Imitrex (sumatriptan) tablets are used for the treatment of migraine headaches and associated symptoms.

A pioneer in the Triptan class of drugs, Imitrex was designed specifically to treat migraines. It has been widely used with great success since it first appeared on the market in the early 1990s.

The medication is effective by addressing two sources of migraine pain:

• 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.