of a
physician before taking Imitrex:
- Poor blood circulation
- Coronary heart disease or angina
- High blood pressure
- Liver disease
- Ischemic bowel disease
- Unusually severe headaches
The effects of Imitrex on unborn babies is unknown; however, it is
known that Imitrex passes through breast milk and is harmful to
infants. Use of Imitrex during pregnancy, or if trying to become
pregnant, should be avoided.